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.

Faith and Taxes: Oregon Measures 66 & 67
The test of our progress is NOT whether we add to the abundance of those who have much.
It is whether we provide enough to those who have little. — Franklin D. Roosevelt
Separation of church and state? Yes, I know. Taxes and Faith? Both call on us for choices. How we make those choices depends on how we see our society (and for that matter, how we see our faith): “ME” society or “WE” society. And in choices we make toward a “We” society that boundary between church and state begins to look very permeable.
The Judeo-Christian faith community sprouted into existence with a divine promise of salvation. At the heart of this promise was community; its existence and its place. The promise was put to the test with each wave of empire that swooped through the land, from Egyptian to Syrian to Babylonian to Greek to Roman. As empirical pressure threatened their very existence they drew strength and direction from phrases like giving the “first fruits of our harvest” so the “Levites, the resident aliens, the widows and orphans”… “can celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house”. (Check out Deuteronomy 26 as an example). As Jesus said hundreds of years later, the most important of these community regulations were loving God with every ounce of your heart, soul, mind and passion and loving your neighbor as you love yourself. The ancient regulations connected the love of God and the love of neighbor in symbiotic relationship.
On January 26, we have an opportunity to make a choice. About community (and about faith). Ballot Measures 66 and 67 are efforts to shore up Oregon’s broken tax structure in support of education, health care and public safety. Some parts are temporary and some are permanent. Your mailbox will no doubt be flooded with cries for YES votes and NO votes. Be informed. See who is supporting which side. And make a choice.
I’ve read some from each side. There is a lot to sift through. I find both sides attempting to answering the question, “How will it affect ME?” Who is answering the question, “How will it affect WE?”
Peace, Bill
Congratulations! Thanks to your generous response to the UMW’s annual SnowCap collection, 121 boys and girls have a pair of socks, 5 heads are nice and cozy with a new hat, 117 boys and girls have a new pair of underwear, 13 men have new socks, and 10 hands are now warm. Each one of those numbers represents a person who was in need and you helped them! As you think about each item that was donated, take time to say a prayer for each of the individuals who received them.

A note from Pastor Bill: It has been a long time since I’ve been back to Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. Each year they sponsor a series of lectures and workshops on topics that help pastors and lay leaders at the cutting edge of congregational ministry. This year, the week of January 25, the Earl Lectures will take on the topic “Spiritual But Not Religious: Chasing the Divine.” I plan to attend. It will be a chance for me to re-connect with my seminary roots and share time with others seeking to connect with those many, many people of our communities who have distanced themselves from the church, but who have a deep hunger for matters of the Spirit. Pam and I plan to take the next week (First week of February) for vacation.

Nuts and Bolts Training- January 16, 2010 Portland First UMC, 1838 SW Jefferson Street 9:00 a.m. to noon. An opportunity to learn more about the what and how of serving on church committees. Early registration date has passed, however you may still register as a walk-in attendee by paying $5.00 at the door on January 16th.

Vine Time Happenings- Vine Time Fellowship continues to meet each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Over 200 “ Beans of Grace” meals were packaged and delivered from the December Advent Conspiracy Study. Vine Time Fellowship is open to one and all and meets with a time for fellowship and relevant study/discussion each week. Coming Soon- Bob Grovenburg of the Gateway Project at Parkrose High School will be sharing about this special program that was started to help homeless students remain in class and how we at PUMC can be involved.

Town Hall Meeting- PUMC-Sunday, January 24, 2010 3:00 p.m. in the McKinnon Education Wing. You are invited to this time of discussion and approval of our 2010 budget, Safe Sanctuary Policy, and Core Leaders Policy.

Greeters Workshop-have you ever been embarrassed to greet a visitor because you were not sure if they were a church member who seldom attends or truly a visitor? Would you like to learn how to be more effective at welcoming and greeting people who visit PUMC? Plan to attend a two-hour workshop being held at Rose City Park UMC on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from, 10 a.m. to noon. For more information on this dynamic program visit www.mastergreeter.com

Memorial Services
Saturday, January 23, 2010 3 p.m. at PUMC for Brett Leines’ mother, Ruth Leines.
Friday, February 5, 2010 2 p.m. at PUMC for a celebration of Jim Wakefield’s life.

Christmas Greetings
from Parkrose United Methodist Church

December 2009, Volume 2, Issue 12

Choirs of angels softly singing; the gentle light of Bethlehem’s single star gathered over the manger; wise sojourners traveling from afar graciously laying their precious gifts at the foot of a peasant child. Ah, the images of Christmas.

The Gospel story of the birth of Jesus contradicts many of these gentle pastoral scenes and gives witness to a sharp-edged world of survival into which Jesus was born and from which he formed his mission to the world. Zechariah (father of John the Baptist) proclaimed boldly; “God has raised up a mighty savior for us… that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.” (Luke 1:69-71) When Jesus proclaimed the purpose of his own life, he drew from the prophet Isaiah’s words, “… he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives…” (Isaiah 61:1) The Biblical story of deliverance calls us to venture beyond the pastoral images of Christmas. It is indeed a challenge.

Leaders of PUMC are in discernment about 2010 mission priorities to which God is calling us. One conversation that continues to be on their hearts is addressing poverty in our neighborhood. We know Oregon’s unemployment rate to be lingering at 12%, highest it’s been for many, many years. We know the lines at food pantries are longer and families are more “food-insecure” than ever. We know there are homeless teenagers at Parkrose High School. We know through our local grade schools that three out of four children are eligible for free or reduced price lunches, revealing a level of poverty in the area.

We, the people at Parkrose UMC, are hope-filled, action-oriented followers of Jesus who believe in Christmas and the witness of Zechariah and Jesus. We are confident that through Jesus, God has Good News for those oppressed in our world, and that God does provide. This year we are dedicating our Christmas Offering to the first steps of what may emerge as a mission priority at PUMC in the New Year, Addressing Poverty In Our Neighborhood. The extent of our mission will unfold in time. Initially, however, it will include food baskets and school supplies in January 2010.

We invite you to join us. Please pray for this mission of God’s mercy. And join us as we seek to help neighbors beat the cycle of poverty. Your generous contributions may be sent to PUMC, 11111 NE Knott St. Portland, OR 97220. Checks should be written to PUMC and marked Christmas 2009 – Addressing Poverty.

Christmas is about birth. As we celebrate the birthing of God’s compassion, love and justice into our hearts and into our actions at Christmas, we begin to hear the soft singing of angels, the light begins to shine in the darkness, and life become a precious gift.

God’s Grace, God’s Peace – Merry Christmas
Pastor Bill

2009 Christmas Celebrations

Parkrose United Methodist Church
11111 NE Knott St. Portland, OR
www.parkroseumc.org   503-253-7567

Please Join Us!

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

Happenings around

Parkrose United Methodist Church

October 2009, Volume 2, Issue 10

http://www.parkroseumc.org/       welcome@parkroseumc.org. 

Harvest Festival-

Friday, October 2nd. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Parkrose Heights Community Garden

111th &  NE Knott Street

Katrina Kellmer, garden coordinator invites you to a celebration for the first season of our neighborhood garden. It’s a potluck, so bring a dish to share. Come join with your neighbors and garden participants; including Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors, Oromo Church, Iglesia Del Jesucristo Vida Abundante, David’s Harp, PUMC and others. 

Grow-One Sunday-One of the most basic principles of our faith is ‘growth’. Growing in faith. Growing in love of God. Growing in love of neighbor. Growing in strength and confidence. Another principle is our need to give. Jesus constantly challenged disciples and crowds alike to grow in their giving of self. In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus teaches his followers by upping the ante on expectations of loving God and loving neighbor. “You’ve heard it said…, but I say to you…” Check out Jesus’ sermon on the mount in Matt 5 and 6. We give because we need to give. We grow because we need to grow. 

Grow-One Sunday is a spiritual-growth program as well as a financial campaign we’ve chosen for our fall stewardship campaign this year. It will begin with a letter of invitation and explanation the week of October 11. For the next four weeks you will hear, in worship on Sundays, your friends and colleagues witness to their growth and giving. Through this process we will determine the extent of our financial resources available for our mission and ministry in 2010. We invite all to participate.

 A word about Miller Hall. The upgrade and opening of Miller Hall has been postponed until such time as we have confidence we can afford the costs of its operations (heating, cooling, lights and water). By November 22 we hope to have a draft budget for 2010. That will determine Miller Hall’s immediate future. If favorable, we can then initiate a capital campaign in January that would raise one-time capital pledges and gifts toward Miller Hall upgrade.

        Pray for the church and its mission. Pray for your own growth.           Pastor Bill

World Communion Sunday, October 4, 2009-this Sunday we join with congregations of many different denominations around the world celebrating our “connectedness” as followers of Jesus Christ.  Join your friends at PUMC as we celebrate, come hear a special Call to Worship…does anyone speak Russian or Chinese?? The United Methodist Church takes a special offering used to provide scholarships. Your World Communion Sunday Offering provides scholarships for racial and ethnic minority students in the United States and International Students. World Communion Scholars represent more than 25 countries.

 Memorial Service: Sunday, October 4, 2009 3:00 p.m. at PUMC for Debra Jo Flanagan, sister of Harry Flanagan who worked with the Youth Group here at PUMC.Harry Flanagan Sr. initiated the “Hey You” piggy bank to collect funds to buy cards and flowers for members with illness or a loss.

Free Lunch- Saturday, October 10, 2009 Church Clean-Up day: Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch?? Come help spruce up the exterior of our  church home and stay for a free lunch!  All Church Clean-Up starts at 9 a.m…  If you are able to do inside cleaning, you may do that during the  week (the Oromo group will be worshiping in the sanctuary on Saturday). The trustees are also looking for folks with pick-up trucks and/or trailers that can be used to haul yard debris to the dump. Contact Dean Creech 503-255-6466 or Tom Bossert 503-253-5848 if you have a vehicle or would like to do indoor cleaning. 

All Church Conference: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 1:30 p.m. PUMC A time to celebrate the work of PUMC with our district superintendent, Bonnie Parr Philipson.  You’re  invited! 

What If We Rethink Church? What if church were not just a place to go, but something we do? (Have you seen the UMC commercials on TV)? What if we were to go beyond the doors of the church to serve those in the world who are in need? What if we were able to engage the world through our faith? A new generation of both seekers and believers is yearning for something more, something deeper, and something relevant. It is a generation that believes actions speak louder than words.  In the first century, Jesus’ ministry made his world rethink faith beyond the walls and doors of the Temple and synagogues. In the 18^th century, John Wesley called people to rethink church and the whole world our parish. Today, United Methodists are being challenged to do the same-to rethink the way our church makes contact with the world. You may have seen some of the television commercials that United Methodist Committee on Communication (UMCOM) has been showing in the month of September. They are ready to help us join the Rethink campaign. Get involved!  visit rethinkchurch.org

 We’ve Lost a Friend: Marian Bowman, passed away September 18, 2009. A celebration of Marian’s life was held Saturday, September 26, 2009, at PUMC. Our prayers go out to Les and his family and to Lynn Vosgier, Marian’s sister. Marian remained a faithful and active member even through her illness and will be greatly missed here at PUMC!

 From the Family of Marian Bowman: A five star thanks to Marian’s church family for your cards, thoughts, concerns, phone calls and especially your prayers during our stressful time. To the UMW group and those helping with the potluck, we appreciated your time and work. Marian would have been so blessed by everyone’s willingness to help celebrate her life. Words cannot express all our appreciation…you are “Superb Christian Followers”

In Our Prayers:  Les Bowman and family, Lynn Vosgier, Bev and Julian (Scotty) Scott.-

From Pastor Bill -Joe Stroud is one of our leaders at PUMC. Before his retirement in 2003 he was teacher/mentor/preacher for over 30 years in Japan through the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Global Ministries. Joe and his wife Keiko retired to Portland and promptly ran into the brick wall of our country’s disjointed, falling apart health care system. Since then Joe has been active with the health care reform action team of the Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG). Below is a note from Joe on progress our Oregon legislators have made toward reform.
The Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good was one of several allied organizations instrumental in the passage of House Bills 2009 and 2116. However, as Rep. Mitch Greenlich, one of the strongest proponents pushing the legislation put it, “This is not the beginning of the end; it is the end of the beginning.” In other words, passage of the legislation was one thing, implementing it is quite another.
HB (House Bill)# 2116 itself is the legislation, which creates revenue to match federal funding for expansion of the Oregon Health Plan to cover uninsured children and low-income adults. It is HB2009 which spells out health reform itself. Implementation of that reform has just begun. The bill establishes an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as well as a nine-member Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB). Staffing and the appointive process have begun, but fleshing out the legislation will take time. One question MACG and others are asking is, How will children in need of coverage be registered? This may be a great opportunity for the church to help connect those within our congregation and community to affordable health care. But we, as individuals, and as a church, need to acquaint ourselves with this new program so we can respond.
I will continue to invest my time necessary to play a part in insuring that this legislation reaches fruition and consequently provides help for members of our community. I hope you will, too. Joe Stroud
National Night Out-huge success-Tuesday, August 4th found an estimated 900 neighbors at Knott Park enjoying the music and also the free hot dogs provided by the Parkrose United Methodist Men. Dean Creech and his team of 14 (including three women) cooked and served up 450 hot dogs with all the trimmings and 35 gallons of lemonade to grateful attendees. Yet another way that PUMC is reaching out to the neighborhood… plans are already under way for next year! Joe Stroud

PUMC Parking Lot Sale- Friday Aug. 14- we will be open to church family & friends 4:30-7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15th 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. open to the public. Lots of great buys, BBQ Chicken dinner $4.00 & Hot Dog dinner $2.00 all with beverages served up by the United Methodist Men! Come support  our mission and ministry here in the community andthe worlk. One more collection day, this Saturday Aug. 8, 10am-noon. Kudos’ to Linda Allen and her team who have worked tirelessly!

Hard Times Supper-During the late spring and early summer Vine Time’s study kept coming back to issues of hunger and community. We talked about what it means to be a community and how a community takes care of its members. While the talk was interesting and thought provoking it felt like it was time to do something that would actually make a difference. Pastor Bill suggested we volunteer to work at The Hard Times Supper. This was an opportunity for us to get our heads and hearts into the real work of community.

On July 15th, a group of 10 people from the Vine Time Fellowship helped serve dinner at The Hard Times Supper. This is a weekly dinner served to approximately 100 homeless men and women each week at Sunnyside United Methodist Church in SE Portland. Our group worked alongside a dedicated crew of regulars to prepare dinner and sack lunches on a very hot evening. Our teens – Meagan, Amber, and Karry worked at packing 70 sack lunches for the guests to take with them as they were leaving for the evening. They also helped make salads and helped entertain 5-year-old twins Alex and Zach as the adults cleaned up. The twins jumped right in and helped with recycling and handing out the lunch bags and fresh vegetables. What a great opportunity for all of our young people to be able to serve others in a setting outside their comfort zone.

The evening went by very quickly and we were all kept very busy. We were able to witness and participate in the grace given to a group of people that society pushes aside. This was a true community. The regulars who come to the dinner already knew what to expect and joined in to make the evening run smoothly. They were respectful of the leadership provided by Pat Schweibert who runs the program. At the end of the meal some of the participants stayed to help clean up, others sat around talking with one another. The regular workers knew people by name and knew their stories. I think making a personal connection with the folks who are served is what has made this weekly meal so successful. While we may not have made those personal connections in one evening of volunteering, it was evident that that is the pathway to making a real difference in the community. Shannon Starr

David’s Harp-the building has a new coat of paint and is looking sharp! Clients and staff from David’s Harp took advantage of the cooler rooms in the McKinnon Education wing this past week as their air conditioning has not yet been installed.

Youth Team works in record heat-last week PUMC hosted a twelve-member youth team from Nampa, Idaho First UMC. Although they were used to warm weather, last week was much hotter than they had expected! Through it all they worked cheerfully. One morning was spent here at our community garden, working with Katrina Kellmer directing their efforts at filling the recently constructed raised beds with soil and spreading wood chips. Special thanks to those who offered much needed and appreciated showers!

Community Garden Update-drive by the garden most any morning and you will see Katrina Kellmer (our garden director) and her daughter, Kary (assistant director), watering and tending to the new garden. Katrina spends part of her time gently reminding the “new gardeners” that they need to “come water their babies.” The garden team has all the raised beds completed and ready for more members next spring. Exciting news arrived last week with the announcement of a $500.00 grant from the Klamath Confederated Tribes.

Harvest Festival October 2, 2009-Mark your calendars for this special evening celebrating Parkrose Heights Community Garden with music, dance, food, and special dignitaries -we are extending an invitation to our Bishop, Bob Hoshibata. Katrina Kellmer’s brother, Buckley McWilliams, a Native American Indian Shaman, who drums, dances and sings will be doing a special blessing of our garden. You won’t want to miss this evening!

Infertility- Not exactly a topic you bring up as small talk at a summer picnic. In fact, it seems to be a topic that is often kept under wraps, even by the medical community and couples who are experiencing it. Kalle Fletcher, a member of PUMC, found a void where she hoped to find support as she and her husband worked toward creating a family. Kalle’s story is one of many in her book, The Waiting Room, a collection of personal stories by women she came to love and respect as they shared the trials of infertility in an on-line support group. This montage offers encouragement and support for couples currently struggling with decisions about having children. The stories also remind us that not all miracles come easily! Kalle’s book can be purchased on line at www.xlibris.com. Congratulations, Kalle, on your book, and thank you for your story.   Linda James

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.

Happenings around Parkrose UMC

April 2009, Volume 2, Issue 7

What’s Cooking at PUMC?

Holy Week This year we will be joining with two of our neighboring fellowships, Eastminster Presbyterian Church and Open Door Fellowship. For Holy Thursday, we’ll celebrate the Last Supper through an act of Sacramental Service. To the litany of storytelling and prayer we will add the collaborative effort of assembling hundreds of dried soup packets to be delivered to hungry families through our friends at Snow Cap Charities. We hope you’ll join us.

Other opportunities this Easter:

• April 5 — Palm Sunday at PUMC 10 a.m. “Crossing the Threshold”
• April 9 — Holy Thursday at Eastminster Presbyterian, 12505 NE Halsey, 7 p.m. “Love, The New Commandment”
• April 10 — Good Friday at Eastminster Presbyterian, 7 p.m. “The Space Between Lost and Found”
• April 12 — Sunrise at Knott Park, rain or shine 7:30 a.m. “This is the Day”
• Pancake Breakfast at PUMC-David’s Harp building 8:00 a.m.
• Easter Worship at PUMC, 10 a.m. “Awe-Struck”

PUMC Website If you have not visited us on the web lately, you are missing all kinds of great news and happenings around PUMC…

• Did you know that Pastor Bill has been taking Spanish lessons and will be working with Kevin Witt putting together a United Methodist Volunteers is Mission team going to Guatemala in the fall of 2010? Talk to Bill or Kevin for more details or check our Website.
• Did you know that the Community Garden Team is growing nicely and plans are on track to begin planting this season! Talk to Rob Eaton or check our Website.
• Did you know that this will be the third year that Molly Fazio and Lesley Bossert provide a Music and Drama Camp in June? Talk to Molly or see our Website for more details and registration form.
• Did you know that we will again be sponsoring a Summer Reading Program? Talk to Dorene Leines for more details.

Congratulations to the Parkrose United Methodist Women who were recently honored as a Mission Today Unit by Metro District United Methodist Women. They achieved this award by demonstrating a commitment to mission through a yearlong program of prayer, study, projects and financial support of missions. Way to Go Ladies!

Parsonage It’s official. The parsonage/rental home has been sold; funds have been invested in appropriate accounts. The Trustees will propose (at the April Town Hall Meeting) that the parsonage fund ($70,000 of the parsonage proceeds) be used as a matching fund as we discern Miller Hall’s future. Trustees – thanks so much for your diligence in making this happen!

MACG Leadership Institute (Metro Alliance for Common Good) PUMC will be hosting the Spring Basic Training, four Wednesday evenings in May beginning May 6, 2009 at 6 p.m. Talk to Jeni Aubrey or Joe Stroud to find out more about this special training.

August Parking Lot Sale Time to start cleaning out those closets and the garage! Linda Allen will be heading the team this year and is looking for help with the planning and sale, if you love a great sale this is a good opportunity to be involved. Please call Linda at 503-252-6871 if you want to be on her team! First collection day will be Saturday, April 18 at Miller Hall 10 am-noon. The exact date of the sale will be determined later this month.

2009 Church Directory has been published If you would like one mailed to you please call Corinne in the office at 503-253-7567

Please note the following:For changes please call the office 503-253-7567

1. Add: Kevin Witt,
2. Change Address: Mona Andrews,
3. Change Address: Barbara and Billy McBride, new Apt
4. Change Address: Jim and Pearl Wakefield,

Happenings around Parkrose UMC

March 2009, Volume 2, Issue 3

We’ve Lost a Friend: John Smith died at home, Thursday morning, February 26 after a long struggle with multiple health problems. A memorial service is tentatively scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2009, 1 p.m. at PUMC.

In Our Prayers: Pam Smith, Bev and Julian (Scotty) Scott, Brenda Smith and Lynn Vosgier.

What’s Cooking at PUMC?
Here’s the short story:

Ministries on the Horizon: click here for the latest community garden

Community Garden: Your community garden team is moving quickly to develop a plan for the 7,000 sq. ft. lot in front of David’s Harp as a place of “hands-in-the-dirt” spirituality. Things happening: site design, water meter/soil testing/construction planning, garden management and policies, publicity, grants and finances (grants written include East Portland Neighborhood Office, Klamath Tribe, Bishop’s Initiative). Now is a great time to join the ranks! Next meeting is Sunday, March 22, 2 p.m. Education Wing. Thanks to Rob & Petal Eaton, Robin Donaldson, Katrina Kellmer, Jane Turville, Jane Henry, and Betty Kennedy. This is a collaborative effort including Parkrose Heights Neighborhood Assn, Sacramento Elementary School, David’s Harp, and, of course, PUMC.

Vine Time Fellowship: 10-12 faithful sojourners have met Saturday evenings for the past two months to: sing, pray, eat, enjoy each others’ company, and discern next steps. Are we a second worship gathering? A covenant discipleship group? When will we meet? What is our purpose? And more… Answers are beginning to form and a purpose is emerging. Whatever are the results, the participants are finding a deepening spiritual path and open doors to the future. All are invited to participate. Come one, come all – Questions? Ask these folks – they’ve been in the middle of it from the beginning: Chris Boothby, Linda James, Steve and Jeni Aubrey, Shannon Starr, Robin Donaldson, Katrina Kellmer, Kevin Witt, Claire Gallagher, Pam and Bill Gates, and others.

Ministries on the Move:

UMW Turban Group Celebrates: You would too, if your group had this record: 10,000 turbans/head coverings, 2,242 small pillows, 453 lap robes have been distributed since Dona Kincade started this group in 2002. Ten or so dedicated members sew at home and meet monthly to sort and sew more items for distribution. Doris Schmidt (95 years young) is proud of her lap robes, two members are thankful for their 37 and 42 years of being cancer free. An article on the Turban group will be featured in the March Mid-County Memo. A display of their efforts is worth viewing in the narthex. Donations of fabrics-especially stretch, and polyester fiberfill or batting are always welcome! The Turban group meets every third Tuesday, 1 p.m. at the church in room #2 and invites you to join them! Questions?-Judy Wilson, Lorry Mays, Doris Schmidt or Harriet Nixon would love to share with you about this great project!

Campbell Soup Label Savers! Thanks to your efforts, Harold Oliver Primary School has purchased two fabulous whiteboard easels and a drying rack for art projects with labels from things we use all the time. Be sure to check Kleenex boxes, General Mills and Betty Crocker products for the Boxtops for Education Coupons, they mean money for school supplies. Thanks for taking the time to clip and drop coupons in the basket in the entry of the church. Dorene Leines

United Methodist Men: Recently sponsored the Annual Valentine’s Dinner. Oh my, what a success! 47 people attended, great entertainment, excellent food and a good time had by all. And congratulations to Ron Kimmel. Man of the Year – what an honor! Click here for a few photo’s of this great evening Valentine Dinner Up next for the UMMen: Easter Breakfast. Stay tuned!

Metro Alliance for Common Good (MACG): Jeni Aubrey, Robin Donaldson, and Carolyn Fairfield are currently completing the basic leadership training institutes for public life with MACG. Robin and Carolyn are first-time participants. Jeni is a reflection group leader. Ask them about their experiences.

Administrative Teams at Work:

Finance Team: Under the leadership of Shannon Starr, your Finance Team is working on developing a “Giving Menu” of projects and ministries for prospective donors. These are ministries that we haven’t yet been able to fund or projects that need to be addressed but for which we just don’t have the money at this time. We often have people with money they would like to give to a good cause, or invest in something that really will make a difference. These folks don’t come around often, but when they do, we like to be ready.

Trustees: Your Trustees have their hands full… and they’re doing a great job! At the moment they’re working toward closing the sale of the parsonage. Inches away to be sure. In connection with that they are contacting the Metro District Church Extension Society to inquire about a safe place to invest the proceeds according to required standards. Your Trustees are also in the process of developing proposals for two separate options for a Church Council decision concerning upgrading fellowship space at PUMC: a) renovate Miller Hall, or b) renovate Education Wing with kitchen facilities. (See Church Council note below)

Staff Parish Relations: Your SPRC, our personnel committee, is beginning to work on a “Safe Sanctuary” plan that supports the ministry with children in our midst.

Church Council/Town Hall: We’ve scheduled two meetings to begin the evaluation of Miller Hall and it’s future. Last fall the Council made a decision to close Miller Hall through May 2009 and evaluate its future at that time. Because it is heated with oil the cost to operate Miller Hall with all the ministries that it hosts was simply prohibitive. We’ll begin the conversation on the future of Miller Hall and options on Thursday, March 12, 2009, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Education Wing. Facts and possibilities will be presented and discussed. Another meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2009, 6:30-8 p.m. will follow. Everyone is welcome.

Download “The Connector – January 2009″