Newsfeeds HOPE for Portage Prayer & Events Blog This week 2/22 @HOPE Ways to Pray & Praise this Week for our Community: 1. Seek God for our City: Seeking His Life to Revive the Church This week we are seeking God to revive the Church. As the old hymn sang we now cry: "Revive us again, fill each heart with Thy love, may our souls be rekindled with fire from above! Fill us with Your life, oh Lord. May we be revived and fulfill the call He has for each of us as individuals, families, churches, and communities. In our lives, be glorified, O Lord! 2. Church/Ministry of the Week: Northwood Baptist Church This week we are praying for Northwood Baptist Church. We thank God for this church and their pastor, Cornell Smith. Pray they would be strong in the Word and be a light to their community. 3. School of the Week: Myers Elementary School, Mr. Jeff King (Principal) 4. Praise & Prayer for Ministry Needs from our community: Churches searching for new Pastors: Real Life Community Church: lead/senior pastor Portage Church of Christ: PRAISE UPDATE: Dwayne Gandy is now serving as pastor of this congregation. THANKS FOR PRAYING! Pastors battling health issues: Pastor Dannie Tackett, Church of God of Prophecy Update: Pastor Dannie does thank us for prayers for his back issues. He is still getting treatment and it looks like he will have surgery coming up. He's thankful to the Lord for enabling him to still preach each Sunday, but the pain is increasing and he appreciates your continued prayers. Pastor Pat Persuhn, Redeemed Christian Center Update: Pastor Pat is still experiencing pain. Her cancer count is low. She was in the hospital having some tests at the end of last week. While there, God opened doors of ministry for Pastor Dutch with other patients and their families. 7 people received Christ at the hospital last weekend! PRAISE GOD! Other Needs: Haiti: Pray for Kids Alive as they are working in Haiti & Dominican Republic to meet needs from the earthquake in Haiti. Prison Ministry: Pray for Pastor James & Erika Portalatin as they lead revival meetings at Westville Correctional Center on March 5 & 6. 5. Watchword for the Week from Scripture: No one who believes in Christ will be put to shame. Romans 10:11 31 Up 7 from last week! Keep Praying for more to begin and grow in their relationship with Christ!Keep sending us your reports of salvation. God is moving!31 Salvations in Portage have been reported for 2010! We praise God for each one who has begun their walk of faith in Christ!Pray that they would be rooted and grounded in the faith. Let's plunder hell and populate heaven! FURNITURE NEEDED!!! The Portage Resale Shop needs your help.Do you have any furniture that you plan on getting rid of? They have families that have been screened and are in need of basic household items like beds, couches, tables, dressers, and much more! If you have furniture to donate, please call them @ 764-3375 Community Happenings: Free Classes for Parents & Teens Each Wednesday, 1/20-3/3, 6:00-7:30pm New Hope Church of God, 712 N. Wolf Rd/450 W, South Haven area This is a seven week course, taught by Lifeline staff in a group setting. A workbook for each participant is included.What are these kids thinking? is for Parents Lies America buys for Teens is for teens. For more info, call Rich Troyer @ 260-413-3938 Seek God for the City February 17- March 28 This is a 40 day in-depth prayer guide that helps you pray for our community and the nations of the world. To purchase a copy of the prayer guide, please contact Waymakers at www.waymakers.org or call 800-419-7729 Free Spanish & Children's copies available online Duneland Aglow for Women Tuesday, February 23, 6:30pm Westchester Public Library Service Center, 100 W Indiana, Chesterton Speaker: Shirley Reamer For more info, call Elaine @926-1345 Red Cross Blood Drive Tuesday, February 23, 1:30-5:30pm Miller's Senior Living Community Upstairs Rec Room, 5911 Lute, Portage For more info or to schedule appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS Healthy Life Series February 25, 9am-12noon Miller's Senior Living Community, 5911 Lute, Portage Hear presentations by Dr Felix Gozo & Kimberly Sgouroudis, RN, regardingheart & stroke issues. Free screenings available for Glucose, cholesterol and basic neuro by appointment only.To Register call Gwen Kiser at 764-0628 TODAY! Portage Winter Singing! Friday, February 26th, 7-9pm Portage Church Of Christ, 2797 Russell St., Portage The members of Portage Church of Christ invite you to their second annual area-wide winter singing.Come join your voices as they worship the Lord and sing praises. Songs selected for this year's singing will reflect a balance of new and familiar favorites. For more info, call 724-5375 Appalachian Craft Show from Red Bird Mission Saturday, February 27th, 9am-2pm Portage 1st United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool Crafts will be for sale. All proceeds help the economic development of the poor region of Beverly, Kentucky. Crafts are made by local artisans in Eastern Kentucky. Come to learn, to shop, and to support the mission! This week 2/15@ HOPE Here is what's happening this week.... HOPE for Portage, A House of Prayerful Expectation Ways to Pray & Praise this Week for our Community: 1. Prayer for our Community: President's Day Since today is President's Day, let's pray for our President Barack Obama. We are commanded to pray for those in authority over us that "we might lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (1 Tim 2:2) Pray that our president would walk in the wisdom and counsel of God. That he would surround himself with Godly counselors. That he would grow closer to the Lord. Pray for his family that they would walk after the Lord and be in peace. Lord, grant him wisdom for the tasks before him this week. 2. Church/Ministry of the Week: Living Word Sanctuary This week we are praying for Living Word Sanctuary. We thank God for their pastor, Dorris Dunlap, and for this body of believers. Praise God for their passion for prayer and revival. Pray they would continue to be a light to their community. 3. School of the Week: Kyle Elementary School, Mr. Psimos (Principal) 4. Praise & Prayer for Ministry Needs from our community: Churches searching for new Pastors: Real Life Community Church: lead/senior pastor Portage Church of Christ: senior pastor Pastors battling health issues: Pastor Dannie Tackett, Church of God of Prophecy Update: Pastor Dannie does thank us for prayers for his back issues. He is still getting treatment and it looks like he will have surgery coming up. He's thankful to the Lord for enabling him to still preach each Sunday, but the pain is increasing and he appreciates your continued prayers. Pastor Pat Persuhn, Redeemed Christian Center Other Needs: Haiti: Pray for Kids Alive as they are working in Haiti & Dominican Republic to meet needs from the earthquake in Haiti. 5. Watchword for the Week from Scripture: And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus alone. Matthew 17:8 24 Up 1 from last week! A young man began relationship with Christ at a local church! I heard report this past week of a church in Lake County where 80 people were baptized on 2/7 during their morning services!!! This church of 1200 was amazed at what the Lord did as the Holy Spirit moved on people to respond to the invitation. Over 3/4 of these baptisms were spontaneous after the preaching of the word! Go God! To read the pastors blog about it, go to http://greglee.wordpress.com/ Keep Praying for more to begin and grow in their relationship with Christ! Keep sending us your reports of salvation. God is moving! 24 Salvations in Portage have been reported for 2010! We praise God for each one who has begun their walk of faith in Christ!Pray that they would be rooted and grounded in the faith. Let's plunder hell and populate heaven! Faith & Family with Jacki & Julie New podcasts each Monday! The latest is on prayer - our communication with the Father. Visit www.ffwithjj.org to hear the latest podcast!For more info, call Julie 763-2325 or reply to this email. Community Happenings: Free Classes for Parents & Teens Each Wednesday, 1/20-3/3, 6:00-7:30pm New Hope Church of God, 712 N. Wolf Rd/450 W, South Haven area This is a seven week course, taught by Lifeline staff in a group setting. A workbook for each participant is included. What are these kids thinking? is for Parents Lies America buys for Teens is for teens. For more info, call Rich Troyer @ 260-413-3938 Fat Tuesday Breakfast Tuesday, February 16th, 6-10am Portage First United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool, Portage Come out for a free breakfast to celebrate entering the Lenten season! Seek God for the City February 17- March 28 This is a 40 day in-depth prayer guide that helps you pray for our community and the nations of the world. To purchase a copy of the prayer guide, please contact Waymakers at www.waymakers.org or call 800-419-7729 Free Spanish & Children's copies available online Duneland Aglow for Women Tuesday, February 23, 6:30pm Westchester Public Library Service Center, 100 W Indiana, Chesterton Speaker: Shirley Reamer For more info, call Elaine @926-1345 Portage Winter Singing! Friday, February 26th, 7-9pm Portage Church Of Christ, 2797 Russell St., Portage The members of Portage Church of Christ invite you to their second annual area-wide winter singing. Come join your voices as they worship the Lord and sing praises. Songs selected for this year's singing will reflect a balance of new and familiar favorites. For more info, call 724-5375 This Week 2/1 @HOPE Ways to Pray & Praise this Week for our Community: 1. Prayer for our Community:Unity Christ's prayer for us was that we would be one. Let's agree with Him! Lord, we ask that the believers in Northwest Indiana would be one. May we be united in the Spirit for Your kingdom sake. May the world see the love we have for one another and be drawn to Jesus. May we walk in unity, blessing and not cursing each other. May we partner together for the Kingdom and see the kingdom expanded. May we rejoice with each other, cry with each other, praise God with each other. May we honor one another as we see Christ in all. May we all bring glory to the Father! 2. Church/Ministry of the Week: Portage Missionary Baptist Church This week we are praying for Portage Missionary Baptist Church. We thank God for their pastor, Jeff Scheffee, and for this body of believers. Praise God for their faithfulness to Him and to His word. May they continue to be a shining light for Jesus Christ and fulfill the mission given them by Christ. 3. School of the Week: Crisman Elementary School, Mrs. Kuss (Principal) 4. Praise & Prayer for Ministry Needs from our community: Churches searching for new Pastors: Real Life Community Church: lead/senior pastor Portage Church of Christ: senior pastor Pastors battling health issues: Pastor Dannie Tackett, Church of God of Prophecy Pastor Pat Persuhn, Redeemed Christian Center Other Needs: Haiti: Pray for Kids Alive as they are working in Haiti & Dominican Republic to meet needs from the earthquake in Haiti. Please pray for Dr. Brechner, Dr. Nowlin, and Jon A.J. who are all in Haiti now serving on short term missions. 5. Watchword for the Week from Scripture: For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12 20 UP 4 with 2 churches reporting salvations!!!!! Praise God & Keep Praying for more to begin and grow in their relationship with Christ! Keep sending us your reports of salvation. God is moving! 20 Salvations have been reported for 2010! We praise God for each one who has begun their walk of faith in Christ!Pray that they would be rooted and grounded in the faith. Let's plunder hell and populate heaven! Faith & Family with Jacki & Julie New podcasts each Monday! Visit www.ffwithjj.org to hear the latest podcast! For more info, call Julie 763-2325 or reply to this email. Community Happenings: Free Classes for Parents & Teens Each Wednesday, 1/20-3/3, 6:00-7:30pm New Hope Church of God, 712 N. Wolf Rd/450 W, South Haven area This is a seven week course, taught by Lifeline staff in a group setting. A workbook for each participant is included.What are these kids thinking? is for Parents Lies America buys for Teens is for teens.For more info, call Rich Troyer @ 260-413-3938 Chocolate Extravaganza Thursday, February 4th, 1:00-3:00pm Miller's Senior Living Community, 5911 Lute Rd, Portage For more info, call Gwen @764-0628 Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, February 5th, 2-7pm Portage First United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool, Portage For more info or to arrange appointment, 1-800-give- life I Am Second Friday, February 5th, 7-10pm New Hope Church of God, 712 N. Wolf Rd/450W, South Haven area Concert starring: Escape the Dark & ArborKnot Tickets: $6 in advance; $8 at the door For more info, call 759-1533 Fat Tuesday Breakfast Tuesday, February 16th, 6-10am Portage First United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool, Portage Come out for a free breakfast to celebrate entering the Lenten season! Seek God for the City February 17- March 28 This is a 40 day in-depth prayer guide that helps you pray for our community and the nations of the world. To purchase a copy of the prayer guide, please contact Waymakers at www.waymakers.org or call 800-419-7729 Free Spanish & Children's copies available online Duneland Aglow for Women Tuesday, February 23, 6:30pm Westchester Public Library Service Center, 100 W Indiana, Chesterton Speaker: Shirley Reamer For more info, call Elaine @926-1345 Check us out on the Web: www.freedomvoices.net Feel free to forward this email to your friends! For more info about HOPE or to have your church/ministry activities listed, reply to this email or contact Julie @763-2325 This Week 11/30 @HOPE Ways to Pray & Praise this Week for our Community: 1. Prayer for our Community: Military This week, let's thank God for our military serving overseas. Let's pray for God's protection for them. Thank God for the veterans who have served our nation. Pray for the families of those serving overseas. Pray Ps. 91 for our troops! 2. Church/Ministry of the Week: The Women's Center This week we are praying for The Women's Center. They are located in Valpo, as well as other areas in Northwest Indiana. They provide pregnancy testing, counseling, alternatives to abortion, and post-abortion counseling. Praise God for the many lives they have saved from abortion. Pray for their leadership team. May they know clearly God's leading and grace in their lives. May they offer Christ's compassion and hope to all who seek assistance. Thank God for placing this ministry in our community. 3. School of the Week: Portage High School, Mrs. Caren Swickard (Principal) 4. Praise & Prayer for Ministry Needs from our community: Churches searching for new Pastors: Real LIfe Community Church: lead/senior pastor Portage Church of Christ: senior pastor Pastors batlling health issues: Pastor Dannie Tackett, Church of God of Prophecy Pastor Pat Persuhn, Redeemed Christian Center Joanne Maynard, First Contact 5. Watchword for the Week from Scripture:Jesus says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Luke 21:33 185 Up 6! God is bringing many into relationship with Him! Keep praying for more to begin and grow in their relationship with Christ! Keep sending us your reports of salvation. God is moving! 185 is the number of known salvations reported so far for 2009 in our community. We praise God for each one who has begun their walk of faith in Christ! Pray that they would be rooted and grounded in the faith. Let's plunder hell and populate heaven! Faith & Family with Jacki & Julie NEW WEEKLY PODCAST!!!! Freedom Voices & Tie Us Together have linked arms to bring a weekly podcast to encourage women. Visit www.ffwithjj.org to hear the latest podcast!This week we have part 2 of an amazing testimony by Terri Linden on adoption.For more info, call Julie 763-2325 or reply to this email. Community Happenings: Red Cross Blood Drive December 11, 2-7pm Portage 1st United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool, Portage To schedule an appointment, www.givelife.org or 1-800-GIVELIFE Walk-ins welcome! Drive Thru Nativity Sunday, December 20th, 6:30-9:00pm Miller's Senior Living Community, 5909 Lute Rd, Portage Sponsored by Grace Church of the Nazarene & Miller's Senior Living Community Experience the Wonder as teh Christmas Story unfolds before your eyes. See teh shepherds tending their flocks, the wisemen from afar, live animals, King Herod in his palace and of course Mary & Joseph in the stable. Great for the whole family! One Incredible Moment December 12 & 13 @ 7pm Liberty Bible Church, 824 N Calumet, Chesterton Liberty Choir & Orchestra will be presenting this Christmas musical celebrating the Majesty of the Manger and featuring the narrations of Max Lucado. Join them for this free event! A Song Was Born at Christmas December 13, 8:30, 10, & 11:30am Portage 1st United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool, Portage Join them for their Christmas Cantata, A Song was Born At Christmas. Longest Night Service Monday, December 21, 7pm Portage 1st United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool, Portage A service of healing an dhope for those who struggle with grief or loneliness at the holidays. Christmas Candlelight Service December 23, 7pm Portage 1st United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool, Portage Join them for a candlelight service with communion. Area Christmas Eve Services December 24th (please send in your service times to have posted!) Portage 1st United Methodist Church, 2637 McCool, Portage Candlelight services at 8pm & 11pm Duneland Aglow for Women Tuesday, December 29th, 6:30pm Westchester Public Library Service Center, 100 W Indiana, Chesterton For more info, call Elaine @926-1345 This Week 10/26 Here is what's happening this week.... HOPE for Portage, A House of Prayerful Expectation Ways to Pray & Praise this Week for our Community: 1. Prayer Request from our Community: Elderly People: Pray that God's strength and peace will be poured out on everyone who is advanced in years. Pray that they would continue to grow closer to the Lord. Pray that loneliness would be banished in lasting friendships and family bonds. Pray for their physical bodies. May their immunity be kept strong during this flu season. May those who have physical ailments find comfort in the Lord and His body as well as receiving the proper medical treatment from caring professionals. Pray that their latter years will be significant, relecting the glory of God. 2. Church/Ministry of the Week: Portage Community Bible Church This week we are praying for Portage Community Bible Church. We thank God for this body of believers. Pray for wisdom for their Pastor Jim Thompson. Thank God for their outreach through Child Evangelism Fellowship in the local elementary schools. This fall they have seen 4 students come to know Christ. Pray for continued open hearts to receive the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 3. School of the Week: Jones Elementary School, Mr. Mitch Miller (Principal) 4. Praise & Prayer for Ministry Needs from our community: Churches searching for new Pastors: Real LIfe Community Church: lead/senior pastor Portage Church of Christ: senior pastor Pastors batlling health issues: Pastor Dannie Tackett, Church of God of Prophecy Pastor Pat Persuhn, Redeemed Christian Center 5. Watchword for the Week from Scripture: The Lord has done great things for us. Psalm 126:3 153 Up 4!!! Children recently prayed to receive Christ at a Good News Club at a local elementary school. Keep praying for more to begin and grow in their relationship with Christ! Keep sending us your reports of salvation. God is moving! 153 is the number of known salvations reported so far for 2009 in our community. We praise God for each one who has begun their walk of faith in Christ! Pray that they would be rooted and grounded in the faith. Let's plunder hell and populate heaven! PrayerWalk Portage LAST CALL!!!! Just a few neighborhoods remain! If you would like to see a list of areas still needed to be prayerwalked,simply reply to this email. Please let me know what streets you have chosen.Thank you to all who have stepped out to prayerwalk a neighborhood in Portage. Oh, to have every home, every street, every neighborhood prayed for in our community! Community Happenings: Duneland Aglow for Women Tuesday, October 27, 6:30pm Speaker: Zelba Miller Westchester Public Library Service Center, 100 W Indiana, Chesterton Make plans to come on Tuesday for the 5th Anniversary of this Aglow! For more info, call Elaine @926-1345 Alzheimer's Disease: A Guide for the Clergy Breakfast Thursday, October 29th, 8:30am breakfast, 9:00am program Fellowship Hall, St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W Harrison, Valpo Alzheimer's and Dementia rob their victims of the ability to safely live ndependantly.Frequently their fellow church members are the first to recognize the problem.This *free program* is designed to provide information and tools you can use when helping members of your congregation whose lives are being changed by this disease.This is for pastors, church staff, including deacons, parish nurse, etc. RSVP to 219-462-6158 by Monday, October 26 to register. Bosnia PrayerWalking Missions Update Sunday, November 1st, 6pm Liberty Bible Church, Room 130, Chesterton Randy & Julie Hayden, along with the rest of the team, will be sharing about the recent prayerwalking trip to Bosnia. Come hear how your prayers made a difference! Tie Us Together Women's Conference Saturday, November 14th, 9am-4pm Porter County Expo Center Free Registration at www.tieustogether.org Lunch can be ordered for just $10. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to hear Jan Silvious, speaking about Unwrapping the Gift of Eternity!Worship, workshops, prayer, teaching, fellowship! All ladies! All churches! All together! 50th Annual Report to the People Banquet for Youth for Christ Tuesday, November 17th, 6:30pm Duneland Falls Baquet Center, 1100 N Max Mochal Highway (Rt 149), Portage RSVP by Friday, November 13th To RSVP or more info, 462-3000 or email yfc_nwi@yahoo.com Check us out on the Web: www.freedomvoices.net Feel free to froward this email to yoru friends! For more info about HOPE or to have your church/ministry activities listed, reply to this email or contact Julie @763-2325