Happenings around Parkrose United Methodist Church
July 2009, Volume 2, Issue 7
http://www.parkroseumc.org/ welcome@parkroseumc.org.
It was Fabulous!!!
For five days last month PUMC hosted 50 children and youth, grades 3-8, for a week of music making and drama skill building. It was great fun. In Psalm 66, the ancient poet/musician/psalmist wrote: “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth” which in today’s language we might say, “Raise a ruckus for God.” That was certainly accomplished!
I talked with one parent who thanked the church for the week of camp for her son. She said he has always been shy. And she was so proud of him as he stood and sang proudly and boldly. When I think about kids growing up today in our hyper competitive, fast paced, constantly changing world and I want to cringe. My wife and I have three young adult children. I give God thanks that all three have found (are finding) their voice (and their place) in this world. Music, drama and art have been significant contributors for all three. The skills learned through music and drama (in particular those disciplines practiced in community) seems to have a reversal or equalizing affect on its participants. Shy kids find ways of expressing themselves with confidence; extraverted kids find ways of blending in. Must be something like Jesus’ saying, “the last will be first and the first will be last.”
The week ended on Saturday, June 20th with a grand performance in front of wildly appreciative families and church folks, topped off with a feast of hot dogs, chips, drinks and conversation. Smiles all around. What a success!!! And families are already talking about next year.
We have a video produced by one of the families. I’ll be rounding up photos and maybe a clip or two from the video just to give you some visuals.
Thanks to God for all who participated and helped. A special thanks to Lesley Bossert and Molly Fazio, PUMC worship/music leaders extraordinaire.
“The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation.” R.L. Wilbur, third president of Stanford University.
Peace, Bill
Summer Reading Program- Thanks to Betty Keast and her team who conducted the first two of three weeks of hosting young readers. Our last week will be held August 24th, just before school resumes to help these readers get a head start. This is our fifth year in partnership with Sacramento Elementary School.

Nampa, ID First UMC Youth team-July 28-August 1st we will be hosting a youth team that will be volunteering with “Hands On Portland” This team of 10 youth and 2 adults will be eating and sleeping here at PUMC. What they really would appreciate is a few homes that would be willing to open their showers to them each evening! If you would like to help out contact the office: (503) 253-7567

National Night Out- Knott Park, Tuesday August 4th-Our United Methodist Men have volunteered to cook and serve for this annual community event. There’s even a rumor that our “Vine Time” folks will be there also. Come meet your neighbors and get involved!

Parking Lot Sale August 15, 2009- only a few more collection days…get those garages and closets cleaned out! Next collection day is Saturday, July 11th, 10 a.m.-Noon at Miller Hall.

Lily Field Christian Montessori School-Monday, June 29th members of PUMC gave the go-ahead to open our doors to a small Montessori School. Shirley Peterson is the director and teacher of this school that currently meets at St. Rita’s Catholic Church. This will be a way for us to continue our mission to engage families in our surrounding neighborhoods. The school just has four students with the plan to rent room 5 in the McKinnon Education Wing for their exclusive use. Shirley hopes to increase the number of students, with the potential of renting a larger space when a final decision is reached on the future of Miller Hall. The school hopes to be meeting at PUMC by this fall if all city inspections go well.

Parkrose Heights Community Garden-most mornings you will see Katrina Kellmer, our garden director and daughter Karry scurrying around the garden watering and just keeping an eye on our full garden! Drop by and take a look, say hello to one of the many groups and neighbors that have a bed!

Vine Time takes a “Summer Stretch”-you won’t see the Vine Time group officially meeting on Wednesday nights for the rest of the summer….but you will see them “being stretched” by Pastor Bill’s summer stretch assignments, even if you are not a ”Vine Timer” consider joining with them on this summer journey!
· Serve… at Hard Times Supper, July 15. Contact Shannon (shannystar@comcast.net) to sign up.
· Greet… neighbors at National Night Out (Knott St. Park), Tuesday, Aug 4. Contact Steve Aubrey (Giddiyo@hotmail.com) to sign up.
· Get your hands in the dirt… commit to work one hour a week in the Community Garden during the summer. Get the garden ready for your neighbors as we begin to expand. Way to go, garden team!!! Contact Katrina (nativem8@q.com)
· Study… the bible with your Hispanic brothers/sisters, Tuesdays 7 p.m.
· Worship… with your Oromo Church brothers/sisters, Saturdays 10 a.m.
· Host… a prayer/meditation night in your home and invite friends and neighbors
· Visit… with the homeless man/woman on the street corner nearest you.
· Listen… to the story of a day laborer (Portland, Gresham, Cornelius…)
· Your choice…
More walk… less talk. More Jesus… less church.

“… and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

See you on the path… Peace, Bill

Guatemala United Methodist Volunteers in Mission trip-Pastor Bill and Kevin Witt will be leading a service learning trip to Guatemala. February 19-26, 2010. If you interested in joining this adventure, an informational flyer is attached.

They’ve Moved! Marilyn & Victor Kaufmann, call the office for an update (503) 253-7567

Thank You-for your many prayers, cards and visits while I was in the hospital. With all your prayers I hope to be home from Rehab soon- Bonnie Ives (Evergreen Rehab, 12441 SE Stark, Portland, OR. 97233 her room phone (503) 255-0640)

We’ve lost some friends- Jack Capell 6.14.09, Martha Oakland 6.19.09

In Our Prayers-Roger Keast, Bonnie Ives, Rica Mose, Russ Lahn, Scotty and Bev.