Brian Shimer
Online Worship on Zoom
Brian Shimer
Zoom Begins this Sunday
Brian Shimer
Join Us for Online Worship
Brian Shimer
Online Worship
Brian Shimer
Worship On Sundays

Sharing for Jan 31

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Share from your week:

Bonnie – I want to thank everyone that brought notes & candy and such for our Random Act of Kindness. We received a ton of stuff; so, I’m going to be calling two or three other Assisted Living places & Rehab places and see how we can spread this love around.     

Pastor Brett – Yeah! Awesome! Thank you Bonnie and everyone who participated in Random Acts of Kindness, which was doing valentines and some candies & treats for people in Assisted Living Centers. So, awesome – praise God for that!

Jan – I want to relay a little something the Lord did for me this morning. I woke up with a little song, it was about our armor; it said that our feet are shod with the preparation of peace, God my sword of the Spirit, my shield of faith, got my breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, I put on my armor and I’m ready for the battle. And when I did the Jesus Calling this morning, if it wasn’t talking about armor; it said – The armor is not an inanimate object, because the armor is the truth of God. And the truth of God, the Word of God is quick & powerful, it’s alive, alert and ready for the challenge. We don’t have to worry because we have our armor on and it’s alive!      

Pastor Brett – Amen! Thank you, Jan. That will dovetail nicely with the sermon. So, thank you for the alley-oop. Armor of God, Amen!

Kari – I saw a hummingbird yesterday so, that was really special. Joe and I were on a walk and then when we were coming back there was one up on (inaudible). When we were giving away the PB awards, they were giving away books and I grabbed one off the table that has morning and evening meditations. And the evening mediation the other day talked about the dove and the Ark during Noah’s Ark. God gave me this little thought about Noah’s Ark – that it might have actually been the first quarantine in recorded history. I thought – oh….he had to be with all of those animals and he really couldn’t get alone; he couldn’t even go to the store! I was like – I should not complain one little bit!       

Pastor Brett – Thank you Kari. What a word that is, God doing something in the midst of confinement. Renewing something…Noah had no idea, he just had to go in and God shut the door behind him. And he didn’t know how long it was going to be for. It’s the perfect analogy for the situation we find ourselves in. We look forward to God opening the door to the Ark, so we might come out into a new world and see what God has in store for us.   

Survey: Children and Youth Ministries

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Please take this survey before Sunday if you have children or grandchildren who viewed the Advent/Christmas videos:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMokxLzg8zpZTNWWjPQ-wf1ZJVnaeipcdMseu0OCVkFW9rSw/viewform

Then join us this Sunday, Jan 31, at 10:30 am as we re-imagine our Children and Youth Ministries. Bring your thoughts, ideas, and questions.

https://zoom.us/j/91376283930?pwd=a3BNcjFzN082SFhUem12czc4MW9JUT09

Meeting ID: 913 7628 3930
Passcode: reimagine

Re-Imagine this Sunday at 10:30

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As we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, let’s bring our best selves and our energy to re-imagining the future of our children’s and youth ministry here at Westside.

If you haven’t done so already, please take this brief survey before the meeting: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMokxLzg8zpZTNWWjPQ-wf1ZJVnaeipcdMseu0OCVkFW9rSw/viewform

Bring your thoughts, ideas, and questions this Sunday, Jan 31, at 10:30 am

https://zoom.us/j/91376283930?pwd=a3BNcjFzN082SFhUem12czc4MW9JUT09

Meeting ID: 913 7628 3930
Passcode: reimagine

Sharing for Jan 24

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Share from your week:

Francie – While I wouldn’t recommend letting toddlers run the world, there’s a little sociopath in all of them, they do have some good moments of clarity. Sage heard us talking about politics and people being happy & sad; she asked me to explain that there are a lot of people who are confused…and she goes – You know Mom, if you want someone to clean up a mess, you probably need to help them. I was like – You know, it’s such a basic truth…and she went to the heart of if you want something to be different, you have to help them (she also wants me to help her clean up all her messes). There’s a lot we can learn from that simplicity of being kind and helping one another; if we want something to change we need something to change that and it doesn’t matter about what…(Sage says Slone keep destroying things).   I think there is a lot to that. So, there’s been a bit of progress.  

Kari – My sister reached out and asked our family to pray for her because she was resigning from her job and she doesn’t have any other prospects. But, she was just so unhappy there. So, it’s just a good reminder, I think, that’s it’s okay to ask for help and (I am following up on what Sage was saying) reach out to others because we are all a community. So, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. I even said - It’s an honor to pray for you. Because, she always seemed so strong and independent; this was a good sign of humiliation, I think for her, and it brings us closer together when we do that.       

Sally – I just have a thought that this week, as some of you know, I do these weekly calls to the clients of Meals on Wheels just to check in, they’re called wellness checks, just to make sure that they are doing okay. Honestly, I’ve been doing it since last April, so, I’ve known these people for 9 months. If I shut my eyes and heard their voice, I would know who they were. I thought the other day, in all of Covid, these are probably the people I have been most connected with. I am consistently talking to them once a week. They count on my call; they are so grateful for my call. My favorite guy, his name is Tom, at the end of the conversation he says – Okay Sal, great talking to you, Love You! Bye! I’m like – He just said he loves me and I have never met the man. And it was so natural for me to say – Bye Tom, Love You too! …They bless me and I know I bless them! It’s this wonderful connection that’s come about because of Covid. So, it’s been great. I want to meet them all someday, but I don’t know if I ever will.

Pastor Brett – I’ll share something I witnessed this week: I got to be a part of the Prayer Group meeting that happens once a month on the 3rd Thursday. I was able to call in while I was attending some things that were happening in my house with the kids and getting them all squared away for bedtime routines. And being with the Prayer Group this week just filled me full of hope, filled me full of the Spirit of God; it reassured me that God was at work in the world, that God was at work in our church. And it just really set the tone for lifting my spirit & lifting my attitude. So, I’m still kind of riding the high of that. And that was definitely such a good moment & good news for me this week.  

Sponsors Guide

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We have been provided with a copy of the Western Farm Workers Association’s Sponsors Guide. There are eight pages of businesses that support WFWA in their efforts to build a strong, independent association for the well-being of their members. All without receiving any government funding.

The opening letter from the WFWA Operations Manager states, “The year 2020 has placed the worst pandemic in 100 years and worst economic collapse since the Great Depression squarely on the backs of farm workers and other low-income workers.”

We hope that you will read this guide and patronize these businesses. Share it with your friends and family. Advertise the need for help and change for those who provide us with the very food on our tables.

WFWA Winter Update

Here’s news about the Western Farm Workers Association, from Merry Goldthorpe:

Hello Westsiders,

Thank you to all who helped with our holiday events. I hope everyone looked at our photos and thank you card. Sunday, January 17th, was our Martin Luther King Day distribution, held at Reedville Presbyterian church. Most of our members did not have the Monday off.

After the seasonal Christmas tree and wreath making work is over, winter season brings its' own challenges. Many of our members work in landscaping plant nurseries and floral export companies, outdoors, all year round. The members who participate with us sort food and clothing, answer phones, clean the office and grounds, and transport items for distribution. The YWCA donated the food for our generous holiday food boxes that went to about 120 families. Friday and Saturday the 22nd and 23rd will be a hygiene supply and January food distribution, with "contact-free" delivery.

If you would like to help with any of our distributions or advocacy, please call our office or contact me. I will gladly pick up donations from the Lighthouse, or from your house!

Cheers!

Merry Goldthorpe
Home 503- 690 -1908
Cell 503 -840 -7410
WFWA Office 503- 681- 9399

Sharing for Jan 17

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Share from your week:

Jan – (regarding Psalm 139: 1-12 that she was asked to read in service today by Pastor Brett) This is the most beautiful Psalm…This Psalm wasn’t just by chance that I was asked to read it, believe me, it was the Holy Spirit. I meditated on this chapter, (Pastor wants verses 1-12), and in that portion there is a line that says – If I go up to the heights, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead the very pits, you are there. I think this is so appropriate for right now. My husband has been struggling tremendously with discouragement & depression. Since he’s now gotten through physically with this part of the illness, now he is so discouraged. Listen to the Words, the Word of the Lord for this morning! Picked by the Holy Spirit through Pastor Brett! ……Hallelujah!    

Laura – Man, I REALLY needed to get my dose of Jan this morning. AMEN!

Martha – Thank you Jan, your testimony is wonderful and you actually saved Pastor Brett a sermon. Your testimonies are always so faith based and so vibrant, thank you.  

Kat – It’s been a really rough week, but one filled with also the sight of God being there as we all cried. I don’t know how many of you know or heard about the big mudslide on I–84, with a woman – it’s now a recovery mission instead of a rescue. Jenny was a coworker of mine; it’s been really rough for the entire Good Samaritan Hospital. She was a Charge Nurse so, she was very well known. She worked there for 17 years. Good Sam, one of the reasons I love working there is that we consider ourselves a family and we really are. So, it’s been really hard for the staff on night shift because, she worked nights. But, through all of this, we’ve been together and bonded together and supported…They put up a GoFundMe page to help support her husband and her two children. Their goal was $5,000 and they’ve reached over $20,000 to help the family. So, if you guys have a moment to say a prayer for Jenny Moore and her family – that they may find her body and receive closure through all of this; to give God thanks for holding us all, because, I’ve definitely felt his love in bringing us together as a community.   

Pastor Brett – Wow, I’m so sorry to hear that Kat; thank you for sharing. I think I can speak for everyone here at Westside that we’re with you in this moment of grief and anguish. Feel free to reach out to anyone; thank you for sharing that.  Lord, we lift up Jenny Moore to You; we lift her family up to You. We pray that You would assist the recovery mission, as Kat said. Bodies are so important to you, God, you made them and you decided to live in one of them forever in Your son, Jesus. So, we ask that you would be involved with this mission, God, and help bring closure to this family. We lift them up to You and we keep them for You. To Your throne, in Jesus name, Amen.      

Kari – I got my vaccine yesterday. So, I will dedicate that to Jenny Moore and thank all the nurses and the volunteers that are doing & trying to make the vaccine process go smoothly. So, I’m relieved to have that part done. I’m very thankful that I could be in an early group to get the vaccine.  

Pastor Brett – That is good news, Kari, that is really great news, thanks for sharing! We’ve had a couple of our folks here who have had at least their first shot. So, signs of hope among us! Awesome!

Re-Imagine this Sunday at 10:30

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The pandemic has altered the way we meet together to worship God, and we are preparing to have an online presence deep into 2021 and perhaps beyond. Come brainstorm ways to do worship both in person and online in 2021. What should worship look like visually? What should it sound like? How will we engage the people in person and help the people online feel like they are also in the sanctuary? Bring your thoughts, ideas, and questions this Sunday, Jan 17, at 10:30 am


https://zoom.us/j/91376283930?pwd=a3BNcjFzN082SFhUem12czc4MW9JUT09

Meeting ID: 913 7628 3930
Passcode: reimagine

Sharing for Jan 10

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Share a word or phrase from Psalm 29, or a God Sighting:

Kari – I liked in the Psalm how God is Glory and Strength. That’s what stuck out to me. My God Sighting is that I am 1 of 35 people who will get a Covid Vaccine at Providence as part of Medical Teams International’s volunteers. And there’s a God Sighting right there with Levi smiling!     

Pastor Brett – Yes, when he sees people in person he’s like – what is this? Because, he is so used to looking at the screens.  Yes, it is a God Sighting – Levi is rolling around like a rolling pin now and babbling. He wants to eat everything and wants to drink my coffee. So, it is definitely fun to have a child this young during the pandemic. It gives me great hope beyond the current moment for his full life.  

Sally – I think for me the last line of the Psalm – May The Lord bless his people with peace. Because, it just doesn’t feel like we have very peaceful existence right now. We’re not alone, but it doesn’t feel peaceful if you stay abreast of what’s happening in our country. I will share something I shared with our women’s group. We were talking about babies because, we know that Debbie Gabel shared that Katie is pregnant; with the whole - where is God in all of this? An expression that I know from when I was in High School & I used to journal and it says - Every baby comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. I just think about that because, as long as the babies are coming, there’s hope! God is not going to bring babies into the world and then abandon us.    Gerry, this is for you to think about. I’m still eating our Christmas cookies from December with a cup of coffee and they’re still wonderful!

Gerry – That was my God Sighting when Sal came and it was pretty dark outside; she didn’t know if I was even home or not. So, she called and I was. She brought me a special cookie that was made after activity & some other treat. I took a picture of it and sent it to my family. 

Volunteers Needed This Week!

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Community Volunteers Needed to Improve Internet Connectivity for Beaverton High School Families

We know that families depend on the Internet, whether at school or at home, so they can do homework, search for jobs, access financial or government services, and much more. During the current reality of school that need is even higher as students participate in school remotely. 

Comcast is offering six months of free internet and will train volunteers to assist families with the application process.

Who are we looking for in volunteers?

  • Kind, patient, volunteers who can guide families through completing the online application process

  • Bilingual (Spanish) is an asset but not necessary

  • Problem solver who can help answer questions

  • Ability to use the meeting platform Zoom

Volunteers will need to complete the Beaverton School District background check (if not already completed)  https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/communications-community-involvement/volunteer

January 13th or 14th Training session

Information presentation, hosted by Comcast trainers, on Zoom.  You may attend either session: Wednesday, Jan 13, 2:00 – 3:00 pm -or- Thursday, Jan 14, 9:00 – 10:00 am

  • This is a train-the-trainer session, with step-by-step instructions for the application process

  • The session will be recorded for volunteers who cannot attend or for volunteers who sign up later

January 27, time TBA

  • Our first session with families

  • These will be held over Zoom

  • Each trainer will work with 2-4 families   

Contact Anne Erwin, anne_erwin@beaverton.k12.or.us or 503-356-2833, to volunteer.

If these dates for training don’t work please let Anne know about your interest so she can set another date, or send you the recorded Zoom sessions.

January Random Acts of Kindness

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Our RAoK opportunity in January will be lifting the spirits of the residents and caregivers at an assisted living facility.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many facilities are limiting or prohibiting visitors. For the residents’ safety, they are often confined to their rooms.

So we are going to gift them with Valentine’s Day cards and gifts!

Cards may be purchased or handmade. Individually-wrapped, shelf-stable snacks such as nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, or candy would be appreciated. Use your imagination!

We will publish a sign-up sheet soon. We plan to provide for 20 residents and 30 staff.

Drop off will be on Saturday, Jan 30, between 1:00 and 2:30 pm at the church.