2016-02 Pacifc Region Update - Clover Sites
February 2016
In this season of Epiphany, as we consider the blessed gift of Immanuel, God with us, I invited Maple Park Youth Ministry Director and 2nd Year Seminarian, Alan Johnson, to share with us, “A Heart for the World.” grace & peace, Regional Pastor Phil Heiser
A Heart for the World Jonah is one of the most memorable stories in the Old Testament. Everybody raised in the church knows the story, but most don’t know what it is about. We get distracted by the fish and miss the point. The story reveals that God has a heart for the people of Nineveh which was unshared by Jonah. God wanted to bless, but Jonah wanted the city to receive judgement. Jonah belonged bringing the Word of God to the people of Nineveh, but he found himself on a boat headed in the opposite direction. The people of God are called to be beacons of hope to the entire world, but Christians often identify more with Jonah than God- I know I do. We may not board boats headed in the opposite direction of God’s call, but our passive indifference can be just as rebellious. Amazingly, the heart of God revealed in Jonah takes on human flesh and becomes man. Jesus Christ enters the world for the sake of saving the rebellious prophets and wicked cities.
Alan & Cheryl Johnson with their new baby girl, Elsie
This is the message of the gospel. That we can belong to God in spite of our rebellion and wickedness because of what Christ has done on our behalf. It is not a one-time offer for a blank slate, but an ongoing call to relationship and restoration of purpose. The gospel is like a sea monster that engulfs us in the midst of our folly and realigns our life with God’s purpose for us. The gospel calls God’s people to be beacons of love and hope to all nations. The gospel transforms our rebellious hearts into ones that emulate God’s heart for the world. And the world needs God’s people to look less like Jonah, and more like Jesus.
February 2016
Upcoming Pacific Region Events… Missions Conference @ Maple Park - February 5-6. “People of the Cross”. Friday, 7-9pm. Saturday 10am-5pm. In partnership with Open Doors. A free event, but please register at www.maplepark.church. L.E.A.D. 2016 - Leadership Retreat @ Cannon Beach, OR. March 4-6, 2016. President Paul Larson speaking. Childcare provided. 25% discount for first-timers. Register at www.leadretreat.weebly.com
Regional Pastor Phil’s upcoming congregational visits & travel… •
February 5-7 - Missions Conference @ Maple Park Church (Lynnwood)
•
February 14-21 - RP Summit, Christ Hold Fast Conference, and Grace Community (Wesley Chapel, FL)
•
February 27-28 - Victory Community Church (Yuma, AZ)
Prayer & Praise… •
Maple Park (Lynnwood)… Pastor Dave Overland recently announced he will be retiring at the end of May. Praise God for Dave’s ministry and pray for the church as they seek God’s leading for their future.
•
PNW Family Bible Camp… Praise for the gracious response of giving that eliminated the Bible Camp debt and has provided necessary funds for the upcoming year. Learn more at www.biblecamprocks.com
January Highlights in Pictures…
RP Phil with Larry Olson, Jim Erickson, and Kyle Sears
LBS’ Dr. David Veum w/ Bob Hosmer during J-Term at Lynnwood
Seth Leivestad & Larry Olson: The J-Term (Pasadena) dynamic-duo!
Pastors’ Wives Retreat on Camano Island this past month!
Phil & Wendy with Chris & Carrie Leingang at Faith Fellowship (Kelso)
PNW Family Camp Board Meeting at Warm Beach Bible Camp
Staying In Touch… Regional Pastor Phil Heiser - 425-318-2528, [email protected], lbpacific.org (website & Facebook)
In this season of Epiphany, as we consider the blessed gift of Immanuel, God with us, I invited Maple Park Youth Ministry Director and 2nd Year Seminarian, Alan Johnson, to share with us, “A Heart for the World.” grace & peace, Regional Pastor Phil Heiser
A Heart for the World Jonah is one of the most memorable stories in the Old Testament. Everybody raised in the church knows the story, but most don’t know what it is about. We get distracted by the fish and miss the point. The story reveals that God has a heart for the people of Nineveh which was unshared by Jonah. God wanted to bless, but Jonah wanted the city to receive judgement. Jonah belonged bringing the Word of God to the people of Nineveh, but he found himself on a boat headed in the opposite direction. The people of God are called to be beacons of hope to the entire world, but Christians often identify more with Jonah than God- I know I do. We may not board boats headed in the opposite direction of God’s call, but our passive indifference can be just as rebellious. Amazingly, the heart of God revealed in Jonah takes on human flesh and becomes man. Jesus Christ enters the world for the sake of saving the rebellious prophets and wicked cities.
Alan & Cheryl Johnson with their new baby girl, Elsie
This is the message of the gospel. That we can belong to God in spite of our rebellion and wickedness because of what Christ has done on our behalf. It is not a one-time offer for a blank slate, but an ongoing call to relationship and restoration of purpose. The gospel is like a sea monster that engulfs us in the midst of our folly and realigns our life with God’s purpose for us. The gospel calls God’s people to be beacons of love and hope to all nations. The gospel transforms our rebellious hearts into ones that emulate God’s heart for the world. And the world needs God’s people to look less like Jonah, and more like Jesus.
February 2016
Upcoming Pacific Region Events… Missions Conference @ Maple Park - February 5-6. “People of the Cross”. Friday, 7-9pm. Saturday 10am-5pm. In partnership with Open Doors. A free event, but please register at www.maplepark.church. L.E.A.D. 2016 - Leadership Retreat @ Cannon Beach, OR. March 4-6, 2016. President Paul Larson speaking. Childcare provided. 25% discount for first-timers. Register at www.leadretreat.weebly.com
Regional Pastor Phil’s upcoming congregational visits & travel… •
February 5-7 - Missions Conference @ Maple Park Church (Lynnwood)
•
February 14-21 - RP Summit, Christ Hold Fast Conference, and Grace Community (Wesley Chapel, FL)
•
February 27-28 - Victory Community Church (Yuma, AZ)
Prayer & Praise… •
Maple Park (Lynnwood)… Pastor Dave Overland recently announced he will be retiring at the end of May. Praise God for Dave’s ministry and pray for the church as they seek God’s leading for their future.
•
PNW Family Bible Camp… Praise for the gracious response of giving that eliminated the Bible Camp debt and has provided necessary funds for the upcoming year. Learn more at www.biblecamprocks.com
January Highlights in Pictures…
RP Phil with Larry Olson, Jim Erickson, and Kyle Sears
LBS’ Dr. David Veum w/ Bob Hosmer during J-Term at Lynnwood
Seth Leivestad & Larry Olson: The J-Term (Pasadena) dynamic-duo!
Pastors’ Wives Retreat on Camano Island this past month!
Phil & Wendy with Chris & Carrie Leingang at Faith Fellowship (Kelso)
PNW Family Camp Board Meeting at Warm Beach Bible Camp
Staying In Touch… Regional Pastor Phil Heiser - 425-318-2528, [email protected], lbpacific.org (website & Facebook)
