On Saturday, April 11, 2010 we launched Connections, our third and newest venue. We threw open the doors for PORTICO to invite their friends to this new and unique expression with the emphasis of 'exploring life and faith through conversation.'
 
We have been very pleased with the response during this initial period. Many have told us how much they have enjoyed the format, particularly with the opportunity to jump into conversation as part of the message, as well as exploring how biblical principles apply in real life scenarios.
 
As the summer approaches, we are carefully evaluating our best options for the months of July and August. To ensure a successful venue experience, we need to provide an optimum level of support volunteers along with a consistent base of attendees. In our best judgment, these two factors would be challenging to sustain during the summer in the initial year of start-up.
 
Therefore, effective June 27, we will be taking a break for July and August. This decision will allow us to tweak the Connections venue and implement some of the great suggestions and feedback that you have provided. We are also excited that Pastor Dave Pedde has joined our staff and this break will provide him with an opportunity to invest his Worship Arts expertise in the venue, making a great experience even better.
 
Mark your calendars now! We will resume Connections on Saturday, Sept 11, 2010. To those who participated in the experience, as well as those who have served as volunteers in the numerous support roles, we are grateful for your partnership in this very exciting church growth initiative. We look forward to seeing you and your friends at Connections on Saturday nights in September.

Pastor Marc's main message points were...

Supernatural restraint & redirection : Relying upon the God who directs our steps.

Supernatural revelation : Relying on the God who reveals what we need to know.
Supernatural response : Relying on the God who opens closed hearts.
Supernatural rebuke : Relying on the God who drives out evil force.
Supernatural release : Relying on the God who sets us free.

What are your thoughts, observations, ideas, questions?

Pastor Jeff's main points from last night's message were:

1. Disagreements are an inevitable part of all relationships.
2. Our relational disagreements are often the result of misunderstandings and distrust.
3. Disagreements reveal the strengths and weaknesses or our relationships.
4. God can redeem our disagreements and use them to achieve positive results.

Your turn...

Thoughts, questions, ideas... Go!

Pastor Doug had some super points in regards to being a great church.

A great church...

…is comprised of ordinary, imperfect people.
…encourages the discovery and expression of spiritual gifts.
…discerns and actively obeys the leading of the Holy Spirit.
…courageosly pursues a God-given vision.

What are your thoughts, ideas, questions...?

Pastor Doug's two points tonight were:

1. Hope emerges from the shadows of our crises.
2. Extraordinary crises require a proportional spiritual response.

now it's your turn.

what are you thoughts, questions, responses to what we've heard tonight?

Saturday, April 10, 2010
Speaker: Doug Rhind
Text: Acts 11

Download sermon/CLG notes here.

Pastor Doug's main points:

1. Disruptions often inhibit our ability to clearly discern God's leading in our lives.
2. Disruptions offer unprecedented opportunities for experiencing authentic, transformational growth.
3. Disruptions challenge our tendency to drift towards isolation.

Use the 'Comments' section to add your thoughts, questions and comments on tonight's sermon.