Each year during Advent, Bethel offers a quieter, more meditative worship service. The holidays can be a difficult time for those who are are coping with illness, grief, loss, other difficulties and challenges of life. And certainly a worship series about joy can seem, at first glance, especially difficult to withstand. Joy might indeed be elusive. But the phrase from the Psalmist, “joy comes in the morning” could also be “joy comes in the mourning.” Joy is not about denying suffering, but rather it is the embracing of the depths of all of life’s emotions that is the very thing that allows us to feel the heights as well. Joy is possible when we understand suffering, It is the school of compassion and love. This Blue Christmas service, by Worship Design Studio, is an integral part of our Advent sermon series and will allow for sacred grief and for a sparking of the flames of hope and gratitude.
Make plans to join us on Sunday, December 1 at 2 pm in Bethel's sanctuary. Pastor David and Called to Care members will be available after the service for any who wishes to stay to speak privately with someone. For further information, please contact Pastor David.
Heaven and Nature Sing this Advent
The season of Advent begins on December 1 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving.) Our theme this year is Heaven and Nature Sing as we explore the beloved Christmas classic, “Joy to the World,” which turns 300 this year. Composer Isaac Watt’s interpretation of Psalm 98 invites us to sing a “new song”–and it is a powerful cosmic performance of all creation being renewed and freed. Rather than “joy” being yet another word for “happiness,” we will discover that the depths of joy can be found especially in the midst of suffering, the work of justice, and the presence of compassion–all part of the coming of Jesus to this world and a message the world still so desperately needs. You won't want to miss this special Worship Design Studio series as we celebrate Advent
Habitat for Humanity
The next Habitat for Humanity Workday will be this Saturday, November 2 from 8 AM to Noon. Meet at the Denney Road site at 9845 SW Denney Road. See Steve Thomas for any questions or to get involved as a volunteer.
Unpacking the Sabbatical Retreat Update
Last Saturday, October 19, Bethel hosted an Unpacking the Sabbatical retreat to reflect on Pastor David's sabbatical, and what was gleaned by both pastor and congregation from the experience. To read David's summary of the event, please click here.
It's a Wonder-Full Life Sermon Series Begins October 20th
Join us this Sunday, October 20th as we launch our 2020 Stewardship Campaign and sermon series - It's a Wonder-Full Life! Click here to see the trailer!
Spiritual practice feeds that part of ourselves that is oriented toward serenity, harmony, truth, compassion, gratitude, love and joy. But these are not always words we use to describe the role of money in our lives. In the classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a crisis of money creates vastly diverse reactions from several characters that can hold up a mirror to our own relationships with money. In this four-week series, we will “look” squarely in the face of our money issues in compassionate ways that can offer more depth of meaning, healing, and wholeness and a whole new “outlook” on what constitutes a wonderful life.
To delve deeper into this topic, join the Conversations for the Curious Class on Sunday mornings or sign up for Pastor David's Class on Money and Meaning, Tuesdays at 11:30 am or 7 pm.
Neighbors in Need
The Neighbors in Need offering, which we will collect this Sunday, October 13, supports the UCC's ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Working with members of the UCC Justice and Peace Action Network (a network of thousands of UCC justice and peace advocates), Justice and Witness continues its strong policy advocacy work on issues such as the federal budget, voting rights, immigration, health care, hate crimes, civil liberties, and environmental justice. Neighbors in Need also supports our American Indian neighbors in the UCC. One-third of the offering supports the UCC's Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM). Historically, forebears of the UCC established churches and worked with Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arickara, and Hocak in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Nebraska. Today there are 20 UCC congregations on reservations and one urban, multi-tribal UCC congregation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These churches and their pastors are supported by CAIM.
Unpacking the Sabbatical Retreat
Join us on Saturday, October 19 from 9 am - 3 pm in the Fellowship Hall as we Unpack the Sabbatical with consultant Margaret Marcusen. This is the time for the congregation to share about their experiences over the summer and for Pastor David to share more about his and then, as a group, see where we go from here. All congregants, especially leadership, are encouraged to attend. Please sign up on Sunday so we can plan for set up and lunch. Thank you!
Let your voice be heard!
HomePlate - special video projecT
HomePlate is working on a special video project to highlight their many programs, and will be filming at Fellowship Hour this Sunday, September 29! For more information about this project, read on:
Over the past few months, HomePlate Youth Services has been working with Devin Tau, a local documentarian, on a youth-focused video for HomePlate. He has joined them on outings, come to their main office for a "mock drop-in," and filmed at both Sit-n-Stay and It Takes A Village. All of the interviews have been with the youth, which is the biggest difference when compared to our other videos that feature the staff and/or volunteers. Last on the list of filming opportunities is HomePerk. Devin and his camera operator, along with the two new core HomePerk volunteers, will be present at filming at Bethel's Fellowship Hour on September 29. We imagine that they would like to take some wide shots of the line coming through for coffee, maybe the dining area, and will probably want to film Maddison or Christian interacting with people (for those who are comfortable and would like to help with the project and be featured). Please feel free to check in with Devin the filmmaker, who is very friendly. HomePlate ultimately hopes to use the video as promotional material to have on their website, use at presentations, etc. We're really excited to help provide some good footage of HomePerk in action and help our friends at HomePlate.
Summer of Adventure Video
Check out Bethel’s Summer of Adventure video! It shows Pastor David beginning his sabbatical on his motorcycle, Gong Healing, Taizé Labyrinth walk, hiking interviews, Rev. Rodriguez’s tribute Bethel and her Summer of Adventure and more.
The Communications team’s adventure was to upgrade our equipment and improve methods to make better videos for you. Watch them when you can’t attend in person, or want to re-experience a worship service. Really, try it! Visit Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ on Facebook, YouTube, or our Website (SERMONS tab, or Staff page for more interviews).
We are pleased when we hear how people have benefited from these videos. With your help we can make an even greater difference. Join us, learn, grow, create, and bless others with our message. Do camera work, video editing, sound, lighting, or story design regardless of where you are on your audio/visual journey.
Contact Stan Davis, Communication Team members, or staff.
Rummage Sale
The Bethel Rummage Sale is approaching and we need everyone to pitch in! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and a great way for you to give to Bethel is to help with the annual Rummage Sale. Here are some ideas for how to get involved:
1. Now is a good time to sort through your cupboards, closets, and garages. There will be boxes in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall every Sunday in September for you to take home home and fill up. Drop off days and hours are attached to every box. PLEASE DO NOT BRING ITEMS BEFORE SEPT 30th. WE HAVE NO SPACE FOR STORAGE.
2. We also need your time!
-Can you spend time hanging up clothing as donations come in?
-On Sept 30 and Oct 3, can you unpack a box and set items on a table? Evening hours are available.
-On Oct 3, can you help stick prices on items?
-On Oct 4 and 5, can you sit or stand in a designated area and greet shoppers, answer questions, like where to check out? Can you add up purchases using a calculator? Can you bag purchases?
3. Volunteering is probably one of the best ways to meet people and make connections. If you are new to Bethel or a long time member, we would love your help at the Rummage Sale!
Quarterly Women's Gathering: Call to Courage
Join us Saturday, September 14 from 9 AM to 1 PM for the fall women’s retreat. We will be exploring the themes in Brené Browns video “Call to Courage.” She has penned 5 New York Times best sellers and has spent over 20 years studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. She challenges us to choose courage over our comfort in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty. Come ready to learn and share about what a "call to courage" might look like for you. Lunch will be provided, please bring a morning snack to share. If you need child care let Paige know when you register. RSVP to Paige@unangst.net or 503-567-9946.
Update: Pastor David's Return
As you may recall, Paige announced on Sunday that Pastor David tore the distal bicep tendon at his left elbow. He saw the surgeon this afternoon and as luck would have it, he was able to have surgery this past Thursday, August 29. It was an outpatient procedure and he is expected to return to work after Labor Day. Pastor Dianne will be with us on September 1. The "Stump the Pastor" sermon will wait until Pastor David's return on September 8 so you have another week to think of questions to ask. Please keep Pastor David in your prayers.
Help Needed: Sorting School Supplies for Beaverton Students
The Beaverton School District reached out to Bethel about getting help sorting school supply donations. If you are available to help on Friday, August 30 from 11am-3pm, the district could use your assistance. Because of all the media this spring about budget cuts and the Student Success Act, Beaverton School District has been blessed with numerous donors coming in with school supplies. NOW THEY NEED HELP SORTING! Sorting at the warehouse is family friendly, and even an hour of your time is a help. You can contact Christina Mackin, Community Resource Coordinator to RSVP via email at christina_mackin@beaverton.k12.or.us or by cell (503)789-8309. This event will take place at BSD Transportation Support Center, south parking lot garage entrance. 1270 NW 167th Place, Beaverton.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Please come August 25 after worship to celebrate Pastor Dianne's last Sunday with us and enjoy some ice cream at the Ice Cream Social! We will have the ice cream base, whipped cream, chocolate and caramel. We would love to see what you like to top your ice cream with, so please bring your favorite toppings to share! However, we are keeping the ice cream social nut free so please leave nut toppings at home. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Blessing of the Artists
On August 11, we will be featuring the many artists of the Bethel congregation as part of our Blessing of the Artists worship service. Our Blessing of the Artists celebration will include a special art and creativity-focused worship service at 10 AM, followed by an artists' reception from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Creations include everything from wood carvings to fused glass to woven baskets to fruit preserves to poetry. Please join us for this special service and artists' reception! We'll be enjoying a spread of culinary arts during the reception and there will be time to chat, nibble, enjoy fellowship, and view artworks at your own pace.
Kayaking on the Tualatin River
On August 14, join us for another Summer of Adventure outing - kayaking on the Tualatin River! We'll meet at Cook Park at 1:30 PM. Dress for the weather and bring water and a snack if you want one. It is advisable to wear shoes that can get wet, like sandals. Tualatin Riverkeepers will provide the boats, life jackets and paddles.
As far as boat options, TRK has 7 canoes, 2-4 double kayaks, and 10-15 single kayaks. Canoes can take 1-2 passengers depending on their size/age, which is great for little ones going with their parents. The activity will run from 1:30 to 4:30 PM. Everyone will need to sigh a waiver (adults on the front, minors on the back).
Strategic Planning Wants to Hear from You!
The strategic planning committee is holding a series of focus group meetings for members, visitors, and friends of the congregation to share their thoughts and aspirations for Bethel! The data collected will be used to inform our strategic plan for the next five years. The focus groups are being held on the following dates:
July 25 at 11:30 AM at Bethel.
August 5 at 7 PM at Bethel.
August 16 at 6:30 PM at the Macpherson home.
August 18 at 11:30 AM at Bethel.
August 26 at 7 PM at the Griffo home.
To sign up for one of the meetings, please click on the Summer of Adventure Signup Link in the Weekly Highlights or contact Courtney in the church office.
Blessing of the Artist
Dear Bethel Community,
“The purpose of art is the lifelong construction of a state of wonder.” – Glenn Gould
Bethel Congregational UCC is interested in celebrating our human connectedness through the arts. We will be hosting a Blessing of the Artists worship service and artist reception on Sunday, August 11, 2019, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We emphasize that this would be an inclusive blessing of all artists. This event is an opportunity for the Bethel congregation as well as community members to share and appreciate the creations of local artists and the many contributions art brings to all our living. The day will begin with a blessing ceremony for artists and will be followed by a showing of featured art work and refreshments.
This is an opportunity to offer something unique for the Bethel community to participate in. I and the members of Bethel encourage you to consider this collaboration and welcome you to submit your work. We would love to see your paintings and drawings, your musical and dance talents, your poetry and writing (fiction, poetry, nonfiction, blogs, journalism), your photography, graphic art, and carvings, your jewelry and your culinary gifts. If you have a form of personal creative expression, we encourage you to share your gifts with the congregation for the Blessing of the Artists.
The submission deadline to RSVP as a featured artist is August 2, 2019. Please reach out to Courtney Czarnecki, Office Administrator, by email at office@bethelbeaverton.org or by phone at (503)646-1191 to sign up to participate. If your creative gift is hospitality or the culinary arts, we would also appreciate volunteers to assist with set up and refreshments for our artist reception.
We encourage you to share this letter with the artists in your life, including friends and family, if you think they would enjoy participating in this event. Artists are welcome to sell their work if they choose. We are looking forward to celebrating art in its many forms with you on August 11th.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dianne Rodriguez
Sabbatical Supply Minister at Bethel Congregational UCC
Starfire Singers: CJ Cafe
On July 24, Bethel will host the Starfire Singers as they perform their show CJ Cafe. We will be hosting a potluck dinner at 6 PM and the show will begin at 7:30 in the Sanctuary. CJ Cafe...Building on Our Dreams is an original musical by Dirk and Carol Damonte which is being premiered by the Starfire Singers on this 2019 Summer Tour. Set in a very special cafe, where people gather for much more than just coffee, CJ is about God’s call for each of us to be a part of changing the world. People from varying backgrounds and interests gather there, and through sharing their stories, listening to each other, and seeing things in new ways they realize that together they can do so much more to heal the hurts and bring the Good News than they could ever do alone. Through a wide variety of musical styles, lively dances, multi-media, and the voices of the choir youth, you will come to realize that you, too, are a part of this story. Come on down to the CJ Cafe!
We still need volunteers and we are in need of 1 more main dish, 3 salads and 3 desserts for the potluck. If interested, please contact Cathy Thoma by email or at (971) 226-6062.
Contemplative Summer Adventures
Join us for Contemplative Summer Adventures in which we will engage our imagination to wander and wonder through guided imagery, engaging our senses, breath work, simple body movements, story telling, and mandala coloring. Together we will invite the Spirit to take us beyond all and any limitations where we can experience renewal of body mind and spirit.
Contemplative Summer Adventures will take place either at the Peace Pole or in the chapel, depending on weather, on the following dates:
Tuesday, July 16 at 11 am
Tuesday, July 30 at 11 am
Thursday, August 22 at 1 pm
Contact Courtney at the office to sign up