Final Post for this Christmas Season Blog - We Hope You Enjoyed!

As I sign off of this seasonal blog, I leave you with one last indelible image of Christmas 08' -- our home in the middle of the winter blast.

Special thanks to Josh Mitchell and Peter Van Houten for supplying some great photos; to Steve Mitchell for the art work on the blog, to Mark Nicklas for help with setting up the blog including the song poll and parking lot clearing slides as well as writing a few posts. And finally, to my family for allowing me to keep them in the 'fish bowl' and subjecting them to even more public viewing :)

May the truth of Christmas (God with us) enable you to live a life of worship, generosity, love, faith and boldness the whole year long. Maybe we'll see you Wed. night the 31st at 6:00 for our New Years Eve communion service to start the year off right?

HAPPY and BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Randy Remington

This Christmas I've been reminded that there are some things that I never get tired of...

I never get tired of seeing people come to Christ.

(Every year at our candlelighting service we ask people to raise their candles in response to the question "If this was the year that you surrendered your hearts to Jesus, raise your candles up high." I nearly start crying as the candles go up.)


I never get tired of seeing the next generation find their voice in worship.


I never get tired of seeing the hurting and hopeless served in the 'Name of Jesus.'
(Over 450 homeless and needy men/women/and children were served a Christmas dinner and given gift bags by a group from Beaverton Foursquare).

I never get tired of seeing the power of unconditional love.


I never get tired of seeing the example of childlike faith and generosity.
Our kids led the way in giving towards the needs of others through the Advent Conspiracy by focusing on the Sierra Leone Brickmaker Project.


I never get tired of seeing the true joy that comes from serving others.


I never get tired of seeing Faith at Home.
(My son will probably demand a cash remuneration and a public apology for putting his picture on here :)

I never get tired of seeing people bringing glory to God by being who He made them to be.


I never get tired of creative and relevent ways to tell the timeless story.
(scene from the sand painting art showed during the Christmas Eve Service)

What has God shown you or reminded you of this Christmas?

Merry Christmas from our Home to Yours!

As we experience the undeserved kindness of God today, let's take time to make our homes a place of worship and prayer for the indescribable gift of His mercy and grace shown to us at that first Christmas.
(A great devotional has been uploaded on the church website for you to use with your family - click here)

We send you our love and prayers and are believing with you for God's best as we move into the year 2009.

With Much Love,

The Remington Family
(Randy, Sandy, Joseph, Sam, Thomas and dogs: Scout (the poodle) and Louie (the spaniel) AKA 'Dumb and Dumber'

Christmas Eve Eve Service...a great start to today's services.

We were able to clear the parking lots and open the doors for our first candle-lighting service on the Eve before Christmas Eve.
Our next services are at 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00. Come early for the 2:00 and 4:00 to assure seats in the sanctuary.
The music alone was worth driving in the rutted roads! You'll be glad you came if you do so. See you this afternoon or evening and be safe!

Favorite Renditions Poll: "O Holy Night?"

As we get even closer to Christmas Eve, many of us have tuned in to the round-the-clock Christmas music radio stations and are playing our favorites around our homes. An informal poll of a few of our homes found O Holy Night to be the favorite Christmas song. In his book Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Ace Collins tells of the history of the song. It was written by Placide Cappeau and Adolphe Adam, an unlikely Christmas pair if there ever was one. Cappeau was a French wine merchant and amateur poet who rarely darkened the door of his local church. Adam was a Jewish songwriter, not having grown up believing the Christmas story. In 1847, Cappeau was asked by the parish priest to write the poem for Christmas. According to Collins, he wrote it while in a coach traveling to Paris. He was inspired by the Gospel of Luke, imagining what it would have been like to witness the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. He was so awed by the poem that he hired his friend, Adam, an accomplished songwriter, to put it to music.

In 1855 an American writer, John Sullivan Dwight, heard the song and bought the rights. He translated it into English and introduced it to America as an abolitionist anthem when he was moved by the words "Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name all oppression shall cease." Finally, the carol holds fame as the first piece of music to be broadcast on radio. It was on December 24, 1906, when Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian inventor and university professor, broadcast the first AM radio program, finishing the show with his own violin rendition of O Holy Night.

One of the most recorded songs, it has also had its share of radio play. The list of artists to have performed it is long, some of which we offer with links below as examples of a few of those artists. Why not vote in our poll (on the right) for your favorite?

Mariah Carey
Celtic Women
Anonymous Classic
Paul Potts
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Celine Dion
Carrie Underwood
Josh Groban
Luciano Pavarotti
Martina McBride
David Phelps
Reba McEntire
Point of Grace
Bing Cosby
BarlowGirl
Ad Deum Dance Company

Divine Disruptions

I am sitting in my living room, unshaven and drinking a good cup of coffee, watching the snow blowing sideways outside my window. The fireplace is roaring and I'm listening to my favorite Christmas CD while my dog lays at my feet looking at me like I'm important. Yet, in this serene setting, I am feeling frustrated. The wrong emotion for this peaceful environment.

The reason for the frustration? I have to make a decision in a few hours...should we cancel services tomorrow? My decision is affected by the hopes and plans that I had for our times of gathering this month. We planned and prepared for a great month of focused worship, teaching and sacrificial/missional giving.

When you have a church our size, you don't make plans flying by the seat of your pants. When so many people need communication, coordination and preparation, you have to be way out in front in your planning. For us, Christmas gets pretty well planned out by early fall with some tweaking along the way to Dec. We pray, brainstorm, decide and execute the plan.

We thought our Christmas plan was a good one, but more than that, we thought it was a divinely inspired one. We still do. However, God had another part of the plan in mind that He chose not to reveal to us earlier -- a weather disruption.

What are our options when our plans are disrupted? Whenever we have a disruption, I find encouragement from one of my life verses found in Proverbs 16:9

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

The Lord directs our steps. We make plans prayerfully and then walk them out daily as the Lord leads. Today, I'm choosing to settle down and relax, to enjoy this divine interuption to my plans of how I thought things would go and should go. God knew in advance that two of our Sunday services this month would get disrupted. He knew that our normal financial life as a church would get disrupted. He knew that our well laid plans of school, work, recreation etc. would get disrupted.

How ironic that I would be whining about weather dis-ruptions at Christmas when the nativity set in my living room reminds me that the story of Christmas is about disruption.

Has anyone experienced more disruption than Mary and Joseph? Being a virgin who is suddenly expecting a child is a disruption. Being engaged to someone you love who 'breaks' this bizarre news of divine conception to you is a disruption. Having to flee to a foriegn country for a few years because a crazed political ruler is killing infant boys in your town is a disruption. The Shepherds were disrupted, the Magi were disrupted, the Heavens were disrupted...normal plans and routines disrupted because God is doing something great.

If God is allowing this disruption, then I need to remember that in times of disruption:

1. God gets our attention -- When our plans are disrupted we usually have to slow down and even stop. We have to look and listen a little more carefully. Maybe we are heading to the right destination but taking the wrong road to get there? What needs adjusting, what needs to be reprioritized in my life?

2. God is usually doing something bigger than I know. I tend to view things through the lens of my own experience or 'how is this affecting me?' The Bible is filled with stories like Joseph, Abraham, Paul etc. who were disrupted so that salvation could be brought to families and nations. 'God, what are you doing and how can I fit in with your plan?'

3. God is sovereign. You and I run the risk of thinking that God is here to do our bidding. He is not our servant, we are His. Mary said 'be it unto me as you have said.' In the end 'God is God' and I align and adjust to His ways and thoughts. My sovereign God can easily be 'my own understanding' if I am not careful.

So, as I type this blog post, I'm focusing more on the nativity and I hope you will do the same as we rest in Him and trust in Him with all of our hearts.
After all, His Word tells us that "if you will trust in the Lord with all of your hearts and lean not to your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways and HE WILL direct your paths."

That's Faith!

On Tuesday morning the arctic blast continued and many of us found ourselves back at work (and a bit envious of the kids in Beaverton who are enjoying another snow day off from school). And though another storm is threatening, all around the church there is preparation. Brent is getting the worship teams ready, Ben has his crew readying the sanctuary for Wednesday night’s Christmas Concert (with Rescue and Effesenden Music), Melinda and her team are putting the finishing touches on the coming pre-Christmas weekend, and plans that were halted for a day or two are being re-engaged. By afternoon it was beginning to warm and unlike yesterday, the roads are less icy and easier to get around on.

Yesterday was a different story. Most of us stayed near home, going out only to hit the hills with a sled. Nonetheless, I ventured out on the road for a short errand. I made it down the street without too much trouble, checking the breaks from time to time to see how much give I had. I turned onto the main road and traffic picked up – there were plenty of cars out. The condition of the road wasn’t too bad, mostly packed snow. Still, I took it all very easy. I noted the caution with which the other drivers were navigating the icy roads. They were slower than usual, watchful of one another, and only tentatively approaching intersections. I grew up in the Midwest where these conditions are a normal winter driving experience, but having previously seen them in action, I am pretty wary of these Oregon drivers. And not to disappoint me, I saw a few drivers who really should have spent the day at home! It occurred to me that at some level, wary as I am, I actually trust these strangers who are driving on my right and my left and even coming the other direction. I trust them to be cautious and to be tentative. We all have the same concern and as far as I can tell, each of them took it as seriously as I did. At some level we had faith in one another to do what is right.

This is a tremendous season and that spirit of trusting each other and investing faith in one another. Christmas faith and good will are nowhere clearer to me than among our church family and friends. Through the season we anticipate together, worship together, laugh together and in general enjoy the fun of a season deeply rooted in our culture. For the Thrive moms it was a Christmas dinner, for the FatherWise dads it was coming up with ways to build Christmas traditions in their homes, and for the East Building kids it was a Sunday morning snowball fight! At the center of it all is a special faith we share n the One who we continually thank – the great Giver of all good things.

Even though we celebrate a season of joy and friendship, filled with such glimpses of hope and trust, it is nonetheless a place that would be left in darkness had it not been for the Light that came into the world. It was into that chaotic world that God Himself came to light the world and to right the world. He came humbly as a child to give His presence, and to ultimately give His life. He looked upon humanity and deemed us worth saving – at any cost. God’s Spirit is alive and at work in the lives of His people. We invite you this season to give your presence to as many people as you can. When you give your presence, you also give the presence of the One in whom you have this great faith and trust without measure.

“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.” (Psalms 40:4)

Snow Day at Beaverton Foursquare

Along with most of the Portland area, Beaverton Four-square was affected by the weather today. After our first two morning services, we decided that the safest decision would be to encourage people to stay home and off the roads. Therefore, we did not have the 11:15 and Sunday @ Six services today and the 8:00 and 9:30 services did not set any attendance records. :) I can already hear the mocking from my friends in Alaska and family in Wyoming..."You cancelled church for 3 inches of snow????"

For those who did brave the weather, Michelle Watson, Brent Mills and the team led us in a strong time of worship. Sophie Mashofsky and Micah Shea ministered a great song "It's your presence Lord, that is what I long for", and we opened our bibles to 2 Corinthians 8:1-8 to study the second message of the Advent Conspiracy series "Spend Less" (the message is uploaded on the web—look under "Closure Alert" on the home page). We see the incarnation as the ultimate example of generosity when we understand how Jesus left Heaven's glory and limited Himself. He set aside His rightful advantages of Deity in order to give Himself fully for our salvation. We enter the true message of Christmas when we choose to limit our own advantages in order that we would have something to give for the salvation of others.

I hope that you enjoy this blast of winter! We'll see you on Wednesday night, weather permitting, for the special Christmas Concert with Rescue and Effesenden, you won't regret it (see our web site for more information at www.beavertonfoursquare.org). And, we'll see you on Sunday for the next message in our series —'Give Presence.'

What did you do Sunday? Did you make it to church, play in the snow, or roast chestnuts over an open fire? Please comment and let us hear how your day went.

A B4 Christmas Story

'Twas weeks before Christmas, and all through the church,
The foyer and halls were prepared with mirth.
Handcrafted pictures and homemade things,
And of course, an entryway fit for a King.


But there's more to the story - much more to glean,
From the staff and the helpers, behind the scenes.
I went looking for Christmas, to know all is well,
In unseen places, where staff folks dwell.

Anticipating cheer, and what might be in store,
I grabbed my camera and flew out the door.
From office to office and hall to hall
The spirit of Christmas is capturing all.


For Greg a nativity, from desert Southwest.
Keith thinks Christmas cards are always the best.
For Peggie a tree on a cabinet of files.
For Tracy poinsettias and laughter and smiles.


Harry was merry, he's praying for snow.
None said, "bah humbug" or asked me to go.
Red and green candy in dishes and bowls.
Somebody's fruitcake, sinfully old.

The youth pastors' decor is bleak, but there's more.
They all dressed as Santa, their photos on doors.
(Paul said he'd send one, so blog readers won't miss...
But it never arrived, so I'm not on Santa's list!)

At Children's Ministry I found Adrienne and Mary,
A wreath all lit up and a gift to carry.
Becky was working on missions and plans
When she got a delivery of gingerbread men.



Randy is all Michigan, his tree maize and blue.
But Gayle's tree is suspiciously of a different hue.
It's mostly scarlet, and a little bit gray.
And I found a buckeye tucked somewhat out of the way.

Doors decked with cards, desks lit with lights,
Shelf-top villages and stockings hung right.
From office to office and hall to hall,
There's even Kay's car that shout's joy out to all.






We love this season, the Gift and the Giver.
"Come all who are thirsty and drink from the River."
God dwelt among us, in a manger at birth
So we celebrate Christmas for all it is worth!


Merry Christmas from all of us!

(written by Pastor Mark Nicklas on assigment for pastor Randy)

Family Christmas Service

A distinctive of the Christmas season is that the family gathers together - and that is exactly what the Beaverton Foursquare family did last night. Instead of elaborate children's programs that require months of planning, rehearsing and recruiting...we simply have a family service that includes all generations. Imagine sitting together in the living room around the Christmas tree for a special and simple time of reading the Christmas story from scripture, singing carols and eating cookies. That was our experience last night. Meaningful, simple and joyful. And yes, we did eat cookies...lot's and lot's of cookies, brownies, fudge and even a vegetable platter that some Grinch brought :)

The service began with our kids giving an offering that culminated weeks of study, prayer and sacrifice. As part of the Advent Conspiracy our children worked together to buy a brick making machine for Sierra Leone where we are reaching as a church to build schools and churches in a predominantly Muslim part of the nation...these spaces will be where kids and adults can learn of God's love and truth.

The children and youth collected their offerings in boxes shaped as a brick which symbol-ized a small personal sacrifice
('one less present under the tree for me') to make a big future for others.


During a time of singing carols, several of our sixth and seventh graders built the bricks into walls which showed what can happen if everyone does something together.

Jared and Sarah Cepeda just returned from Sierra Leone where they had a chance to see first hand where our giving will have a direct impact. They had opportunity to share the Love of Jesus with a lot of children and adults in the city and in the villages.

When you go on a trip like they did, you come home forever imprinted by the love that God has for the nations and by the love you are shown by your brothers and sisters in Christ in that nation. In the photo behind them (you can click on picture to enlarge) is a group shot of a village that gave our team a goat as a gift...which they ate later that night for dinner. It is better to give the gift than to be the gift. I'm sure 'Gus' the goat would agree. However, God didn't hold that view when it came to giving to us the gift we would need most -- His own life.

At Christmas, we celebrate the truth that God Himself was both the giver and the gift. His gift of life, motivated by love was for all generations and for all nations. I'm thankful for moments that remind us of that truth in simplicity and clarity. We worship Him at Christmas because His gift is incomparable, personal and eternal. He gave us the gift of Himself.

Christmas means Transformation

As we drove to the same Christmas tree farm that we have frequented for the past six years, my wife and I made a decision that we would choose a tree as quickly as possible, or quicker than in years past. As our sons have grown older, their interest in finding the perfect tree has waned. Instead, it has become an opportunity to have pine cone wars and for playing tag among the trees. Not that this is bad in and of itself, it is that the other paying customers hunting for trees don't seem to appreciate my three son's creative use of the space for brotherly interaction.

However, the main reason that we have decided that the tree's appearance and shape doesn't matter all that much is because, when we get it home, it will go through a transformation. What it is in the field will be changed when we get it to our house, it will take on a whole new appearance. The form and shape of the tree will fade as the adornment of the lights and decorations become the focal point. I'm not implying that any 'ol' tree will do, but in the end, it is not what people will see and focus on when they behold the Remington family Christmas Tree.

The Message of Christmas centers on a similar concept. God came to earth 'hunting' for a tree (people) that He could adorn with His Righteousness and place in His home. He is the one who beautifies our lives...it is the fact that He came and claimed our lives that changes our destination and decor. Instead of anger, bitterness, fear and guilt, our lives now begin to be adorned with forgiveness, kindness, goodness, faith, love, peace and joy. No longer is this world our home but we are destined for a permanent home in Heaven.

The Bible puts it this way -- "If any person is in Christ Jesus, they become a new creation, the old is gone and all things are made new."
This Christmas, we are praying that God would continue His work of transformation in our hearts, our homes, our church and our world. We want to decrease and we want Him to increase...it is His light and beauty that we want the world to see. So, as you decorate your tree or look at the trees around our church campus...remember and reflect on the ultimate 'tree.' The tree that reveals God's reconciling work that makes possible our own personal transformations!

How about you? Any tree stories or photos to share here in the comments?

Welcome! We hope that you are finding all of the decorations and other celebratory elements for this Christmas to be encouraging and fun! We love you, ad we look forward to the rest of this season with you.