Comments on: Have You Been Blessed By Someone At WCC?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:21:32 +0000

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!

By: Lorraine Briggs

Lorraine Briggs — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:47:49 +0000

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!

By: JaK Wilberscheid

JaK Wilberscheid — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:01:57 +0000

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!

By: Loretta Howard

Loretta Howard — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:39:32 +0000

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.

By: Lenny Noice

Lenny Noice — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:14:44 +0000

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.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:43:38 +0000

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.

By: Mike O'Leary

Mike O'Leary — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:30:38 +0000

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.

By: Enola Hedge

Enola Hedge — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:22:26 +0000

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

By: Bob Weaver

Bob Weaver — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:14:00 +0000

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

By: Amy Dimm

Amy Dimm — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:35:51 +0000

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!

By: Rosemary Caudell

Rosemary Caudell — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:35:09 +0000

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!

By: Alicia Dart

Alicia Dart — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:04:51 +0000

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.

By: Kellie La Follette

Kellie La Follette — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:03:09 +0000

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.

By: Valerie Curalli

Valerie Curalli — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:32:03 +0000

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.

By: Blake Betts

Blake Betts — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:44:45 +0000

How readily the church accepted me, when they could have shut the door.

By: Mike O'Leary

Mike O'Leary — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:44:05 +0000

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.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:43:18 +0000

Shanon Vroman drives my son home each week from youth group at the little church. She also encourages him in his faith.

By: Bleu Blakslee

Bleu Blakslee — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:23:58 +0000

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.

By: Amber Froescher

Amber Froescher — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:17:13 +0000

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.

By: Debbie Farah

Debbie Farah — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:16:15 +0000

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.