Our Eastertide series dives deep into the inspiration of Jesus conquering the grave and invites us to examine the resurrection stories within our own lives. Each of us experiences death in our lifetime, be it the physical death of a person, or the metaphorical death of an idea or relationship or goal that we then have to carry on without. And therefore, each of us carries a story of hope within us too. We all have another day to try again, to let go and start anew, or take the first steps in a journey of grief to a reimagined life. 

Sharing these stories of hope is the key to unlocking connection and resurrecting our faith in one another. So each week members of our congregation will share a personal resurrection story to inspire all of us until we celebrate Pentecost, reminding us that we are all together in the struggles of living in a broken world and all growing, transforming, and striving towards hope.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

Our Eastertide series dives deep into the inspiration of Jesus conquering the grave and invites us to examine the resurrection stories within our own lives. Each of us experiences death in our lifetime, be it the physical death of a person, or the metaphorical death of an idea or relationship or goal that we then have to carry on without. And therefore, each of us carries a story of hope within us too. We all have another day to try again, to let go and start anew, or take the first steps in a journey of grief to a reimagined life. 

Sharing these stories of hope is the key to unlocking connection and resurrecting our faith in one another. So each week members of our congregation will share a personal resurrection story to inspire all of us until we celebrate Pentecost, reminding us that we are all together in the struggles of living in a broken world and all growing, transforming, and striving towards hope.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

This Sunday, April 7th, Rev. David Randall-Bodman will lead us in worship with our guest the Rev. Tyler Connoley, CPC Conference Minister, starting the first week of the Eastertide series.

This week's message - "Truth and Repair"

Our Eastertide series dives deep into the inspiration of Jesus conquering the grave and invites us to examine the resurrection stories within our own lives. Each of us experiences death in our lifetime, be it the physical death of a person, or the metaphorical death of an idea or relationship or goal that we then have to carry on without. And therefore, each of us carries a story of hope within us too. We all have another day to try again, to let go and start anew, or take the first steps in a journey of grief to a reimagined life. 

Sharing these stories of hope is the key to unlocking connection and resurrecting our faith in one another. So each week members of our congregation will share a personal resurrection story to inspire all of us until we celebrate Pentecost, reminding us that we are all together in the struggles of living in a broken world and all growing, transforming, and striving towards hope.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

Easter Sunday is the completion of our Lent series, where we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us.

As we were studying Peter’s faith journey, the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount” came to mind. It’s as if Peter himself wrote this song. And so, for each step in Peter’s journey, we have selected a phrase from this hymn. As we follow Peter’s story, we will sing our way through Lent, binding our wandering hearts to God.

In this series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows, seeks and wanders. We want to affirm that wandering is exploration, not necessarily distance from God. We want to affirm the ways Peter keeps going: he drops his nets, he walks on water, he runs to the empty tomb, he swims to the shore to meet the risen Christ. He keeps searching and yearning and loving, even after missteps or mistakes. Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people—in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls.

This Lent, we will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

This Lent, we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us.

As we were studying Peter’s faith journey, the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount” came to mind. It’s as if Peter himself wrote this song. And so, for each step in Peter’s journey, we have selected a phrase from this hymn. As we follow Peter’s story, we will sing our way through Lent, binding our wandering hearts to God.

In this series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows, seeks and wanders. We want to affirm that wandering is exploration, not necessarily distance from God. We want to affirm the ways Peter keeps going: he drops his nets, he walks on water, he runs to the empty tomb, he swims to the shore to meet the risen Christ. He keeps searching and yearning and loving, even after missteps or mistakes. Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people—in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls.

This Lent, we will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

This Lent, we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us.

As we were studying Peter’s faith journey, the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount” came to mind. It’s as if Peter himself wrote this song. And so, for each step in Peter’s journey, we have selected a phrase from this hymn. As we follow Peter’s story, we will sing our way through Lent, binding our wandering hearts to God.

In this series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows, seeks and wanders. We want to affirm that wandering is exploration, not necessarily distance from God. We want to affirm the ways Peter keeps going: he drops his nets, he walks on water, he runs to the empty tomb, he swims to the shore to meet the risen Christ. He keeps searching and yearning and loving, even after missteps or mistakes. Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people—in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls.

This Lent, we will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

To view a video of this worship service, we invite you to follow this link to our “streamed” service on our facebook page, while our production team catches up: https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/videos/959403425928888

This Lent, we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us.

As we were studying Peter’s faith journey, the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount” came to mind. It’s as if Peter himself wrote this song. And so, for each step in Peter’s journey, we have selected a phrase from this hymn. As we follow Peter’s story, we will sing our way through Lent, binding our wandering hearts to God.

In this series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows, seeks and wanders. We want to affirm that wandering is exploration, not necessarily distance from God. We want to affirm the ways Peter keeps going: he drops his nets, he walks on water, he runs to the empty tomb, he swims to the shore to meet the risen Christ. He keeps searching and yearning and loving, even after missteps or mistakes. Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people—in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls.

This Lent, we will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

This Lent, we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us.

As we were studying Peter’s faith journey, the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount” came to mind. It’s as if Peter himself wrote this song. And so, for each step in Peter’s journey, we have selected a phrase from this hymn. As we follow Peter’s story, we will sing our way through Lent, binding our wandering hearts to God.

In this series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows, seeks and wanders. We want to affirm that wandering is exploration, not necessarily distance from God. We want to affirm the ways Peter keeps going: he drops his nets, he walks on water, he runs to the empty tomb, he swims to the shore to meet the risen Christ. He keeps searching and yearning and loving, even after missteps or mistakes. Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people—in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls.

This Lent, we will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

To view a video of this worship service, we invite you to follow this link to our “streamed” service on our facebook page, while our production team catches up: https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/videos/783153860348688

This Lent, we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us.

As we were studying Peter’s faith journey, the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount” came to mind. It’s as if Peter himself wrote this song. And so, for each step in Peter’s journey, we have selected a phrase from this hymn. As we follow Peter’s story, we will sing our way through Lent, binding our wandering hearts to God.

In this series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows, seeks and wanders. We want to affirm that wandering is exploration, not necessarily distance from God. We want to affirm the ways Peter keeps going: he drops his nets, he walks on water, he runs to the empty tomb, he swims to the shore to meet the risen Christ. He keeps searching and yearning and loving, even after missteps or mistakes. Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people—in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls.

This Lent, we will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

To view a video of this worship service, we invite you to follow this link to our “streamed” service on our facebook page, while our production team catches up:

https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/videos/3653200954950917

This Lent, we are focusing on the life and faith of one of Jesus’ most famous disciples. In Peter, we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we often see ourselves. By following Peter’s journey, we watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of a very normal human trying to figure it all out—just like us.

As we were studying Peter’s faith journey, the lyrics of “Come Thou Fount” came to mind. It’s as if Peter himself wrote this song. And so, for each step in Peter’s journey, we have selected a phrase from this hymn. As we follow Peter’s story, we will sing our way through Lent, binding our wandering hearts to God.

In this series, we want to affirm that faith is a constant journey of steadfast pursuit, one that ebbs and flows, seeks and wanders. We want to affirm that wandering is exploration, not necessarily distance from God. We want to affirm the ways Peter keeps going: he drops his nets, he walks on water, he runs to the empty tomb, he swims to the shore to meet the risen Christ. He keeps searching and yearning and loving, even after missteps or mistakes. Ultimately, in Peter’s story, we are reminded that God loves imperfect people—in fact, time and again, that’s precisely who God claims and calls.

This Lent, we will look for ourselves in the stepping stones of Peter’s story. We will reflect on the stages of our own faith journeys as well as who and what has shaped us along the way. As we wander, let us tune our hearts to sing God’s grace. May we rest in streams of mercy, never ceasing.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

To view a video of this worship service, we invite you to follow this link to our “streamed” service on our facebook page, while our production team catches up: https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/videos/6904442452999205

Ash Wednesday – Simple Supper and Worship – Wednesday, February 14th – 6:30pm.
We will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a light supper of soup and bread to launch our Lenten theme: Wandering Heart.

There will be the opportunity to receive ashes for those who find the ritual meaningful.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is the season of preparation for Easter in a similar way in which Advent prepares us for Christmas.

The ancient practice of Lent was intended to prepare people for baptism on Easter. Lent invites us into a time of introspection – a time to inventory what aspects of our lives may be obstacles to following the way of Jesus. Lent is modeled after the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness as it is recorded in the 4th chapter of both Matthew and Luke’s gospel.

Jesus’ time in the wilderness reveals the reality of temptations we all face as we strive to live with love as our primary purpose. The point of Lent isn’t to deny that we ever struggle to be faithful to the way God would have us live. Rather, Lent gives us the opportunity to be transparent – real with who we are – our strengths and our weaknesses. Acknowledging the ways we may feel hindered, or broken, or bound up can serve as first steps toward freedom and wholeness.

To help with the preparation of the meal, please RSVP to office@bethelbeaverton.org or call 503-646-1191, by Sunday, Feb 11th, if you plan to attend the service.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

In the liturgical life of the church, the season of Epiphany falls between Christmas and Lent. Epiphany means, “a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you.” We have many different kinds of epiphany moments. For example, if you are working on a crossword puzzle and you all of a sudden realize what word “fits” – that’s an epiphany moment.

In the life of the church, Epiphany focuses on the various ways the reality of God’s Incarnation at Christmas keeps showing up in our lives. The foundation of the season of Epiphany is rooted in the stories from the Bible that reveal Jesus identity as Christ.

The first “manifestation” happened when the three kings from foreign lands followed a star that led them to discover Jesus lying in the manager. They symbolized the wider world saying, “Ah-ha! Here is where God became human and lives among us.”

Starting January 7 th , Pastor David will be offering a worship series called, “A Deeper Life.” The focus will be on the overwhelming message of Christmas – that God loves us enough to become human, and calls us to be loving of others. David will be drawing from an on-line resource called “Working Preacher”.

The series will consider loving God with our minds, our spirits, our bodies. And loving our “comfortable” neighbors and our “uncomfortable neighbors”.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

In the liturgical life of the church, the season of Epiphany falls between Christmas and Lent. Epiphany means, “a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you.” We have many different kinds of epiphany moments. For example, if you are working on a crossword puzzle and you all of a sudden realize what word “fits” – that’s an epiphany moment.

In the life of the church, Epiphany focuses on the various ways the reality of God’s Incarnation at Christmas keeps showing up in our lives. The foundation of the season of Epiphany is rooted in the stories from the Bible that reveal Jesus identity as Christ.

The first “manifestation” happened when the three kings from foreign lands followed a star that led them to discover Jesus lying in the manager. They symbolized the wider world saying, “Ah-ha! Here is where God became human and lives among us.”

Starting January 7 th , Pastor David will be offering a worship series called, “A Deeper Life.” The focus will be on the overwhelming message of Christmas – that God loves us enough to become human, and calls us to be loving of others. David will be drawing from an on-line resource called “Working Preacher”.

The series will consider loving God with our minds, our spirits, our bodies. And loving our “comfortable” neighbors and our “uncomfortable neighbors”.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

In the liturgical life of the church, the season of Epiphany falls between Christmas and Lent. Epiphany means, “a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you.” We have many different kinds of epiphany moments. For example, if you are working on a crossword puzzle and you all of a sudden realize what word “fits” – that’s an epiphany moment.

In the life of the church, Epiphany focuses on the various ways the reality of God’s Incarnation at Christmas keeps showing up in our lives. The foundation of the season of Epiphany is rooted in the stories from the Bible that reveal Jesus identity as Christ.

The first “manifestation” happened when the three kings from foreign lands followed a star that led them to discover Jesus lying in the manager. They symbolized the wider world saying, “Ah-ha! Here is where God became human and lives among us.”

Starting January 7 th , Pastor David will be offering a worship series called, “A Deeper Life.” The focus will be on the overwhelming message of Christmas – that God loves us enough to become human, and calls us to be loving of others. David will be drawing from an on-line resource called “Working Preacher”.

The series will consider loving God with our minds, our spirits, our bodies. And loving our “comfortable” neighbors and our “uncomfortable neighbors”.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

In the liturgical life of the church, the season of Epiphany falls between Christmas and Lent. Epiphany means, “a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you.” We have many different kinds of epiphany moments. For example, if you are working on a crossword puzzle and you all of a sudden realize what word “fits” – that’s an epiphany moment.

In the life of the church, Epiphany focuses on the various ways the reality of God’s Incarnation at Christmas keeps showing up in our lives. The foundation of the season of Epiphany is rooted in the stories from the Bible that reveal Jesus identity as Christ.

The first “manifestation” happened when the three kings from foreign lands followed a star that led them to discover Jesus lying in the manager. They symbolized the wider world saying, “Ah-ha! Here is where God became human and lives among us.”

Starting January 7 th , Pastor David will be offering a worship series called, “A Deeper Life.” The focus will be on the overwhelming message of Christmas – that God loves us enough to become human, and calls us to be loving of others. David will be drawing from an on-line resource called “Working Preacher”.

The series will consider loving God with our minds, our spirits, our bodies. And loving our “comfortable” neighbors and our “uncomfortable neighbors”.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

This week, due to some eventful weather and power outages, our service was entirely virtual.

In the liturgical life of the church, the season of Epiphany falls between Christmas and Lent. Epiphany means, “a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you.” We have many different kinds of epiphany moments. For example, if you are working on a crossword puzzle and you all of a sudden realize what word “fits” – that’s an epiphany moment.

In the life of the church, Epiphany focuses on the various ways the reality of God’s Incarnation at Christmas keeps showing up in our lives. The foundation of the season of Epiphany is rooted in the stories from the Bible that reveal Jesus identity as Christ.

The first “manifestation” happened when the three kings from foreign lands followed a star that led them to discover Jesus lying in the manager. They symbolized the wider world saying, “Ah-ha! Here is where God became human and lives among us.”

Starting January 7 th , Pastor David will be offering a worship series called, “A Deeper Life.” The focus will be on the overwhelming message of Christmas – that God loves us enough to become human, and calls us to be loving of others. David will be drawing from an on-line resource called “Working Preacher”.

The series will consider loving God with our minds, our spirits, our bodies. And loving our “comfortable” neighbors and our “uncomfortable neighbors”.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

In the liturgical life of the church, the season of Epiphany falls between Christmas and Lent. Epiphany means, “a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you.” We have many different kinds of epiphany moments. For example, if you are working on a crossword puzzle and you all of a sudden realize what word “fits” – that’s an epiphany moment.

In the life of the church, Epiphany focuses on the various ways the reality of God’s Incarnation at Christmas keeps showing up in our lives. The foundation of the season of Epiphany is rooted in the stories from the Bible that reveal Jesus identity as Christ.

The first “manifestation” happened when the three kings from foreign lands followed a star that led them to discover Jesus lying in the manager. They symbolized the wider world saying, “Ah-ha! Here is where God became human and lives among us.”

Starting January 7 th , Pastor David will be offering a worship series called, “A Deeper Life.” The focus will be on the overwhelming message of Christmas – that God loves us enough to become human, and calls us to be loving of others. David will be drawing from an on-line resource called “Working Preacher”.

The series will consider loving God with our minds, our spirits, our bodies. And loving our “comfortable” neighbors and our “uncomfortable neighbors”.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

This Sunday will be a special worship service! For many years the John Nilsen Trio has been performing at the Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ. This is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to enjoy some great music and worship together. Join us at Bethel Sunday, December 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM!

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

The season of Advent prepares us for the great celebration of Christmas: God is with us – Emmanuel. Advent means literally – expectation. Traditionally, there are four primary elements of our Christian faith that support our expectant waiting: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.

This year those four themes will be woven into a series called: “Great Holy One”. We will be using worship materials created by Brian Wren. Wren is an internationally published hymn-poet and writer. In this series we will be invited to consider five dimensions of God as “great Holy one.”

The Christmas Eve candlelight service at 10pm will celebrate the “aliveness” of God and the leadership of God: “Living One, How Will You Lead Us?” A number of lessons and carols will be shared at this service as well as special music from our chancel choir.

To learn more about what this season of Advent will look like at Bethel, please click here!

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

The season of Advent prepares us for the great celebration of Christmas: God is with us – Emmanuel. Advent means literally – expectation. Traditionally, there are four primary elements of our Christian faith that support our expectant waiting: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.

This year those four themes will be woven into a series called: “Great Holy One”. We will be using worship materials created by Brian Wren. Wren is an internationally published hymn-poet and writer. In this series we will be invited to consider five dimensions of God as “great Holy one.”

The fourth Sunday of Advent is December 24. Since it is also Christmas eve will have two services: the usual Sunday worship at 10am and a Candlelight service at 10PM. In the morning, we will dive into the loving dimension of God: “Loving One, How Have You Found Us?”  Focus texts will be 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (God does not live in a building; but is with us wherever we go) and Luke 1:26-38 (Jesus born of Mary)

To learn more about what this season of Advent will look like at Bethel, please click here!

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

The season of Advent prepares us for the great celebration of Christmas: God is with us – Emmanuel. Advent means literally – expectation. Traditionally, there are four primary elements of our Christian faith that support our expectant waiting: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.

This year those four themes will be woven into a series called: “Great Holy One”. We will be using worship materials created by Brian Wren. Wren is an internationally published hymn-poet and writer. In this series we will be invited to consider five dimensions of God as “great Holy one.”

The third week of Advent, December 17, we will lift up God’s initiative to reach out to us: “Seeking One, How Will You Meet Us?” The children and youth of Bethel will inspire us to discover how God seeks us and meets us with the annual Christmas pageant.

To learn more about what this season of Advent will look like at Bethel, please click here!

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

The season of Advent prepares us for the great celebration of Christmas: God is with us – Emmanuel. Advent means literally – expectation. Traditionally, there are four primary elements of our Christian faith that support our expectant waiting: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.

This year those four themes will be woven into a series called: “Great Holy One”. We will be using worship materials created by Brian Wren. Wren is an internationally published hymn-poet and writer. In this series we will be invited to consider five dimensions of God as “great Holy one.”

The second Sunday of Advent, December 10, we will explore the awesomeness of God: “Awesome One, Where Can We Find You? The focus texts will be Mark 1.1-8 (in a human face), Psalm 85.8-13 (in justice and peace), Isaiah 11.6 (and a little child shall lead them).

To learn more about what this season of Advent will look like at Bethel, please click here!

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

Later in the afternoon of December 3, we will offer a “Blue Christmas Service” at 2pm in the sanctuary. As its name suggests, the Blue Christmas service provides comfort and support for those who may be struggling to be “happy or merry or cheerful.” If you have lost a loved one, or have experience any significant loss, the holiday season be especially difficult. You may feel out of step with everyone else. The Blue Christmas service makes room for and acknowledges these “counter cultural” feelings.

To learn more about what this season of Advent will look like at Bethel, please click here!

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

The season of Advent prepares us for the great celebration of Christmas: God is with us – Emmanuel. Advent means literally – expectation. Traditionally, there are four primary elements of our Christian faith that support our expectant waiting: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.

This year those four themes will be woven into a series called: “Great Holy One”. We will be using worship materials created by Brian Wren. Wren is an internationally published hymn-poet and writer. In this series we will be invited to consider five dimensions of God as “great Holy one.”

The first Sunday of Advent, December 3, we will acknowledge the times when it appears to us that God is hiding: “Hidden One, How Can We Meet You?” Our focus texts will be Isaiah 64:1-9 (“oh that you would rend the heavens and come down”) and Psalm 80 (“how long will you be angry?...we knock and get no answer.)

To learn more about what this season of Advent will look like at Bethel, please click here!

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

Over the next few weeks, our church will be in a season of Stewardship. Like many UCC congregations, Bethel asks members and friends to make a financial pledge in the fall. Our financial pledges form a significant component of our budget (mission giving and spending plan) for the upcoming year. We call this campaign “stewardship” because we believe that all that we have flows from God’s abundance. We are called to be good stewards of the gifts God has provided to all of us. Our gifts include our financial resources, our talents or skills, and our willingness to give of our time to the mission and vision of Bethel. All three are vitally important!

Pastor David has invited several members and friends of Bethel to share during worship why supporting Bethel matters to them. We call these “witnessing stewards.” We look forward to sharing our stories and coming together to bring positive change to the lives around us.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

Over the next few weeks, our church will be in a season of Stewardship. Like many UCC congregations, Bethel asks members and friends to make a financial pledge in the fall. Our financial pledges form a significant component of our budget (mission giving and spending plan) for the upcoming year. We call this campaign “stewardship” because we believe that all that we have flows from God’s abundance. We are called to be good stewards of the gifts God has provided to all of us. Our gifts include our financial resources, our talents or skills, and our willingness to give of our time to the mission and vision of Bethel. All three are vitally important!

Pastor David has invited several members and friends of Bethel to share during worship why supporting Bethel matters to them. We call these “witnessing stewards.” We look forward to sharing our stories and coming together to bring positive change to the lives around us.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

Over the next few weeks, our church will be in a season of Stewardship. Like many UCC congregations, Bethel asks members and friends to make a financial pledge in the fall. Our financial pledges form a significant component of our budget (mission giving and spending plan) for the upcoming year. We call this campaign “stewardship” because we believe that all that we have flows from God’s abundance. We are called to be good stewards of the gifts God has provided to all of us. Our gifts include our financial resources, our talents or skills, and our willingness to give of our time to the mission and vision of Bethel. All three are vitally important!

Pastor David has invited several members and friends of Bethel to share during worship why supporting Bethel matters to them. We call these “witnessing stewards.” We look forward to sharing our stories and coming together to bring positive change to the lives around us.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

In our seventh week of this series, Pastor David lays out the important “Call to Resist White Christian Nationalism.”

In “Reclaiming Our Christian DNA,” we will be lead through sermons where we can learn how to recover our identity as Christians in today’s age. Have you asked yourself lately: “Am I going crazy? Why does it feel like common sense, the dignity of all human beings, truth telling, and the Golden Rule have all vanished?”

No, you are not crazy! Not since the Civil War of the 19th century, has the democracy of our country been at greater risk.

 To reclaim our Christian DNA in today’s world means understanding the forces that oppose our belief in a radically inclusive God – Who is Love.

Why “reclaim”? Simply put, a competing interpretation of the Christian faith espoused and promoted by conservative Christian Evangelicals has been very successful in shaping public policy and public life. The movement is best defined as white Christian Nationalism. The architects of the movement are primarily white, privileged men - who believe that the “salvation” of the nation depends on following their narrow, rigid, exclusive understanding of the Christian faith. The world and the way we should live as human beings is seen entirely from the lens of white men and women who want to protect their power, control and privilege. Whether conscious or not, white Christian Nationalists believe that they are the ones who deserve to have power-over others.

We need to acknowledge and understand more clearly what white Christian Nationalism is and how we are called to confront it.

We’ll be guided by Carter Heyward’s recent book: “The Seven Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism: A Call to Action.”

The world needs our Christian DNA. We need each other. God needs our courage and our perseverance to move toward a peaceable kin-dom. Let’s learn and grow in the Light of God.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/

In this six week series, Pastor David will be leading us through sermons where we can learn how to reclaim our Christian DNA. Have you asked yourself lately: “Am I going crazy? Why does it feel like common sense, the dignity of all human beings, truth telling, and the Golden Rule have all vanished?”

No, you are not crazy! Not since the Civil War of the 19th century, has the democracy of our country been at greater risk.

 To reclaim our Christian DNA in today’s world means understanding the forces that oppose our belief in a radically inclusive God – Who is Love.

Why “reclaim”? Simply put, a competing interpretation of the Christian faith espoused and promoted by conservative Christian Evangelicals has been very successful in shaping public policy and public life. The movement is best defined as white Christian Nationalism. The architects of the movement are primarily white, privileged men - who believe that the “salvation” of the nation depends on following their narrow, rigid, exclusive understanding of the Christian faith. The world and the way we should live as human beings is seen entirely from the lens of white men and women who want to protect their power, control and privilege. Whether conscious or not, white Christian Nationalists believe that they are the ones who deserve to have power-over others.

We need to acknowledge and understand more clearly what white Christian Nationalism is and how we are called to confront it.

We’ll be guided by Carter Heyward’s recent book: “The Seven Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism: A Call to Action.”

The world needs our Christian DNA. We need each other. God needs our courage and our perseverance to move toward a peaceable kin-dom. Let’s learn and grow in the Light of God.

Bethel UCC is one of the most vibrant and friendly churches in the Beaverton/Portland Oregon Area, an inclusive Christian congregation, welcoming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, affirming their full participation in the life of the church. Join us in worship 10:00 AM Pacific Time Sundays In person at 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005, on Facebook Live: Https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton or Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/140844207/