UCC - One Great Hour of Sharing, March 30th

Be the Light

“One Great Hour of Sharing is one of the United Church of Christ's four special offerings. We will receive the offering on Sunday, March 30th.

You can also give online. Bethel E-Giving

This Lenten offering supports the disaster, refugee, and development ministries of the United Church of Christ within the Wider Church Ministries.  For more information, please click on the following video link.  https://www.ucc.org/giving/ways-to-give/our-churchs-wider-mission/one-great-hour-of-sharing/.

Congregational Meeting March 23rd

After the (shortened) worship service on Sunday, March 23, there will be a congregational meeting about the proposed capital campaign. We encourage you to attend, either in person or via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87457812295.  or Facebook [http://(https:/www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/)]http://(https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/)

Baked Potato Bar Fundraiser - Sunday, March 16th after service

It's that time of year again! For a St. Patrick's Day treat, we will be holding our annual Baked Potato Fundraiser. Kids and youth are encouraged to participate to help fund Camperships for Camp Adams.
Parents are asked to volunteer to bring ten prebaked, foil wrapped potatoes before service to help support this fundraiser.

At the end of Sunday School, we will escort kids to the Fellowship Hall to finish setting up. Youth are invited to come join us at the start of Prayers of the People if they are in the main service. Then kids and youth can help stock the Baked Potato Bar or help serve church members during fellowship time.

To sign up to bring potatoes, please email Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org

Lenten Worship Series & Bible Study beginning Sunday, March 9th at 9 AM

Our Upcoming Worship Series For Lent

Our worship series for the season of Lent is "Good Enough: Embracing the Imperfections of Life and Faith." Life can often feel like it demands accuracy, our best efforts, and general perfection, but for this season of Lent we'll be exploring the truth that life is actually imperfect, and our imperfect selves are exactly what God calls for it. We are in a turbulent time in the world, but the teachings of Jesus invite us to respond to this turbulence with humility and mercy, not just for each other, but for ourselves as well. Join us for these next six weeks as we dive deeper into a "good enough" faith.

Lenten Bible Study beginning Sunday, March 9th at 9 AM

For this season of Lent, we will be offering a bible study led by Victory Nichols and Deb Stewart. This bible study will take place on Sunday mornings before service at 9 AM in the conference room, and will serve as a companion to our sermons each week, delving deeper into the scripture supporting our Good Enough series. This study will be held from March 9th to April 13th, and attendees are welcome to join for as many sessions as they are able.

If you would like a copy of the book our series is based on, please reach out to Erin Barber at [eb@bethelbeaverton.org ]eb@bethelbeaverton.org or sign up in the narthex on Sunday!

Ash Wednesday, March 5th

Ash Wednesday – Simple Supper and Worship – Wednesday, March 5th – 6:30pm.
We will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a light supper of soup and bread to launch our Lenten theme: "Good Enough: Embracing the Imperfections of Life and Faith"

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.

Ash Wednesday is also the time when we aspire to make some room for deeper introspection and practices that will draw us into the love and assurance of faith. But sometimes faith can feel not as assured as we hoped for. We can feel “less than,” perceiving that others seem to be able to be “more faithful” in their practices and beliefs. This Lent, rather than change for “the best”, we’ll seek to gain momentum one day at a time, “to reach for a faith that is never perfect, but good enough.”

To help with the preparation of the meal, please RSVP to office@bethelbeaverton.org or call 503-646-1191, by Sunday, March 1st, if you plan to attend the service.

Mardi Gras Brunch Party/Potluck - Saturday, March 1st

Join us Saturday, March 1st for a Mardi Gras Potluck Brunch in the fellowship hall from 11 am to 1 pm. This event will feature cinnamon roll "king cakes," mask decorating, and a Mardi Gras parade to earn some beads. Please bring a favorite brunch side to go with our cinnamon rolls. All ages are welcome!

Respond to Racism Worship Service in Honor of Black History Month Sunday, February 23rd

Join us Sunday, February 23rd for a special service led by our Respond to Racism committee in honor of Black History Month. Our sermon portion of worship will feature an educational video and an opportunity to discuss and ask questions with a panel, with music and liturgy supporting the theme of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Creative Congregation Fellowship Time - February 16th

As our Epiphany series comes to an end, we want to celebrate the many different forms of creativity our Bethel family contains. On this Sunday, please bring your crafts, puzzles, photos, and sense of play to engage in a fun "creative congregation" time during fellowship after service. We will provide some paint and collage materials, as well as fun discussion questions for tables to share.
Please email Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org with any questions!

Food Cupboard

Bethel and Beaverton United First Methodist will be working together to provide weekend food for 31 unaccompanied homeless Beaverton High students every weekend until the end of school. Some of the work experience students at BHS will assemble bags of food that will go in the student back packs. We are planning on beginning Jan. 24. There may be special items we will ask for, so watch the Food Cupboard space.

This is for BSD neediest families.
We received this thank you from the McKinney- Vento liaisons. The families were thrilled. We will be doing the same project for Springs Break with set up being March 17 and box assembly March 18!

New Year - New Song: Women's Retreat Saturday, Jan. 18th at 10 am

Join us for our Winter Women's Retreat centered around the theme: "New Year - New Song," where will be exploring the value of music to our mental and spiritual wellness. Our time together in this retreat will be spent in fellowship with one another and brief study/discussion sessions.

Saturday, January 18th in the fellowship hall from 10 am to noon!

Please RSVP with Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org by Wednesday, January 15th

Lunch will not be served, but breakfast items will be provided.

All who identify as women or nonbinary are encouraged to attend!

Our Epiphany Series - Drawn In: Living the Creative Life with God

Our worship series for the season of Epiphany, beginning Sunday, January 12th, invites us to embrace being made in the image of a Creator God. Worship Design Studio’s Drawn In: Living the Creative Life with God helps us reflect on our own creativity and how it intersects and strengthens our spiritual lives, beyond artistic pursuits. All of us are makers in our own way and co-creators of the world around us. This birthright does not need to drive us to be productive, but rather ignite our passion, delight, and imagination, drawing us in. Together, we can envision, express, and craft God’s dream for the world and for our lives.

“God’s Love Knows No Borders”

Countering Myths and Uplifting Humane Treatment

of Immigrants at the Texas/Mexico border 

 January 11, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

at Lake Oswego UCC

Oregon pastors and laypersons who recently witnessed the Texas/Mexico border conditions will share their insights on Saturday, January 11, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at LOUCC. It will also be live-streamed here.

Rev. Adam Hange, pastor of the Hillsboro UCC, and Rev. Keren Rodriguez, a Methodist pastor and community organizer for Portland-based Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ), will discuss their experiences meeting people affected by border conditions and politics, as well as those providing humanitarian aid. The program will also include a documentary on immigration realities. This event is a fundraiser for the United Church of Christ Rio Grande Valley‘s crucial work supporting immigrants as they face possible deportation. 

Ten pastors and laypeople from the United Church of Christ, Methodist and Lutheran denominations immersed themselves in border people and issues September 12-16.  The ecumenical delegation represented churches in 11 states.

New Year's Eve Sunday Service - The John Nilsen Trio, Dec 29th, 10am

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. John is Cathy Thoma's brother, and we appreciate him sharing his talents with us. 
Join us at Bethel Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM! 

PIANIST, SINGER-SONGWRITER, RECORDING ARTIST
John Nilsen is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most successful performance and recording artists

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Family Service - Dec 24, 4 PM

We will gather on Christmas eve for a family friendly service of the story of the nativity, carols, and hymns at 4pm in the sanctuary.

We hope you’ll join us for this beautiful tradition filled with light, love, and mystery.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - Dec 24, 10 PM

We will gather on Christmas eve for a service of lessons, carols, and candle-lighting at 10pm in the sanctuary.

There will be special music from the chancel choir.

We hope you’ll join us for this beautiful tradition filled with light, love, and mystery.

Christmas Cookie Potluck - Sunday, December 15th

Calling all cookie lovers and baking enthusiasts!

Once again, it's time to share and enjoy your favorite Christmas cookie and candy treats. On Sunday, December 15th, we'll be gathering in the Fellowship Hall after worship for the annual Christmas cookie potluck. Bring a big batch of your signature cookie to share and bring a variety home with you for your family to enjoy. Smells of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and more are in the air. If you have questions, please contact the office. 

If you have gluten free, or other allergy free recipes, they would be most welcome. Please label your offering so we know which have nuts, etc. 

Any leftovers you are welcome to bag and take home. 

The Perfect Gift for the person who has everything!

This year, consider a unique gift for your friends and family as part of the Habitat for Humanity Portland Region Gifts that Build program. These gifts of kindness will help build a Habitat for Humanity home for a local family.  We will provide you with a specially designed greeting card (see examples below), a commemorative ornament, and the joy of knowing that a hardworking family will soon have a decent home of their own. Give a gift of any amount!

How Gifts that Build Works:

Paul Griffo will host a Gifts that Build table in the Fellowship Table on December 5th and December 12th following church service. You can obtain the greeting card(s) and commemorative ornament(s) then. Alternatively, you can also contact Paul Griffo at paul.griffo@msn.com / (503 707-0226) of your interest and how many cards/ornaments that you wish to gift. Paul can arrange to deliver the card(s) and ornament(s) to you either at church or to your home. Under either option, make check payable to “Habitat for Humanity – Portland Region”.

How Habitat Works:

After acquiring land and materials, volunteers and the future homeowners work side-by-side to build homes. Habitat sells the homes to pre-qualified families using a 1% down payment and 0%-interest mortgage. Payments are set below 30% of each family’s monthly income to ensure long term affordability. Because Habitat acts as the lender, 100% of the mortgage principal payments return to Habitat to help build more homes! Reach out to Paul Griffo or Leon Taylor (mr.leon.taylor.new@gmail.com) with any additional questions and thank you for supporting Habitat for Humanity Portland Region!

Blue Christmas Service, Dec. 1st, 2:00 pm

Each year during Advent, Bethel offers a quieter, more meditative worship service. The holidays can be a difficult time for those who are coping with illness, grief, loss, other difficulties and challenges of life. 

This time of year, the culture around us seems to demand hearty good cheer at all times. When we are grieving, in pain, trying to make ends meet, and dealing with the continued uncertainty of the election results and how to have a safe holiday celebration, we may feel out of step and off balance.

The Blue Christmas Worship Service gives us an opportunity to give voice to our pain and frustration, and the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to us through candlelight, music, and, if desired, the ancient practice of anointing with oil. The Blue Christmas Worship Service will take place Sunday, December 1st at 2 pm as a hybrid service. 

Advent/Christmas Worship Series – Words for the Beginning

The season of Advent begins December 1, 2024.

This year we will celebrate the season of Advent with resource materials from A Sanctified Art. Our theme will be “Words for the Beginning”.

Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year rushes in. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving—and yet, we feel the weight of many things coming to an end.

Given our polarized world, and in anticipation of continued anxiety regardless of the Election Day outcomes, we need the support of comforting messages.

“Words for the Beginning” will include these weekly themes
•    You Are a Blessing (Luke 1.26-38 and Isaiah 43.1-7)
•    We Can’t Go Alone (Ruth 1 and Ecclesiastes 4.9-12)
•    Do the Good that Is Yours to Do (Luke 3.7-16 and Isaiah 58.9b-12)
•    Hope Is Worth the Risk (Matthew 1.18-25 and Luke 1.46-55)
•    Love Knows Your Name (Luke 2.1-20 and Isaiah 9.6)
•    Don’t Forget to Laugh (Luke 2:10, Matthew 2:10, Isaiah 9:2-3, 
      Psalm 148, Psalm 126:1-3, Ecclesiastes 3:1) Texts of joy!
•    Epiphany – The Road Isn’t Straight (Matthew 2.1-12 and Isaiah 43.16-21)

In addition, we will be sharing artwork, music, and fellowship times that deepen these themes and prepare for and celebrate the gift of Christmas. 

Bethel's LGBTQI+ Friends are Invited to Tea Saturday, Nov 9th

Bethel's LGBTQI+ Friends are Invited to Tea Saturday, Nov 9th

It's LGBTea+ time! Amy Tobey has organized an ongoing meeting for anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community including friends, family, and allies to regularly get together for coffee/tea around the Beaverton area.

Saturday, Nov 9th at 2 pm to 4 pm at Brickhaus Coffee 

12600 SW Crescent St UNIT 110, Beaverton, OR 97005

Feel free to send questions to Amy at amy.l.tobey@gmail.com

Stewardship Series 2024

Each year we engage in a Stewardship campaign to request a financial pledge to support our mission and ministry for the upcoming new year.  The campaign begins October 27 and ends November 17. On November 17th, we will receive our pledges of time, talent and treasure during worship. 
Our theme for this year is “Imagine Together.” This theme is grounded in our belief that God speaks to us through prophets of ages past and through visionaries and leaders today. God speaks in our hearts “with sighs too deep for human words” (Romans 8). And God speaks through spirited debate as we seek to discern the right thing to do. In all these ways, God stretches our imagination for what’s possible and what’s necessary. 
Together: God calls us into community. We follow Jesus as siblings in faith. United with other believers, we form a Christian movement living the way of Jesus. Faith is not a solitary life but one that brings our hearts close to others. As a statement of faith from the United Church of Canada affirms, “we are not alone; we live in God’s world.” 

The spiritual practice of generosity arises from imagining all that God calls us to do as a community. Our donations to our congregation make it possible to turn what we imagine into a reality. Through our annual commitments to our congregation, we imagine together all that we can do. 
                         Imagine Together!