GP 70 VIdeo Script

Remembering. God tells us often in His word that we are two remember. Remember what God has done for us.

Psalm 77:11–12 ESV

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12 I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Today, we want to start our service by remembering. Looking back at the miracle of GracePointe Church. The vision of planting a testimony in the Milwaukie area came out several local families in connection with the American Sunday School Union in the late 1940’s. A need for a church that would help create disciples who loved God and loved people in a community with few churches at the time. For a year, several families sought the lord in prayer and He led them to a plan.

On June 10, 1951 the church was born with services taking place in an old VFW facility on 24th and Washington. Despite the need to clean up bottles and sanitize with bleach and much prayer, people would joyfully worship God in all his Glory. Love of God and love of people flourished in those humble beginnings.

Soon, the temporary location was too small for the growing church and thus property was secured on 42nd Ave and Jackson in the winter of 1951.

Still homeless, without a building....the believers were determined to put the property to Good use and in the summer of 1952, the church held their first Daily Vacation Bible School with the theme of “Sailing for Christ” with hats and a row boat set up for effect. Great fun and outreach into the community has always been one of the primary goals of the church…from the very beginning.

The first building for the church was a basement completed in 53. From there, more expansion would come years later with multiple Worship Centers, Gyms and Office and Teaching Space. GracePointe has always known from its own beginning that worship of the Lord does not require a fancy building....it requires willing worshipers.

Throughout the ensuing years, from those simple beginnings, we have honored those who were there, at the right time, in the right place - and who by God’s grace made it happen. You may be inclined to call them “heroes of the faith” but that’s an title they would most certainly reject. They were just a few ordinary people presented with an extraordinary challenge and opportunity.

Those at the beginning, our charter members, include folks still active in our midst like Warren and Maryilnn Bottemiller who give of their gifts in the choir and adult classes. Janet Page who served on the mission field with her husband Rex and continues to call GracePointe..home. Others who opened up their houses to the youth, countless hours of prayer, dedicated serving. People like Eric and Mabel Westling, Norman and Eleanor Danielson, Robert and Winifred Halders. Many many more who helped make up a community of followers who love God and love people.

Those who were there at the beginning are like any one of the thousands who came afterward and faithfully served through the years and even today.

The church is not a building but the living body of Christ, made up of many individual Born-Again believers. Ordinary people like us who are now experiencing a part of this ministry. Ordinary people with a desire to be used by God. Ordinary people, living ordinary lives, willing to say “there is work to be done, and maybe we can help”. Ordinary people who want to be part of something significant who are here today and see a bright future for this still vibrant part of God’s eternal plan - the Church.

Today, we see God moving in our youth as more and more young people are encouraged to put their hope and faith in the Lord. To find community with others here at GracePointe. We see God moving in our teaching as we learn to open God’s word and see how he has a purpose, and direction for how we are to live our lives for Him. We see God in our church family as we continue to pursue unity and have multiple generations worshiping God together. We see God moving in our community as we seek more ways to help eradicate hopelessness in Milwaukie and beyond with the relentless love of Jesus.

Today we honor God for His faithfulness with our Church over the last 70 years and look forward to all that He will do in the coming months and years. May God receive all glory and honor and praise for who He is and what He has done.