WCC Family Update

By Chris Yarco

Dear WCC Family,

Everywhere I turn, smiles are big and bright. There is a lightness to people’s steps and spontaneous giggles and laughter are quick to break out. We Oregonians LOVE our summers. Happy July and happy SUNNY Weather season!

You may be curious as to what’s happening and what to expect next for our church in the season ahead. Please know that we will work hard to communicate through this newsletter, email updates, and during Sunday services – to share and invite you to continue praying for the Lord’s plan for our church to be worked out.

What’s Happening

If you’ve been on campus recently, you know that the staff team is leading with the same passion, care, and love as ever and that they’ve not missed a beat in this transition. This is an exceptional staff of committed disciples who desire to grow in their own walk with Jesus as they lead us to know, love and follow Him. One of the strengths of being a part of a family of churches is that I, and staff members from our campuses in Beaverton and Milwaukie are coming alongside the Willamette team to support their ministries while we are without a Lead Pastor. They – and each of you – are incredibly important and we are humbly devoted to caring well for you all during this time.

As we begin the search for a new Lead Pastor, the last few Sundays are a good reflection of what is to come. Kids and students have left church with similes after experiencing the love of Jesus. We’ve been inspired and taught by Jon Furman, Grant Hickman and Jeremy Thom, as well as experienced incredible music and worship from our amazing team led by Matthew Ferrer. Over the next few months, Jon, Grant, Megan Lemmons, Dayne Scanlon, Daniel Knutson, Marty Miranda, and guest pastors from around our community will share with us as we continue in our series in the book of Psalms.

This Summer will also be filled with some great experiences for your students and kid.

• High schoolers meet every Wednesday night at 7pm to connect with God and each other with a BBQ, worship, games, and teaching.
• Over 280 middle school students and leaders are heading to summer camp at Black Lake on August 14-18 where they will be worshiping, swimming, boating, learning, and growing together!
• For younger kids… Adventure Camp is July 17th through the 20th. The A-Team of Anika Ortiz, Amanda Steele, Amanda Lowe, Audrey Williams along with over 40 volunteers will serve more than 300 kids in this crazy fun event on the hill.

What’s Next

Currently, our Elder Board, Executive Team and myself have been, and will continue to meet, pray, discern, and plan for the selection of the next WCC Lead Pastor. We are submitting every step of the process to prayer, humble reflection, and healthy discussion while seeking Godly wisdom and remaining committed to unity. We are exploring interested candidates from our existing friendships, relationships, and natural networks.

Our desire is to honor God and this community with a care-filled, thoughtful, and most importantly, prayerful journey toward who God is calling here. We do not feel the need to rush toward a decision, and at the same time, we are seeking to be very purposeful as we pursue this path and decision. Many of you have offered to help support the search and we are thankful for you. Please know that we will update you here as additional steps are laid out, and you are welcome to invite those interested in learning more to reach out to me at [email protected].

What You Can Do

This scripture from Paul’s letter to the Philippians is perfectly poignant to reflect my affection for you all, and my belief for us in this season. We can wait in expectant anticipation for all that the Lord is doing, because of who Christ is, and our partnership in the Gospel. I’m grateful for you.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Phil 1:3-6

Many of you have asked how you might be of help in this season. I would love it if you would pray with us for our community to know, love and follow Jesus in the following ways:

• For High School Students at Wednesday Night

• For Pre-Schoolers and Elementary Kids at Adventure Camp

• For Middle Schoolers at Black Lake Camp

• For Adults to get connected in community

Pray for the future of our church:

• For the flourishing of our staff team

• For wisdom and discernment for me, our Elders and Executive Team

• For the person and family that the Lord is preparing (even now) to lead out at WCC

Lastly, thank you for your kind send off for the Becker family. We are happy to share that they’ve sold their West Linn home, purchased a new home in Northern California, and are making final plans to move the family by the end of the month. They remain very grateful for your prayers and support, and we are grateful for your love and kindness for them.

We are eternally grateful to be family with you,

Chris Yarco

Lead Executive