Have You Been Blessed By Someone At WCC?
As part of last weekend’s message on Part 1 of Colossians, Joel talked about his desire for WCC to be known for our love for one another. He solicited stories of how people have had love shown to them by others in the church family.
Do you have a story you would like to share?
January 9th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I think WCC has already achieved Joel’s desire, and the reason I know this is because Jeremy and I felt it immediately upon our first visit. And not only that, the feeling continued even after Jeremy shared the details of his drunk driving accident and impending prison sentence. Other churches we visited during his time on bail were welcoming of us until he shared his story, then people became guarded and we could sense a sincere effort of Christian “tolerance” at work. At WCC we felt more than just acceptance—but love. Joel, the staff, and our small group members have gone above and beyond what we ever expected. They not only kept us in their prayers but held a special prayer session for us as the day of Jeremy’s sentencing neared. Pastor Joel was one of the last loving faces Jeremy saw before he was taken out of the courtroom in handcuffs and incarcerated in a temporary prison that does not allow visitors, where he has yet to see another loving face to this day. WCC members wrote letters on Jeremy’s behalf, requesting that he be granted permanent placement in a facility close to home so that we can visit him. WCC was not only just simply willing, but eager, to embrace us newcomers with love and without judgment, and we continue to be blessed by your friendship.
January 10th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
We were involved in a car accident in January 2005. We were overwhelmed with the love and compassion that came from our Willamette Church Family. When we came home we were confined to hospital beds for 4 or 5 weeks. Every day somebody came by to check in on us, every night a delicious meal was brought to us, for close to 2 months. Friends came over and moved furniture to accommodate our restrictions. Some came over and just shared their time with us even though we were medicated and did not really know what was going on. This was the response that we received and it surpasses anything except God’s love for us. Thank All of Willamette, the people behind the scenes and so many more things than what I put in here. I just really wanted to say thank you so much for all the love and support. Willamette Church has God’s hand on it and everyone in it. Can’t say it enough, God Bless.
January 11th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
When my sister was hospitalized in January 2008 and developed complications I was running back and forth every day for over three weeks. One day when I got home Chris & Gary Yarco had delivered a wonderful meal to us. I hadn’t cooked or eaten anywhere but the hospital. Needless to say John was also very happy, and it made us feel loved.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Our small group provided Thanksgiving dinner for our son-in-law’s sister and family. Her five year old daughter had just gone through cancer surgery and was in rehab learning to walk again.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
During Christmas week snow storms, we lost power (including water) for five days. The Cruickshanks not only welcomed our family, but actually made our kids feel like it was a planned vacation!
January 12th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Sherri Oswald always offered to take Mackenna to practice at church, for the Christmas program. Sherri is very sincere in her actions and I can see God working through her each day!
January 12th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
We are very thankful that about 1.5 years ago, Ken and Lynn Froescher invited us to attend services at Willamette Christian with them. We came, we loved it, and we’re here to stay! We appreciate Ken and Lynn’s love, support and friendship.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I hate to say money….but I am very grateful for the scholarship am receiving from Willamette Christian Church. I appreciate being held accountable to be involved in ministry and to be seeking the Lord in the midst of college and its challenges.
January 13th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
There are too many names of members at church who have touched my life in very simple and impactful ways…some without even knowing. I am grateful to have a body of support that keeps me grounded and focused on God’s word. I am forever grateful.
January 14th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Shanon Vroman drives my son home each week from youth group at the little church. She also encourages him in his faith.
January 14th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Since I’ve come to WCC, I have been met and shown the power of God’s love and grace through everyone at this church I now call my home. Thanks all of you.
January 14th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
How readily the church accepted me, when they could have shut the door.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Our family had often been able to help others in need, and were blessed for it, but when my husbands health started to fail, we were the ones blessed by the constant support of our small group. When John had surgery to remove the tumor from his pituitary gland that was making him very sick, we were cared for in so many ways. People prayed for us, sat with me at the hospital, brought meals, did yard work, and even invited me away for a weekend to recharge. This love came not only from our small group and my womens Bible study group but many other members of our church as well. Almost a year later, people continue to inquire about John’s health and check-in to make sure we’re doing alright. The love we have felt from the body of Willamette Christian Church is beyond what one would ever expect and an amazing testimony of the love of our Heavenly Father! Although the last year has been quite difficult, I never felt alone, I knew God was with me, but also my church family, and that gave me the strength to get through.
January 17th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Have you ever had to hire a contractor and wonder if you had the right person and/or the best price? We had a stilt buckle at our house. Up stepped Jeff Heath and Jim Elam (J & J Remodeling) for a tricky job on a steep hillside. They worked tirelessly and creatively to repair our situation at the lowest possible cost. There was a an amazing sense of peace of having Jeff and Jim here. It was a blessing to have the same hands that earlier in the day were operating tools at your home hand you the elements of communion at church in the evening. May your kindness be returned to you many times over.
January 17th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
I thought about this question all week and decided I had to list several of them. Our first week we attended Willamette I was a nervous wreck – we hadn’t church shopped in many years and the thought of going somewhere new was overwhelming. I walked in the front door with Payton (my 5 year old) and I must have had the glazed 1st timer look. Luckily, Chris saw me, introduced herself & walked us all the way down the hall to Payton’s class. Then she stayed to make sure we met his teacher and that we were taken care of. Then after service Joy must have noticed the 1st timer glaze too and made a point to come and introduce herself. Their simple acts of kindness and reaching out to a new face made Willamette Church feel like home from the first day we arrived.
After only a couple of weeks of attending Willamette our family moved from SW Portland to Wilsonville. 6 men from the “moving ministry” that had never met me or my family spent a their Saturday moving us to our new home. What a blessing they were to us on that day.
Then a couple of months later I got word that my dad was seriously ill. I made a rushed trip to see him & left Keith and the kids at home. The “meals ministry” brought food to my family while I was gone. Again, most of them had not even met us – but were so willing to serve in our time of need.
January 20th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Last spring when I needed transportation to physical therapy after surgery. 3 ladies from our church provided rides for me.
Two of those women were strangers to me!
January 21st, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I have thought about this question many times with a burning want to write something, I have just not been able to put in words what this Church body has given me. I feel it has transformed my being!, I remember the first time i was at a small group and i witnessed a group of people praying over someone. I had never experienced this. I have always been spiritual, went to a catholic school, even thought i knew how to pray, This Church has opened my eyes to how God can be in your heart at all times. I can honestly say that i am growing as a Christian each and every day, because of the people i surround myself with. I walk everyday seeing my fellow Christians give when they seem not to have enough for themselves, The spirit of love is strong, and the power of God is ever-changing. I have been given a gift by not only my friends at church, but also people i watch and do not know! The biggest gift is that i can talk about my belief in God and the gifts he has given me with out the feeling that somehow if i share it will all go away! I am building a strong foundation in Christ and the big bad wolf cant get in!. Thanks you all!
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:14 am
Joel’s Study on Colossians is wonderful to keep us all grounded in the Word, I especially like the challenge of reading though the book of Colossians 8 times. 1:6 All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing just as it has been doing among you silnce the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. He is Before all things in Him all things hold together.
A thought keeps coming to my mind: ” I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God, I’ve been washed with God’s Word, and cleansed by His Blood. Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel the sod, I’m go glad I’m a part of the family of God. Contilnue steadfastly in the Word, Prayer & Fellowship in Christ as we see the awesome things God is doing in this Body. Bob Weaver
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Our family has been supported financially, and by many prayers from our wonderful church family. There have been so many times that we have been in need and someone has blessed us with a gift or a smiple thinking of you card at a time when it was very much needed. Wcc has some amazing caring and giving people in this wonderful church family and we are very grateful to each and everyone for all that they have done. I know our story at times seems like a modern day Job(and feels like it too at times), but we know we have our wonderful Savior by our side and our wonderful Wcc family. Thank you all
January 27th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I received a special card from Becky Jahns. It was a great feeling of love when I read the words she wrote to me. Thank you in Christ.
January 31st, 2009 at 7:43 pm
The first time I went to WCC I felt comfortable. The first time I heard Joel say that he wanted WCC to be known for it’s love for one another I instantly thought of my dear friends JoAnna & Colby Panter. They have allowed me to be myself and accept me. During the most difficult and challenging time in my life they have been there in more ways than I can count. They have taught me what true friends and Christians are all about. I am eternally grateful for them, their openness and their wonderful words of wisdom.
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:14 pm
My father unexpectedly passed away on January 16, 2009. I was very touched by the immediate support from our church even when I was 1600 miles away (in New Mexico). Thank you all for the phone calls, cards, email, and encouraging words. My faith in the Lord is as strong as it has ever been. While I am still saddend by our loss, I take comfort in God’s words which are reflected through my WCC family. Thank you for being there for me and my family. I am eternally greatful to all of you.
February 20th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Through my 30 years at Willamette, I have been blessed over and over again. In the early years, by being allowed to serve in different areas, then recognized and encouraged for that service. And always, always, smiles, hugs, and rich friendships.
As time went on and there were hard times, there came offers of help in any area you can imagine; most of which I declined at the time. But there were visits, calls, notes, meals, as well as any other ways WCC friends could think of to ease my way–including shoulders to cry on as needed.
Nowadays, I rejoice in all the smiles and, especially the hugs that come my way. Since I stopped driving last month, I put out a plea to my small group for rides to and from church services. That need has amply been met, as well as more offers of help than I can use. And, as one who is always confident in the love of our church family, I know that there is always more love, help and blessing in the future.
February 20th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Willamette (the people) have provided me with an awesome extended family over the years. There have been countless times when people I didn’t even know were there to help and times that I have been privilidged to help others which has provided me with a great sense of belonging and contribution. NOT every church has the kind of integration with it’s members and community that Willamette has. For anyone who may read this and wonder if they make a difference. The answer is a loud resounding YES!
February 27th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Willamette Christian Church is my family. A family that keeps growing. Over the years they have helped me in numerous ways – too many to mention or even recall. I just know it’s been a lot. During this last trial there is just no words to say how grateful I am for all your support in so many ways. I’m not sure I would have had the will to survive through the loss of my husband had it not been for your love and your prayers. You have been God’s love poured all over me. You are more than the hands and feet of Christ in this community, you are also the arms enfolding me and others and the voice encouraging us. You don’t just tell others about God’s love, you show it. What an incredibly, wonderful family of God. And what an awesome God we have!
February 27th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I was going through the 101, 201, 301 and 401 “Discovering your faith, ministry…” series with Pastor Gary Snavely to become a member of WCC. The final step was to be baptised. I proudly told Pastor Gary that I was baptised already, and explained that my parents had me baptised as a Catholic when I was an infant because I almost didn’t survive, I was baptised again at two months of age, and again as a teen-ager when I was baptised and confirmed into the Catholic faith. He asked me if was a water immersion baptism, and when I told him no, he responded that he didn’t believe that I was truly baptised until I did it by being completely immersed in water. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I became completely emotional, not believing the words I was hearning, that I have lived all these years without being “truly” baptized! I was so distraught I left the meeting crying. Debbie McCall saw me and immediately attempted to comfort me. I explained my situation to her and she listened carefully. A couple of days later a letter arrived in my mailbox, it was from Debbie McCall. She wanted to know how I was doing with the difficult decision I had to make. Then she added one simple line which changed everything for me. She wrote, “Just remember that anything we do that leads us closer to Christ must be a good thing.” That was all I needed. I called Lorraine at the church and arranged for my (4th) baptism. Bill Berry baptised me in the river during the WCC picnic. It was the best dicision I’ve ever made!