News archive
Holy Week 2022Join us for Holy Week Worship:
Joint Worship with Community of ChristChurch and Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church 17625 NW Cornell Rd, Beaverton, OR 97006 Maundy Thursday Thursday, April 14th, 7pm at Shepherd of the Valley Worship with Holy Communion + Livestream YouTube link Good Friday Friday, April 15th, 7pm at Shepherd of the Valley Prayer, Scripture, and Songs Around the Cross + Livestream YouTube link Community of ChristChurch Easter Celebration: Celebrate Resurrection! Saturday, April 16th, 7pm at Shepherd of the Valley 17625 NW Cornell Rd, Beaverton, OR 97006 Hybrid service + Livestream YouTube link This year continues to bring us new opportunities along with new challenges. How wonderful that after two years, we can finally gather in person for our Easter Resurrection Celebration! And, how strange it is that to make this possible, we will be celebrating the resurrection on the eve of Easter Sunday. As the shadows lengthen and the sky grows darker on Holy Saturday, let us gather to hear the Good News story of Mary Magdalene coming to the tomb “while it was still dark.” (John 20:1) There will be no Zoom worship on Sunday, April 17th. We will return to Zoom worship on April 24th at 9:30am. Community of ChristChurch
In-person Saturday Worship with Holy Communion and YouTube Livestream Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 5pm In-person address: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church 17625 NW Cornell Rd, Beaverton, OR 97006 Livestream website: Click here to watch live. A recording of the service will be available on our YouTube channel late Saturday night. |
Midweek Lenten Services 2022
Throughout Lent, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church and our church will have the opportunity to worship together every Wednesday evening at 6:30pm, in person at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, and online via YouTube Streaming. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church 17625 NW Cornell Rd, Beaverton, OR 97006 These will be quiet, contemplative worship services designed to assist us all in our Lenten walk with Jesus toward the cross. We will continue to follow the COVID protocols created for us by our Worship Transition Team, with one exception: Because we will be bringing two faith communities together for these midweek services, we will also be asking participants to show proof of vaccination to attend worship in person. You can also attend via YouTube live streaming, check Faith News for the link each week. |
Baby Care Kits 2022
It was great to see so much support given to the Baby Care Kit project last year. Thank you for your part in making it a success. We hope you will consider participating again this year by sewing, shopping, donating or co-leading. We will be participating in the Fall 2022 InGathering.
The winter months are a good time to get started because things are on sale and you might have more time. Some of the things we need to get started with are: - Blankets: medium-weight cotton or flannel, or crocheted or knitted with lightweight yarn, 36" up to 52" square. Fleece not allowed. - Lightweight cotton T-shirts: sizes 9-24 months; if onesies are purchased, the lower portion will be removed and resewn, converting them into T-shirts. - Long-or-short-sleeved sleepers without feet, sizes 9-24 months. If purchased with feet, they will be removed and resewn. Shoppers can check out Goodwill, resale shops, Pass It On Sale, and garage sales. At these locations, it's good to purchase pjs, t-shirts, socks, blankets, and jackets, sweaters, or sweatshirts with hoods, sizes 9-24 months. All items must be new or gently used, with no stains or tears. It was fun last year and will be again! If you are interested participating contact Admin@comchristchurch.org to volunteer. Community of ChristChurch
In-person Saturday Worship with Holy Communion and YouTube Livestream John 9:1-41 Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 5pm In-person address: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church 17625 NW Cornell Rd, Beaverton, OR 97006 Livestream website: Click here to watch live. A recording of the service will be available on our YouTube channel late Saturday night. No Sunday Morning Zoom Worship on 2/27/22
Due to our hybrid service on Saturday afternoon, we will not have our typical live Zoom Sunday morning worship. If you can't join us live on Saturday (in person or on the Livestream), we invite you to check our YouTube channel for a recording of the service from Saturday (2/26/22) and watch when it is convenient. We will be back on Zoom next Sunday, March 6th. In Person Logistics: Communion will be part of our service. Please note it is individually wrapped and there will be a gluten-free option. Music will be part of worship. We ask you to refrain from singing at this service, but encourage humming! COVID-19 Safety Protocols For the congregation: –Stay home if sick or been near someone who is sick –Wear a mask, N95 recommended. We will have extras at the church. –Practice social distancing –No reservation is needed To create a safe worship environment: –Communicating the safety protocols –Providing hand sanitizer and spare masks –Selecting a well-ventilated space –Creating socially distanced seating areas –Limiting indoor activities to one hour Benevolence Team Update Jan 2022
What is the Benevolence Team?
The Benevolence Team is responsible for proposing the recipient(s) for our quarterly benevolence giving. How do we arrive at the amount to donate? The benevolence fund amount is based on general giving, 4% of general giving is calculated each quarter. The Benevolence team then meets to discuss needs in the community and make a designation for the special gifts. Your giving to ChristChurch also impacts local organizations with financial gifts. 2021 Contributions and Recipients: 2021 Q1 HomePlate Youth Services: $452.57 & Bienestar OR: $452.57 2021 Q2 St. Matthew Food Pantry: $786.94 2021 Q3 Project Homeless Connect Washington County: $1,058.00 2021 Q 4: Direct relief to victims of Hillsboro fire through the Hillsboro Community Foundation. 100% of the money donated will go directly to assist victims: $887 Total donated to community groups from 2021 giving: $3,637.08 Who is on the Team? There are about 10 volunteers on the team. The team chair is Eileen Gross and the council liaison is Cindy Kinnie. How can I get involved? The team meets on Zoom and via email. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Eileen. Winter Needs Collection
Community of ChristChurch is collaborating with Shepherd of the Valley to collect winter clothing items for those in need.
To make a financial donation: An option has been added to our drop-down menu on the giving page on our website here. Information on the agencies mentioned on the flyer: Greater Good NorthWest HomePlateYouth Services Beaverton/Hillsboro UGM LifeChange Women and Children Opportunities to help those in need this holiday season
Greetings ChristChurch,
Our community came together in a big way for Molly’s Fund. Let’s keep the spirit of giving going! Here are some other opportunities to help those in need this holiday season. Support Greater Good NW Greater Good NW seeks to house and support historically and presently underserved communities, focusing on BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Their current program is a transitional housing program operating in Hillsboro where participants have their own hotel room and Greater Good NW provides onsite case management and behavioral health support, 24/7 staffing, three meals a day, free laundry, etc. The socks we will collect at our flash mob caroling event (on December 19 at 1pm) will be donated to Greater Good NW. This organization has some additional needs. Financial donations are gladly accepted, and it would be 100% for programmatic needs. Donations go towards financial assistance to get an ID and housing application fees. Want to collect items for participants? This is what is needed the most:
Emma Jackson and Jane Jackson will be the contacts for this. Reach out to them via email. Maybe you want to donate a toy or two? Older kids, in particular, are in need of age appropriate donations as they are often forgotten. Here are a couple of fun ways to donate toys, and you get a coffee in return. A win-win in my book.
Hope these ideas inspire you to give! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Church Council President Suze Engbretson Worship Transition Team Update: November 23, 2021
The worship transition team has defined a goal to host monthly in-person worship in the new year. In preparation for that, the team compiled this list of COVID-19 safety protocols:
Safety protocols for the congregation when worshiping in person Stay home if sick or have been near someone who is sick Wear a mask Practice social distancing Protocols to create a safe worship environment Communicating the safety protocols through email, verbally, and on signs Providing hand sanitizer and spare masks Selecting a well-ventilated space Creating socially distanced seating areas Limiting indoor activities to one hour Please connect with the Worship Transition Team through Tom Litterer if you have any questions or concerns about these COVID safety protocols. The team continues to work with Pastor David on finding a short-term in-person worship space. Space criteria include being in a convenient location, requiring little setup time, and being well-ventilated. Worship Transition Team Update - September 1, 2021
Returning to in-person services: The dramatic rise in virus cases precludes us from even considering any form of in-person services until at least after Christmas. We all wish it wasn’t so. The transition team will keep the congregation updated if anything changes between now and Christmas. The church council, worship team, and others are exploring ways to invigorate our Zoom worship experience. The Worship Transition Team would like to encourage everyone to get vaccinated unless a physician has said you shouldn’t. Getting vaccinated is one way to love your neighbor. Also, if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have any symptoms, please get tested before interacting with others. Below are links on how to find testing locations near you:
Below are excerpts from a letter Martin Luther wrote in 1527 during the Bubonic Plague. To the Reverend Doctor Johann Hess, pastor at Breslau, and to his fellow-servants of the gospel of Jesus Christ (1527 A.D.):
Others sin on the right hand. They are much too rash and reckless, tempting God and disregarding everything which might counteract death and the plague. They disdain the use of medicines; they do not avoid places and persons infected by the plague, but lightheartedly make sport of it and wish to prove how independent they are. They say that it is God’s punishment; if he wants to protect them he can do so without medicines or our carefulness. This is not trusting God but tempting him. God has created medicines and provided us with intelligence to guard and take good care of the body so that we can live in good health. It is even more shameful for a person to pay no heed to his own body and to fail to protect it against the plague the best he is able, and then to infect and poison others who might have remained alive if he had taken care of his body as he should have. No, my dear friends, that is no good. Use medicine; take potions which can help you; fumigate house, yard, and street; shun persons and places wherever your neighbor does not need your presence or has recovered, and act like a man who wants to help put out the burning city. What else is the epidemic but a fire which instead of consuming wood and straw devours life and body? You ought to think this way: “Very well, by God’s decree the enemy has sent us poison and deadly offal. Therefore I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely, as stated above. See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God. Excerpted from Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague (1527) Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 43: Devotional Writings II, ed. Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, Hilton C. Oswald, and Helmut T. Lehmann, vol. 43 (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1999), 119–38. To read the complete letter, click here. |
Winter Needs Collection Wrap Up
Pictures of the delivery of to-go foods and hygiene items delivered to Clare Rodgers at Homeplate totaling $1,302.
This year ChristChurch joined SOV in conducting a joint Winter Needs fundraiser project; together we raised funds and donated clothing items for several locally-based non-profits.
The Winter Needs fundraiser project is wrapping up and we are in the process of making final deliveries/donations. According to updated records, SOV and ChristChurch combined will have donated over $2,900 in new items/funds in addition to clothing valued at several hundred dollars. We helped Beaverton's UGM Women and their Children, Greater Good NW in Hillsboro, and HomePlate Youth Services, by providing them with items they specifically identified. Their needs varied but included items such as ponchos, heavy-duty paper plates, shampoo, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry detergent, hand warmers, napkins, various individually wrapped snacks, and new and gently used clothing items. In several cases, the agencies requested funds to aid them with their mission tasks, for example, HomePlate uses the money to provide bus cards for transportation, and GreaterGood NW uses funds to help pay fees for various applications for their clients. We are so blessed to have families that are able and willing to donate to this and our other outreach efforts. Thank you to them and to you all for helping. 
Changing Our Mind Book Study
The Reconciling in Christ team invites you to join in a book study this fall. We will be reading David P. Gushee's book, Changing Our Mind (Definitive 3rd Edition). Your RIC team is listening to you! We asked you to fill out our survey after we first created the new welcome statement, we asked you what type of education and resources you are wanting and biblical and theological studies on the subject topped the list. We are providing a thought-provoking book by a distinguished Christian ethicist, pastor, and author David P. Gushee on what the bible says. Click here for the Zoom link. Meeting ID: 832 9707 6193 Passcode: 254213 Schedule Session 1: Wed, Oct 27th, 6:30pm Introduction 1. Live From New York 2. Our Moment: A Church With a Problem Session 2: Wed, Nov 10th, 6:30pm 3. Starting a Conversation 4. What Exactly Is the Issue? Session 3: Wed, Nov 17th, 6:30pm 5. Change We Can All Support 6. Gay Christians Exist Session 4: Sun, Nov 21st, 10:45am after worship 7. Six Options for the Churches 8. If This Is Where You Get Off the Bus Session 5: Wed, Dec 8th, 6:30pm 9. Biblical Inspiration, Human Interpretation 10. How Traditionalists Connect the Biblical Dots Session 6: Sun, Dec 19th, 10:45am after worship 11. The Sins of Sodom (and Gibeah) 12. Leviticus, Abomination and Jesus 13. Two Odd Little Words Session 7: Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 6:30pm. We will be discussing chapters: 14. God Made Them Male and Female 15. Creation, Sexual Orientation and God’s Will 16. Toward Covenant Session 8: Sunday, Jan 16th , at 10:45am after worship 20. Ending the Teaching of Contempt Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Team Updates Winter 2022
Our next RIC Sunday is February 20 after worship. Join us for a session on intersectionality and celebrating Black history month. There will be no RIC Sunday in March and April due to Lent and Easter. But there are still ways to get involved. We are planning for a Reconciling Sunday Worship Service at ChristChurch sometime in June (near our RIC Anniversary). We will use our next few first Thursday evening meetings to plan that event. If you have questions or would like to get more involved please email Sallie Bullock. 
Christmas Caroling
Flash Mob Sunday, December 19th at 1pm Outside La Provence at Orenco Station 937 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro, OR 97124 Celebrate the season with carols! We will be gathering adult socks for the houseless to donate to Greater Good NW. Please donate new socks only. To help with a successful collection of socks, we encourage everyone to share this event on their personal social media: FaceBook, Instagram, etc. Share this Bring your mask, socks to donate and wear your best ugly holiday sweater. We will provide lyric sheets for anyone who would like to join in singing. For those planning to sing, please wear your mask and observe social distancing protocols. Family friendly event! Christmas Eve Worship Opportunities
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Special Collection in Celebration of Thanksgiving 2021
During the Thanksgiving season ChristChurch invited you to contribute to sponsor a family via The Molly Thompson Memorial Fund. Congregation member Bev Hada has been a longtime supporter of the Molly Thompson Memorial Fund through charity golf tournaments, fundraising and volunteering. Bev lifts up the organization because it makes a local impact to families in need.
About The Molly Thompson Memorial Fund: The Molly Thompson Memorial Fund is a non-profit organization that raises money for the Child Life program at Randall Children's Hospital. During the Christmas season they have a special collection to sponsor families in need. Established in memory of Molly Michelle Thompson, a four-year old girl from Tigard Oregon who battled terminal liver cancer for two years. During Molly's four years of life, through her spontaneity, acceptance and love for life, she taught those around her to laugh through sorrow, play through fear and trust tomorrow. Find out more about Molly's fund does by clicking here. The ChristChurch November 2021 goal was $500 to sponsor a family of 4+ people for Christmas. 'Christmas Is Essential' and this year MTMF are providing a family support program that will pair sponsors with families with a seriously ill child and are experiencing severe financial hardship. Donations will go towards a tree, presents, food and a gift card to cover necessities. We surpassed our goal! Thanks to your generosity we raised $775! |
Baby Care Kits - Fall 2021
Lutheran World Relief Baby Care Kits provide the basics a family needs to care for their newest members and introduce them to the world with pride. Throughout the pandemic, ChristChurch volunteers have continued to collect items to make Baby Care Kits to donate to Lutheran World Relief. Update 9.29.21 Our goal for 2021 is 150 kits. To support this endeavor and streamline the process for our volunteers, monetary donations are being requested, not diapers or soap. These financial donations will assist in covering the costs of diapers and soap needed to complete the kits. Please go here and select from the drop-down tab "Community Service Outreach' and add a note 'Baby Care Kits'. These financial donations will assist in covering the costs of diapers and soap needed to complete the kits. Checks: Clearly designate on your check that this goes to Baby Care Kits and send it to our address: Community of ChristChurch 3300 NW 185th Ave #224 Portland, OR 97229 Save the Date: Baby Care Kit Assembly party Saturday, October 23, 2021 Volunteer shifts range from 9am - 3pm. Orenco Pavilion: 1590 NE 65th Ave. Hillsboro 971240 Just a few more volunteers are needed. Thank you to everyone that signed up!
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Blessing of the Animals October 3, 2021
Let’s be honest, during these last 18 months, those of us with animals in our households have already been bringing our pets into our worship space. So let’s really invite them in - to give thanks for them, to acknowledge the gift they are to us, and to bless them! On Sunday, October 3rd, during our 9:30am worship time, we will be celebrating the Feast of St. Francis by blessing our pets and beloved creatures! We invite you to share your beloved animals with the whole worshiping community in two ways…
First, consider sending in a picture… it could be a faithful companion of many years, it could be a pandemic puppy or COVID kitty, it could be the birds or other creatures that you have been sharing your outdoor space with. Please attach your photos to an email and send it to pastordavid@comchristchurch.org by Thursday, September 30th.
Second, if possible, have your furry (or scaly, or feathered) family member with you in your sacred Zoom worship space. Together we will give thanks for and bless all God’s creatures!
Let’s be honest, during these last 18 months, those of us with animals in our households have already been bringing our pets into our worship space. So let’s really invite them in - to give thanks for them, to acknowledge the gift they are to us, and to bless them! On Sunday, October 3rd, during our 9:30am worship time, we will be celebrating the Feast of St. Francis by blessing our pets and beloved creatures! We invite you to share your beloved animals with the whole worshiping community in two ways…
First, consider sending in a picture… it could be a faithful companion of many years, it could be a pandemic puppy or COVID kitty, it could be the birds or other creatures that you have been sharing your outdoor space with. Please attach your photos to an email and send it to pastordavid@comchristchurch.org by Thursday, September 30th.
Second, if possible, have your furry (or scaly, or feathered) family member with you in your sacred Zoom worship space. Together we will give thanks for and bless all God’s creatures!
Pastor David's 10 Year Celebration
Every wondered what Weird Church could be like?
Join us as we celebrate the blessing of David's 10 year anniversary with Community of ChristChurch. Enjoy a special worship service including guest speakers and uplifting songs.
When: Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 9:30am on Zoom
Where: Gather for a celebration on ZOOM! Use our Sunday morning worship link.
Three ways to participate in this virtual celebration:
1) We are creating a gratitude video for Pastor.
Send in your video submission, up to 20 seconds long.
Ideas for the gratitude video:
- Say congratulations and thank you in your own words
- Read a poem
- Hold up signs with words that convey your kudos
- Sing a song or make up a song or chant
- Lip sync part of a song
- Dance
- Use your imagination!
Send in your video by Tuesday, September 14, 2021 to Eileen Gross via Admin@comchristchurch.org.
2) Card Shower - Send a card or e-card to David sharing favorite memories, gratitude, whatever you would like.
Send a physical card to the church PO Box by Tuesday, September 14, 2021.
3300 NW 185th Ave #224
Portland, OR 97229
Or an e-card to pastordavid@comchristchurch.org
3) During the worship service celebration, have a glass of your favorite drink nearby for a toast to David.
Email Admin@comchristchurch.org for more details, otherwise stay tuned to this website and our Facebook page.
Summer Worship Series: the FRUIT of the SPIRIT
22By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control.
There is no law against such things.
Galatians 5:22-23
There is no law against such things.
Galatians 5:22-23
Beginning on Sunday, June 6th, we will enter into a ten-week Summer Worship Series based on the Apostle Paul’s list of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) which he shares with the Galatian church in Galatians 5:22-23.
We will explore how these nine ways of being in the world can be beneficial not only for those who practice them, but also for the communities in which they live, work, worship and play.
As I have been preparing for this series, one thing that continues to stand out for me is that none of these behaviors, or virtues (or whatever we want to call them) is particularly Christian. Or, to put it another way, Christianity has not cornered the market on these nine ‘fruits’. It seems rather clear to me that they are universally valued across cultures, religions and geographical regions— which then begs the question: Can the Holy Spirit move and work beyond our limited expectations and perceived constraints to accomplish the Creator’s will inside and outside the bounds of Christianity, or even organized religion in general?
How we answer this question has profound implications for how we think about ourselves as Christians in a religiously diverse and pluralistic world. To assist us in exploring this idea, I will attempt to draw wisdom and insights from a variety of sources, including theologians, poets, artists, and deep thinkers inside and outside of the Christian tradition.
One of the sources I plan to use is a book entitled Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others by Barbara Brown Taylor. I invite you all to consider joining me in adding this book to your summer reading list. In Holy Envy, the author reflects on her years teaching world religions in a college setting. Quoting Father James Martin from the back of the book:
“By turns inspiring, enchanting, and provocative, Taylor reminds us that God is bigger than any one religion. Prepare to be surprised and, best of all, to come to know God in a new way.”
Let’s think of Holy Envy as a companion piece to our summer exploration of the fruit of the Spirit. If there is interest, we will provide opportunities outside of Sunday mornings for folks to gather on occasion for discussion about the book and the ideas, questions and insights contained within.
I am looking forward to going on this summer journey together with all of you!
Peace (one of the fruits!),
Pastor David
We will explore how these nine ways of being in the world can be beneficial not only for those who practice them, but also for the communities in which they live, work, worship and play.
As I have been preparing for this series, one thing that continues to stand out for me is that none of these behaviors, or virtues (or whatever we want to call them) is particularly Christian. Or, to put it another way, Christianity has not cornered the market on these nine ‘fruits’. It seems rather clear to me that they are universally valued across cultures, religions and geographical regions— which then begs the question: Can the Holy Spirit move and work beyond our limited expectations and perceived constraints to accomplish the Creator’s will inside and outside the bounds of Christianity, or even organized religion in general?
How we answer this question has profound implications for how we think about ourselves as Christians in a religiously diverse and pluralistic world. To assist us in exploring this idea, I will attempt to draw wisdom and insights from a variety of sources, including theologians, poets, artists, and deep thinkers inside and outside of the Christian tradition.
One of the sources I plan to use is a book entitled Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others by Barbara Brown Taylor. I invite you all to consider joining me in adding this book to your summer reading list. In Holy Envy, the author reflects on her years teaching world religions in a college setting. Quoting Father James Martin from the back of the book:
“By turns inspiring, enchanting, and provocative, Taylor reminds us that God is bigger than any one religion. Prepare to be surprised and, best of all, to come to know God in a new way.”
Let’s think of Holy Envy as a companion piece to our summer exploration of the fruit of the Spirit. If there is interest, we will provide opportunities outside of Sunday mornings for folks to gather on occasion for discussion about the book and the ideas, questions and insights contained within.
I am looking forward to going on this summer journey together with all of you!
Peace (one of the fruits!),
Pastor David
2021 Annual Congregational Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 6, 2021 after worship. We voted and approved the 2021-2022 fiscal budget, church council slate and became a Reconciling in Christ congregation.
We reflected on the past year and looked ahead to the challenges and opportunities that face us in the year ahead. Thank you to everyone for participating in the online edition of the annual meeting.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 6, 2021 after worship. We voted and approved the 2021-2022 fiscal budget, church council slate and became a Reconciling in Christ congregation.
We reflected on the past year and looked ahead to the challenges and opportunities that face us in the year ahead. Thank you to everyone for participating in the online edition of the annual meeting.
Reconciling in Christ Vote: June 6, 2021
At our Annual Meeting on June 6, 2021 congregation members will voted on a proposal to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation.
RIC Partners Public Commitments:
Community of ChristChurch is an open and affirming Christian community that lives in God’s love and grace. We strive to welcome and include all people because we believe God loves and welcomes all people, and we commit to work for racial justice in our church and the world. Regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective or anything else that might divide us, you are welcome here.
What this means:
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here:
If you are young or old, you are welcome
If you have brown skin, black skin, white skin, or any color of skin, you are welcome
If you are married or single or partnered or divorced, you are welcome
If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, asexual, aromantic, or straight, you are welcome
If you are male, female, transgender, intersex, or non-binary, you are welcome
If you cannot hear or see or speak, you are welcome
If you are sick or well, you are welcome
If you are happy or sad, you are welcome
If you are rich or poor, powerful or weak, you are welcome
If you believe in God some of the time or none of the time or all of the time,
you are welcome
You are welcome here.
Come with your gifts, your pain, your hope, your fears
Come with the traditions that have helped you and hurt you
Come with your experiences that have made you and broken you
Come with a mind, ready to engage, and a heart, open to discern
Come and listen for the Sacred Spirit that calls you to love your neighbor wholeheartedly, seek justice, create peace and practice compassion
You are welcome here!
At our Annual Meeting on June 6, 2021 congregation members will voted on a proposal to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation.
RIC Partners Public Commitments:
- Your community explicitly states a welcome to people of “all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions” or “LGBTQIA+” and names its commitment to "racial equity" or "anti-racism" in its welcome statement.
- Open to calling an LGBTQIA+ and Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) Rostered Leader.
- Will allow community space/sanctuary to be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings.
- Will make a meaningful contribution annually to support the national RIC program.
Community of ChristChurch is an open and affirming Christian community that lives in God’s love and grace. We strive to welcome and include all people because we believe God loves and welcomes all people, and we commit to work for racial justice in our church and the world. Regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective or anything else that might divide us, you are welcome here.
What this means:
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here:
If you are young or old, you are welcome
If you have brown skin, black skin, white skin, or any color of skin, you are welcome
If you are married or single or partnered or divorced, you are welcome
If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, asexual, aromantic, or straight, you are welcome
If you are male, female, transgender, intersex, or non-binary, you are welcome
If you cannot hear or see or speak, you are welcome
If you are sick or well, you are welcome
If you are happy or sad, you are welcome
If you are rich or poor, powerful or weak, you are welcome
If you believe in God some of the time or none of the time or all of the time,
you are welcome
You are welcome here.
Come with your gifts, your pain, your hope, your fears
Come with the traditions that have helped you and hurt you
Come with your experiences that have made you and broken you
Come with a mind, ready to engage, and a heart, open to discern
Come and listen for the Sacred Spirit that calls you to love your neighbor wholeheartedly, seek justice, create peace and practice compassion
You are welcome here!
Mission and Vision Conversation
Thursday, May 27 at 7pm - 8pm
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82978869370?pwd=VHRkbURyVWQxcjkxYmFyQ0t3R2FLQT09
Church Council members Suze Engbretson and Larry Wade invite you to continue the conversation on the topic of Mission and Vision for ChristChurch. All are welcome, even if you have not attended previous sessions.
Please bring updated mission, vision, and value statements that you have come across and want to share with the group.
Thursday, May 27 at 7pm - 8pm
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82978869370?pwd=VHRkbURyVWQxcjkxYmFyQ0t3R2FLQT09
Church Council members Suze Engbretson and Larry Wade invite you to continue the conversation on the topic of Mission and Vision for ChristChurch. All are welcome, even if you have not attended previous sessions.
Please bring updated mission, vision, and value statements that you have come across and want to share with the group.
Special Congregational Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone that attended the March 14, 2021 special congregational meeting. A motion passed to approve Mark and Inga Henderson to be voting members for the upcoming 2021 Oregon Synod Annual Assembly.
Tracy Litterer provided an update from the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) team and shared the rationale behind their decision to postpone the vote until the June 6th Annual Meeting. She cited new feedback from ReconcilingWorks regarding our proposed Welcome Statement and said the team will use the time until June to make small but important wording changes and educate the congregation on the changes and their significance.
Save the date for our annual meeting: Sunday, June 6th, 2021 after worship.
Thank you to everyone that attended the March 14, 2021 special congregational meeting. A motion passed to approve Mark and Inga Henderson to be voting members for the upcoming 2021 Oregon Synod Annual Assembly.
Tracy Litterer provided an update from the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) team and shared the rationale behind their decision to postpone the vote until the June 6th Annual Meeting. She cited new feedback from ReconcilingWorks regarding our proposed Welcome Statement and said the team will use the time until June to make small but important wording changes and educate the congregation on the changes and their significance.
Save the date for our annual meeting: Sunday, June 6th, 2021 after worship.