Our Conference theme for 2021 is Real Church. It only seemed appropriate to remind ourselves of what it truly means to be the church as we begin to walk through (what we hope is) post-pandemic. What we learned over the past year and more is that the church is not the building, it is not the programs, it is not the potlucks. No, the church is the living and breathing body of Christ, at work in our workplaces, our communities, and our homes. For the next few weeks we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the individual expressions of The Church within The Pacific Conference.

We asked each church to answer four simple questions. We’ll share their responses here.

Getting to Know Our Churches

Mt View Community Church (Oregon City, Oregon)

https://mvcommunity.net/

1. Your Congregation’s Favorite Songs (for the moment):
   Battle Belongs (Phil Wickham), Living Hope (Phil Wickham), Goodness of God (Bethel Worship)
2. What is a challenge you’ve faced in the local church because of the pandemic?
   For MVCC we had to leave the college where we regularly hold our services. Oregon City does not have many spaces big enough to use so the Lord directed us to a museum/ballroom that has been great! God is good!
3. What is a victory you’ve seen in the local church over the course of the pandemic?
   We have gained new families that live close to the property we own. They are so excited to be a part of our new worship center, after it gets built. It has been such an encouragement to see the come and be a part of our church family.
4. Describe something special you’re planning for the summer:
   We sponsor one night of Movie In the Park in Oregon City through the Parks and Rec department. We give away some great prizes for the kids that attend and we get to meet people from the community. It is a great event and a great way to reach out to those who don’t have a church they are part of.

Vancouver First E (Vancouver, Washington)

https://www.firste.org/

1. Your Congregation’s Favorite Songs (for the moment):
   I Raise a Hallelujah, I’m a Child of God, Yes I Am!, Be Thou My Vision
2. What is a challenge you’ve faced in the local church because of the pandemic?
   Separation; loneliness; polarization on race, politics, masks, immunizations, Jan 6, etc. etc.; loss of momentum in summer programs
3. What is a victory you’ve seen in the local church over the course of the pandemic?
   continued our AWANA program and Hosanna Christian School safely throughout the year. Some people have gotten to know each other through Zoom Bible studies. A reason to emphasize that JESUS is the main thing.
4. Describe something special you’re planning for the summer.
   High School Ski Camp became a day camp and was great! We are doing day hikes with children in the Gorge. Our services are outside to emphasize FUN, welcome the neighborhood, and help those more cautious come back to worship.

Sweet Home Evangelical Church (Sweet Home, Oregon)

https://www.facebook.com/SweetHomeEC/

1. Your Congregation’s Favorite Songs (for the moment):
   O Praise the Name of the Lord our God, We Believe
2. What is a challenge you’ve faced in the local church because of the pandemic?
   Going from zero video to every week. And trying to find ways to stay connected and do outreach. 
3. What is a victory you’ve seen in the local church over the course of the pandemic?
   We’ve had new people come to church because they started watching online. 
4. Describe something special you’re planning for the summer:
   We’re doing two services, one outdoor and one indoor, and then planning on a normal-ish schedule this fall.

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Before You Go

We are grateful for the leadership at each of these local expressions of the body of Christ. Will you take a moment to pray for each of these churches? Each week this summer we’ll focus on a few of our local churches and find out more about their Real Church.

Please also pray for Supt. Randy and his wife, Linda, on their Sabbatical.