- Below is a list of the ministries that we have at Portal Way. All of these ministries are under the oversight of the elders and deacons of the congregation. This will give you a good idea of what we are about and what we are trying to accomplish to honor and glorify God.
Benevolence Ministry: Clothing Bank which is open from 10 to noon the second and forth Saturday's of each month. It is open to all people in Whatcom county. Clothing is donated and given away at no cost to those receiving it. Our clothing bank is the longest running clothing bank in the county, over 20 years in continuous operation.
Food Pantry: We operate an emergency food pantry for members and non-members of the congregation. Most food items are donated, and some meets and milk is purchased. Our food pantry is small so we are not able to sustain people with food on an ongoing basis.
Caring ministry: This ministry is just what it's name implies. We express our love and concern towards members and non-members through visits, cards, phone calls, baskets, and some assistance to the elderly, sick, shut-ins, those in nursing homes, widows and widowers.
Worship Ministry: We are to worship God in spirit and truth, John 4:20. There is a deacon over this ministry who works with one of the elders in seeing that all things are done decently and in order according to God's word. Each worship service has a roster of brothers leading it who are faithful to the Lord. This ministry is responsible for compiling a list of those serving as song leading, prayers, Lord's Table, scripture reading, greeters, preparing communion, taking attendance and those who preach.
Building and grounds: As with any facility, there is ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the grounds and building. Painting and repairing, and remodeling, cleaning the building, maintain the baptistery, are keys words in this ministry. It takes a number of committed brethren to carry on this large task.
Evangelism Ministry: We are committed at Portal Way to doing all we can to carry out the Lord's commission in Matthew 28:18-20, of "going into all the world," with the gospel. We help to support missionaries in Kenya, Africa, Bratislava, Slovakia, Mexico, and Central America, and Cambodia. . We hold Bible studies in people homes in Whatcom county, as well as our Bible classes on Sunday's that have an evangelistic outreach also, as well as our worship services. Our members also help carry the gospel message during the week to those they meet.
Education Ministry: We take Bible study very seriously and take advantage of coming together to reason from the scriptures on Sunday's at 10AM and on Wednesday's at 7PM. There are classes for all ages on both days. All our classes are both instructional and evangelistic in nature. This ministry is responsible for teachers in all the classes and maintaining the teaching resource room, and organizing the education curriculum.
Youth ministry: We have a very active youth program at Portal way. Besides classes on Sunday's and Wednesdays, our youth get together for devotionals in members homes, and for fun youth activities. They also attend youth rally's, go on youth missions to other countries and mission works in the Untied states. They go door knocking in the community, and do works of service in the congregation.
Orphan Ministry: We fully support 3 orphans at Portal Way, as well to help support 4 orphan homes in our brotherhood. The ladies of the congregation make baby quilts each year to be sent to an adoption home in our brotherhood to be given to each newly adopted baby.
Fellowship Ministry: This ministry has the responsibility of putting together the weekly church bulletin, maintaining the church directory, doing secretarial work that is done on behalf of the congregation. Assisting with fellowship meals is also under this ministry, as well as hosting small group home meetings.
All of these ministries are ongoing and growing and in need of members helping to carry out the good works we are trying to do at Portal Way to God's glory.