New Bible Study Coming Up - September 15th

Let Justice Roll Down - God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation

Join Anderson Campbell, Victory Nichols, and Paige Unangst as they facilitate discussion using a bible study written by Patricia K. Tull. Starting September 15th from 9:00 – 9:50 am in a to be determined room at Bethel and going through to November 10th. Each lesson is stand-alone so come for one or all sessions. Bible Study booklets will be available in the church office. Please RSVP to Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org so we have an idea of how many people are coming and can make sure we have enough booklets.  

Board Games & Brunch Potluck after service on Sunday, August 25th

Join us in the fellowship hall for an all-ages brunch themed potluck following service! Bring a dish and/or a favorite board game to share! We recommend games that aren't too hard to learn and can be played in less than an hour so that you can visit with more than one group of people. To help with coordinating potluck dishes, email Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org to let us know what you'd like to bring.

Join us Sunday, August 18th for a Presentation about the Philippines after service

On Sunday, August 18th during fellowship time we will hear a presentation from Izzy Fawson (they/them) about issues of injustice in the Philippines, alongside Copeland Downs (he/him), who works for the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines. Izzy is partnering with our Respond to Racism committee to bring this information to us as part of R2R’s mission to keep educating the church on issues related to race/discrimination. There will be a brief time to grab our refreshments and visit before we settle in for the presentation in the fellowship hall. Education is a crucial first step in developing awareness and providing help so we hope you will join us!

To understand more, check out this information: Why does the Philippines have the most number of Christians in Asia?

Sabbatical Minister Transition

Welcome Molli Mitchell

The name may sound familiar as Molli has preached at Bethel and worked with the R2R group on the resolution to become an anti-racist congregation. We welcome her as our Sabbatical Pastor, starting August 5th. 

Molli is a joyful and compassionate minister with a deep commitment to liberatory theology and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by progressive congregations in our shared social and political climate.

She has served as a pastor and chaplain for the past four years and has gained valuable experience ministering to diverse congregations and fostering inclusive and welcoming communities.

Molli holds a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School along with a Master of Science in Social Work – Children, youth & Families and a Bachelor of Science – Human Development and Family Studies for the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She has completed all requirements and will be ordained this fall.

Food Cupboard Volunteer Needs

 Volunteers are needed once a month on a Wednesday evening. Can YOU help out?  You would train and work with an experienced team of Bethel folks.  We need two new volunteers on the first Wednesday of the month to assist clients shop. Confidentiality is required, membership at Bethel is not. Some Spanish language would be an asset.  

Speak with Phyllis Hancock, Fran Jensen, Nancy Hilbrick, or any of the current volunteers about what this entails. It is not easy, but immediately rewarding volunteer work!  Please consider joining this long time Bethel mission.  

Join us for a Bethel Buddy Walk

Our Called to Care Team has been organizing walks to get out and about and enjoy the beautiful weather and each other's company. Whether you're a long-time member or just starting to get to know us, you are invited to come along!

Every Monday, you can join us for The Bethel Walk. We meet at 9:00 am near the food cupboard entrance on 7th St and take a walk around Bethel's neighborhood, occasionally stopping for some local coffee and treats. 

Then on Tuesday July 30th at 9:30 am April Campbell will lead a walk on a short section of the Fanno Creek Trail. Meet at the cul-de-sac on 105th (near the CHP Group building).
                6600 SW 105th Ave
                Beaverton, OR 97008
The trail is all paved except for a few composite bridge crossings and is mostly flat. There is a natural turn around point about a half mile in to make it a 1 mile walk but we can make it shorter at any time by simply turning around.
And there is usually plenty of street parking or parking in the nearby building lots.

We hope you'll join us for the fresh air and a nice walk!

Want more buddy walk updates? You can sign up in the narthex on Sunday before service or by emailing Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org

NEW - "Mugs with the Moderator" on Thursday August 1st, 7-8:30 pm

If you enjoyed our “Pint with the Pastor” hangout, then you'll love "Mugs with the Moderator." Join us on Thursday, August 1st from 7:00 - 8:30 pm for this special treat of Root Beer Floats!

Our Board Moderator, Jim Heider will be providing the ice cream and soda for our beverages. And if root beer floats don't fit your taste, feel free to bring your own drinks too. If you’d like to bring a snack to share that would also be welcome.
 
We’ll gather outside at Bethel around the tables with purple umbrellas and enjoy conversation and fellowship together.
 
If this appeals to you, please RSVP to Erin by Tuesday July 30th at eb@bethelbeaverton.org

Hymn Sing 0n July 28!

  On July 28th, we are going to have a good ole' hymns and songs service! Rev. Linda cannot be with us, so we're going to sing our way through the service.  Please submit your favorite 3 songs or hymns to mm@bethelbeaverton.org.  We'll be singing the ones that get the most votes, but there's lots of time so we can sing many! Please provide title, and if available, New Century Hymnal or Sing, Prayer and Praise song number. Submissions accepted through Sunday, July 21st. 

SATURDAY JULY 20th - All Church Painting Party

Due to the popularity of the Youth Group Painting Party last April, we are providing an All Church Painting Party on Saturday, July 20th at 3 - 5 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
We will be using already painted canvases to add creative updates through painting, markers, and collages. Some blank canvases will be available. Feel free to bring personal projects to work on beside us too. All ages welcome! 
Email Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org to RSVP by Wednesday July 17th

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.