Lead Pastor Announcement

​Dear Portland Mennonite Church family,
  I am so pleased to send this email announcement today: Dr. Kevin Seidel has accepted our invitation to serve as PMC’s next Lead Pastor.
  With his “yes,” Kevin has expressed his deep gratitude for this opportunity to join PMC in “seeking the peace of the city” and his deep regard for us, the PMC congregation, welcoming him and Jennifer in a shared experience of mutual discernment about this decision.
  I again offer my boundless admiration and appreciation for our Pastor Search Committee and their 15 months of care-filled, prayer-filled collaboration in finding PMC’s next Lead Pastor. I hope you will take time to express your own particular thanks to each person on this committee for their sacrificial service – to Dave Johnson, Andrew Turner, Ardy Alberts, Brandon Ensz, Harold Nussbaum, Heidi Noordijk, Karina Kreider Glick, and Lisa Hughes.
  Finally, please allow me to acknowledge the extended time from the congregational vote to Kevin’s “yes.” It has prompted contentment to concern and everything in between. I want to be clear that no one involved slowed this process; the one exception occurred at the end of the year when the Table, with Kevin, mutually agreed to pause collective meetings, using that gift of time to fully observe the holidays with our families. We mutually committed to individual prayer and discernment as well.
Beginning the second week of January, we processed our individual discernments in each other’s presence around the Table, and Kevin completed his discernment conversations with five ministerial friends and mentors. The Table here, and Kevin and Jennifer in Harrisonburg, all reached the same conclusion: let’s continue this conversation.
  The Table then met extensively to complete the documents needed for an Offer of Employment. They were sent on January 16th with a two-week response expectation. Kevin’s response was positive and included several clarifying questions about the documents. The Table met by Zoom on February 2 to craft answers for those questions; the reply was drafted, approved, and sent to Kevin on February 4 with a response expectation for this Monday. The answer came early – on Sunday afternoon! Documents were updated and signed on Monday and Tuesday. And now we all know this welcomed news!
  As indicated earlier, Kevin and Jennifer will begin their life and work here on July 1st, with his installation service planned for Sunday, July 12th. Kevin and Jennifer will be with us at least one more Sunday, between now and July, as well as joining our Church Retreat at the coast in May.
  I will be praying for the way to be smooth for Kevin and Jennifer as they make their home here and join us in our gathered life of faith as PMC. I hope you’ll join your prayers to mine.

  Yours with a grateful heart,
  Ed Shirk, Chair, and all the Leadership Table

​Bulletin, February 15

Upcoming Events

February 15 / PMC Game Night (5 PM) / see ad below
Spend a cozy evening in cold, wet February playing games, eating pizza, and laughing with PMC friends.

February 18 / Ash Wednesday
Join us!
6:00 pm — Light dinner (soup potluck)
7:00 pm — Worship with the imposition of ashes in the sanctuary​

February 22 / SMMS Chili Cookoff
Kyle Gascho took 2nd place last year. He is in win-now mode. Please be advised.

March 22 / Spring Break Sunday
We hope to worship at Willamette Park again this year. Willamette Park is located at Southwest Macadam Avenue and Nebraska Street. Please watch for additional details, as plans may change depending on park availability and weather.​

Order of Worship

Prelude
Ringing the Church Bell and Lighting the Peace Candle

¯ Hymn - Mountain of God Voices Together 11
Welcoming Words
Scripture - Exodus 24:12-18

¯ Hymn - Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit Voices Together 681
Moment for Song from Hebron
Gathering Our Gifts

Children's Time
(Afterward, children aged 3 to first grade are welcome to go downstairs for Children’s Worship.)
Scripture - Matthew 17:1-9

¯Hymn - You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd Voices Together 432
Sermon - Glimpses of Hope
Moment for Silent Reflection

¯ Hymn - Jesus on the Mountain Peak Voices Together 301
Community Prayers
Praying Together, ending with the Prayer of Jesus
O Holy One, who calls me beloved, you are in the air we breathe.
Your name, and all that you have made, is beautiful.
Bring forth your jubilee!
Give life to your dreams in heaven and on earth.
Nourish and sustain our bodies.
Release our debts as we release the debts of others.
Do not let us turn from you.
In hardship and in peril, stay with us. Amen.
(‘The Beloved Version,’ from Fireweed Liturgies; used with permission)

Announcements
¯ Hymn - Strong, Peaceful man of Galilee Voices Together 573

Benediction

Facilitators

Musicians 
Sarah Coffman, Ruby Kropf  
Worship Leader
Joleen Classen
Song Leader
Ruthie Tippin
Children’s Time
Joe Blowers
Sermon
Kristen Swartley
AV Team
Henry Janzen, Simon Obold Eshleman
Ushers
Ken Roupp, Maurice Imhoff, Peter Manickam
Greeters
Lin Rush, Leroy Chupp
Welcome Table
Irene Morrow
Prayers after Worship 
Bruce Kuhns

Please Pray for...

  • These ministries of PMC: Musicians and Song Leaders, Welcome Lunch hosts and guests, Congregational Care Committee, Faith Formation Team, Kids’ Care Club
  • Those who visit our church.  Blessings upon all who seek God’s grace and love with us.
  • Elijah Manickam, who will have cleft palate surgery on Friday
  • Our Muslim siblings of faith as Ramadan begins on Tuesday

Active Meal Trains

Links will be posted here when needed. Thank you to all that have our supported our meal trains recently.​​

Todays Scriptures

Matthew 17: 1-9 (The Inclusive Bible)
The Transfiguration
Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain to be alone with them. And before their eyes, Jesus was transfigured – his face becoming as dazzling as the sun and his clothes as radiant as light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said, “Rabbi, how good that we are here! With your permission I will erect three shelters here – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah!” 5 Peter was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. Out of the cloud came a voice which said, “This is my Own, my Beloved, on whom my favor rests. Listen to him!” When they heard this, the disciples fell forward on the ground, overcome with fear. Jesus came toward them and touched them, saying, “Get up! Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they did not see anyone but Jesus. As they were coming down the mountainside, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone about this until the Chosen One has risen from the dead.”

Exodus 24:12-18 (The Inclusive Bible)
Then YHWH said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, and I will give you the Law and the commandments, which I have inscribed on stone tablets, for you to teach them with.” So Moses and Joshua, his attendant, went up the mountain of God, saying to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return. Aaron and Hur will be with you; if there is a dispute among you, turn to them.”
Then Moses went up on the mountain to where the clouds engulfed it. The glory of the YHWH then came to dwell on Mount Sinai. The cloud covered the mountain for six days; on the seventh day, God called to Moses out of the cloud. To the Israelites the glory of YHWH looked like an all-consuming fire at the top of the mountain. Moses climbed the mountain until he disappeared into the cloud, and stayed there for forty days and forty nights.

Announcements

Nursery Volunteers still needed! Thank you to those who are signing up!!
A background check is required and can be completed quickly and easily. See Curt for the secure link to enter your information—the process takes just a few minutes.
​​NURSERY VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP LINK
Children's Sunday School helpers needed
​​SUNDAY SCHOOL HELPER  SIGN-UP LINK
New Adult Sunday School Classes – February 22
This Sunday (Feb. 15), Adult Faith Formation will conclude the series of classes on Belonging.  All three classes will meet together in the sanctuary to share and listen.  Next Sunday, we will begin a Lenten series of classes on Belief.
  • Getting to Know the Third Person of the Trinity  Throughout the history of the Church, the Holy Spirit is often the least mentioned, somewhat mysterious, person of the Trinity. But knowing more about the Holy Spirit may deepen your walk as a believer. Join us for an introductory look into what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit.  Leader: Karen Hartmann
  • WrestleFaithia: Sharing our Faith Struggles  What faith questions do you wrestle with in these turbulent times? This class will offer an opportunity to share your questions, listen to others, and explore the theological meaning of our lives and times. Leaders will include Morris Dirks, Susan Lanford, Randy Lanford, Stephen Obold-Eshleman, and Kris Voth-Rothmeier.
  • A Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence​ As people who want to follow the way of Jesus, we know that peacemaking is a core way we do this. But, what does this peacemaking look like, and how do we define it? Christians over time have interpreted nonviolence in different ways and we will explore these paths by reading A Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence by David Cramer and Myles Werntz. Pick up your copy in the church office for a suggested donation of $15. Leaders: David Wallace and Pastor Kristen.

Warm Supplies Needed
Susan Voss-Rothmeier is the social worker of the downtown library and her team could use donations of warm items to share with the homeless population they serve. They seek beanie hats, gloves and socks, as well as adult-sized sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, pants and sweats. They could also use shoes of adult sizes 9 and above (practical styles such as running shoes). Items may be used, but should be clean and in good condition w/o holes or rips. You may bring items to Susan at church. Thank you! 

Everence Sharing Funds
The Everence Sharing Fund provided $2,600 in matching funds to support many people in our church in 2025. Those needs included camp scholarships, legal assistance, rent assistance, and much more. Bryan Eichhorn serves as the Everence advocate for our congregation.  You can learn more about Everence Here

Choral Arts Ensemble Concert
The Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland is proud to join forces with the young singers of Pacific Youth Choir for an inspiring evening of choral music honoring the elements of Water and Earth.  This evocative program celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the power of voices raised together in song to unite, inspire and move us.  Concert dates are February 28th (7:30 pm) and March 1st (3:00 pm).  Tickets are $22 in advance and $30 at the door.  Students are $5.  Pay-What-You-Can ticket pricing is also available.  Go to www.portlandschoir.org or see Kris Voss-Rothmeier for more information.

Ash Wednesday at ICE
All are invited to join an ecumenical gathering at ICE on Macadam on Wednesday at 2 pm.  This simple worship service will include scripture, singing and the imposition of ashes. Our Ash Wednesday service at PMC begins at 6PM with a simple meal followed by a short service at 7PM.

Easter Choir
Easter is coming up on April 5 and we’re looking to put a choir together again this year to sing a couple songs.  Many thanks to Ruthie Tippin who has agreed to lead us this year!  Here’s a quick Easter choir google poll where you can indicate your interest and availability for rehearsals.  It would be so helpful if you could take it soon so we know what size group we’re working with.  If you want to copy and paste the choir poll link it is also here:  https://forms.gle/RSQNAGA1b1jvPd1t5

Call for Handmade & Homegrown Items for the MCC Relief Sale – October 10, 2026 (Albany)
The Menno Marketplace at this year’s MCC Relief Sale is seeking donated items from makers, crafters, cooks, and gardeners of all kinds. The sale will be held on October 10, 2026, in Albany.
Our best-selling items are typically functional pieces—such as tea towels, dishcloths, mugs, table runners, and similar household goods—or consumables like honey, nuts, fall garden produce, jams, and cut flowers. All handmade items are welcome, and makers are encouraged to suggest a sale price for their contributions.
Please contact Trudy with your questions, ideas, or plans at [email protected]

Office Closed
Tomorrow is President’s Day.  The office will be closed.

Andrew Root – Portland Seminary 
Dr. Andrew Root writes and speaks in the areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations. He’ll be a guest speaker for Portland Seminary’s Spring Conference on Friday, March 6, from 9am-2:30pm with the theme “The Church in a Secular Age.” In a time of institutional strain and declining engagement, pastors and congregations are facing a profound identity crisis. Many find it challenging to even imagine God within the "immanent frame" of our modern era. Dr. Root will peer beneath the symptoms of decline, offering critical examination and powerful theological insights for leaders seeking to establish new footing when belief in transcendence is no longer an assumed reality. Cost is $15 which includes lunch. Find links in the online bulletin to their registration form.

Get ready to turn up the heat! Join us for the Annual SMMS Chili Cook-off fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 22 at noon for a battle of beans (or no beans!) and bragging rights. Let's give last year's champs -- Phyllis Shirk and Kyle Gascho -- a run for their money. Sign up now in the Old Chapel to bring your best batch! If you're not interested in making chili, you can simply bring your appetite and judge the entries. Prepare for a spicy showdown, questionable judging, and possible heartburn! 

Please consider joining the Chili Cook-Off as a contestant.
(Sign up in the Old Chapel) In order to determine the winners, we need a bunch of pots of chili to choose from. You might not consider your chili to be award-winning, but if it's enjoyed by you and your family, then it's definitely one that we want to try. FYI -- Each chili maker gets 20 beans for voting purposes! 

Are you new or new-ish at PMC?
Join us for a Welcome Lunch! These lunches will happen once a month on a Sunday after church, and you’re welcome to come to multiple lunches to get to know more people. The next lunch will be on Sunday, February 22 and hosted by Casey Fast & Liz Heaney at PMC. This time guests will join the SMMS Chili Cookoff for some lunch and then have time to eat and talk together with Liz and Casey. If you’d like to join, let Irene Morrow know ([email protected]).

“PMC Rapid Response & Organizing” Chat Group
We’re starting a chat group on Signal for communication about various types of support and mutual aid that may need a quicker response. PMC’s Outreach Committees (like: Radical Hospitality, Menno Action, Menno Pride) will be able to use this chat group to communicate needs or opportunities those that want to join. This could include requests for material aid, help with families or people we’re supporting, or notifying PMCers about local justice oriented events. If you’re interested in joining, please talk to Pastor Kristen ([email protected]).

Celebrating 50 years of the More-with-Less Cookbook!
Herald Press and Mennonite Central Committee invite you to share stories of food, joy and resilience. This beloved cookbook’s call to thrift, Christian compassion and abundant living is just as relevant today as it was 50 years ago. Share your story by Feb. 15 for a chance to be featured in the 50th anniversary edition and receive a chocolate oatmeal cake recipe as thanks!
Submit your story at https://bit.ly/MoreWithLess50 and follow #MWL50.

MCC Conflict Transformation Workshop
March 12–14, Village Church, Beaverton, OR
Join us for an engaging Conflict Transformation training that centers around the values and principles of restorative justice. The workshop is sponsored by Eastern Mennonite Seminary and Mennonite Central Committee, and the cost is $350 which includes lunch on Friday and Saturday. Please check in with Pastor Kristen if you’d like to explore scholarship possibilities for attending.

Camp CAMREC Young Adult Invite
Adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to enjoy the snowy outdoors, fireside activities and build community with other like-minded folks over a long weekend. People are invited to enjoy CAMREC between February 13 and 16. (Additional days available upon request.) Optional activities include tubing, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, excursions into Leavenworth as well as Alpine skiing or snowboarding at Steven’s Pass or Mission Ridge. Participants are invited to jump in on contemplative worship,collaborative cooking and baking, music sessions, yoga, or continue working remotely on WiFi. The suggested fee is $35/day. Costs for off-site activities will be covered by participants. To sign up, contact Brisa Peacock: [email protected].​
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​Help Us Stay Up to Date
Since we no longer have a “photo wall” in the Old Chapel, the online directory is the main way that people can begin to get to know one another at PMC. You can upload/update your photo and update your information yourself by following these easy steps on your phone or on your computer: On your phone: Open the app and press the icon in the upper left corner (the one with three horizontal bars) / Tap “Edit My Family” — On your computer go to the home page. / Click on “Edit My Family” in the upper right corner. Once you’ve submitted a change, the church administrator will receive a request for the change and will approve the change quickly. Thanks!
Land Acknowledgment
As we learn about the Doctrine of Discovery, we recognize that the land on which our meetinghouse is located and the land on which we live was previously home to Native American peoples who were decimated and uprooted as this area was colonized. The Portland Metro area rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and many other tribes who stewarded the plentiful natural resources in the vicinity of the Columbia River. 
We recognize that the present day Native American community in the Portland Metro area is made up of people who originate from over 380 tribes from around the country.
We acknowledge the local federally recognized tribes; the Grande Ronde, the Siletz and the Cowlitz as well as the Chinook Nation, which has been seeking federal recognition for many years.