Thanks Jenay!

Jenay Williams has headed up all the work for our new Church Directory!

It is going to be beautiful; a wonderful new tool to get to know one another, LOVE!

Tomorrow's the last day! We could squeeze you in if you haven't taken your picture yet!

Another Day in the Office

Principal Mary and her daughter Megan...

Pastor Lorin and Jan Short...

My wife Holly (Office Manager) counting the offering with Kathy Q...

Music Ministry

I wonder if my parents hold the record for the longest committment to music ministry within one church? I don't know exactly how many years they've been faithful; they probably don't know. I do know my mother has been the pianist since before my birth, and my father has been singing in this church since his childhood! Actually, Rogue River Assembly of God will be celebrating 60 years...

I have strong convictions regarding Worship with music. We should attempt to do more than one style in order to keep the generations together. Many church leaders believe you should choose a target audience and cater to that one individual. I want to keep the old and young TOGETHER!

So, my parents open the service with some hymns. My mother and I do a switch on the piano, and I lead some newer worship songs...

I'm encouraged with the new additions to the Worship Band. My nephew, Dominic, is learning the drums and improving every week. We have quite a collection of guitar players: Zach, Bo, Buzz and Larry on the ukulele. Tom recently joined us playing his clarinet... Now all we need is for you to show up with your instrument and join us, practices are Sundays at 9am...

I look forward to hearing all the special music individuals prepare for our offeratory. The quartet (we're working on a new song), Kathy Q., Pastor and Mrs. Short, my family (Holly, Brian, Vicki, Shelli), Kat Luker, Megan S.... We need some new volunteers. Come talk to me and I'll put you on the calendar! You know you have some talent! Mabye, you could play the kazoo! And would somebody please twist my wife's arm? She has a beautiful voice, but almost everytime I ask her to sing a special, she says no (I know you're busy punkin)...

Our church used to be known for it's incredibly huge Holiday Programs. My style is to keep it simple, especially when I have too much on my plate. But hey, if there's somebody out there who would like to volunteer for that leadership and re-start the choir and drama and... (not you mom, you're already doing the CLS programs, your plate overflows)

Speaking of CLS Programs: We're working hard on this year's! Put December 14 on your calendar. This Christmas Musical for kids is called Two Nights Before Christmas. I got roped into being Mr. Mcduff (a scrooge-type character), truth is I'm looking forward to it. The setting is a toy store where a few kids are dressed up as a duck, robot, cowboy, ragdoll, clown...They come to life and teach Mr. Mcduff (the janitor) what Christmas is all about...It's going to be FUN!

Missing Loved Ones

As we celebrate Veterans Day, I can't help but think of LOSS...

I pray the LORD will comfort those who are dealing with the loss of war.

I pray the Prince Of Peace intervene!

I spoke today on the important difference between a healthy grieving process and a spirit of grief...

Remember, Jesus promised: Blessed are they that mourn for they will be comforted...

But, in Jesus name the spirit of grief has to flee!

We all deal with loss. As a church, we have had our share. The first few years I was pastor I performed too many funerals, not to mention past leadership and relational difficulties!

(conflict is inevitable even necessary when there is more than one person in the world)

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Yet, Memorial Services can be the most beautiful part of my job!

I've had the privilege of doing my Grandpa Jolly and Grandma West funerals within the last few years...Jaunita was 99 years old, the last living CHARTER MEMBER of Rogue River Assembly Of God! Her service was amazing...the laughter, the tears, the memories, the LOVE!

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Holly's Grandma (Alice Morton) had the same ticket to Heaven as my grandmother. They died within hours of one another... And then a month later my wife lost her Great Grandma Helen Holly Goodel (my wife's namesake). It is amazing my wife still had a living Great Grandparent, but compound loss is hard, especially when you're in the middle of a failed adoption...

The greatest loss of my life doesn't involve death: our baby is stuck in an orphanage. Holly and I travelled to Russia and met our son, Ilya...

We fought thru paperwork and more paperwork and more paperwork...

Long story short, the justice system of Russia delt us an injustice and closed the door to American adoption in the Saratov region in the middle of our fight for Ilya...

I don't know why God allows some things to happen, but I trust Him anyway! My life-verse, Proverbs 3:5&6 tells me to "not lean on my own understanding." Ilya will forever be in our hearts, our prayers...

Like I said this morning, almost every Ending means a new beginning.

Holly and I are in the middle of a new adoption. We have been much less vocal about this one, because of the trials of the last one. But, it's looking like this one is moving along smoothly, we may have our little Ethiopian boy very soon...

Help For The Lonely

Another very special Celebration Service...

Here's this morning's life-changing sermon notes:

A Season of Hope

Help for the Lonely

1. You Are Not Alone

Psalm 91:14-16…Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name (has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindess – trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never). He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation…

Matthew 28:20…lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world…

Psalm 34:19...Many evils confront the (consistently) righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all…

God is our Deliverer
God is Working for Our Good
Romans 8:28...And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose…

2. Loneliness Can Be Cured

Jeremiah 31:13…For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and make them rejoice after their sorrow…

Alone Doesn’t Mean Lonely

The Process of Grief Versus the Spirit of Grief
The grieving process is necessary and healthy – mentally, emotionally, and even physically. A person who refuses to grieve is often not facing reality, which ultimately has a devastating effect on his entire being…
A spirit of grief is another matter entirely! If not resisted, it will take over and destroy the life of the one who has suffered a loss. If not confronted and controlled, it will rob health, strength, and vitality – and even life itself.

Isaiah 61…The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garmet of praise instead of a spirit of despair…

3. The seven stages of grief

Stage 1: shock and denial
Stage 2: anger
Stage 3: uncontrolled emotions
Stage 4: depression
Stage 5: waves of overwhelming emotion
Stage 6: confusion, disorientation and fear
Stage 7: physical symptoms

Please remember: When negative emotions are repressed, they will ultimately come out another way…

In dealing with all these seven stages of the grieving process, the key word is balance…
And don’t you dare use this as an excuse to behave badly…
Sleep, Exercise, Diet are all very important especially during the grief process…

Endings Always Offer New Beginnings

John 10:10 Jesus said…The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)...

Remember God Is Always With You
Hebrews 13:5…He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. (I will) not, (I will) not, (I will) not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let (you) down (relax My hold on you)! (Assuredly not!)…

You Cannot Be Separated from God’s Love
Romans 8:38-39…For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, not things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our LORD…

The LORD Will Take Care of You
Psalm 27:10…Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the LORD will take me up (adopt me as His child)…

God will do a NEW Thing
Isaiah 43:18,19…Do not (earnestly) remember the former things: neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert…

Happy Veterans Day

We have a wonderful Celebration Service planned for tomorrow morning, 10am!

My beautiful wife prepared a tear-jerker video in honor of our veterans!

AND don't forget we're dedicating the Operation Christmas Child Boxes!

AND we continue my new sermon series: A Season Of Hope, Help for the Lonely...

Church Is FUN

Youth Group Craziness!

Homebuilders

In God's Divine Order the Family comes before the church!

The enemy of our souls recognizes this. That's why he's working hard to destroy the home!

Holly and I attended a Family-Life Weekend to Remember that revolutionized our marriage and put a deep committment in our hearts to Marriage and Family Ministry.

Since, I've been doing youth group, homebuilders took a back-seat.

But, I was thinking...How about once-a-month? I think that would even make it easier for couples to attend...

SO, beginning Sunday, January 6 at 6pm (after the Holidays) we'll do homebuilders once a month, the first Sunday of every month. Bring a finger-food or dessert...We'll have fun, food, fellowship, and work at making our marriages and homes healthy!

Check out a video from Family Life that gives you a taste of what we're trying to accomplish: http://www.familylife.com/homebuilders/default.asp

Sunday Evening Prayer & Communion

Jesus said in Matthew 21:13, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer.'"

There are many things the church should be good at. But if we aren't praying, it's all meaninglesss. Jesus said prayer is the "Main Thing!"

So we get together every Sunday at 6pm and simply pray. The lights are turned low, worship music is softly playing or I'm at the piano, Communion is available at the altar... Members can come and go as they please. It truly is a wonderful time: waiting, seeking, asking, knocking, submitting, praising, thanking, repenting, trusting, adoring, confessing...IN HIS PRESENCE...

In this crazy American culture everyone is too B.U.S.Y. (Being Under Satan's Yoke). We must make time to tarry at the altar with an open Bible. How can we expect miracles, salvations, healings, deliverances, baptisms in the Holy Spirit...if we do not take time to PRAY?! There's something about leaving the distractions of our homes and praying in the sanctuary...

It's A Family Thing

Don't forget your appointment for our church directory!

And, if you haven't made one yet it's not too late!

Membership is simply creating a place of belonging!

The Directory aids our efforts of love, getting to know one another...

Thanks For Bailing Me Out Of Jail

This Summer I was put behind bars FOR GOOD!

To Benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association...

For More Information check out: http://www.mdausa.org/help/natevents.html#lockup

Youth Group

Don't just sit at home and watch TV! BORING!!!

Come check out our Wednesday evening activities, 7pm.

Adult Bible Study, Youth Group, and Kids Club

Pastor Lorin is teaching the Adults.

I'm hanging out with the youth group.

And, Mrs. Shelli has lots of fun planned for the kids.

Us teenagers (I'm a wanna-be) have been going thru youth specailties 24/7 Project!

We always do something crazy at the beginning and then jump into Bible Study peppered with discussion questions and multi-media experiences.

Then we close with some prayer and worship songs.

CLS Chapel

We learned a lot in chapel today. Atleast I HOPE we did! I've been using object lessons when I teach the kids. This morning I used JOY dishwashing soap. The kids were hilarious! They all wanted me to squeeze some JOY on 'em...

Last time I checked, doing the dishes wasn't that much of a hoot. You can't find JOY in the kitchen sink. Our world is full of false advertising, or packaging that promises one thing and delivers another.

We discussed the fact that "sin is only fun for a season." Sin promises one thing and delivers another. Joy and freedom is only found in obedience to God's Word and avoidance of sin! This is one of my soap-boxes. I'm tired of people believing the lie that freedom is found in doing whatever you want. No, that's chains, bondage, addiction, pain... True Freedom is living close to HIS commands: loving God and loving People...

Missions Dinner

Seriously, the FUNNEST event I think we've had since I became the pastor! I know funnest isn't a real word, but I want to use it anyway! Our missionaries, John and Carolyn Stewart, made us such an authentic and tasty Indonesian meal. Their company and yours made the fellowship sweet!

Red-neck Church

This picture was sent to me on my e-mail.

I think it's supposed to be a red-neck skyscraper...hee hee

My brother-in-law said to me one day...You know you're a read-neck church...if your pastor is called UNCLE BUBBA!

My sister has called me Bubba ever since I was born so my niece and nephew call me uncle Bubba!

BABY DEDICATIONS

I had the awesome PRIVILEGE of dedicating two beautful babies to Jesus at the same time!

Elijah Dara and Mekiah Vallo

Church Staff

Senior Pastor ~ Paul West

Associate Pastor ~ Lorin Short

CLS Principal ~ Mary Schaefer

Office Manager ~ Holly West

Childrens Director ~ Shelli Spencer

Maintenance ~ George Hunt

I could never say enough about Lorin and Jan Short. If I could give them one word it would be: LOVE! They are truly JESUS WITH SKIN ON!

I already bragged on Mary in my CLS blog, but her one word description is QUEEN!

My wife keeps me in line in the office! Some people say I shouldn't call my wife PERFECT because that's too much pressure! But, God created her perfect for me. Her strengths are my weaknesses. She gets two words to describe: SWEET; no three: TALENTED; no four: WISE...

The board Treasurer, Cliff Leidecker, and I just stepped out in faith hiring my sister as the new children's director! I believe she is God's will for such a time as this. I have always had an incredible relationship with my sister. Shelli in one word?: CRAZY...just kiddin...JOYFUL

George is so FAITHFUL! He and his wife, Laura have served our church as long as I can remember...

(the picture is of Lorin and Jan singing on a Sunday Morning)

Christian Life School

I would not be who I am today without CLS! I Don't know if that is a compliment or not. I hope so... I attended this little private school from kindergarden thru eighth grade... I did go to 3rd grade in WA but that was a fluke...

I consider CLS the first ministry of our church! The fruit of it cannot be argued! This little school has created many church leaders. The Abeka curriculmn is Christ-centered and highly challenging. When I transferred from CLS to Rogue River High School I had a strong foundation in God's Word and Abeka gave me a head start over my piers...

CLS' vision slogan is "in pursuit of excellence." And it delivers! For instance, just this year a family had enrolled their students in public school because of the financial strain. In just a few weeks they had returned to CLS because their students were not being challenged...

I can't brag on CLS without bragging on MARY SCHAEFER! She has served our school almost since it began almost 30 years ago... I appointed her Principal upon taking the pastorate and I know it was the best decision I've made yet...

TEAM, Together Everyone Accomplishes More

I am so thankful for new ministries in our church.

Edith Hoggard is leading a team of dedicated individuals who's soul purpose is to lovingly meet real needs...

They have put together care bags filled with necessities for the homeless and many other wonderful projects: the latest, is knitting hats for the people of IRAQ. I believe they sent over a thousand!

I praise the LORD that the church is truly catching the VISION: EVERYONE IS A MINISTER... It's not all up to the Pastor... We are ALL "the priesthood of believers."

We also have a Hospitality Team who has helped me to BREATHE!

I don't know how Holly and I got anything done before Jaye Rinehart and Kathy Quinones began this ministry!

Tom Vallo just volunteered to be the Men's Ministry Director.

He's doing a Men's Planning Breakfast December 1!

This is only the latest leaders. Not to mention: Prayer Chain, Church Library, Food Bank, THE AMAZING CHURCH BOARD... So many Blessings!

This is not an all-inclusive list, forgive me if I didn't mention your ministry...

Help For The Stressed

Yesterday I began my new sermon series: A Season Of Hope

The Holy Spirit proved His leading.

HELP FOR THE STRESSED was well recieved and I believe the church experienced salvation, deliverance, and healing!

I had several members approach me with stress scenarios, even desperate needs that found Hope in God's Word.

Stress is a Hope Killer that can only be remedied with God's Word!

Here's some practical wisdom (a small peice of yesterday's teaching)...

1. Stop Exceeding Reasonable Limits

"Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received (as a Gift) from God? You are not your own, you were bought with a price (purchased with a priciousness and paid for, made His own). So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body." 1Corinthians 6:19-20 amp

IMAGINATION IS AS POWERFUL AS REALITY

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7

2. Obedience is the key to relieving stress

"If you will listen diligently to the voice of the LORD your God, being watchful to do all his commandments which I command you this day, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth...And the LORD shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath." Deuteronomy 28:1,13

GOD CARES DEEPLY ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS

"For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful) - (and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them), but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble." 1Peter 5:5

3. Set up for BLESSING

"Oh that they had such a (mind and) heart in them always (reverently) to fear Me and keep all MY commandments, that it might go well with them and with their children forever." Deuteronomy 5:29

IF WE WILL BUT EXALT JESUS WE WON'T BE EXHAUSTED

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the CREATOR of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has not might He increases strength (causing it to multiply and making it to abound). Even youths shall faint and be weary, and (selected) young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; But those who wait for the LORD (who expect, look for, and hope in Him) shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to the sun); they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired." Isaiah 40:28-31

If you want more help along these lines I recommend Joyce Meyer's Emotional Help Books. The LORD has used her teaching to help me personally and with preparing this series...

Pepsi & Jesus

I LOVE PEPSI!

Coke lies; they aren't the real thing!

I have a theory, you see...Jesus must like Pepsi better because it's SWEETER!

I don't understand people who can't taste the difference.

NO MORE LUKEWARM soda drinkers...

Choose this day whom you will serve! No middle ground!

PEPSI RULES!

(I hope ya'll know I'm a teaser)

Missions Giving and ELVIS

We just finished a FABULOUS Missions Convention!

It was almost eclectic in style...Missionaries from Thailand, Poland, Indonesia and ministries like Youth For Christ, Teen Challenge and the Gideons!

I was so encouraged by all the tremendous challenges to follow the very Heart of God: Missions efforts: spreading the gospel. We even had the Stewarts prepare an INDONESIAN MEAL and OH the fun that was had...

So what does Elvis have to do with Missions giving?

Holly and I traveled to Mississippi to see her best friend, Melisma. Today happens to be her bday! (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISMA)

Anyway, while visiiting Misma we went to GRACELAND.

During the missions convention my mind wandered to something truly enspiring about Elvis' life! He was a very giving man. He understood, despite his overwhelming riches, that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive...

I was a little disappointed by the missions faith promises this year. I pray for a financial miracle for my church and family. He promised to open up the floodgates of Heaven when we put Him first (Malachi 3)...

My Perfect Wife Threw Me A Wonderful Christmas Party For My Birthday

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

My wife knows how much... so, she threw me a Birthday Christmas party on August 18!

I turned the BIG 30...I'm old now!

A Season Of Hope

Don't miss my special new Holiday Season Sermon Series!

November 4 ~ Help For The Stressed (Don't forget to change your clocks, "Fall Back")

11 ~ Help For The Lonely

18 ~ Help For The Fearful

25 ~ Help For The Depressed

December 2 ~ Help For The Discouraged

9 ~ Help For The Insecure

16 ~ Help For The Worried

23 ~ Hope Birthed In A Barn

30 ~ Hope For The New Year

I Love Athiests But They Don't Love Me

I have a hard time understanding why anyone could believe there is no God.

I'm convinced there are very few real athiests.

Many of these precious people have dealt with so much pain they've turned their backs on God. Jesus promised we would have trouble but take heart He has overcome the world!

When I look at CREATION I know there is a CREATOR. It's so amazing that I get to KNOW HIM!

These amazing pictures are from my favorite place on earth: the Oregon Coast and from our recent trip to the Grand Canyon (yes I broke my foot but it's getting better)...