CIRCUIT RIDERDecember 20, 2017 Volume 23, Issue 26 www.fumcpdx.org

First United Methodist Church of Portland

W O R S H I P @

F I R S T C H U R C H

8:30 AM | CHAPEL

10:30 AM | SANCTUARY

AS A PEACE CHURCH We declare that we will be an advocate for peace in our local

communities and world.

AS A RECONCILING CONGREGATION

all are welcome to participate in the full life of the church,

including all races, abilities, ages, classes, gender identities, and

sexual orientations.

AS A CREATION CARE CONGREGATION

we advocate for lifestyles and social policies which bring healing and renewal to our

precious Earth.

THIS BRAVE NEW WORLD

A JANUARY WORSHIP SERIES

EPIPHANY 1Living in Silos Looking at isolation and the breakdown of the community - and the Christian calling to create community -- by Rev. Donna Pritchard· Isaiah 60:1-6; · Mark 1:4-11

EPIPHANY 2Human Relations DayNuclear (Family) Explosions -- Changes in our nation of what makes a family -- by Rev. Donna Pritchard· 1 Kings 21:1-16

EPIPHANY 3Nickeled and Dimed to Death Economic justice and the challenges of capitalism -- by Rev. Donna Pritchard· Micah 6:6-8

EPIPHANY 4Artificial Smarts The ethics of artificial intelligence and the changes technology brings to human lifeby Rev. Joshua Kingsley· Isaiah 55:6-11

Sundays Jan 7 - 28, 2018

COLLINS HALL ART EXHIBIT This January and February, the Art Exhibit in Collins Hall will feature textile pieces – anything made with a needle and thread. If you have a textile piece, either original, or made by another artist that you would like to share with the congregation, please contact Ruth Green at ruthegreen@juno.com or contact the front office.

Page 2

~Rev. Donna

William Stafford, Oregon’s Poet Laureate, wrote a poem he entitled “The Way It Is”. Stafford did not write this poem about Christmas, or God’s Incarnation, or even about God’s presence with us – ostensibly. However, when I read it this week my mind went to all three of those themes. See what you think…

The Way It IsThere’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change.People wonder about what you are pursuing.You have to explain about the thread.But it is hard for others to see.While you hold it you can’t get lost.Tragedies happen; people get hurtor die; and you suffer and get old.Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.You don’t ever let go of the thread.

For me, Christmas is a reminder of that thread – the connection we have with God’s presence in this world right here, right now. It is more than an antiquated story intended to bolster the Christology of the church. It is more than a holiday or even one isolated holy day. Christmas is a celebration of

the thread we follow as people of faith, the thread which helps us know who we are and keeps us grounded in the midst of the highs and lows of human existence. And that thread is Emmanuel – God present with us, around us and even within us all.

It is true that tragedies happen, that struggles come and go. It is true none of us can stop time’s unfolding. And the poet offers us excellent advice when he says “You don’t ever let go of the thread.”

Hanging on into a New Year with you! Grace and Peace,

From the Pastor

You don'tever

let goof thethread

Page 3

PRAYERS VOLUNTEERUnitedMethodistWomen

PRAYERS OF CELEBRATION · Congratulations to new grandparents Bob and Dawn Wilson upon the birth of their new Grandchild: Archer Renee Oriana Wilde. · Thankful for Ruth Green upon receiving word that her lymphoma is in remission.

PRAYERS OF SYMPATHY · For Robert Anderson’s family upon his death. · Prayers for Bob Cannon upon the death of his sister in Kansas. · Prayers for Richard Horswell and family upon the death of Richard’s father.

PRAYERS OF CONCERN · Prayers of healing for Virginia Bender’s grandniece Frieda for heart complications. · Prayers of healing for Jenny Anderson, daughter of Rick and Bernice Rust. · Prayers of continued healing for Steve Hallock who suffered a heart attack and is recovering well.

CONTINUED PRAYERS · Robert Newman · Rosemary Dodds · Bill Birge · Joanne Ruyle

TABITHA CIRCLEMonday, Janu 8 | 202 | 10am Project: Volunteers are welcome to join in to cut fabric and/or sew school bags for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The bags will be filled with school supplies and distributed to children in areas affected by disaster, war, and/or poverty.

TABITHA SENIOR QUILTS MEETINGSunday, Jan 14 | 202 |12pmCalling all interested sewers, whether you are an experienced quilter, or willing to learn, all are welcome! We have about a dozen quilts to make this year (hurray!) so help is needed! A light lunch will be served. Chairs: Kay Ward 503.915.7974 and Erin Riley 503.709.5469

WINTER EMERGENCY SHELTERSTemperatures are starting to dip below freezing here in Portland, raising concerns for people still living outside. Portland Homeless Family Solutions has opened a new emergency shelter at Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders Street. The United Methodist ministry at Sunnyside church (116 NE 87th Avenue) is planning to house another 25 people. Volunteers are needed in each place (as well as our ongoing Goose Hollow Family Shelter, housed in our church). PHFS needs people to bring dinner to the emergency shelter. Sunnyside will need volunteers willing to stay at the church for four-hour shifts (8 pm-midnight; 12-4 am, and 4-8 am) and donations for breakfast items.

To volunteer through PHFS, email Bethany@pdxhfs.org. To volunteer at Sunnyside email cortina48@hotmail.com or call the Rev. Courtney McHill at 503-857-3591.

Under the blue light of the Christmas star, our children told us the story of Good News that is the birth of Christ. The Sound Seekers and Cherubs participated with Eleanor Cosgrove Farland and the children of First Church for a morning of worship, story, and carols.

CHILDREN

The Circuit Rider can be e-mailed to you. E-mail the church office at office@fumcpdx.org to request it by e-mail. Address Service Requested

THE CIRCUIT RIDER is a publication of First United Methodist Church,

1838 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR 97201-2496

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Portland, ORPermit No. 1719

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF PORTLAND

CIRCUIT RIDERNONPROFIT ORG

US POSTAGEPAID

PORTLAND ORPermit No. 1719

Seek First2018 Annual Campaign

Thank you. Your pledge makes a difference

· Fill out a commitment card provided in the pews, narthex, and front office

· Make a gift Online at fumcpdx.org/ annualcampaign

· Make a gift via text message from your smart phone. Text the initial amount you wish to give to (503) 966-8344 and follow the prompts

How can you give to FUMC?