Stewardship is a season when we recognize that all of us are stewards. We really know this. All of us have something for which we are responsible, whether our locker at school, or our wardrobe, our car, our apartment, our house, or whatever else. We are all stewards, managers, in charge of something. We are stewards, no denying. However we do not always live as if that’s the case, indeed, we expend much energy trying to make others responsible for our lives at whatever level. But what if- rather than the innumerable points of blame we might place on another- we simply took responsibility. What if we said — I’m in charge of this life, of my spending, of my income, of my belongings, of my life and stopped blaming another for our lot. What if we owned this foundational responsibility? And made choices based this reality. That decision would bring us straight into the world of the Macedonians and Corinthians. Paul was amazed, staggered by the Macedonians who in poverty gave exceedingly. He invited to Corinthians without excuse to live up to the promises they’d made. That was it. A steward takes responsibility and decides accordingly. How about you?
Confirmation Class 2018-19
Confirmation classes, for those in 6th grade and older, will begin October 14. Classes will be held three Sundays a month, after the 10:00 worship service. Lunch will be provided. The theme for this year's class is "God is Real." With all the "truthiness" facing our kids these days, isn't this a powerful message for them?
Basic questions we all ask will be answered: “How does God fit into real life?” “How and why do we pray?” “Why do we go to church?” Our class environment will be open and encouraging to discussing the answers. Young people at this age need to have their questions and doubts addressed without judgment; we will endeavor together to explore what a personal walk with a personal God is all about.
Parents and mentors will meet with Pastor Brian this Sunday, September 30 from noon to 1:30 pm. At this meeting, all questions can be answered and expectations clarified.
Gratitude and Promises
Last Sunday, we were challenged to live faithfully within the sphere of influence that God has entrusted us with. During the morning worship service, Pastor Brian encouraged us to write a note of thanks, a word of praise, or a personal promise, and attach it to the wall for all to see. Here are some of the responses:
Blessed beyond measure, I will share the good news
Thank you for this people!
Thank you Lord! My Savior, Friend, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One
Bella Hugs Love
Dear God, thank you for my family, friends, and our fluffy pets! :) Love, Sawyer
Thank you for all those living with compassion
Surrendered in serenity!!
I will not let the devil steal my joy
I am thankful for God
Dear God, thank you for Sawyer, Barrett, and Josh! Love, Wendy
I will be fearless for You!
I am thankful for my mommy —Ryder
We encourage you to add your voice in the comments!
Birthday Baskets for Homeless Teens
Beaverton High School has one of the highest rates of homeless teens in the state, with many assistance programs in place. One program is the Club Hope Birthday Basket. They discreetly provide a basket of basic supplies and fun gifts to a teen on their birthday. Among the items in the basket are:
Target gift cards
Socks
Fun school supplies
Healthy, non-perishable snacks (these are also used as emergency lunchtime alternatives)
Blankets
Gum/Candy
Make-up
If you would like to donate any or all of these items, please bring them to church beginning this Sunday.
Join the Journey, 9.23.18
Question: What three words do you most want to describe your life?
Answers:
Faithful, understanding, loving
Creative, generous, persistent, loving
Humble, gentle, patient
Fulfilling, thankful, kind, big heart
A family man
Praying, stepping forward but standing still, putting on my armor daily and waiting on my Lord
Changed, blessed, servant
Creative, loving, caring
Peace, love, forgiveness
Kind, honest, faithful
Forgiven/blessed, loved/forgiving, grace/hope-filled
Laity Summit Reminder
September 22, 2018
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Lake Oswego UM
Lunch will be provided!
As a district, we are committed to exploring new ways of connecting with each other because we know that together we can...
- explore bold new ways of being church in our communities
- make bold changes in the way we move as a people
- come together in conversations that deepen the relationships across congregations and neighborhoods
What to Expect:
- spiritual reflection
- sharing stories
- one-to-one conversation
- listening & reflecting
- defining next steps
We look forward to seeing you! Please register now!
Sneak Peek for this Sunday
Tychicus. He is just mentioned at the close of Paul’s letter to the Christians living in Ephesus. He is the one sent to carry the scroll to Ephesus and read it to the Ephesian Church and go around from house to house where the various congregations of the church met and share it. But he was not only to share the letter, for Paul wrote in the concluding remarks that he would also give an update on how Paul was doing, in that Roman prison awaiting trial or death, and would, Paul said, “encourage you.” So, what’s the big deal? Well, he was a real person, with real faith, who lived in a real time and place and was a “dear brother,” and a “faithful servant,” alongside Paul. Indeed, the words Paul had written could not have had impact without him, for someone had to take the message. What might we learn about Paul by what he said of Tychicus? And how might we encounter our own lives in the work of this brother who carried the message to the people? Is there any encouragement here for us on how we are called to live out our own callings in this day? Seriously, there’s a message here. Come get a dose of encouragement and the challenge to live faithfully in the sphere of influence God has granted you. Let’s worship.
Small Groups Meeting 9.24 - 9.30
Monday, 4:00 pm Westside Readers
Monday, 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday, 6:30 pm Bible Basics
Wednesday, 7:00 am Worship Design Team
Thursday, 6:00 pm Flute Team
Thursday, 6:30 pm Music Team Rehearsal
Friday, 9:30 am Life Group
Family Promise Drive-In Sleep Out
Saturday, September 29, is the fundraiser event, Drive-In/Sleep Out, at Beaverton City Park. Join the team from Family Promise, as they try to pack 200 parking spots with ‘car-camping adventurers’ who want to raise funds and awareness about child and family homelessness in Beaverton.
Saturday’s festivities include live music, guest speakers, food, and an art show. There will be hands-on activities for the kids, too. Don’t forget to bring a chair and a blanket since the night ends with a movie in the park for the whole family. Once the festivities end, event participants will spend the night sleeping in their vehicles in order to better understand the reality that so many families in our community are faced with on a daily basis.
On Sunday morning the smell of ham and pancakes will fill the air as volunteers serve a hearty breakfast and lots of coffee to the brave adventurers who Drove-In and Slept Out.
To find out how you can volunteer, donate, and sign up for the Drive-In Sleep Out, visit their website at https://www.familypromiseofbeaverton.org/events/
Tamales!
Our friends at the Apostolic Assembly will be making and selling tamales on October 6. Two flavors are available: chicken and cheese with jalapeno. They cost $15 per dozen. You must order in advance by emailing bmw.chavez@gmail.com or texting 971.207.1743. Remember to send your name, flavor and quantity. Yum!
Fourth Sunday Feast
Fourth Sunday Feast is back! We took a break over the summer but it’s time to gather together again and share our food and our lives. Bring your favorite summer dish this Sunday and let’s get back in touch!
Join the Journey, 9.16.18
Question: How has speaking God’s Word aloud been a defense in your life?
Answers:
It prevents Satan from separating me from the truth.
Because I am a human thermometer that remains in a serene set emotional state, kind sincere - able to reach out and be steady to shine God’s truth and light.
It changed the atmosphere I was in from gloomy and dark to peaceful, and assurance that he was and is with me.
No one can argue with scripture. It is perfect.
Sneak Peek for this Sunday
Proverbs 6:17-19 lists 7 things the Lord hates: “Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Did you notice? This is a list that separates the persons from their behaviors. God loves people. Instead, like last week with a person on the phone intent on holding assumptions against another person because of the many labels she held against her (judgmental, etc), we tend to label others, thus sitting in judgment upon others, thus dehumanizing others, making people the problem. God’s call? To wake up to the fact there is a spiritual realm and we are in it. To address our own inabilities to change others, and work to change ourselves, which begins what we are wearing. To begin to take the one action God has called us to take. Yes, ONE! Come discuss what THAT is and begin to walk in this life as God intended and do so by actually STANDING. Don’t miss this!
Small Groups Meeting 9.10 - 9.16
Monday, 4:00 pm Westside Readers
Tuesday, 6:30 pm Bible Basics
Tuesday, 7:00 pm Stewardship Team
Wednesday, 7:00 am Worship Design Team
Thursday, 6:00 pm Flute Team
Thursday, 6:30 pm Music Team Rehearsal
Thursday, 6:30 pm Girls of Grace
Friday, 9:30 am Life Group
Simply the Story: Register Today!
If you’ve been thinking about registering for the workshop October 2 - 7, don’t delay. If we don’t reach the minimum number of attendees by this weekend, we will be forced to cancel the event. Registration may be made online at signups.wumc.me, or by contacting the church office at 503.643.8070, Tuesday or Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Simply the Story will strengthen your witness by giving you confidence in your ability to tell not only Bible stories, but your spiritual story, in an engaging and natural manner. The registration fee of $125 includes 50+ hours of training, a handbook, meals and snacks.
“This is a lifetime way of knowing God.” — Workshop Attendee
Join the Journey, 9.9.18
Question: When have your stood your ground in a spiritual way in a real situation and seen God work?
Answers:
I stood my ground with my faith to follow Christ through the falling apart of my marriage.
By encouraging friends to attend church service.
During the breakdown of my marriage and my return to the church.
Prayer for protection for my husband in a mental health crisis.
Hyatt Points Needed
Paige Flanagan will be attending a Youth Leader Conference in November and needs Hyatt points for her lodging. If you have some to spare, please contact her or the church office. Thanks!
Girls of Grace
Girls of Grace will meet this Thursday at 6:30 pm at Dianne Deits home. We hope that you can join us!
Girls of Grace will meet this Thursday at 6:30 pm at Dianne Deits home. We hope that you can join us!
Sneak Peek for this Sunday
Sit. Walk. Stand. Three words that summarize the book written by Paul to the Christians living in the large metropolitan community with some 250,000 people called Ephesus. He wanted these believers to realize that Jesus had a higher and more powerful name than any of those powers who were named by the people. Jesus had a Name and had an authority against which nothing could prevail. He could stand. On 26th of August in worship something happened. One of the opening songs declaring Jesus as the Lion and Lamb took hold, and the Lord moved upon the people, and they shouted, worshiped, and uplifted the sovereign beauty of Jesus. As this happened there was this sense of God’s presence I experienced as authority. At that moment, nothing and noone was greater and to the core of my being I knew this. That moment, that was what it was like to stand in authority. In that place there’s nothing that can sway you. Paul invited the people into this place. “Who can stop the Lord Almighty?” asked that song on that Sunday and the answer is “No one.” Indeed. Come worship this One who calls us to stand in authority!
Laity Summit
September 22, 2018
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Lake Oswego UM
Lunch will be provided!
As a district, we are committed to exploring new ways of connecting with each other because we know that together we can...
- explore bold new ways of being church in our communities
- make bold changes in the way we move as a people
- come together in conversations that deepen the relationships across congregations and neighborhoods
What to Expect:
- spiritual reflection
- sharing stories
- one-to-one conversation
- listening & reflecting
- defining next steps
We look forward to seeing you! Please register now!