Save the Date for Action Assembly

This year’s Charge Conference Action Assembly will be at Beaverton First UMC, 12555 SW 4th St, on Sunday, November 17, from 3:00 - 6:00 pm.

All are invited to this event which is part worship, part business. You’ll hear testimonies from people in various ministries throughout our district on the theme “Embracing God’s Reconciliation of All Things.” Our district superintendent, Erin Martin, will speak. There will be singing. And there will be a brief time of confirming Westside’s intentions for next year, with all Westside members voting.

Eight other churches from the west side will also be in attendance.

Plan to attend. You’ll be uplifted.

"Awakened"

Do you want to experience the move of God through you? Want to practice listening and praying for others?

Rick Moyer and Gene Tracy, friends of Westside, are starting a new group on Friday evenings. They will meet weekly in the Lighthouse from 6:30 - 9:00 pm, beginning October 4.

This group is open to anyone seeking to grow in the Lord, learn about healing, be healed, or grow in the use of the gifts of the Spirit.

A place of healing, transformation, and renewal. Come.

Survey for Beaverton High School

Dr. Anne Erwin at Beaverton High School is a marvelous leader in this area, setting the school sights on the following core values: Excellence inspires us; Learning transforms us; Community connects us; Tradition unites us. At the community partner meeting, she said she wanted every student and staff member to feel included, respected and loved. "We are talking about love a lot more these days," she said. So cool!

At this meeting, we were asked to take a survey that is on the BSD website seeking community input on how to specifically apply funds recently received through a bond issue. The survey takes just a moment but also takes some knowledge of what is really needed.

You can access the survey here https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/get-involved/student-success-act .

The survey asks you to share "what is going well in the district," perhaps you could answer that question, and then the share "what are some of the needs." At this morning's meeting, we were asked to not just state the need but possible solutions. Here are some of the needs and solutions we discussed. If you are willing, go take the survey, the more community members who state their opinion, the better.

• Number of students struggling with mental health issues-- need mental health support persons and school psychologists on staff

• Number of students struggling with homelessness -- need for homeless liaisons at schools

• Number of students needing counseling -- need for more counselors funded to assist the students.

• Number of pressing issues that distract us from future needs -- need to fund dreaming into the future

• Number of students coming as ESL students in immersion English classes - need more instructional assistants

Thank you for taking the survey and thank you too for praying for our local schools. They need more prayer and need us all to be part of their work. In those prayers thank God for leaders like Dr. Erwin and Jared Freeman, the principal we work with at Meadow Park School.

Let Go and Cast Your Nets

This Sunday begins our stewardship campaign. It’s an opportunity to thank God for all you’ve been given, and to prayerfully consider how you can give back.

One obvious answer is through giving to the church. Your gifts not only keep the doors open and the lights on; they support our outreach in the community and worldwide through connectional giving. Perhaps you can afford to give a bit more this year. Consider “stepping up” one percentage point.

Less obvious is the giving of your time and talents. You can find a lengthy list of all the ways you can support Westside on the lobby table: for example, join a team, volunteer with one of our outreach ministries, or simply commit to attending Sunday worship every week. Be involved.

Mark your calendars now to attend on Sunday, October 27, for Extravagant Generosity Sunday. You won’t want to miss it!

Join the Journey, 9.22.19

Question: What statements most populate your prayers?

Answers:

1. Love to all. God bless grandkids.

2. Thanksgiving prayers for others.

3. Thank you.

4. Prayers for family and prayers of thanksgiving.

5. Thanksgiving, adoration, confessions, thanksgiving, supplication.

6. I’m here. Use me as you wish. Thank you for… [a long list.]

7. Healing, comfort, and peace.

8. Fill me with the Holy Spirit.

9. Prayers of thanksgiving. Prayers for our congregation (prayer requests.) Prayers for my family.

10. Petitions, thanksgiving, praise, and conversational ramblings. :)

Brian's Blog: Follow His Lead

When we were in the Dominican Republic we did a trust walk.  Have you done one of those?   

We paired up and the first instruction was to only use your voice not touch to direct your blinded partner. We each were leading our partners around the room, voice only: “Take two small steps forward and stop.  Turn to the right. etc.” Then we were to be led by our partners, us blinded, and this time without voice, only with touch.  The interesting thing was that with both exercises each person leading and following was unique. Each had his or her own style of leadership and own way of following. Some followed confidently, taking bold steps when instructed, others meekly, taking little half steps one after another.  

On Sunday Sep 18th at our Transitions Team meeting, I repeated this exercise for the 8 team members present. (I’m grateful for this team!) 

 It was fun to watch the teams work together, this time.  Some were so detailed in instructions, others less so, some quieter, others louder, some stuck only to the instructions, others were super encouraging.  The leaders also led from different positions. Some leaders led from the front, others from the side or still others from behind. And each managed to lead their partner successfully.  It became clear that leadership clearly can be valid from in front, the side or behind those being led. It also can be quiet or loud, bold or subdued and still accomplish the goal. This was important to realize as we discussed that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” style of leadership.   

As we are walking this year of transition, looking back at all the great experiences we have had together and looking forward to what Jesus yet has for us, this was an important thing to notice. We also discussed an Old Testament story that captured how the leader there involved his followers in executing their own solutions, how he was respected and loved by those following, and how much trust they had in him.  That trust element both in the story and the trust walk certainly is a crucial aspect of being a leader. People need to know they can trust you. As we discussed this all in light of whomever God may be bringing to Westside beginning July 1, we noted how much the desire is for the new leader to know and love Jesus and be someone who follows the lead of the Holy Spirit.  

Be on the lookout for this:  The team is going to set up a prayer location in the sanctuary for our new, incoming pastor.  We don’t know who is coming yet, but we do know, this person needs our prayers for him or her to be hearing God’s call upon them to move to a new place, and given a willingness to heed this call.  This person also has a life, now, which needs to be covered in prayer. There will be a journal in this place too, for you to write scriptures and words God is giving you for this new person. Write your prayers there for this person.  We plan to present this to him or her upon arrival here. What a gift this will be.  

As we journey in this year, we have noticed a diminishing attendance in worship.  Part of this is life, but part of this is perhaps connected to this transition year. Some people just hate change and may leave early so that it won’t hurt so much.  Actually, this heightens pain for by doing so one unplugs the gift gained from being in community, and loses out on the time we could spend together NOW! 

We don’t want that for you.  Some people say, “I’m going to miss you so much,” yet are not coming to worship where we could be together in God’s presence time and again.  My encouragement to you is this: Come. Don’t miss a Sunday. Stay engaged. 

First, Scripture makes that admonition:  “Don’t give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing. But do so all the more…” (Hebrews 10).  You see -- it was a problem then! There’s nothing new under the sun. So, come! 

Second, Jesus called you and me to follow HIM which meant automatically following into a community. We cannot learn to love without having brothers and sisters around us who are challenging to love and practicing! :-) 

Third, each week Jesus is doing something here you can only be part of when present. We plan worship for God encounters to happen. Last week we experienced several of these.  It was incredible.  

Finally, do you realize YOU are a crucial part of this community? We cannot be the same without you. So, don’t let anything hinder you from meeting together.  Come. Worship. Engage. And come expecting to see God move in some way. 

See you in worship…   

Paul's Radical Words

The tension in the house could be cut with a knife. Thomas was angry, all the time. His anger was controlling and mean-spirited. It caused his wife, Carol, and their children to feel like they were cowering, tip-toeing around him, hoping their actions didn’t cause another outburst. They also felt trapped. Where could they go? Who could they tell? Carol’s attempt to talk to the pastor about her husband’s behavior brought the sickening response, “You just need to submit to him, Carol, and things will improve.” How was she to submit to rage? Was there no means for accountability of Thomas’ behavior?

This story has been repeated time and again in many homes here and elsewhere because of pulling verses out of context and misinterpreting God’s intent. The word “submit” has been used as a battering ram against women, their ability to think and lead and serve Jesus. The problem was that the verses written by Paul and by Peter in his first letter, regarding how people lived out their faith at home and at work had been interpreted without regard for the world to which Paul and Peter were writing in the first century. The consequent interpretation then reflected the warped human relationships after the fall, as God had told the woman then, “Your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you,” (Genesis 3:16).

What if we looked at these codes from the worldview intended? What if we stepped back in awe that both Paul and Peter had taken what was the “norm” for the culture of the day and turned it on it’s ear by including those never mentioned? How might we understand Paul’s genius when we notice that he called for men to “love their wives?” Does it sound radical to our ears? Of course not, for we have heard it and ignored it for centuries. But to the first century ear, that would have sounded like telling men to spread their arms and fly. It wasn’t said. And what about the fact that wives, children and slaves were included, at all. Again, this was not done.

Last week we looked at Paul’s calling to the Colossian Christians to look up, to seek the “things” and set their minds and hearts upon “Christ” who is above, seated at God’s right hand, not on earthly things. This then flowed into his call to kill off or die to or take off everything that was part of that old life and instead dress in the new resurrection garments known by compassion, love, patience, etc. This week we are looking at how those “clothes” might look when worn in our daily relationships at home and work, and how might they best be expressed.

Perhaps this primer on relationships might strengthen your own. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect with one another.

Feast this Sunday

ICYMI:

There’s definitely a chill in the air!

So, let’s feast on soups and bread for the upcoming Fourth Sunday Feast this weekend.

Bring your best chicken noodle, vegetarian chili, or whatever your specialty is, and let’s break bread together. For the non-cooks, bring the bread!

In the Lighthouse, after worship. See you there!

Tamales!

The Apostolic Church is making delicious tamales again this year. 

The price is just $15 for a dozen handmade chicken or cheese & jalapeno tamales.  Please pre-order by emailing bmw.chavez@gmail.com or texting 971.207.1743 with your name, quantity, and flavor(s).  Pick-up will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 28, in the Family Room. 

Proceeds support missionary families. 

Tables of 8

Are you seeking a small group of people with whom you can build a strong relationship? Step out and join one of our “Tables of 8,” a group who will meet once a month to share and care for each other over a meal. 

Groups can decide when to meet. Start in October or as soon as you can. The hope is that groups will commit to meet through June.

Connect more deeply with those you already know at church, or grow to know someone new. 

A signup sheet is available in the lobby or contact the church office.  For more information, contact Cindy Loayza.

Soup for the Soul

There’s definitely a chill in the air!

So, let’s feast on soups and bread for the upcoming Fourth Sunday Feast this weekend.

Bring your best chicken noodle, vegetarian chili, or whatever your specialty is, and let’s break bread together. For the non-cooks, bring the bread!

In the Lighthouse, after worship. See you there!

Need a Prayer?

Life can be overwhelming. That’s why God gave us prayer. And each other.

Bring your struggles, your joys, and your prayers this Thursday, September 19, and let’s pray with, and for, each other.

In the Family Room at 6:30 pm.

Join the Journey, 9.15.19

Question: What does it look like in your life when you are clothed by love and compassion?

Answers:

1. Patient! Set aside my own agenda. Be a good listener.

2. You realize what a great abundance you have, and how you can change others by giving.

3. I stop trying to always teach others something and seek to be taught myself!

You can add your answer on our website or Facebook page.

Brian's Blog: Reflections

At our first Transitions Team meeting on August 18th, here’s another question we looked at: 

“How do we want the actual transition to feel on July 2020?”

By this I wanted us to reflect upon what we wanted the transition to feel like when we arrived at July 1, 2020.  How would we all be facing it? What would we feel about it? 

Right now, it might feel daunting. 

One thing the team spoke about was, “We have done this before!”  The team cited the sabbatical I took for three months back in 2016 and how that time of having me gone actually worked well for we worked plenty as a congregation beforehand to prepare for it. I didn’t just disappear for 3 months, but we planned, we talked, we shared fears and doubts and processed our feelings.  Because of the work we did, the transition of my departure for that sabbatical went really smoothly. And you as a congregation made this immense discovery that I didn’t have to be around for you to be the church. That’s a huge and helpful discovery. 

Truly, you know this, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of from time to time, this congregation is not about me. It is all about Jesus.  We are not here because of Brian Shimer, but because of Jesus Christ. Now, I know, we all know this. We really do. But sometimes we can forget it for I have been His undershepherd among your lives for a decade and that’s a long time!  Well, in some ways it is long, but in other ways, it is so brief! Right? But here we are.  

This does not discount the fact that we have grown to love one another. Love is real, and it hurts to part and anticipate parting.  So, this question, how would we like the actual transition to feel is important. Here’s what the team wrote. They wanted the actual transition, July 1, 2020, to be described by these words: 

Love, Smooth, Easy, Exciting, Nurturing, Peaceful, Safe, Supported, Welcoming for the incoming pastor, Joyously anticipated, seamless, Anticipation filled with joy and faith.  

To arrive at July 1, 2020 with those kinds of feelings and expressions will take us really processing the feelings that we have about this departure happening.  We cannot just deny that July 1, 2020 will be coming and have it arrive and feel “smooth, supported and anticipated.”  

Here’s what the team will be speaking about the next time we gather on September 15th.  

What is the story arc that we need to tell and be a part of between now and 10 months from now in order to arrive at July 1 able to say goodbye well because we have worked through the grief we feel, the fears we have, the losses we anticipate, the things we have experienced together which have gone well, the things that have flopped, the moments that have raised our hearts, etc.  I’ve really be praying about this, wanting to know how to lead effectively so that we can do this work well.  

Could you help me out in this? 

I would love it if you would just reflect upon the season you have had here since I have been at this congregation as pastor.  

• What are some of your favorite memories of the time that we have spent together?  

• What are some of the high points for you? 

• What are some of the low points?  They are important too. 

• What will you most miss anticipating my departure? 

• What are you looking forward to the most about a change of leadership?  (it’s ok, I don’t believe for a second that I am the end all in leaders!) 

• What helps you most as you anticipate this shift in life?

• How has Jesus most helped you grow in faith these years?

• Was there a message that you most remember?  (I know, it is like asking you to remember a meal you especially enjoyed.)

• What’s an event you still go back to as a turning point in your life?

• How has Jesus shifted your heart and grown you up? 

That’s a start.  Send your thoughts to me shimer7@gmail.com or send them via our Admin Virginia at office@westsidejourney.org

And know this -- we are walking this path together, so stay on the path, keep showing up at worship, show up at small groups, show up at opportunities to serve and let Jesus keep working on your heart as we walk together.

Habitat for Humanity

Just a reminder that this is happening tomorrow —

In June, many of us banded together to build walls at Help Build Hope. Those walls were shipped down to Salem to become a home for Ellisha Pepper and her five children through Habitat for Humanity.

Ellisha is a Certified Recovery Mentor and single mom. She knows the struggles of addiction and homelessness. But over the past five years, she has built a path towards self-sufficiency. With her purchase of a Habitat for Humanity home, she and her children will achieve stability and safety. They are very grateful to all the volunteers who helped make this a reality.

On Saturday, September 14, from 1:00 - 5:00 pm, let’s help finish Ellisha’s house in Salem. For more information and to register, visit https://salemhabitat.volunteerhub.com/lp/CUMCP/

Transition Team Meeting

Our Transition Team will be meeting this Sunday, September 15, at 4:00 pm.

Please pray for them as they lead us through the transition process: finishing well, processing emotions, and welcoming a new pastor in July 2020.

To stay up-to-date, be sure to read Pastor Brian’s weekly blog at https://www.westsidejourney.com/weekly-blog

Join the Journey, 9.8.19

Question: In what ways has Jesus become your all in all?

Answers:

1. He has been all my life. My mom raised my siblings and me in the church.

2. All ways he is my teacher, comforter, and hope. My life is filled with his Grace.

3. He is the one constant always there!

Add your response to comments!

Brian's Blog: Hard Stop

Those weeks --  there are too many things to do, too many directions to go, emails flow in, text messages arrive, phone calls pull at us, needs hit like Dorian hit the East Coast -- you know those weeks and those days.  So do I. 

Distraction in those times is like a masked intruder bringing fear and distress.  Life along with our hearts gets splintered at such times. It's a hamster on his wheel-type existence. 

Last week, even while on vacation I could remember what that felt like.  It was like even while breathing in the air of peace and pause, I could still sense that "intruder" breathing down my neck.  It took discipline to come back to center, it took discipline to stop, to get rooted again.

It actually helped that I started vacation sick.  Who knew that could be helpful? But, I ate a couple of hard boiled eggs Monday at lunch that it turned out were bad.  The result was I felt increasingly worse throughout that day and began to throw up that night for a couple hours beginning at around 630 pm.  Hard start, but a true break from the reality of life in the fast lane and a hard stop (at the toilet) that had me just focused on one thing (getting rid of the culprit) and prayer. 

It was a simple prayer but still prayer.

The next day, tender but lots better, was a rest day for me.  This was a good beginning for a week away for it performed the equivalent of a computer reboot on my system. 

It seems in our lives we need to have hard stops. We need times to encounter a reboot in the operating system. We need a space when we step away and get off the "wheel." 

God gave us the sabbath.  It is an automatic reboot if we come into worship among others, put down the phone, say no to distractions and simply settle into the opportunity to be shifted BACK into first gear.  It allows a stop in the middle of the madness. 

At the start of the week it was two bad eggs that helped me reconnect with Jesus in a whole new way (!) and at the end of the week, worship did it for me again.

We attended a little Episcopal church in Waldport and there encountered Jesus in the liturgy of worship.  The music was unfamiliar (I didn't know a song). I found it was beautiful to listen to those around me singing.  The woman in front of me had spent 26 years in the chorus for the Portland Opera company. That woman SANG! The readings, the message, the prayers all transported me into a place of stillness that stuck with me.  Distractions ceased. The "wheel" stilled. And I met Jesus. 

I don't know what all is happening in your life, but this week friend, return to worship, enter community, pause in life, put down the distractions and be rooted anew in the Jesus who loves you a bunch and just wants to whisper that love into your life. 

Here's to life in Jesus alongside of you!

Brian

PS:  I can guarantee one thing -- to come into worship with an expectation of meeting Jesus will accomplish that.  He will be there for you. Make that hard stop this week, so you don't have to experience it first as I did, at the toilet bowl.