You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.

These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

We believe that all scripture is God-breathed and useful for many things. Strengthening, encouraging, equipping, correcting and redeeming. We believe that in and through scripture we have been given the perfect example in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, on how to live, love and thrive in life. The authority of Scripture is a core value to us. It directs how we live, how we speak and what we focus on. We cannot merely speak the truth, we must also obey it. Established in Him, we aim to remind each other daily of the truth we have access to through scripture and celebrate the redeeming work and power of the cross and the resurrection.

We believe that family is a key part of the kingdom. We have been adopted into His family. As co-heirs with Christ we have access, resources and compassion. It is out of the context of family that we operate as brothers and sisters in Christ. Relating to each other with respect and kindness towards one another. Bearing with each other in the highs and lows of life. As we continue in this family of faith we grow up, mature in our faith and the fruit of this growth in grace is evident and beneficial.

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

We believe that worship is not limited to a song. We believe that our lifestyle should reflect our beliefs about God. How we live, how we love, and the compassion of Christ displayed in us and through us. It is not just a physical posture but also a spiritual one. We may stand, sit, rest, jump. We may raise our hands, fold our hands, open our hands. In all of this physical posturing we also must be doing this with love in perfect harmony with our spirit. Letting our spirit come alive in Christ. Resting in His word and His promises. Praying daily and raising our praises, requests and worship to Jesus.

Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

At New Harmony we encourage each other to gather weekly to connect and share what God is doing, what needs to be done and remind each other of what God has accomplished already. We have opportunities to connect on Sunday through a larger gathering as we worship through song, speaking truth from Scripture, praying and setting our focus on Jesus. We also have opportunities to meet throughout the week in smaller gatherings in the context of home. We gather around a meal and celebrate the goodness of God through discussion and song. As we meet, we believe God will stir and highlight a call or give further direction to each person. A call to serve those around them for the glory of God. Out of thankfulness and a heart of gratitude. We do not just want loyal listeners but engaged ambassadors of God’s kingdom and values. We desire to train and equip each person for the ministry they are called to serve in. We believe the amount of training varies depending on the calling but nevertheless seek to build up through strengthening, encouraging and equipping each according to the calling and life dedicated to God. We also believe as we see each other through God’s lens we bear these marks of His love. Strengthening others, encouraging through words and actions and equipping others to do the same. Followers of Jesus building other followers of Jesus.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Our core verse for Thrive is Colossians 2:6-7. Since 2017 we aim to put into practice biblical principles and authentic relationships. The fruit of this is evident and kingdom driven. The relationships built over these years with the families have built trust and servant leaders who strengthen, encourage and equip. Some of our core leaders are both former students of Thrive and their parents are also on our core team. We are grateful for what God has built in and through the group. We have about 45-50 students each week. We meet on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:30 during the school year and 6:00 to 9:00 during the summer. We fellowship through engaging in conversation, worship through song and biblical lessons and discussions. Our goal is to share the gospel and provide opportunities to strengthen each student’s faith. Rooted, built, grateful.

So then just as received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

We are grateful for the ability to meet at Gladstone Church of the Nazarene. We have been entrusted with weekly use of the building, some upkeep and look forward to further continued partnership and friendship with them. Our goal is to continue building a church family and bring about new life and ministry in the Gladstone/Milwaukie neighborhood for years to come. We currently have a leadership team that is enthusiastic to learn and grow. We have families both young and mature. You will find a diversity in ages in leadership with many generations represented within our core team. We desire to see lives impacted by the love of God. We also want to journey with each person as they discover what God has for them and wants from them. We believe we are called to be a lighthouse and resource for the community. We also want to mature inwardly. We are willing and eager to continue in what we believe God has called us to.

We have been open to the public since April 17th 2022. We previously had use of the Harmony Evangelical Church building. In September of this year 2024 we were blessed with the opportunity to begin friendship with Gladstone Church of the Nazarene and Pastor Larry Bingham. Their church body has given us access to office space and a large youth area. We continue to set realistic and achievable goals. The youth group, Thrive, continues to grow and minister to the youth. Our young adults, men's and women's ministries are also growing in depth and mission. Our children's ministry is weekly reaching the children of this next generation and equipping them for healthy and blessed lives. Our aim is to faithfully steward what God has blessed us with for kingdom use. This past year we have seen consistent and faithful giving through tithes and offerings. We are grateful for what God is building for 2024 and will further establish as His church, bearing fruit. We believe that God has called us to this area and blessed our efforts. We seek to share the gospel as a lifestyle. Living and loving as Christ loves us. Strengthening, Equipping and Encouraging one another in Christ.

Our current staff is Joshua Parkin (Lead pastor & Youth pastor), Anna Ruth Parkin (Women’s pastor) and Lakshmi Parker (Office Administrator, Hospitality & Family pastor), Jack Bradley (Worship pastor). Our volunteer staff includes Joel and Julianne Parkin (Children’s pastors), Justin Parker (Men's Ministry pastor) and Christie Cassaro (custodian). Our trustee board is chaired by Allan Cassaro. Others serving on the board include Justin Parker, Trustee Secretary Leiana Kennedy and treasurer Julianne Parkin. Our pastoral care team is chaired by Paul Kennedy and led alongside Zach Byars and Christie Cassaro. We are all eager to see existing members follow the call of God for their lives. We are grateful for what God is building and growing in us.