It takes all of us to make PMC the church we love!
At the beginning of the school year, each core ministry is asked to share information about its events and volunteer opportunities in the coming year. This page gathers all that information in one place. Whether by attending the Launch party or visiting this page, we hope that you learn something new about the work of PMC, join us in celebrating and building our community, and discover ways you might participate in the life of the church. We are glad you are here!
Welcome to the Launch Party /
Sunday, September 7
What to expect:
- Food
- Music
- Core Ministry* Tables with People ready to talk about what is happening at PMC
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* What is a Core Ministry?
PMC's structure is made up of 5 Core Ministries areas,
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Congregational Life Core Ministry
Congregational Life Core Team
Provides oversight and wisdom for Congregational Life and the committees in this Core Ministry.
Contact: Lois Gearhart.
Provides oversight and wisdom for Congregational Life and the committees in this Core Ministry.
Contact: Lois Gearhart.
Small Groups
We encourage the formation of new small groups and meetups within PMC, and help connect newcomers with existing groups. We also help promote “Dine with Nine” dinner groups every spring.
Contact: Micah Engle-Eshleman
We encourage the formation of new small groups and meetups within PMC, and help connect newcomers with existing groups. We also help promote “Dine with Nine” dinner groups every spring.
Contact: Micah Engle-Eshleman
Kitchen Committee / Potlucks / Coffee Time
The tastiest committee at PMC. If you enjoy food and creating a place for connection, come join us. There are three ways you can help: Help with the weekly coffee hour; Help with quarterly events like spring picnic, summer picnic, Wildwood and Thanksgiving potluck; Or be a part of the kitchen committee to continually make what we do, BETTER!
Contact: Bob Burton
The tastiest committee at PMC. If you enjoy food and creating a place for connection, come join us. There are three ways you can help: Help with the weekly coffee hour; Help with quarterly events like spring picnic, summer picnic, Wildwood and Thanksgiving potluck; Or be a part of the kitchen committee to continually make what we do, BETTER!
Contact: Bob Burton
Special Events Committee
Facilitates meals for memorial services.
Contact: Paula Brunk Kuhns
Facilitates meals for memorial services.
Contact: Paula Brunk Kuhns
Menno Pride
Menno Pride is a ministry of PMC that seeks to lead the congregation in welcoming and including God’s Beloveds of all genders and sexual orientations. We want radical welcome to become part of PMC’s core mission and culture as we strive to follow Jesus’ way of compassion, shalom and justice.
Contacts: Blaine Greenway, Diana Platas
Menno Pride is a ministry of PMC that seeks to lead the congregation in welcoming and including God’s Beloveds of all genders and sexual orientations. We want radical welcome to become part of PMC’s core mission and culture as we strive to follow Jesus’ way of compassion, shalom and justice.
Contacts: Blaine Greenway, Diana Platas
Congregational Care Group
The Congregational Care Group is attentive to people and relationships within the congregation. Group meets regularly and elevates confidential concerns, sometimes acting as catalyst for classes, such as grief and mental health. Also administer the Congregational Care Fund for financial assistance.
Contact: Pastoral Staff / Learn More
The Congregational Care Group is attentive to people and relationships within the congregation. Group meets regularly and elevates confidential concerns, sometimes acting as catalyst for classes, such as grief and mental health. Also administer the Congregational Care Fund for financial assistance.
Contact: Pastoral Staff / Learn More
PMC Retreat Committee
This group plans for our annual PMC Retreat: “A woefully under-programmed weekend with friends, food, worship, and indoor/outdoor activities for the whole family, and much more!”
Contact: Randy Lanford
This group plans for our annual PMC Retreat: “A woefully under-programmed weekend with friends, food, worship, and indoor/outdoor activities for the whole family, and much more!”
Contact: Randy Lanford
Women's/Men's Retreats
These committees plan for annual retreat gatherings centered around building connection, spiritual growth, rest, and rejuvenation.
Contact: Lois Gearhart
These committees plan for annual retreat gatherings centered around building connection, spiritual growth, rest, and rejuvenation.
Contact: Lois Gearhart
Upcoming Events:
Sept. 7 - Oct. 5 / Small Group Welcoming Process
Starting Sunday, Sept. 14 / Coffee time between worship and Sunday school
October 24 - October 26 / PMC Women’s Retreat
Sunday, Nov. 23 / Thanksgiving Potluck
Sept. 7 - Oct. 5 / Small Group Welcoming Process
Starting Sunday, Sept. 14 / Coffee time between worship and Sunday school
October 24 - October 26 / PMC Women’s Retreat
Sunday, Nov. 23 / Thanksgiving Potluck
Children and Youth Core Ministry
Sunday School
Please join us on the lower level at 11:00 AM, Sundays throughout the school year, for ages 3 through 5th grade. Google Docs to sign up as a helper can be found on the website under the children @ PMC tab.
Contact: Susan Frisby, CCEC chair
Please join us on the lower level at 11:00 AM, Sundays throughout the school year, for ages 3 through 5th grade. Google Docs to sign up as a helper can be found on the website under the children @ PMC tab.
Contact: Susan Frisby, CCEC chair
Kids Care Club
A year ago, a few of our 3rd & 4th graders recognized that there was graffiti and trash in our PMC playground. They spoke to us and asked if we could help them clean up the mess. They told us that they wanted to find more ways of taking care of God's beautiful creation.
Contact: Danese Jundt, club advisor
A year ago, a few of our 3rd & 4th graders recognized that there was graffiti and trash in our PMC playground. They spoke to us and asked if we could help them clean up the mess. They told us that they wanted to find more ways of taking care of God's beautiful creation.
Contact: Danese Jundt, club advisor
Youth Groups for Jr High and High school
At PMC, Teens in 9th through 12th grades are often referred to as the MYF and students in 6th through 8th grades are simply called the Jr High Youth group. Both groups meet every Sunday for Sunday school and each month for other activities during the school year.
Contact: Curt Weaver
At PMC, Teens in 9th through 12th grades are often referred to as the MYF and students in 6th through 8th grades are simply called the Jr High Youth group. Both groups meet every Sunday for Sunday school and each month for other activities during the school year.
Contact: Curt Weaver
Advent Workshop
Advent Workshop has a rich tradition here at PMC. Our lower-level at church is transformed into a holiday workshop, with stations to build gingerbread houses, do some holiday shopping, and create ornaments. Combine all this with the smells of cookies, fresh coffee, hot cider, the sounds of Christmas music, the laughter of children and the smiles of good friends and Advent Workshop is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. It’s fun to volunteer to make it happen.
Contact: Lisa Gascho
Advent Workshop has a rich tradition here at PMC. Our lower-level at church is transformed into a holiday workshop, with stations to build gingerbread houses, do some holiday shopping, and create ornaments. Combine all this with the smells of cookies, fresh coffee, hot cider, the sounds of Christmas music, the laughter of children and the smiles of good friends and Advent Workshop is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. It’s fun to volunteer to make it happen.
Contact: Lisa Gascho
Upcoming Events
September 12-14 / Senior Youth Beach Retreat
September 21 / Jr High S’mores and Pizza at Curt’s House
December 6 / Advent Workshop
September 12-14 / Senior Youth Beach Retreat
September 21 / Jr High S’mores and Pizza at Curt’s House
December 6 / Advent Workshop
Worship Core Ministry
Music
PMC is blessed to have a vibrant music ministry. Instrumentalists and vocalists from the congregation lend their talents each Sunday to help provide a worshipful experience for all. While PMC doesn’t have a regular choir, we also welcome you to join choirs that form during the holidays.
Contact: Bruce Kuhns
PMC is blessed to have a vibrant music ministry. Instrumentalists and vocalists from the congregation lend their talents each Sunday to help provide a worshipful experience for all. While PMC doesn’t have a regular choir, we also welcome you to join choirs that form during the holidays.
Contact: Bruce Kuhns
Leading Worship
As worship begins, worship leaders offer a brief reflection based on the theme of the day. They also guide the service up to the sermon. Is this something you would be interested in leading?
Contact: Stephen Obold Eshleman
As worship begins, worship leaders offer a brief reflection based on the theme of the day. They also guide the service up to the sermon. Is this something you would be interested in leading?
Contact: Stephen Obold Eshleman
Song Leading
Hymns on Sundays are led by someone who can help the congregation stay on tempo. Song leaders also choose hymns based on the theme and scripture.
Contact: Crystal Miller
Hymns on Sundays are led by someone who can help the congregation stay on tempo. Song leaders also choose hymns based on the theme and scripture.
Contact: Crystal Miller
Children’s Time
PMC views the sounds and presence of our children in our worship services as a gift. Are you called to help children understand the love of God through a story, a demonstration or a simple explanation?
Contact: Lisa Gascho
PMC views the sounds and presence of our children in our worship services as a gift. Are you called to help children understand the love of God through a story, a demonstration or a simple explanation?
Contact: Lisa Gascho
Children’s Worship
Young children aged three to 1st grade are welcome to come to a special time of worship specifically for them. Would you like to help lead a 20-minute child-friendly worship time?
Contact: Curt Weaver
Young children aged three to 1st grade are welcome to come to a special time of worship specifically for them. Would you like to help lead a 20-minute child-friendly worship time?
Contact: Curt Weaver
Visual Set-up
Banners and decorations in the sanctuary change according to the seasons. Sometimes we have special services. Would you like to be involved with making the sanctuary a visually enriching worship space?
Contact: Deb Coates
Banners and decorations in the sanctuary change according to the seasons. Sometimes we have special services. Would you like to be involved with making the sanctuary a visually enriching worship space?
Contact: Deb Coates
Ushers
Ushers do more than welcome people. They also help members and visitors find seating, hand microphones to people, collect the offering, watch the doors, and ring the call to worship bell! Are you interested in ushering?
Contact: Ken Roupp
Ushers do more than welcome people. They also help members and visitors find seating, hand microphones to people, collect the offering, watch the doors, and ring the call to worship bell! Are you interested in ushering?
Contact: Ken Roupp
Audio / Visual Tech
Worship services are streamed online each Sunday. Sound, lighting and projecting slideshows or videos are also part of the worship experience. The A / V team handles all of these. Perhaps you’re technically inclined and would like to join the team!
Contact: Henry Janzen
Worship services are streamed online each Sunday. Sound, lighting and projecting slideshows or videos are also part of the worship experience. The A / V team handles all of these. Perhaps you’re technically inclined and would like to join the team!
Contact: Henry Janzen
Upcoming Events:
October 5 / Worldwide Communion Sunday
November 2 / All Saints Sunday
December 21 / Longest Night service
October 5 / Worldwide Communion Sunday
November 2 / All Saints Sunday
December 21 / Longest Night service
Community Outreach Core Ministry
Racial Justice
Seeking Racial Justice through education, advocacy, and engagement. Join our email list to receive updates about book studies, guest speakers, Bison Coffeehouse group, Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Sanctuary of Belonging, and more.
Contact: Sylvia Shirk
Seeking Racial Justice through education, advocacy, and engagement. Join our email list to receive updates about book studies, guest speakers, Bison Coffeehouse group, Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Sanctuary of Belonging, and more.
Contact: Sylvia Shirk
Radical Hospitality Team
This team seeks ways to respond to the injustices brought upon immigrants to the US, often working with IMIrJ (Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice).
Contact: Irene Morrow, Sylvia Shirk
This team seeks ways to respond to the injustices brought upon immigrants to the US, often working with IMIrJ (Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice).
Contact: Irene Morrow, Sylvia Shirk
Immigrant Support Team
A support group formed around helping two refugee families as they navigate various challenges here in Portland.
Contact: Casey Fast
A support group formed around helping two refugee families as they navigate various challenges here in Portland.
Contact: Casey Fast
Family Promise
Family Promise of Metro East helps children and their families experiencing houselessness achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. That response includes a year-round shelter and case management toward permanent housing. Portland Mennonite hosts the shelter four weeks a year.
Contact: Susan Voss-Rothmeier
Family Promise of Metro East helps children and their families experiencing houselessness achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. That response includes a year-round shelter and case management toward permanent housing. Portland Mennonite hosts the shelter four weeks a year.
Contact: Susan Voss-Rothmeier
Night Strike
On the 2nd Thursday of the month, volunteers from PMC can sign up to join Night Strike. This gathering mobilizes volunteers/services, meets felt needs, and develops relationships that transform lives to serve those experiencing homelessness in Portland.
Contact: Kim Dube
On the 2nd Thursday of the month, volunteers from PMC can sign up to join Night Strike. This gathering mobilizes volunteers/services, meets felt needs, and develops relationships that transform lives to serve those experiencing homelessness in Portland.
Contact: Kim Dube
Welcome Lunch & Table
A monthly lunch that helps to welcome new folks in our community. Signup to host a meal or contribute food for a meal and support this important ministry of building community at PMC! This group also hosts a "Welcome Table" on Sunday mornings to give visitors a place to ask questions and build connections.
Contact: Lisa Hughes, Irene Morrow
A monthly lunch that helps to welcome new folks in our community. Signup to host a meal or contribute food for a meal and support this important ministry of building community at PMC! This group also hosts a "Welcome Table" on Sunday mornings to give visitors a place to ask questions and build connections.
Contact: Lisa Hughes, Irene Morrow
Menno Action PMC
Building upon our historic peace church tradition, we are renewing a vision of Mennonite peacemaking, acting visibly and vocally for a just peace in Palestine/Israel. We are pressing our legislators for a permanent ceasefire, the free flow of humanitarian aid, and an end to US weapons supplies.
Contact: Esther Nelson
Building upon our historic peace church tradition, we are renewing a vision of Mennonite peacemaking, acting visibly and vocally for a just peace in Palestine/Israel. We are pressing our legislators for a permanent ceasefire, the free flow of humanitarian aid, and an end to US weapons supplies.
Contact: Esther Nelson
PMC Quilters
The PMC Quilters are two quilting groups – the Dorcas Needles & Stitches group that knots comforters and Portland Mennonite Quilters group that does hand quilting. Both groups make comforters/quilts that go to MCC either for fundraising or to be sent to people in need around the world.
Contacts: Gail Manickam, Ardy Alberts
The PMC Quilters are two quilting groups – the Dorcas Needles & Stitches group that knots comforters and Portland Mennonite Quilters group that does hand quilting. Both groups make comforters/quilts that go to MCC either for fundraising or to be sent to people in need around the world.
Contacts: Gail Manickam, Ardy Alberts
SMMS
Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori Preschool has been operating in the basement of PMC for over 40 years now. PMC’s support to this preschool has helped bridge the financial gap of keeping child care affordable for all families.
Contact: Paula Brunk Kuhns
Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori Preschool has been operating in the basement of PMC for over 40 years now. PMC’s support to this preschool has helped bridge the financial gap of keeping child care affordable for all families.
Contact: Paula Brunk Kuhns
Upcoming Events:
Tuesdays in September @ 5pm / Menno Action Courage School Online
Sunday, Sept. 14, noon / Family Promise Volunteer Training
Sunday, Sept. 28, noon / MDS Pizza Lunch & Learn
Sunday, Sept. 28 - Oct. 5 / Family Promise Host Week
Saturday, October 4th / Oregon Mennonite Relief ONLINE AUCTION
Thursday, Oct. 9, 5pm / Menno Action - “To Build Our Courage” Potluck & Training
Saturday, Oct. 11 / Oregon Mennonite Relief Sale (In Albany, OR)
Tuesdays in September @ 5pm / Menno Action Courage School Online
Sunday, Sept. 14, noon / Family Promise Volunteer Training
Sunday, Sept. 28, noon / MDS Pizza Lunch & Learn
Sunday, Sept. 28 - Oct. 5 / Family Promise Host Week
Saturday, October 4th / Oregon Mennonite Relief ONLINE AUCTION
Thursday, Oct. 9, 5pm / Menno Action - “To Build Our Courage” Potluck & Training
Saturday, Oct. 11 / Oregon Mennonite Relief Sale (In Albany, OR)
Faith Formation Core Ministry
Adult Faith Formation Team
The Adult Faith Formation team strives to create learning opportunities that form a bridge between our Christian faith and everyday lives. We hope to encourage PMCers to grow in community with one another and grow in faith at all stages of life. We facilitate several activities, including:
The Adult Faith Formation team strives to create learning opportunities that form a bridge between our Christian faith and everyday lives. We hope to encourage PMCers to grow in community with one another and grow in faith at all stages of life. We facilitate several activities, including:
- Adult Sunday School Team (Karen Hartmann, David Morrow): Plans classes for adults on Sunday mornings.
- PMC Library (Jenny Snyder): Resourcing the congregation with books or other materials
- Event Planning Team (Kristen Swartley): Plans events, workshops, or lectures
Fall Adult Classes at PMC
Starting September 14 / Spiritual Grounding in a Fractured World --
For many people the world around us feels overwhelming and scary right now. We wonder: "How can we respond to the injustices we see? What can we do?" This class will lead us to explore how we can be both spiritually grounded in God's love and active for justice. These classes will be hands (and hearts) on -- less about the intellectual and more about experiencing God and putting our feet on the ground. We'll alternate Sundays between doing Spiritual Practices and action for justice.
Like last year's fall class, we are planning one big class that starts in the sanctuary and might split up for discussion/prayer/activity in the middle of the class or throughout the class.
ONLINE
Starting September 9 / Book Study -- War & The American Difference (Hauerwas)
Leader: Jay Beaman
Dates: Tuesdays, September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 7 and 14
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Virtual via Zoom
You can find more information, links to purchase the book, and a Zoom signup HERE
Starting September 14 / Spiritual Grounding in a Fractured World --
For many people the world around us feels overwhelming and scary right now. We wonder: "How can we respond to the injustices we see? What can we do?" This class will lead us to explore how we can be both spiritually grounded in God's love and active for justice. These classes will be hands (and hearts) on -- less about the intellectual and more about experiencing God and putting our feet on the ground. We'll alternate Sundays between doing Spiritual Practices and action for justice.
Like last year's fall class, we are planning one big class that starts in the sanctuary and might split up for discussion/prayer/activity in the middle of the class or throughout the class.
ONLINE
Starting September 9 / Book Study -- War & The American Difference (Hauerwas)
Leader: Jay Beaman
Dates: Tuesdays, September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 7 and 14
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Virtual via Zoom
You can find more information, links to purchase the book, and a Zoom signup HERE
Upcoming Events:
Weekly / Coffee with new and old friends on the lower level each Sunday
November 7 – 9 / Anabaptism @501 Symposium
Weekly / Coffee with new and old friends on the lower level each Sunday
November 7 – 9 / Anabaptism @501 Symposium
