Important Helix Announement June 2007

Dear Helix Friends, June 2007


Over the last year the Helix leadership team has been praying and considering our options as a church. With the reality that the church attendance and resources have been low, the all-volunteer leadership team is maxed out, and our lease is up at the end of July-- we feel that the time is right to bring the Helix to a close. This has been a difficult decision but after much prayer and discussion we feel that it is God's will and that He has released us.

Our primary reasons for calling the Helix to a close are first, a concern that those in leadership maintain healthy marriages and families and second, a concern that we cannot give the church and our members the time, energy, and resources that are needed and deserved. Andrew and Alanna have a quickly growing family and don’t anticipate being able to keep up their duties at the church once their second child arrives. Others on the leadership team also have many growing personal responsibilities and do not have the time, ability, or desire to carry the church.

We have talked about the possibility of asking new people to step into leadership roles and/or partnering with another church –and have tried some different things to this end--but we don’t feel that these options have or will produce the results we desire. We feel peace about the decision, though we are sad and we want to be careful that we handle the transition in the right way.

We have truly enjoyed being a community over the last several years. We feel very blessed by the opportunity to serve God through our little community. We believe that we have much to be thankful for and proud of. We see this close as a transition—a start to a new and exciting phase. We know that God has wonderful plans for those that follow Him and we know that God has wonderful plans for the Church of Portland. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Romans 8:28 “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom he has called according to his plan.”

We are sorry if this decision disappoints or hurts anyone. If you need to talk to any of us please do. We understand that change can be difficult and scary. We believe that God has a home for each person currently at the Helix and that He will lead each person to the next phase. There are many excellent churches in the area and we plan to keep in contact with everyone and develop a list of good churches in the area for people to visit. We want the church to end on a positive note and for there to be any reconciliation in relationships where that is needed. We especially want to continue our friendships with everyone.

Our last Sunday service will be July 29th and we will have a special service that day with sharing and “closure” activities. We plan to have our "Sunday night shindigs" through August to bridge the gap.

We would love if each of you would continue with us through the end of the Helix and attend our final special service on July 29th. We'd also like your help in making our closure as positive as possible. We are asking for your help in making sure folks don't "fall through the cracks"-- rather that everyone find new church homes. We don't want anyone to quit going to church if the Helix ends and we would love your help us in keeping in contact with each other and setting an example to them to of finding new churches.

It would mean a lot to us if you would also pray for us and all the members of the Helix. We would love to pray for you as well.

We value and love each of you! We look forward to many years of friendship to come and look forward to what God has planned for each of us and the greater Church of Portland.

Sincerely,

Andrew, Alanna, Bonnie, Erik, Beth and Jonny.