afterhours 2/15

As we continued in James, specifically James 2:14-22,  Pastor Josh Galgan challenged us further in what it means to live as a Christ follower.

He gave the scenario we have all encountered, the non-believer who has a disdain for the church and God because of things they see as not “right” in our Christian culture.  The hypocrisy, the judgment, the hurt they’ve experienced all instead of the love they should have received.  We are faced with their question of “why do I want to enter this faith if I don’t want to be like you, a Christ follower?”

James wants us to live the reality of our faith through a changed life.  Josh went took it a step further to explain that works justify our faith to man.  How we act demonstrates that we are different.   His hope for us is that we live out James 2:22 in our lives.

As you continue through this week think of ways you demonstrate your faith.  Leave us some of your experiences.

Also, don’t forget to join us Sunday for our Homeless Outreach, (we meet at 4 to prepare sack lunches and head downtown around 6:30) and continuation of our journey through James with Pastor Jonathan Stroud.

After Hours 2/8

We were blessed to have guest speaker Justin Powell give his insight on the book of James this last week.   Honing in on James 2:1-13, Justin challenged us to find Jesus in the “least of these” and to check our prejudices, even when it comes to new believers.

He also shared this video with us:

Looking for a way to apply this to your life?

• Justin prepared follow up questions.  Leave a comment and we’ll email them to you.
• Love, feed, and clothe “the least of these” at our monthly homeless outreach on 22 February.

Also, don’t forget to join us next week as we continue in the book of James.

Uprising Bowl-A-Rama!

Saturday, January 3rd is the day of Uprising’s first ever Bowl-A-Rama! It is at the Milwaukie Bowl (map) from 7-10PM. Bring your $7 and enjoy three hours of bolwing plus shoe rental!

We’re accepting late registration. Leave a comment here if you’re going to join the fun so we can make sure there’s a lane and team for you.

What are you looking for?

Last night, we continued our study of the questions Jesus asks us in Matthew 11:1-19. We talked about the things for, what John’s disciples were searching for, and what Jesus says we should seek (Matthew 6:33). Let us know what you think about the passage and about your searching in a comment.

Up-ris-ing… knows how to party.

After a rockin’ night of karaoke and costumes last weekend, we have another event planned for this week. Be there!

Uprising’s Beginning of Fall Bonanza (Friday, September 26th at 6PM)
We’ll be meeting up on Friday night at the Nickerson’s for taco salad and autumn hijinks! Bring your bathing suit for a dip in the hot tub. The fun starts at 6:00! You will find a map here.

Do you trust Jesus?

On Sunday night, Randy challenged us to consider how much and with what we trust our Savior. In our second question from Jesus, we looked at Matthew 6:25-34 and talked about trusting the Giver, not the gift. If you have thoughts on this passage or about trusting Jesus, let us know here with a comment.

What makes you different?

Tonight we began a series about questions that Jesus asks us, beginning with, “What makes you different?” We read from the opening chapter of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:43-48). If you have any thought on this questions or passage, let us know by writing a comment.

Reflection on Homeless Outreach – Saturday, July 26th

 

Upriser, Emily Nickerson posted the following as a MySpace bulletin. Of course, we grabbed the opportunity to feature her reflections about last weekend’s Homeless Outreach on the blog. (I did ask her first, and she said it was okay to repost it.)

Homeless Outreach was hard tonight!
Posted Date: Jul 26, 2008 10:27 PM

It started off great, the Gay’s, Kenny and I went above the bridge and passed out food and water which is what I usually do when I go to homeless outreach. This time we came back early so Kenny, me and Andrew Gay just hung around playing with a string thing… While we were doing that I was thinking that I really wanted to talk to someone, so I looked around and was watching one guy just hanging out waiting for something near me. I really struggled to go and talk to him, but when I did I was glad I had a chance to talk to him.

I asked about his guitar and how long he had been playing. He said 5 years and that it wasn’t really that cool. I asked him why and he said because he plays most of his songs that are about dying. I again asked him why he did that and he said something like he didn’t deserve to be living and that he shouldn’t go to heaven because of all the wrong things he has done. I was speechless and felt like I was tripping over my words because I really didn’t expect to hear that. I felt like the words I was saying to him were “church” words.

(But praying that God will use them anyways.)

I told him that God looks at sin the same. That if someone does something that you don’t think is “that bad” compared to something that is Horrible, God doesn’t see it that way. He sees it as the same.

I also said that God has Mercy and He wants to forgive you and see you in Heaven!

The sad part is that One Bear (his name) agreed with me and the things I said, but he just didn’t see himself as someone God could do all that for!

It really broke my heart to really have someone say that to me. It is one thing when you hear someone else share their story about someone saying that to them, but when it is said to you… it is really different.

SO! If you want to pray for One Bear that would be awesome!! Because although he didn’t think he was a nice guy, HE really was!!

Part Six: Jesus the Trash Collector + mini photo album

what's your trash?

We got down ‘n dirty with Jesus the Trash Collector
Friday, July 19th at 6pm with Pastor Randy

Parkrose Campus: 4536 NE 116th Portland, OR 97220

 

 

 

 

The latest Uprising Email (7/9/08)

We’re kickin’ off summer by going Unplugged. Hang out low-key style with other Uprisers tomorrow night (Thursday, July 10th) from 6 to 9pm-ish (just depends on how much fun we’re having). Bring your swimsuits (there’s a pool) and an appetite (there will be pizza this go-around– note: there will always be food at Unplugged. It’s just what we do.) We meet at 20985 SE Lansing Lane in Damascus, OR 97089. Lost? Call Chris at 503-680-8705.

(Tomorrow, July 10th is also Pastor Randy’s birthday, and he’s in Alaska this week teaching at Kokrine Hills Bible Camp! Send him birthday greetings at randy@coolchurch.com.)

The next Unplugged will be on Thursday, July 24th and it will be the UNPLUGGED NOT TO MISS! We’re catching the patriotic, lightin’-the-big-torch fever, and will have our own Uprising Olympics! More info to come; but seriously, it’s the event of the summer. Well, at least for July. ;)

Also on the docket, the amazing Nethanel Pokorny (the only guy featured in attached photo taken in Nicaragua on our mission trip last Spring Break!) is turning 21, and his folks want to throw him a fantastic surprise party… and if you know him — or don’t yet! – and want to hang out with fun people, you are welcome and invited. The details: this Friday, July 11th at 7pm at the Pokorny House: 2802 SW Willow Parkway. How long will this party go? As long as people are there! Food and dessert will be served! Yeah!  Got questions, call his mom at 503-661-6809. 

 And OF COURSE, don’t miss out on Uprising this Saturday night at 6pm at the Parkrose Campus (4536 NE 116th Portland, OR 97220)… Chris Giusto will be teaching on Jesus the Miracleworker! Don’t miss it. We miss you when you are not there. (Really. We do.)

 

Well, I’m off to enjoy the sun (hope you are too!),
Cori for the Uprising Leadership Team