HOLY WEEK EVENTS

Palm/Passion Sunday - April 13th 

Holy Week begins with worship on Palm Sunday. The children and choir members will gather at the Front entrance of the church

and in the Narthex for a congregational procession into the sanctuary with palms waving!

Congregants can decide if they would like to join the processional or be seated in the sanctuary at the start of service.

Worship will conclude with the building of the cross (made from the trunks of our Christmas trees).

Maundy Thursday - April 17th, 7pm

On Thursday, April 17th at 7pm, we will be offering a Maundy Thursday hybrid worship service.

You can participate in person or join us virtually via Zoom and Facebook. If you're joining us virtually, please have a candle with you. 
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/) and Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/140844207
The Maundy Thursday worship service draws its purpose and themes from historical events that our Christian tradition believed happened on the Thursday before Easter.

“Maundy” is the English form of the Latin word meaning commandment. Jesus’ new commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you,” is the focus of Maundy Thursday.
 
This day brings us to the lowest point of Holy Week, but there is an important message to remember: “We Are Blessed, Regardless”. Our service will walk us through our "blessings for when we don't feel blessed," we will receive communion in memory of the Last Supper, and following our final scripture reading and choir anthem, we will leave the sanctuary in silence. 

Good Friday Quiet Prayer - April 18th - 12-3pm

Join us on April 18th from 12-3 p.m. for a Good Friday quiet prayer, in-person at Bethel in our chapel.

We will offer an opportunity for those who would like to come to Bethel for a contemplative sit.

Come and stay for as little or as long as you would like.

Prayer materials will be provided for your time of quiet prayer and contemplation. 

Easter Sunday - April 20th - 10am

Please join us this year for Easter Sunday!

Worship will take place on April 20th at 10:00am both in person and virtually via Zoom and Facebook.

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/) and Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/140844207 

This all-generational worship will celebrate Christ’s resurrection with special music, prayers and liturgy.

Our sanctuary will be flooded with color from flowers given in honor or memory of loved ones.

Our children and youth will once again have an opportunity to Flower the Cross inside.

We invite you to come forward to the chancel and sing Handel’s "Hallelujah Chorus" to conclude worship.  

Easter Egg Hunt 

Join us after our Easter Service on April 20th, for an Easter Egg Hunt for all our children up through 5th grade.

Please have your child bring their own Easter basket.  We will have bags available for those who forget.

Following the egg hunt, you are invited to continue celebrating with us in the Fellowship Hall with special treats.

All Church Talent Show - Saturday April 5th at 1 PM

Bethel's All Church Talent Show is coming together! Please note we are changing the time of our show to begin at 1 pm.

 On Saturday April 5th, we will start in the sanctuary for a performance starting at 1:00 pm, to see our live artists. Afterwards we will head into the fellowship hall to enjoy the bakers and makers and crafts of our visual artists. We hope you come join us!

Performers, keep in mind that there will be a rehearsal on Sunday March 30th, 1pm. Chad will be on hand to support with his amazing skills. On the day of the performance, there will be a sound check a half hour before the show starts. Please arrive ready to go by 12:30 pm.

Visual Artists and Makers, please arrive at least a half hour before the show with your creations to set them up in the fellowship hall. If you need to coordinate with Erin to get them to the church earlier in the week, please reach out!

Questions? Contact Erin or Melanie at eb@bethelbeaverton.org or mm@bethelbeaverton.org.

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!

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!

“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 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. 

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!

PUMPKIN PANCAKE FUNDRAISER- after service Oct 27th

For Kindergarten through 12th grade

Fire up the griddles because we're planning our annual Pumpkin Pancake Fundraiser! After service, our kids and youth will get to help serve pancakes to the congregation to help raise money for our kids and youth activities like the Pumpkin Patch. The Faith Development Committee will begin preparations during service and then kids can help serve during Fellowship Time. Be sure to bring your appetite!

Pink Out - October 20th

As we live into the teachings of “Our Family Tree” sermon series, this Laity Sunday we lift up awareness of Breast Cancer. We hope you can help in our efforts to focus on the good we can do rather than being sabotaged by fear, anger or despair.

U.S. breast cancer statistics:
   People of every country, race, ethnic group, and income level are affected by breast cancer. In the U.S., the percentage of women diagnosed with breast cancer has been slowly rising for the past couple of decades.

A woman in the U.S. today has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer over her lifetime and a 1 in 39 chance of dying from breast cancer. 
     Nearly 30% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer later develop metastatic breast cancer. 
     U.S. men make up 1 of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the country. 
     There are about 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., including women receiving breast cancer treatment. 
While the percentage of women dying from breast cancer has gone down in recent decades, black women remain more likely to die from breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group.

This information is provided by Breastcancer.org.
The Ways you can help:

•      Come dressed in your favorite shade of pink 

Following service, we will have a Tea Time Fellowship where a representative from Pink Lemonade Project will speak. If you are able, donations to Pink Lemonade Project will be gladly accepted. https://pinklemonadeproject.org/

Building a Healthy Male Spirituality – A Half-Day Retreat - Oct.19th

Saturday, 9:00-Noon in Fellowship Hall

  The national political arena has brought into sharp relief toxic versus healthy male spirituality. Many of us who identify as male know what it is like to struggle with age old norms about what it means to be a “real man”. “Real men” don’t cry. They don’t share feelings (unless it’s anger). They are strong and never admit weakness or vulnerability. They devote their time and energy into their work and career advancement at the expense of deep relationships. Winning and succeeding are the forces that drive them. Failure is not an option and to be avoided at all costs.

These cultural norms, of course, don’t align with our Christian values. Many of us who identify as male have found ways to listen to and be shaped by the messages from our culture and our Christian faith. In other words, we are pulled in two directions at the same time. We have a foot in both worlds.

The purpose of our retreat will be to discuss these two arenas and seek ways to develop a “male” spirituality that combines positive attributes of culturally defined maleness (strength, courage, tenacity, drive) with the positive attributes of our Christian faith (compassion, empathy, grace and humility).

Finally, in today’s world, with the acknowledgement of great gender fluidity, if this article resonates in your head and heart, you are welcome to attend. If you have questions, Pastor David will be happy to discuss them.

Please RSVP to drb@bethelbeaverton.org We would like to provide coffee and bagels, and a head count would be a great help. 

"Youngish Adults" and Families Pumpkin Carving & Painting Night Friday, October 11th 6:30-8:00 pm

Our Youngish Adults Group and families are invited for an evening of Halloween Fun in the fellowship hall! Come prepared to carve or paint a pumpkin and enjoy a family friendly Halloween flick. Pizza will be provided and we encourage you to bring a side like a salad, drinks, or dessert. This is a kid friendly event!

If you don't have a pumpkin of your own to bring, please let us know in your RSVP so we can provide one for you.

Please email Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org  if you plan to attend by Wednesday October 9th.