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October 13, 2016
 
Dear Reader,
 
As the first winter storm heads for the Pacific Northwest, we are still mindful of the death and destruction brought by Hurricane Matthew in Hatti and the south eastern states.
 
While we might want to head to Hatti and be of help, thats time has not yet come. But we can support efforts by the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

  • Pray for those impacted and those participating in rescue and relief operations.
  • Consider gifts to UMCOR US and International Disaster Relief.
  • Plan to attend the Early Response Team training scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22, at Lake Oswego UMC. Learn more on the conference missions webpage.  

Greg Nelson, Director of Communications


AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Capitol Hill closure results in new housing

When the Capitol Hill United Methodist Church made the tough decision to vote for closure, they didn’t want that to be the end of their 106 year legacy. Now the church property will give back through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing in this Portland neighborhood. Read about in in the Portland Tribune.

Lake Oswego Church on fire! (Well, not really)

The church in Lake Oswego wants to be prepared. So recently as they ended their worship service they held a fire drill to practice a safe and efficient exit from the building. The local fire station came by to visit, and everyone got into the fun. Read more in the Lake Oswego Review.

Called To Love!
Making Our UMC’s Safe Places for Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Persons

You and your church can help save lives!

Come on October 22 to Albany and find out how your warm welcome and acceptance can make all the difference to gender-nonconforming young people, adults and their families.

This practical workshop is being offered by our annual conference to help us focus our ministries with those who all too often experience rejection. “Called to Love!” will help you and your church be better informed and resource you to be more hospitable.

  • Are you trying to imagine a welcoming statement that would work for your congregation?
  • Are you feeling called to open your heart and draw the circle just a bit wider?
  • Do you want to help provide a healthier and safer environment in your ministry setting?

Then this workshop is for you!!
 
Leaders for this event will be Revs. Jim and Bonnie Parr Philipson, Rev. Brenda Wills and Rev. Janet Farrell, all retired Oregon-Idaho clergy.
 
The workshop will be Saturday, October 22, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Albanys First United Methodist Church. Register online now and bring your pastor and other church leaders.by October 17. Cost is $10 per person, lunch and childcare will be provided. For more information contact Bonnie Parr Philipson at 503-547-3822.


AROUND THE GLOBE

Churches assessing, helping after hurricane

McBride United Methodist Church, South Mills, NC, had
eight to 10 inches of flood water in the fellowship
hall after Hurricane Matthew. (Angie Willis photo)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Hurricane Matthew has left nearly 1,000 dead in Haiti and 38 dead in the United States, with half of that number in North Carolina. United Methodist churches are assessing damage and preparing to help. Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service story.

Evangelical group plans for ‘new day’ in church

CHICAGO (UMNS) — With more than 1,800 people in attendance, the new Wesleyan Covenant Association officially launched Oct. 7 and declared its intention to lead Methodism in a more evangelical direction. Organizers announced their hope is to do this work within The United Methodist Church, while leaving open the possibility of moving outside it. Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service story.


RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Advent resources help churches Imagine No Malaria

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMCOM) — This Advent season, United Methodist Communications offers downloadable materials to help congregations join in the Imagine No Malaria campaign. The materials include sermon starters, hymn suggestions and children’s messages. Imagine No Malaria has surpassed 92 percent of its $75 million goal, and churches across the United States are planning to dedicate Christmas Eve offerings to help complete the effort. Read more, and download resources.


 

 

 
Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference Conference Office: 1505 SW 18th Avenue Portland, OR 97201
503-226-7931 ~ 800-593-7539 ~ 503-226-4158 (fax)