We need some support for this barbeque we’re throwing this Sunday. If you can help with setting stuff up (shouldn’t take long) send an email to chrisnye@willamettechurch.com and say, “I can help!”

Thank homies, and we’ll see you after the 11am for the FREE BBQ.

This guy means business...

That’s right. You’re out of school, the sun is making it’s first appearances, and your farmer’s tan needs some work. Why not fire up the grill? Or is it “grille” these days?

No matter. Come join WCC High School group for a FREE (yes, free) barbeque lunch after the 11am service on Sunday, June 27th. We’ll have some music, bocce ball, and I don’t know what else.

What’s the catch, you ask? No catch. Just come, eat, and mingle. Oh, and let’s be honest, you’ll be working on your farmer’s tan.

See you there!

The first study was done by USA Today and LifeWay research and targeted the generation in regards to faith and religion. The study is extensive and is worth reading. The research brought the president of the LifeWay to say this:

“We have dumbed down what it means to be part of the church so much that it means almost nothing, even to people who already say they are part of the church.”

He said this as a reaction to this data that they uncovered: Most Millennials (65%) don’t pray with other people, don’t read their Bible/Sacred text (67%) and don’t go to any type of worship service (65%). BUT 65% of all of them claim to be a Christian.

The other study I wanted to point out was done by the Universtiy of Maryland and targeted college and high school students’ relationship with technology. The researchers asked the students to give up all technology for 24 hours: no TV, no computer, no cell phones, no social media or MP3 players. They found that “without digital ties, students feel unconnected even to those close by.”

I do not post this to scare any of you, student or parent. I post this because I believe it is important for us as Christian people to have an accurate picture of the world we live in, to understand it as best we can. So often we can hear these statistics, throw our arms up in the air, and say, “I give up!” But this is not depressing to me, rather it is somewhat encouraging because I now know a little bit more about the context God has placed me in.

The Apostle Paul went in to most cities discouraged by the idols so blatantly worshiped by the citizens. But this did not cause him to give up, instead in his knowledge of the reality of the city he was able to preach best into it.

Do not demonize technology or critique everyone’s faith. Rather, understand that through this research we know that we are communicating differently and that just saying you’re a Christian doesn’t really make you a Christian. With this understanding, let’s love our neighbors fully (and not just online), preach the good news to all, and strive to know God better than anything else.

You know you have them...

We all know you have that secret collection of Barbies that you haven’t played with in over ten years. Or maybe it’s your absurd amount of footballs that sit in the garage.

Whatever it may be, the truth is, there’s somebody out there who would buy it for five bucks. And what if I told you that those five dollars would go to a cross cultural missions trip happening next year? I know, awesome!

So here’s what you got to do: take anything you don’t need anymore and drop it off at 1686 19th St, West Linn during these times:

Saturday, April 24 from 1-3pm
Sunday, April 25 from 2-4pm

The actual garage sale will be at the same location on Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st – watch for hours coming soon.

Questions? Contact Shanon Vroman at (503) 519-0569 or shanonmv@comcast.net

DO IT!!!!

We’re watching “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” which is supposed to be incredible.

Join us at 6pm tonight (early) for a Wii Bowling Tournament and whatever else you want to do. We’re starting the movie at 7pm and we’re ordering extra pizza and popcorn. Be there!

Come on out this Tuesday for a night of worship with Rend The Heavens! It will be in the Phase II room. And it’s free!

I let you guys CHOOSE whether or not you wanted to listen to the message.

About half of you did choose to come and listen. The other half hung out in the lobby, played basketball, cards, Wii, and other things.

What did you think about that? Do you think we should keep doing Wednesday nights that way? Did you like having the choice? Why or why not? I’d love to get your feedback!

(Click the number below the word “Aaron” to the left of this post to comment)

-Aaron