WHERE?  /  OREGON PUBLIC HOUSE 
700 NE Dekum Street, Portland

WHEN?  /  March 4, 2014 (noon -10pm)

The Oregon Public House is located a few blocks from Woodlawn United Methodist Church on Dekum Street N.E.  in an historic building.  A congregation meets upstairs in an 1890's era room called the Village Ballroom that they've beautifully restored.  Downstairs the congregation transformed the rooms into a philanthro public house through their own labor.  It was the first in the nation.   All net profits from the people eating there go to selected nonprofits.  Many in  their congregation do the waiting on tables, clean up, etc.  

They have invited the  Backpack program to have a benefit night at the Public House on Tuesday, March 4th. You can stop by anytime from noon to 10:00 pm and the backpack program will benefit!

The public house is a family friendly place.  They even have a small play area for kids.  The pub serves a considerable variety in good food and drinks.

Dear PMC:

We need runners, walkers, pasta feed volunteers and organizers for this year's Portland Marathon.  If you even have a slight tickle of interest in helping out, please let me know!

Some runners are asking when they can register.  Some are still on the fence.  Wherever you are, I sincerely hope to have you on this year's team--make it an annual mission!  We have yet to receive the codes from the Portland Marathon, as soon as we do we can start signing runners up, okay?

Jeff Galloway in his book "Marathon, You Can Do It" writes that the most enjoyable marathon he ever ran was a 5 hr 10 minute one with his dad.  This coming from an elite marathoner.  Could it be? A month ago, I signed up for a 10k because I knew the shirt would be cool.  But a high hamstring injury that is still healing has me barely running.  I still decided to participate in the 5k and felt like I was barely moving.  Guess what-- I had a blast!  All this to say, you don't have to be in tip top shape to participate with the NOE team.  It's okay to sacrifice a good time to have a great time :-)

Run free,
Brian Overcast 
[email protected]

"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free!"  Ps. 119:32

On January 31 the Jr High youth group (along with some very wonderful adult leaders) hosted a babysitting night at PMC. The $500 in donations they received will go toward making some much needed improvements around the church. The leading idea at the moment is to purchase some new tables.  The next time you see a Jr High kid around church tell them how much you appreciate this act of kindness and generosity!