OREGON
CALLED BY GOD TO GO, MEMBERS IN MINISTRY // CONFERENCE
WIDOWS, WOMEN ALONE CELEBRATED ON VALENTINE’S DAY
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More online at glnr.in/111-05-or_valentine
early 60 women attended the fourth annual Widows and Women Alone event on Sunday, Feb. 14, organized by Take Heart Ministry and held at the Albany Golf and Event Center banquet hall. More than four years ago, Tawny Sportsman created Take Heart Ministry with other women who saw and felt a great need among women
The “mail lady,” Heather Wright, delivers a love letter.
within churches and communities for support during the difficult challenge of loss. The theme this year was “You’ve Got Mail.” Every guest was surprised to receive a paper envelope with a handwritten card of encouragement, comfort and appreciation inside. Every card was hand-delivered by a mail carrier played by an energetic and creatively costumed Heather Wright. The tables were layered with pink and red linens, floral and mailbox décor centerpieces, shiny glassware, and a fun quiz to share and laugh over while enjoying a delicious sandwich and soup lunch. It was easy to meet women from several tables away during the get-acquainted activities,
which included finding the other half of a paper heart and even a group singing contest. Keynote speaker Corleen Johnson shared her personal story of loss, grief and God’s restoration in her family and her life. After sharing, she joined Lanett Merrills to sing Laura Story’s “Blessings.” An unexpected guest and trumpet player, Ron Iverson, popped in just long enough to play Billy Preston’s “You Are So Beautiful.” Iverson revealed a little-known fact: The inspired lyrics were written about God. Spending a couple afternoon hours with such warm and lovely women was a blessing indeed.
Cami Oetman, an international evangelist at No Fear Revelation, and Mendy Corwin, speaker for Take Heart Ministry, visit during the event.
To learn more about the Take Heart Ministry, go to takeheartministry. info, email take-heart@ outlook.com or find it on Facebook at facebook.com/ takeheartthereishope. Mendy Corwin, East Salem Church member
SHARON CHURCH LIFTS EVERY VOICE IN MUSIC
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the name of Jesus. Under the leadership of Linda Foxworth, Sharon Church minister of music, this event has become more than just a social gathering; it’s a worship experience. To welcome with love and minister to our family,
church and community is the mission statement of Sharon. This yearly event is doing just that — ministering. People from many faiths, including Baptist, Pentecostal, nondenominational and Lutheran, join in song to create one
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ake me back to where I first received you.” Those were the words of the late Andrae Crouch, who some describe as the father of modern gospel music. Many individuals at the Sharon Church in Portland, had that memory reignited Saturday, March 5. The 16th annual Lift Every Voice Concert brought members of the greater Portland area together to lift up
sound. About eight to 10 songs are learned in one week and sung for an audience ready for their hearts to be moved. Mark your calendars because this event will be taking place again in February 2017. If you have thought about joining, participating or being part of the audience, don’t let that moment pass you by. Let it become the moment that “takes you back.” Drechelle McCray, Sharon Church member
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may 2016