Pride Beaverton - Next Sunday, June 30th Road Closures

We're looking forward to celebrating Pride in our community next week! The celebration will take place in the Farmer's Market Parking Lot between SW 3rd St and SW 5th St off of SW Washington and SW Hall Blvd.

The Pride Parade will begin at 11 am which means the parade route will require road closures at 10 am.

For those attending church in person, you will want to give yourself extra time to find parking Sunday morning, as SW Washington will be blocked for the parade line-up all the way to 9th St.
Our worship service will wrap up a little early so that we can head outside to show some love and cheer on the parade as it passes by. 

For more event information, follow this link: https://www.pridebeaverton.org/

Vacation Bible School Sundays Begins June 23rd

We're excited to have Vacation Bible School (VBS) all summer long again! Our Summer schedule will not follow a strict pattern as we navigate vacations and weeks at Camp Adams so mark your calendar to know what Sundays to expect VBS.
  This year our theme is Renew where we will learn how and why to care for God's creation through The Parable of the Sower. We will offer a multigenerational session for our kids to learn from one another and grow together.  

Greetings to Our Sabbatical Pastor: Rev Linda Jaramillo

We are happy to announce that Rev. Linda Jaramillo has accepted the role of our sabbatical pastor this coming summer as Pastor David leaves for the summer. Please join us in welcoming her back on June 16th. She provided our sermon message for David's 20th anniversary celebration October 1st.

We are looking forward to her ideas for worship during David's well earned sabbatical.  

The Rev. Linda Jaramillo is a member of Ainsworth United Church of Christ in Portland, Oregon. She served for 10 years as Executive Minister of Justice and Witness Ministries and Officer of the Church in the national headquarters of the United Church of Christ. Guided by the prophets and Gospel teachings, Linda is particularly motivated by HOPE for a more loving and caring social culture as we set our course for a peace-filled, nonviolent future. She cherishes engagement with interfaith, inter-cultural and multilingual communities grounded in the belief that we are each responsible for sharing wisdom and stories across generations. Linda is the proud mother of two and grandmother of five beautiful and brilliant grandchildren!  

  We are looking forward to celebrating Pride in our community next month. Here's what we're asking for to make this event a success:
     -  Packages of Bottled Water
     -  Volunteers to help with set up (8 - 9:45 am) or clean up (5 - 6 pm) or help greet people at our booth for an hour (11 am - 5 pm).

Email Erin if you can be a volunteer and drop off water bottles with her in the office. Thank you!

All Church Summer Potluck and Lawn Games - Saturday, June 22nd

We're excited for summer, so we are hosting a fun potluck outside on our courtyard and lawn, complete with games and activities on Saturday, June 22nd from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm.
We know a lot of our Bethel members are pretty enthusiastic about a good potluck, so to help us get organized by signing up and letting us know what you can bring. You can sign up online through this link HERE or sign up on a clipboard in the narthex on Sundays!
We're asking folks to bring food and/or a fun lawn game to enjoy outside like croquet, cornhole, or lawn darts!
AND as if that wasn't enough, there will be a station to do some tie-dye for fun and to make some colorful items to wear at Beaverton Pride later in the month!
Questions? Reach out to Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org. We hope you will join us for this fun event!  

Respond to Racism Movie Viewing and Discussion - June 1st at 10 AM at Bethel

Respond to Racism Movie Viewing and Discussion -

June 1st at 10 AM at Bethel

We have rescheduled our movie viewing! We will watch it in our sanctuary together at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 1st and then gather in the Fellowship Hall to discuss the film.

  Rob Reiner's documentary God & Country, "looks at the implications of Christian Nationalism and how it distorts not only the constitutional republic, but Christianity itself." Click here for a preview of this film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MFQ2uESrjU

Please RSVP with Tim Moe at Timdawn4@gmail.com or Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org.

Meet Our Sabbatical Pastor: Rev Linda Jaramillo!

We are happy to announce that Rev. Linda Jaramillo has accepted the role of our sabbatical pastor this coming summer as Pastor David leaves for the summer. Please join us in welcoming her back. She provided our sermon message for David's 20th anniversary celebration October 1st.

We are looking forward to her ideas for worship during David's well earned sabbatical.  

The Rev. Linda Jaramillo is a member of Ainsworth United Church of Christ in Portland, Oregon. She served for 10 years as Executive Minister of Justice and Witness Ministries and Officer of the Church in the national headquarters of the United Church of Christ. Guided by the prophets and Gospel teachings, Linda is particularly motivated by HOPE for a more loving and caring social culture as we set our course for a peace-filled, nonviolent future. She cherishes engagement with interfaith, inter-cultural and multilingual communities grounded in the belief that we are each responsible for sharing wisdom and stories across generations. Linda is the proud mother of two and grandmother of five beautiful and brilliant grandchildren!  

Bethel's Updated Mission Statement - April 2024

  This updated version of the Bethel Congregational UCC mission statement was developed by Bethel’s Respond to Racism team at the request of the Board. The rationale to change Bethel’s mission statement stems from the congregation’s recently adopted resolution declaring Bethel an anti-racist church and a white supremacist-free zone. The new mission statement was adopted by the Bethel Board at its 4.24.24 board meeting. 

*************

  While our Christian faith is 2000 years old, our thinking is not.

We worship God, share the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and practice God’s unconditional love for all creation.

Celebrating God’s still-speaking voice, we advocate for service, justice, and kindness.

We commit to actively dismantling injustice, fostering a White Supremacy-Free Zone, and becoming an anti-racist community.

Passionately open and affirming of the LGBTQIA+ community, we support each other’s journey while honoring our roots and embracing a future where all are valued and empowered.  

Join us for a Women's Retreat Saturday, May 4th, 10 am - 12:30 pm

Stories

"Think of yourself as a nesting doll: how many versions of yourself have you carried this far, to this point? How many more iterations will there be as you age? Know there is room for all of you. Keep moving." - Maggie Smith, poet.

Come join us for a morning of Tea/Coffee and treats and fellowship, where we can dive into the stories of resurrection within our own lives. We will be exploring the value of resurrection stories and sharing these moments of renewed life and renewed faith with one another.  All who identify as women or nonbinary are welcome!

RSVP by Wednesday, May 1st with Paige at Paige@Unangst.net, or Erin at eb@Bethelbeaverton.org OR sign up in person on Sunday or call the church office.

Peace & Blessings

Habitat for Humanity

In April, on Wednesday, April 24th, the Portland Region will hold their annual one-hour program and free lunch.   Bethel will host two/three tables and the keynote speaker will be award winning Majora Carter, an urban revitalization strategist, author, and Peabody Award-winning broadcaster. Look for more information in future announcements in April. 

Contact Paul Griffo (paul.griffo@msn.com) and/or Leon Taylor (mr.leon.taylor.new@gmail.com) for more information.  Paul and Leon serve as the Bethel Congregational representatives on the Habitat for Humanity Portland Region Faith Committee on behalf of the Outreach Committee.

Eastertide - Resurrection Stories - Unlock Yours

Resurrection Stories:
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.

All Church Talent Show - Saturday April 20th

Bethel is planning a talent to showcase all the amazing talents and passions here at our church on Saturday, April 20th! And when we say All Talent, we mean it! 

Our show will begin at 2 pm with our performers showing off their skills, from singing to playing a variety of instruments, to stand up and arts entertainment. 

After this we will showcase the visual arts and crafts of more talented folks at Bethel, from quilting to baking, to knitting to painting, and much more!

This will be a wonderful, multi-talented event and we hope you can join us! Please email our program coordinator, Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org with any questions.

Habitat for Humanity - Save the Date! April 7th

On Sunday, April 7th following church service our partners at the Habitat for Humanity Portland Region will present an update to the congregation about progress towards affordable home ownership program and Habitat for Humanity local regional efforts. 

At the presentation you will learn about:

·         Current building underway across the Portland Metro, including an update on the 18-home construction in the Reedville neighborhood in Hillsboro.

·         The Habitat for Humanity ReStore where donated items help fund local construction of Habitat homes and keep useable items out of local landfills

·         The Home Repair program that allows long-time homeowners to stay in their homes and local communities

·         And their newest community offering, the Playhouse Experience, where teams of volunteers can fundraise and participate in the assembly and decoration of children’s playhouses, which are then donated to families through the Dougy Center for Grieving Families.

Later in April, on Wednesday, April 24th, the Portland Region will hold their annual one-hour program and free lunch.   Bethel will host two/three tables and the keynote speaker will be award winning Majora Carter, and urban revitalization strategist, author, and Peabody Award-winning broadcaster. Look for more information in future announcements in April. 

Contact Paul Griffo (paul.griffo@msn.com) and/or Leon Taylor (mr.leon.taylor.new@gmail.com) for more information.  Paul and Leon serve as the Bethel Congregational representatives on the Habitat for Humanity Portland Region Faith Committee on behalf of the Outreach Committee.

Holy Week

Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ begins the celebration of Holy Week with a very special Palm Sunday service culminating in a beautiful celebration of Easter and the risen Christ followed by a fun Easter egg hunt for all ages. You and your family are invited to join us for any and all of the Holy Week activities.

Palm/Passion Sunday | March 24 at 10 am

Multigenerational Worship

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.

Pastor David will offer a special service entitled, “Songs of Loudest Praise.” Worship will conclude with the building of the cross (made from the trunks of our Christmas trees). 

Maundy Thursday |  March 28th at 7 pm

The Maundy Thursday worship service draws its purpose and themes from historical events that our Christian tradition believed happened on the Thursday before Easter. This year our celebration of Maundy Thursday will walk us through Peter's perspective in the crucifixion narrative. Stage by stage, we experience the story through the eyes of one of Jesus' closest followers and friends as he goes to his death. This service will be a multisensory worship taking us through confession, lament, and repentance. We leave the sanctuary in silence. 

 
Good Friday |  March 29, 12 - 3 pm
Quiet Prayer A time of quiet reflection in the chapel. This is a self-directed time of prayer and renewal. 

Easter Sunday | March 31 at 10 am

Multigenerational Worship

 We discover the true blessing of Hope this Easter! 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. An invitation to sing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus will conclude worship. 

Easter Egg Hunt | March 31 at 11:15 am

Join us after our Easter Morning Celebration for an Easter Egg Hunt for children of ALL age

BHS Food Delivery - City of Beaverton Honors Bethel

At the Beaverton State of the City Program held at the Reser on Monday, March 4, 2024, Bethel was one of a number of organizations and individuals that received a “Best of Beaverton” award for our annual project of providing food for the homeless students at Beaverton High School for winter and spring breaks. What an honor!

Baked Potato Bar Fundraiser - Sunday March 17th after service

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 youth activities and outings.
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

Israel/Palestine Learning and Discussion Session - March 10th

On Sunday, March 10th we will be offering a special class after service to learn more about the historical context of the Israel/Palestine conflict. We encourage anyone seeking understanding about the recent and ongoing tragedies to attend.

This session will be led by Marcia Gilliland. Marcia has been a member of the Central Pacific Conference Palestine Israel Network (PIN) for ten years. She has been to Palestine/Israel six times working with the Palestine YWCA teaching sewing in a refugee camp near Ramallah and a women's center in Dar Salaam. She has assisted Palestinian farmers in olive picking for two years. She continues to work for equal rights for all people in Israel and Palestine.

Please contact Erin Barber (eb@bethelbeaverton.org) or Jean Doane (jeaniepearl.jd@gmail.com) with any questions about this event. More details will follow soon!

Click here to read a special invitation from our own Jean Doane

And follow this link to learn more about the crisis in Gaza: https://www.uccpin.org/crisis-in-gaza

Pastor David Takes Summer Sabbatical

This summer, Pastor David will take a 3-month sabbatical. His proposal was approved by the Personnel committee and supported by the Board. David followed the prompt from the Clergy Renewal Grant he received in 2018, which was: “what makes your heart sing?” 

Here is a link to David’s proposal: 2024 Sabbatical 

The Board has been setting aside funds to cover the expenses of providing pastoral leadership with a sabbatical minister during David’s absence. His sabbatical will run from mid-June to mid-September.

The Personnel committee will work with David and Rev. Tyler Connoley, CPC conference minister to select a strong candidate to provide worship preparation and leadership, pastoral care and administrative duties on a half-time basis.

The combination of the support from a sabbatical minister, our skilled staff and strong lay leadership, will help Bethel sustain its vital and vibrant ministry throughout the summer.

Lenten Bible Study Beginning Sunday, Feb 18th at 9 AM

For this season of Lent, we will be offering a bible study led by some of our new members and friends: Anderson Campbell, Victory Nichols, and Deb Stewart. This bible study will take place on Sunday mornings before service at 9 AM and will serve as a companion to our sermons each week, delving deeper into the scripture supporting our Wandering Heart series (scroll up for series info). This study will be held from February 18th to March 24th, and attendees are welcome to join for as many sessions as they are able. Please reach out to Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton with any questions!   

Volunteer Appreciation Sunday - February 11th

Save the date for Sunday February 11th when we will honor and celebrate the many amazing people who devote their hearts to serving Bethel in so many ways. As a multi-faceted church we rely so much on the variety of talents and skills that these volunteers bring to bless our church and community. We look forward to celebrating all of you!
Please email Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org with any questions!