We exist as a faith community for the three-fold purpose of 1) connecting people with Christ, 2) strengthening the community of faith and 3) making a difference in our world. How we work that purpose out in 2010 will include the following emerging priorities:
Addressing Neighborhood Poverty
Here’s what we know – Parkrose School District has approximately 250 children and youth in families who are homeless. Approximately 80 homeless teenagers attend Parkrose High School. And three out of every four children in our elementary schools are on free or reduced lunch indicating a certain level of poverty in the majority of young families. How is God calling us to respond?
Positive responses to poverty always fall somewhere along the continuum from treating symptoms on one extreme to changing systems on the other extreme. We’re called to both. Methodism’s 18th century founder, John Wesley, felt that to address poverty, the faithful HAD to spend time with those in poverty. He did. Our tradition calls us.
Watch for opportunities for relationships, reflection and action.
Ministry with Children and Youth
Being multi-generational is one of the strengths of our congregation. It is the responsibility, and the joy of older generations to tell the youngergenerations the stories of Jesus and their own experience of following him. We recognize that our children and youth are individuals, and encourage them to use their gifts and talents both inside and out of the church. Nursery care and Sunday School lessons are just the beginning of an effort to help them find their role as children of God, members of their family, and of the larger community.
Watch for opportunities for ministry with children and youth.
Good News
I look upon all the world as my parish. – John Wesley, Journal
We are convinced of the GOOD NEWS of God’s love, power and presence in and through Jesus Christ! God’s love is outrageously abundant, compassion rises from unexpected places, and justice (right relationships) will prevail. This Good News of God – the church doesn’t own, control, or direct, although sometimes we might want to think we do. Our challenge has several components: 1) LIVING the Good News every day! 2) LISTENING for the groans of struggle and the squeals of joy at home, at work, in the market place! 3) CREATING/Co-CREATING God’s Good News by our actions.
Watch for opportunities… more to come.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Pastor Bill // May 4, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Thanks Jean. Your gracious offer is one of many ways we work together to make a difference. Your generosity is much appreciated.
Peace,
Pastor Bill
2 jean myers // Apr 27, 2009 at 8:55 am
I read the article in the Oregonian about your “Turban Ladies” please forward the following information to the correct person.
My name is Jean Myers and I represent a local company that has a surplus of scrap fabric from a manufacturing process.
The fabric comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials (satin, polyester minki, cotton, some cotton terry, & other). It is clean and will be available in large garbage bags. Amount of fabric & type varies from week to week. We cannot allow sorting of fabric at our site. You are welcome to as much fabric as we have available at time of pick up.
This material is available free of charge to any person or group willing to pick it up at our facility in the Clackamas area.
Please send contact information to jean.e.myers@comcast.net and I will forward your information to our customer service dept. to schedule pick up days and times.
Thank you,
Jean Myers
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