Happenings around Parkrose United Methodist Church

February 2010, Volume 3, Issue 2
http://www.parkroseumc.org/ welcome@parkroseumc.org.

Thoughts from Someone in a Pew

My thoughts to members who do not regularly attend Sunday Services. — Riley Montgomery
First let me assure you that just because I took it upon myself to write this little “reminder” I am not a religious zealot!
I was raised in a home where religion was more or less taken for granted. It consisted mainly of bible reading/study one night each week at the dining room table by the light of a kerosene lamp. The four of us-my younger sister, my parents and myself would take turns reading a chapter then take a few minutes to discuss it and ask questions. So you see the basics of religion are not new to me, although I learn a lot by listening to our minister-Pastor Bill.
I moved to Portland after WWII and married a young lady who was a member of the First United Methodist Church and joined it. After we were married I bought my first home at 12041 NE Knott Street. The street from 111th was a mass of chuckholes and the acreage where the school is was a forest of 10 feet tall brush. I learned that the school district had purchased that property so I expected both the street and the land would be improved.
My job at that time consisted of covering eight NW states plus Alaska and Hawaii, but I managed to salvage enough time to join the men’s club, and share in the once-a-month pot lucks. When the contractors completed the shell of the church I joined with folks who donated their time and expertise to finish the interior of the building. I have a host of good memories of those times and the good folks I associated with. Perhaps this is part of the reason I always get a good feeling when I attend Sunday Services.
I have always felt the primary responsibility of a Pastor is to teach. Perhaps that is why I am so aware of our small attendance. I know from personal experience how it feels to prepare a program expecting a crowd and be disappointed by a half empty room.
I have a poem at home in my desk entitled “Are you a member or do you just belong?” It is too long to quote here but I’m sure you get the idea. I believe the time spent with fellow “members” at worship and after service having a cup of coffee and a cookie or two is well worth the effort. Give it a try; I’m certain you’ll enjoy it! SEE YOU IN CHURCH-Riley

Lenten Sunday School Class to begin February 14, 2010-

 No other 24 hour event in human history has had more impact than the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life. Join Adam Hamilton as he guides you from the Last Supper, to Gethsemane, to the trial, to the Crucifixion in: 24 Hours that Changed the World. Experience and understand the significance of Jesus’ final hours in ways you never have before. Becky Creech will be facilitating this DVD series that will continue for seven weeks. Please consider participating in this Sunday School class during the special season of Lent. The class will meet in the McKinnon Education Wing at 9:00 a.m., room to be determined by how many of you plan to attend. Please contact Becky Creech if you will be attending 503-255-6466

Thank You, Thank You 

To Kathy Nicholas who has a painting business and lives in our neighborhood. Kathy donated her time and the paint to cover our recently applied graffiti on Miller Hall.

Ash Wednesday Service-

February 17, 2010 7:00 p.m.-

 Enter into a time of reflection and journey as the spirit leads us toward God’s promise. We plan to gather with several congregations here at PUMC.

Lesotho, “Kingdom in the Sky”-

Do you know where Lesotho is? I didn’t until we were asked by a good friend to join with an UMVIM team (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) that he was leading. Lesotho pronounced (Le-sue-too) is surrounded and ignored by her big brother South Africa. With the lowest elevation of 4,300 ft. and the highest of 12,000 ft. this mountain kingdom provides water and diamonds for South Africa. It also has the distinction of being the poorest nation in the southern hemisphere and with the highest rate of HIV/Aids in Africa; this small country is overwhelmed with Aids orphans and not enough orphanages to care for them.

We will be traveling to Roma, where a community center has been started by the villagers to provide a safe and nourishing place for the 157 orphans who live in the area.The orphans in this village remain in their own homes and become the “head of their household”. Village members do look in on them, however they are not being taught the life skills that parents would normally pass down to children.

 Our team of 20 members from around the USA (five from Rose City Park UMC) will be adding on to the one-car garage sized center and teaching life skills such as sewing, knitting, crocheting, drafting, computer skills and spending time playing games, dancing and sports with the children.
The Leratong Center (which means “where there is love”) was started so that these children would have a place to go after school and on weekends where they would be exposed to caring adults.

 I will be departing with my husband, Tom on Feb. 19, 2010 and returning to the church office on March 15, 2010. I am so thankful for Pastor Bill and the congregation at PUMC who understand my passion for mission and give blessings to my time away. You can follow our mission by visiting http://klipspringerstudios.com  While I’m in Africa the church office will not have regular operating hours- “Sala hantle” (Goodbye in Sesotho)-Corinne

We’ve Lost a Friend…

 
A memorial service celebrating the life of Jim Wakefield will be held at PUMC on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
PUMC lost a good friend and faithful member on January 31, 2010 when Brenda Smith passed away at Hopewell House, surrounded by family and friends. Her thoughts were never far from her church family. She began attending PUMC in the late 1980’s and continued until recently when her health kept her homebound. Brenda was always enthusiastic about greeting, helping with children, and especially music. We will gather as a church family with Brenda’s mother, siblings, relatives and other friends at a memorial service on Saturday, February 6 at 3:00 p.m. in the PUMC Sanctuary. If you wish to remember Brenda with a gift, the family suggests a donation to Shriners, Doernbecher Hospital or Hopewell House.