The Westside choir will perform three songs during this Sunday’s Christmas party (4:00 - 7:00 pm.) Afterward, they will take a break from rehearsals from Dec 5 through Jan 2.
Enjoy this very special season of Advent!
Worship Video for November 26
In case you missed Sunday’s worship service:
Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viY4KDFkDnY
HomePlate Gift Drive
HomePlate Youth Services needs your help with their annual Holiday Store. The Store provides youth the opportunity to practice generosity by choosing gifts for their guardians, grandparents, siblings, babies, etc.
You may help by donating unwrapped gifts with a maximum value of $20; donating cash for HomePlate to purchase gifts; and/or volunteering before and during the event.
Gifts may be brought to church by Sunday, Dec 10 (see this flyer for details and gift ideas.)
Volunteer opportunities are:
Week of December 4th (flexible timing based on availability)
Organizing and inventorying the gifts we receive before youth shop for themDecember 13th: 4-8 pm Holiday Store in Beaverton
Helping with gift wrapping, cookie decorating, etc.December 14th: 6-8 pm Holiday Store in Hillsboro
Helping with gift wrapping, cookie decorating, etc.
If interested in volunteering, you may contact their coordinator at clare@homeplateyouth.org or 971-238-3055. Contact Bonnie B with any questions.
Potluck on Dec 10
On Sunday, Dec 10, we will have a potluck following worship.
Just in case everyone is planning to bring Jell-o, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BABAF22AB9-46313305-potluck
Office Closed this Friday
The church office will be closed on Friday, Nov 24. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Worship Video for November 19
In case you missed Sunday’s worship service:
Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WpGx21YZbM
Successful Blood Drive
Way to go! Our goal for last week’s blood drive was 16 units - 27 were collected! As we approach the holidays, there is always more need, so thank you for your lifesaving gift.
Our next Red Cross Blood Drive will be on Tuesday, Feb 13, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
This Sunday
This Sunday, Nov 19, will be busy - and wonderful!
The choir will lift their voices in praise during worship and we’ll hear about the ‘L’ and ‘E’ of Bishop Bridgeforth’s MILE initiative.
After worship, we’ll have our Chili Cookoff. Try several varieties of chili and vote for your favorite. There will be prizes awarded! Remember to bring whatever you signed up for - chili and/or toppings.
Sunday is also the deadline for bringing items for the Thanksgiving baskets. If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BABAF22AB9-46171026-thanksgiving. You may also contribute to the purchase of items and perishables, online or in the offering plate - remember to indicate that your donation is for Thanksgiving baskets.
Items Due Sunday for Thanksgiving Baskets
We have five families who will receive Thanksgiving food baskets this year.
If you can contribute food or cash donations, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BABAF22AB9-46171026-thanksgiving or through our website.
Items need to be at the church this Sunday, Nov 19.
Sorting and boxing will be done on Monday the 20th. Please contact Bonnie B if you can help.
M.I.L.E. Continues
Last Sunday, Pastor Brett covered ‘Ministry that Matters’ and ‘Itineration and Location’ (Oh M.I.!) This week will be ‘Lay Ministry Enhancement’ and ‘Eliminating Racism’ from Bishop Bridgeforth’s 4-point M.I.L.E. initiative.
You may view all of the bishop’s videos at https://greaternw.org/m-i-l-e-2023-annual-conference-sermons/ or get a quick overview with links at https://greaternw.org/mile/
And be sure to attend Westside’s all-church meeting on Sunday, Dec 10, after worship for a potluck lunch and discussions on how Westside will respond to the M.I.L.E. vision.
Christmas Party on Dec 3
Sunday, December 3rd, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Music, Food, Crafts and Holiday Activities
If you would like to lead a craft or holiday activity, please contact Sandy H, 503-830-0215 or sandy@westsidejourney.org
Sign Up for Thanksgiving Baskets
We have five families who will receive Thanksgiving food baskets this year.
If you can contribute food or cash donations, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BABAF22AB9-46171026-thanksgiving or through our website.
Items need to be at the church this Sunday, Nov 19.
Sorting and boxing will be done on Monday the 20th. Please contact Bonnie B if you can help.
Chili Cookoff This Sunday!
Our Chili Cookoff is this Sunday after worship! There are several entries that you will want to try.
Want to bring your favorite topping or beverage? There’s still time to sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BABAF22AB9-46078006-toppings.
See you Sunday!
Don't Forget Thursday's Blood Drive
We are hosting a Blood Drive this Thursday, Nov 16, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Lighthouse.
There are 12 spots still available; most between 11:15 am and 12:30 pm. You may simply walk in if you find yourself in the neighborhood. Or sign up at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=WestsideUMC.
Learn more about donating, and eligibility, at redcrossblood. It’s easier, and more folks are eligible than before.
Make giving blood a holiday tradition!
Worship Video for November 12
In case you missed Sunday’s worship service:
Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8zvPOrED3E
Thanksgiving Baskets
Last chance to refer people for Westside Thanksgiving baskets is this Sunday, Nov 12th.
Call or email Bonnie B with information on recipients of Thanksgiving baskets.
Toppings Bar
Want to bring your favorite topping to our Chili Cookoff on Sunday, Nov 19?
Please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BABAF22AB9-46078006-toppings. You may also sign up this Sunday at church.
You have until this Sunday to enter your chili for judging. See all the details at https://www.westsidejourney.com/news/2023/10/20/chili-cookoff-rprm9
Go the M.I.L.E.
Over the next two weeks in worship, Pastor Brett will be exploring Bishop Cedric's vision to ‘go the M.I.L.E.’ Some clips of his vision will be shown in the bishop’s own words; Brett will do some paraphrasing of longer videos.
You may view all of the bishop’s videos at https://greaternw.org/m-i-l-e-2023-annual-conference-sermons/ or get a quick overview with links at https://greaternw.org/mile/
And be sure to attend Westside’s all-church meeting on Sunday, Dec 10, after worship for a potluck lunch and discussions on how Westside will respond to the M.I.L.E. vision.
Suitcases Needed
Our own Michele M is moving to Michigan soon to be closer to her sister Jann.
If you have any extra suitcases that you are willing to give her (they won’t be returned), please bring them to worship this Sunday, Nov 12. Thanks!
A Gospel Music Nativity
From Nov 22 - Dec 10, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts is presenting Black Nativity by poet and playwright Langston Hughes. Tickets are $40 ($35 for seniors, $27 for students with ID) and are General Admission.
Based on the traditional Nativity story, the spirit-filled, inspiring play features traditional Christmas carols performed in a gospel style with a few new songs specifically for the show.
Wendy and Josh Fedderly will be going to the Thursday, Nov 30, 7:30 pm performance. Reach out to Wendy if you’ll be going that night, and she’ll save you a seat!
https://www.portland5.com/brunish-theatre/events/black-nativity