Dear Covenant Members,
Some years are about new beginnings. Some years reward us with the fruit of previous labor. And, some years are about survival. Such is 2020. As we approach the end of a trying year, let’s take a moment to do more than celebrate its end. Let’s put our eyes on the story that God is writing in our church and lives.
At the end of 2019, we put forward this challenge; Let’s be part of something in 2020 that only God can do. It’s safe to say that none of us envisioned a pandemic, stay-at-home orders, and ongoing uncertainty. Even though our plans quickly became ashes, God’s plan and purposes for His people are unshakeable.
The truth is, in 2020 we were part of something that only God could do. We have arrived at the end of this year with our faith, our community and our church intact. God’s sovereign preservation of His people is never an unremarkable thing. It is a loving act of His gracious power. Just as silver is refined in the sustained heat of the crucible, Portico was tried and tested. Only our glorious God can translate trials into strength. “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6–7 ESV). This is the story that God is writing in our church and lives.
To be sure, this year has been difficult for everyone. Our first instinct is to turn the page and simply try to move on from the pain and loss brought on by 2020. While we must acknowledge our suffering, we cannot miss how God has continued to work in our church and community.
2020: Review and Celebration
Let’s take a moment to celebrate all that God has done in 2020 as we look to our future.
Jackie Black joined our team to lead Portico Kids and establish a counseling ministry that serves the local community. Her extensive training and experience has been a blessing beyond all expectations. Welcome Jackie!
Livestream worship services were immediately launched as the pandemic grew in March. Volunteers kept us worshiping during our 17 week shutdown. Even now, the Production Team and Media Team find new ways of keeping us connected and moving forward together.
Various volunteers stepped up to serve as the pandemic created new needs.
10 year anniversary. Easter Sunday, 2020 marked our 10th year as a church!
3 Baptisms.
3 new deacons joined the Deacon Team.
22 new Covenant Members joined our family.
We grew to 120 members (12% net increase)
Our July 12 relaunch of in-person gatherings saw an average weekly attendance of 100+ people between 2 services.
Livestream participation is estimated at 250+ people weekly.
We enjoyed a stable worship location at the 1031 N Vermont St building for much longer than anticipated.
Portico received the “Ellen M. Bozeman Award” from The Alliance for Housing Solutions for our Community Group’s participation in the Church at Work cooperative which raised $300,000 to keep people in their homes by providing rent assistance.
What story do these highlights tell? God is right here with us. His plan of redeeming the world through the hope that is offered In Christ Jesus is not on standby during times of turmoil. God is still moving people from death to life through faith in Jesus and Portico Church Arlington has the privilege of being part of that story. That is worth celebrating.
2021: Moving Forward
So, how are we going to use the resources, opportunities, and open doors God has given us? In times like these, we have two options before us. 1) Focus on protecting what we have. 2) Use what we have to reach the world with the hope of the Gospel. The former is about fear and self-preservation. The latter is the mission Jesus handed to His Church. So, let’s use what we have to reach the world with the hope of the Gospel.
Our posture towards 2021 is characterized by clarity, simplicity, and unity. We must clarify what matters most – simplify our ministries around those commitments – and unify our church in moving forward. This is a good time to get back to the staples of redeemed living: teaching, fellowship, generosity, all wrapped in prayer.
The three words that best describe where God is leading Portico in 2021 are: Grow, Give, Pray.
GROW
Take ownership of your faith. It’s true that the Church attracts people for many reasons; friendship, connection, and learning the wisdom of the Bible to name a few. Even so, one of the biggest risks in times of turmoil is unbelief. When life is unstable we are tempted to wonder if God cares and begin drifting away. But Jesus calls us to approach His Word like we approach food. Consume it. Love it. Be filled with it. Jesus is not only our Savior but our Teacher as well. So, in 2021 let’s commit to moving from milk to solid food. Here are a few ways you can grow with us in 2021.
Stay connected. Nobody grows alone. Join us for in-person worship when it’s available and safe for you. Until then, participate in our weekly livestream service.
Pursue membership. Membership is a wonderful and weighty commitment that reflects the nature of the Church – a committed family. Sign up for Foundations in 2021.
Portico U [NEW!]. 2020 has made the home the new hub. We work, learn, and spend a lot of time in our homes. So let’s make the home a platform for discipleship. Beginning in January, we will start a weekly, interactive teaching event on a weeknight designed to increase our Biblical and theological literacy. This event will be livestreamed and be available for in-person attendance as well. Get equipped for life.
GIVE
Take ownership of your place in this family by serving needs in our community. One of our biggest temptations in times of loss is to focus on self and turn inward. Everybody does it. But, as those who have experienced the unending love and grace of God, we are called to look outward and serve others in times of loss. Since God is our treasure, we are supremely positioned to meet needs. Here are a few ways you can give in 2021.
Give financially: Give to Portico’s general fund to further the Gospel. Give to Portico’s Mercy Fund to meet the needs of people in our church body and local community.
Give time: Step up to serve on a ministry team.
Arlington Bridge Builders: The pandemic has greatly impacted parts of our local community. Arlington Bridge Builders resources communities in need with food, assistance and Gospel-hope. Consider serving on a food distribution team.
Assist: Assist encourages, educates, and empowers women and men to make life-giving decisions for themselves and their unborn children. Consider purchasing an item off of their Christmas Wish List to help a family.
Project Belong: Project Belong inspires, recruits, and resources the local church in Northern Virginia to care for vulnerable children with the love of Christ. Consider joining a training in January to learn how you can make a difference. Contact Jessie Moser at jmoser@porticoarlington.org to learn more.
PRAY
Take ownership of the mission by first committing to prayer. Planning without prayer is presumptuous. Times of uncertainty can temp us to rely on our own power and understanding. Jesus has opened up access to the Father and we are called to “...with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 ESV). Here’s how you can join us in prayer in 2021.
Pray 30. Portico Church Arlington will begin the year by committing to pray for 30 minutes for 30 days. Our goal is to establish a pattern of dependence on God. Expect to hear more in the coming weeks.
As many of you know, Christy and I contracted COVID-19 in November. For the first time in the 8+ years of serving at Portico, we found ourselves entirely dependent on this community. During our sickness we were loved, cared for, and treated like family. It was such a powerful reminder of what God has done in planting Portico Church Arlington. He has made us all “fellow heirs with Christ”. In belonging to God we also belong to one another. As un-fun as the virus was, God used this experience to renew our love for His Gospel and passion for His Church.
2020 is about more than survival – it’s about building us up in the hope that is in Christ alone. This is the story God is writing in our church and lives. Uniting People to Life in Christ. Let’s live it.
Yours in Christ,
Jason Conner
Lead Pastor
Portico Church Arlington
Ps. Many of you prayed with us during the Member Gathering livestream for God to provide a new home for Portico. Great news. God answered that prayer! We have a new building! We are so excited for what this provision means for the life of our church. Stayed tuned. More information to follow soon.