Week 17 - Heritage Church

heritagenorthwest.org

This week found us visiting a church that is in temporary housing for the near future. It was mentioned that they had recently placed an offer on a permanent facility so stay tuned. For now Heritage Church is meeting in the Home of God building located on the east side of town.

The facility they are using is comfortable, seating about 350, with a stage large enough to easily handle six instruments and two vocalists. A large screen provided the backdrop and was used extensively throughout the meeting for video announcements and song lyrics. Congregants numbered about 150 and all ages were represented. Music was contemporary with one classic hymn and lead by a talented, and very energetic, member of the staff. In fact energy is how best to describe the morning, lots of energy. In addition we were warmly greeted by a number of people as we sat waiting for the service to start.

The lead pastor was on a trip to Nigeria, the purpose of which wasn't really made clear, so the message was provided by the associate pastor, Jeremy, who had recently joined staff. Since he is relatively new to the church this gave him an opportunity to share his personal story and faith journey. 

And quite a story it was. Raised, and active, in the Latter Day Saints until late high school when he had a crisis of faith and rebelled against everything. After dropping out of high school and leaving his parents home he moved in with other family, finished high school and joined the Marines. In the Marines he served several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and worked on developing his alcohol consumption skills in his free time. After being transferred to Portland, OR he was honorably discharged from the Marines, struggled to settle into civilian life, and eventually ended up in jail. While in jail he became acquainted with the pastor of HC and began his journey back to faith. Upon being discharged from jail he enrolled at Northwest University in Salem OR. Shortly after completing his studies he joined HC part-time on staff.

More than just a great story of a torturous journey of faith, Jeremy's story exemplifies what appears to be at the heart of the mission and ministry of Heritage Church. Meeting people where they are and walking with them on the path into a life of faith. 

To close out the service people were invited to come forward for prayer or encouragement. Having sat through many an extended altar call it was greatly appreciated when people were also invited to leave and fellowship rather than wait. Not something we had encountered before but certainly made sense.

Did we mention, visitors get a mug? 
The collection grows.