| Doctrinal Statement |
As long as there is truth and error, light and darkness, Christ and Belial, there will be conflict, tension, and a constant need to take a stand in the brotherhood. We blame the prince of the powers of the air (Ephesians 2:2) for instigating all such struggle and contention. Nevertheless, it is wise, when one contemplates placing membership with a congregation, to get a good general knowledge of where that congregation stands, and in some cases, where that congregation is going. This can be a very difficult time-consuming task, and we of the Portland Church of Christ want to aid the sincere seeker to know us better doctrinally. What follows is not a creed, but merely a brief sketch which should enable the honest seeker to know us better. If you have any questions, please ask to speak with one of the elders or the preacher. However, what follows should give an idea of the thinking of the leadership and saints as a whole at Portland.
We believe the whole Bible, being fully and verbally inspired by God (1 Corinthians 2:13, II Timothy 3:16,17), is absolutely free from error and the only guide in all matters which pertain to Christianity.
We know that love is at the crux and core of our religion (1 Corinthians 13:1-8, Colossians 3:14; 1 John 3:11,14), and we strive to instill that sweetest of all virtues into the daily life of the congregation. We also stress trust, prayer, loving obedience, and a joyful faith-life.
We believe the church is to be kept pure, so as much as we love unity, we love truth more. First truth, then unity.
In conviction, conversion, and sanctification, we believe the Spirit works as He will, but always through the truth alone. We believe the Spirit leads us through His word without a direct operation or mysterious promptings.
We believe in the providence of God, that God answers prayer in a real way, but we hold that miracles and spiritual gifts ceased around the first century (1 Corinthians 13:8, Acts 8:18).
We believe instrumental music is wrong, being an addition to God's word (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19).
We believe that Matthew 19:9 applies to the whole world, so that for all there is one possible ground for divorce and remarriage -- fornication. We understand that all men, being under law to Christ, are subject to Matthew 19:9. Baptism does not change an unscriptural marriage relationship into a scriptural relationship. Too, homosexuality is fornication and is condemned in scripture (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). We determine to treat it as any other illicit sexual sin. We teach against it, oppose it in every way, and withdraw fellowship from any who practice it.
We believe the Christian is under law as well as grace (1 Corinthians 9:21, Ephesians 2:8-10), and that one is not a Christian and not a child of God in good standing until he has obeyed the gospel and come out of any denomination he may be worshipping in.
We believe elders have the God-given responsibility to rule the flock and that saints should submit to their authority (1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17).
In all this and more, we strive to seek the old paths, wherein is the good way (Jeremiah 6:16). We want to try to create the best, the highest, the noblest environment where our children can grow up in the purest and most chaste spiritual atmosphere. And in doing all this, may God help us all to one day lay aside our armor and rest in undiluted joy for ever and ever.
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Our elders are: Jim Morgan, Gorman Ritchie, Ray Dean French, and Johnny Morris. Following is a personal message from them.
Responsibility
When we think of our work as elders we think of our grave responsibility. The apostle Paul said, "Obey them that have rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17). We want you to know that we accept this responsibility in seriousness.
Work
Having met the qualifications in 1 Timothy and Titus 1, we know our work in the main is to watch over souls, shepherd the flock and defend households from false teachers and unruly men (1 Peter 5:2; Titus 1:10,11; Acts 20:26-32). Regarding the shepherding of the flock here in Portland, we find that our work and responsibilities are so mingled that we are humbled and driven to our knees in prayer. Only by God's help can we hope to please the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our soul (1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4). In all this we continue steadfastly in prayer.
Our Plea
If you choose to become part of the Portland Family, we will endeavor to serve you, help you, and watch over you and your family. We ask for your sincere help. First we covet your input and advice, then we desire your faithful support and your fervent prayers. Together may we help and serve one another until we are granted a bold entrance into the eternal kingdom.
(1 Peter 5:5; 2 Peter 1:11)
| Deacons and Their Responsibilities |
Deacons serve the church and work under the supervision of the elders. They help in many special task and are assigned certain areas. They are at present:
Harvey Baker: Benevolence, Finance, Insurance
Howard Fawcett: Visitation Teams, Registrations Card Pick-Up, Youth Activities
Chris French: Education Department, Wednesday Night Devotionals
Bobbie Glasson: Missionaries
Robert Moore: Tract Rack, Teacher's supply
Robert Parker: Annex, Worship Participants, Communion Prep/Supplies, Senior Saints
Jimmy Petru: Senior Saints, Widows/Widower
Ronnie Presley: Senior Saints, Communion Prep/Supplies, Benevolence, Finance, Insurance
Andy Ritchie: Song Worship, Wedding Singers
Alan Shrader: Transportation and Repairs, Worship Participants, Sound System
Gary Torno: Building Maintenance, Janitorial Services
David Whitaker: Ground Maintenance
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Biography
H.D. Simmons was born in Semionle, Texas. He graduated from High School in Carlsbad, New Mexico. H.D. grew up in the Denominational world and has been preaching for the churches of Christ since 1970. Simmons married Linda McAnally in 1970. They have two grown children, Dalton and Clint (Kristin) and two grandchildren, Chase and Kori. He graduated from Fort Worth Christian College in 1970, Preston Road School of Preaching in 1972, East Texas State University in 1977, and Abilene Christian University in 1981. H.D. has been preaching full-time since 1972 serving congregations in Texas and Tennessee. The Simmons came to work with the church in Portland in November 2002.
Each summer H.D. enjoys taking American Christians to do mission work in Jamaica. This is a work he has been committed to for over 20 years. VBS is done in the mornings and Gospel Meetings are conducted at night at various locations on the Island. Door knocking, personal Bible Studies, handing out tracts, street preaching, etc. are also regular activities.
Message
We are happy to be at the Portland congregation. We have known the elders and many of the members for several years. The strong stand that the elders make for God's truth is most impressive. Many active works that are done by the congregation make Portland such an attractive group of God's people. My goals in working here are the following:
(1) To aid the congregation in being more evangelistic.
(2) To help everyone have a greater appreciation for and be more familiar with God's word.
(3) To help grow in love for the Lord and for one another.
(4) To help us be more dedicated to God and His word.
May our time together be a time of edifying for all of us.
- H.D.
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Mission Work
We believe in Mission work and are happy to support the church in Mandeville and Kingston, Jamaica. We support students at the Southwest School of Bible Studies in Austin, Texas, the World Video Bible School, the Online Academy of Biblical Studies in Dyerburg, Tennessee. We also provide support for these individual preachers: Harold Driver, Tontogany, Ohio; Gus Eoff, Meridian, Texas; Lawson Mayo, Houston, Texas; David Ray, Yukon, Ohio, Johnny Robertson, Michael Mayo, George Villanueva, Jim Wood, Garret Derouin, and Charlie DiPalma in India. We also support Seek Ye First (Bangs, Tx), Tullstar Tape Ministry, Bibles for the World Fund
Local Programs
Zones, the needs of our young and old, and benevolence are some of our local programs.
The church is divided into geographic zones and members see to the needs of those living in their zone. Once a month our elderly meet in the Annex to enjoy a meal and being together. We also have regular activities for our young people.
Evangelism
We conduct Gospel Meetings and have a yearly lectureship each May.
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God's Part
-God loved us and gave His Son for us (John 3:16)
-Christ died to save us (Romans 5:8)
-Christ gave us the saving Gospel (Romans 1:16)
-Christ built His church for us (Matthew 16:18)
-God wants all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4)
-Christ is preparing Heaven for us (John 14:2)
Man's Part
-Hear the saving Gospel (Romans 10:17)
-Believe in Christ (John 8:24; 20:31)
-Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3)
-Confess faith in Christ (Romans 10:10)
-Be baptized for forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38)
-Live faithfully (1 Corinthians 15:58)
God has done His part. Have you done yours?
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Sunday:
Bible Classes.............9:00 a.m.
Worship....................10:00 a.m.
Evening Worship.......6:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
Ladies Bible Class..............9:30 a.m.
Mid-Week Bible Classes.....7:00 p.m.