Happenings around Parkrose United Methodist Church

November 2009, Volume 2, Issue 11

Annual Church Conference – “Reason to Smile”

The memory is vivid. My mom, standing in the hallway of our home, hand on her hip, a broom resting against the door-frame, a bucket of cleaning supplies waiting at her feet, and a huge smile on her face. I was 13 years old. My older sister, younger sister, younger brother and I stood in the hall knowing quite well what the smile was about. My mom was a very positive person, so the smile was not out of character. That day, however, her children were to be schooled in the fine art of housekeeping that would move them toward maturity. There was reason to smile.

Our Annual Church Conference is an event that gives us a chance to pause from the ongoing work of the church to reflect on our status. As a group of 18 Parkrose UMC leaders (plus District Superintendent Bonnie Parr-Philipson and Metro District Lay Leader Norm Dyer) meeting last Sunday afternoon, we entered a three-part exercise that was interestingly informative.

We answered the question “Toward our purpose: What are our strengths and achievements?” Our strengths listed are too numerous to report here. They are printed in the minutes of the meeting, posted on the bulletin board, and available from the office if you would like a copy.

“How is it with your soul?” In this exercise we found that we were collectively a smidgeon above middle ground in our attendance to works of piety (John Wesley’s term). These are spiritual disciplines that include prayer, worship, searching scripture, fasting, healthy living and Christian community. We also found we were a smidgeon below middle ground in our attendance to works of mercy. These are spiritual disciplines that include feeding the hungry, acts of hospitality to strangers, visiting the prisoner, giving instruction and comforting the afflicted.

We also answered the question: “Toward our purpose: What are our growing edges?” Our growing edges included: evangelism, address poverty in neighborhood, community garden OS educator, continued involvement with Daybreak Shelter, all ideas on the table, evaluating what our purpose is, building maintenance plan… and much more.

There seems to be a dark cloud hanging over some at the church as we address issues of money, the future of Miller Hall, the long-time decline in worship attendance and others. But I can see God smiling on us… not unlike the smile my mom gave my three siblings and me on the threshold of one of life’s great lessons so many years ago. God is smiling on us. While middle ground in attending to the means of grace through piety and mercy is not where God wants us, there is room for improvement and growth. And that’s a good thing. And while we can list great successes in ministry, our growing edges are exciting and will help move us toward spiritual maturity. We are on the threshold of a new age. There is indeed reason to smile.
Peace, Pastor Bill

Grow-One Sunday

Dear Members and Friends of Parkrose United Methodist Church,

I’m sure that you are aware that this coming Sunday, November 8, is Grow-One Sunday in our congregation. We believe you are interested enough in your own spiritual growth and the mission and ministries of our church to attend Sunday worship that morning. We will be completing Estimate of Giving Cards as an act of worship and invite you to join us.

Please remember that the effectiveness of our church’s ministries next year depends on your initiative and dedication. We ask that you make whatever sacrifices are necessary to be present on Grow-One Sunday, November 8.

Your servant in Christ – Shannon Starr

Thanksgiving Community Dinner
Thursday, November 26, 2009
2:00 p.m.

Parkrose UMC- Miller Hall
111th & NE Knott Street

Other News

An invitation for you — Please join us at PUMC for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Here’s what to expect – We’ll provide the turkeys; Larry is making his patented dressing; Pam is bringing her fruit salad; Shannon will bring bean casserole; There will be at least a pie or two; … So bring some of the same, bring something different… most importantly bring the gift of yourselves, families/friends, and neighbors. Just let us know if you are coming. Click here: count us in! or call (503) 253-7567.

Wall of Thanksgiving-from Linda James — Hi All! Be a little more “out there” with your attitude of gratitude! Come write on the wall of thanksgiving at PUMC. Share some specifics; people, things, acts of kindness. Give God thanks, appreciate who and what He has given us. The “wall” is located on the display case near the entry doors, if you aren’t able to make it to church to write on the wall, click here Thanksgiving Wall to send your message of gratitude and we will get it on the wall for you!

Safe Sanctuaries — When the crowd tried to keep the children away from Jesus, he was quick to respond, “Let the children come to me.” Jesus taught that children were to be included and provided for within the community of faith. Today, the church may be the only place where some children find the unconditional love and care they so desperately need to grow and thrive. As Christians, we must take our responsibilities to our children very seriously. We fail in our responsibilities if we neglect to take adequate precautions against abuse in our churches. It is unlikely that we can completely prevent child abuse in every situation, but it is possible for us to greatly reduce the risk by following a thorough practical policy of prevention. This policy attempts to do just that for the Conference agencies that deal with children, youth and vulnerable adults. It is based on our understanding of the widespread problem of abuse throughout our country. Shirley Boothby and her team have been working on this important policy for PUMC. Copies of the draft are available from the office for your review. This policy will be brought before the congregation for approval in January 2010.

Pass the Peace not the Flu — if you’ve been to church in the past few weeks you’ve seen hand sanitizers strategically placed around the building. We’re encouraging folks to use them to ensure that we maintain a safe place to worship! Frequently touched items such as doorknobs and light switches are being sanitized on a regular basis also. Don’t come to church (or any public place) if you feel sick. This means symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, chills, body aches or cough. And remember the best way to avoid illness it to wash your hands frequently.

Sunday November 15th — “. . . a new expression of something old. . .” Words from the message on a recent Sunday help describe the worship setting on Sunday, November 15. While the heart of worship does not change, the way we express ourselves changes often, according to time and place, tradition and season. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference. On November 15th there will be several small changes in our worship routine. Very small. Will you be able to recognize them? Please come as you usually do, with joy and a sense of anticipation!

In Our Prayers — Jim Wakefield is recovering from surgery on his leg and remains in the hospital with a slight case of pneumonia. We just received news of the sudden death of LaVern Smith’s son. “Smitty” is a long time member of PUMC who now resides at Willamette View. You may contact Smitty by clicking here: LaVern Smith