Bulletin, July 28
Upcoming EventsJuly 18-30 - Call for Prayer (see Bulletin below)
August 11 - Bystander Training August 18 - Pitch pipes and Pies Potluck (with Rod) An evening of singing and eating pie with Rod. 6:30 – 8:30pm August 25 - Rod’s Farewell Service A light reception will take place on the lower level after the service. September 1 - WILDWOOD Sunday September 8 - Fall Launch Party Stay after church to learn what is happening at PMC this fall and to grab a snack with friends. September 13-15 - MYF Beach Retreat Save the date! September 15 - Sunday school begins for all ages |
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Order of Worship
Prelude
Ringing the Church Bell Hymn - Somos pueblo que camina Voices Together 464 Welcoming Words Deuteronomy 6.4-9 Hymn - Open My Eyes That I May See Voices Together 738 Gathering Our Gifts Children's Time Children age 3 through first grade may go downstairs for children's worship Mark 4.2-20 Hymn - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say Voices Together 536 Sermon: 'Take our ears and her through them' Silence for Reflection Hymn - Lord, You Sometimes Speak Voices Together 537 Sharing Joys and Concerns Praying Together Sending Words Hymn - The Lord Lift You Up Voices Together 832 Benediction |
FACILITATORS
Molly Beiningen, prelude and offertory Crystal Miller, accompanist Andrew Kreider Glick, song leader Kim Brandt, worship leader Joan Steininger, children’s time Rod Stafford, sermon PLEASE PRAY FOR...
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Today's Scriptures
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Mark 4:2-20
He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’ And he said, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’
When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, ‘To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that
“they may indeed look, but not perceive,
and may indeed listen, but not understand;
so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.” ’
And he said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. But they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’
Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Mark 4:2-20
He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’ And he said, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’
When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, ‘To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that
“they may indeed look, but not perceive,
and may indeed listen, but not understand;
so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.” ’
And he said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. But they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’
Announcements
It takes a Village to Build a Sunday school!
Thank you to all of you who have said yes to being part of teaching teams, music leaders and committee members as we put together our Sunday school program for this fall. If you are interested in being part of the village, please contact Melissa Burton.
Introducing Kids Club Sundays at PMC
This fall, we will try something new during the Sunday school hour. One Sunday a month, we plan to host a kids club instead of having our normal Sunday school classes. The ideas and leadership for kids club are coming from our wonderful PMC kids. Please keep your eyes and ears open for ways you might support our kids this coming year. For example, rumor has it they want the WHOLE congregation to join them in a neighborhood trash pick up day… more info to come.
Attention MYF: Youth Retreat Dates to Save
Save the dates of September 13-15 for our annual Beach retreat at Twin Rocks.
Another MDS Build
If you missed the recent MDS shed build, there is another opportunity to build your skills, and a shed, on August 3 in Forest Grove. Email or message Joanne Barta if you plan to attend. All tools and lunch are provided
Saying Goodbye to Rod
A Celebration Sunday for Pastor Rod’s last Sunday is August 25. After the service, we will have a brunch in the fellowship hall to say goodbye. Please help with this celebration by bringing one or two of the brunch items (casserole egg bake, fruit salad, or special breads). Signup is in the old chapel as well as HERE. Any questions, contact LaVonne Blowers or Bob Burton. Thank you for being a part of this special celebration.
Pitch Pipes and Pies - August 18, 6:30 pm
Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening of singing and socializing on Sunday, August 18. We will begin with a hymn sing and then we will share desserts. This will be one of Rod’s last events at PMC before he retires at the end of the month. He is likely to pick more than his share of songs. And, FYI, he really likes berry pie. Bring a dessert to share. The Worship Committee will provide ice cream.
SMMS Teacher Position Open
Do you know someone looking for part-time work with preschool children? Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori School is looking for an Assistant Teacher for the upcoming school year. The Assistant Teacher collaborates with Lead Teacher, Denée Longan, to ensure the smooth functioning of the classroom and to encourage children to engage in individual as well as cooperative work. SMMS continues seeking the peace of the city by making high-quality early childhood education affordable for everyone. For more information, go to smmspdx.com/employment or contact Paula Brunk Kuhns.
Out of Office
Kristen will be gone from July 25 to Aug. 4 for a vacation with family in Colorado. She’ll be back to regular work and email on Monday, Aug. 5.
Potluck Dinner For Samuel and Orfilia Moran
Pastors Samuel and Orfilia Moran of Ministerios Restauracion will soon enjoy their first sabbatical in over 30 years of ministry. Members of Ministerios and PMC have organized a potluck for July 28, at 4:30 pm to bless this time. If you would like to attend, please bring a dish to share. You are also invited to Ministerios' weekly service, beginning at 2:00 pm. For more information, please contact David Morrow at 509-771-3397. If you would like to contribute to the Moran's sabbatical fund, please visit this link. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-a-sabbatical-for-pastors-moran?utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_spp&utm_source=customer
Want to help with Welcome Lunches?
We are recruiting folks who want to help out in some way with our Welcome Lunches in the next year. These lunches usually happen on the fourth Sunday of the month around noon. There are many ways you could help out: cook food, host at your home, be a helper to someone hosting, host at the church, etc. Hosts can choose to do a formal sit-down dinner or a more open-house buffet style, with others helping contribute food. If you’re interested or want to learn more, you can contact Pastor Kristen ([email protected]).
Women's Retreat – Save the Date! We've got The Grove Retreat Center in Canby reserved for October 25-27, 2023 and we are excited! Expect costs to be around $200-$250 a person (scholarships available) – Signups and more information will be available in the coming months. Questions? Ask Lois Gearhart or Kristen Swartley.
Nightstrike! On Thursday, August 8, PMC will be serving at Night Strike from 6:45-9pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pastor Kristen ([email protected]) by Tuesday, August 6.
Summer at Drift Creek Camp
Drift Creek camp has come and gone. There were epic games of Granny's Candy and the fastest ever game of Capture the Flag, lasting a total of 56 seconds. You can ask campers from 3/4 camp to name all 5 mountains we discussed or if Bigfoot exists. Ask a 5/6 camper about eating spaghetti backwards or their favorite Octoball moment. A few PMC youth volunteered their time to be Teen Volunteers; meaning they spent their summer days washing dishes and cleaning up for other campers. As ever, Drift Creek was a dreamy background for some wonderful experiences that our PMC youth could share with other Mennos from the PNW.
- Kristialyn Johnson
DONATE PLANTS IN PORTLAND
The Equitable Giving Circle, one of our PMC reparations partners, is inviting us to donate plants: ‘Our Plant Jam provides free houseplants for BIPOC families. Inspired by the Underground Plant Tree, we have collected and redistributed over 17,000 plants to the community. This is an act of reparations and a way for the greater Portland community to practice the art of giving and receiving. Anyone can donate plants in Portland during our weekly drop-off times (Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 2pm) at our workspace in Alder Commons (4212 NE Prescott St., Portland, OR, 97212). Outdoor and indoor plants are accepted, though we have a larger demand for indoor plant donations.’
Countering Christian Zionism
Hundreds of Mennonite Action volunteers are marching to Washington, DC, to challenge the theology of Christian Zionism and the harmful influence it has on the policies and actions of the US government in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. After the service this morning, our PMC Mennonite Action group will show a short nine-minute film about Christian Zionism. Everyone is welcome to stay.
Introducing the Staff Relations Committee
PMC has a Staff Relations Committee (SRC) to work with and support our pastors and staff. We are delighted to announce that Susan Lanford will serve as the chair of the SRC. In addition to Susan, Tim Fransen and Sarah Holcomb are serving on the SRC. Ed Shirk, chair-elect of the Leadership Table, supports the work of the SRC. Thanks to all of them!
Worship Time in the Fall
The Leadership Table has decided that PMC will continue to gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in the fall. The Table considered the input from many people in the congregation. There were a variety of values and concerns mentioned. A significant majority expressed a preference for 9:30 am. The Table is aware that no decision could address every concern. The primary reasons for continuing at 9:30 have to do with 2024/2025 being a year of transition. We want to ‘lean into relationships’ in the coming year. By starting at 9:30, and perhaps extending the fellowship time after the worship service, we can create space for people to connect. In the coming year, we also anticipate a number of Transition forums on Sunday mornings. By starting at 9:30, more people are typically about to participate in the Forums that follow the services. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to contact any of the members of the Leadership Table.
Thank you to all of you who have said yes to being part of teaching teams, music leaders and committee members as we put together our Sunday school program for this fall. If you are interested in being part of the village, please contact Melissa Burton.
Introducing Kids Club Sundays at PMC
This fall, we will try something new during the Sunday school hour. One Sunday a month, we plan to host a kids club instead of having our normal Sunday school classes. The ideas and leadership for kids club are coming from our wonderful PMC kids. Please keep your eyes and ears open for ways you might support our kids this coming year. For example, rumor has it they want the WHOLE congregation to join them in a neighborhood trash pick up day… more info to come.
Attention MYF: Youth Retreat Dates to Save
Save the dates of September 13-15 for our annual Beach retreat at Twin Rocks.
Another MDS Build
If you missed the recent MDS shed build, there is another opportunity to build your skills, and a shed, on August 3 in Forest Grove. Email or message Joanne Barta if you plan to attend. All tools and lunch are provided
Saying Goodbye to Rod
A Celebration Sunday for Pastor Rod’s last Sunday is August 25. After the service, we will have a brunch in the fellowship hall to say goodbye. Please help with this celebration by bringing one or two of the brunch items (casserole egg bake, fruit salad, or special breads). Signup is in the old chapel as well as HERE. Any questions, contact LaVonne Blowers or Bob Burton. Thank you for being a part of this special celebration.
Pitch Pipes and Pies - August 18, 6:30 pm
Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening of singing and socializing on Sunday, August 18. We will begin with a hymn sing and then we will share desserts. This will be one of Rod’s last events at PMC before he retires at the end of the month. He is likely to pick more than his share of songs. And, FYI, he really likes berry pie. Bring a dessert to share. The Worship Committee will provide ice cream.
SMMS Teacher Position Open
Do you know someone looking for part-time work with preschool children? Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori School is looking for an Assistant Teacher for the upcoming school year. The Assistant Teacher collaborates with Lead Teacher, Denée Longan, to ensure the smooth functioning of the classroom and to encourage children to engage in individual as well as cooperative work. SMMS continues seeking the peace of the city by making high-quality early childhood education affordable for everyone. For more information, go to smmspdx.com/employment or contact Paula Brunk Kuhns.
Out of Office
Kristen will be gone from July 25 to Aug. 4 for a vacation with family in Colorado. She’ll be back to regular work and email on Monday, Aug. 5.
Potluck Dinner For Samuel and Orfilia Moran
Pastors Samuel and Orfilia Moran of Ministerios Restauracion will soon enjoy their first sabbatical in over 30 years of ministry. Members of Ministerios and PMC have organized a potluck for July 28, at 4:30 pm to bless this time. If you would like to attend, please bring a dish to share. You are also invited to Ministerios' weekly service, beginning at 2:00 pm. For more information, please contact David Morrow at 509-771-3397. If you would like to contribute to the Moran's sabbatical fund, please visit this link. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-a-sabbatical-for-pastors-moran?utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_spp&utm_source=customer
Want to help with Welcome Lunches?
We are recruiting folks who want to help out in some way with our Welcome Lunches in the next year. These lunches usually happen on the fourth Sunday of the month around noon. There are many ways you could help out: cook food, host at your home, be a helper to someone hosting, host at the church, etc. Hosts can choose to do a formal sit-down dinner or a more open-house buffet style, with others helping contribute food. If you’re interested or want to learn more, you can contact Pastor Kristen ([email protected]).
Women's Retreat – Save the Date! We've got The Grove Retreat Center in Canby reserved for October 25-27, 2023 and we are excited! Expect costs to be around $200-$250 a person (scholarships available) – Signups and more information will be available in the coming months. Questions? Ask Lois Gearhart or Kristen Swartley.
Nightstrike! On Thursday, August 8, PMC will be serving at Night Strike from 6:45-9pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pastor Kristen ([email protected]) by Tuesday, August 6.
Summer at Drift Creek Camp
Drift Creek camp has come and gone. There were epic games of Granny's Candy and the fastest ever game of Capture the Flag, lasting a total of 56 seconds. You can ask campers from 3/4 camp to name all 5 mountains we discussed or if Bigfoot exists. Ask a 5/6 camper about eating spaghetti backwards or their favorite Octoball moment. A few PMC youth volunteered their time to be Teen Volunteers; meaning they spent their summer days washing dishes and cleaning up for other campers. As ever, Drift Creek was a dreamy background for some wonderful experiences that our PMC youth could share with other Mennos from the PNW.
- Kristialyn Johnson
DONATE PLANTS IN PORTLAND
The Equitable Giving Circle, one of our PMC reparations partners, is inviting us to donate plants: ‘Our Plant Jam provides free houseplants for BIPOC families. Inspired by the Underground Plant Tree, we have collected and redistributed over 17,000 plants to the community. This is an act of reparations and a way for the greater Portland community to practice the art of giving and receiving. Anyone can donate plants in Portland during our weekly drop-off times (Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 2pm) at our workspace in Alder Commons (4212 NE Prescott St., Portland, OR, 97212). Outdoor and indoor plants are accepted, though we have a larger demand for indoor plant donations.’
Countering Christian Zionism
Hundreds of Mennonite Action volunteers are marching to Washington, DC, to challenge the theology of Christian Zionism and the harmful influence it has on the policies and actions of the US government in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. After the service this morning, our PMC Mennonite Action group will show a short nine-minute film about Christian Zionism. Everyone is welcome to stay.
Introducing the Staff Relations Committee
PMC has a Staff Relations Committee (SRC) to work with and support our pastors and staff. We are delighted to announce that Susan Lanford will serve as the chair of the SRC. In addition to Susan, Tim Fransen and Sarah Holcomb are serving on the SRC. Ed Shirk, chair-elect of the Leadership Table, supports the work of the SRC. Thanks to all of them!
Worship Time in the Fall
The Leadership Table has decided that PMC will continue to gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in the fall. The Table considered the input from many people in the congregation. There were a variety of values and concerns mentioned. A significant majority expressed a preference for 9:30 am. The Table is aware that no decision could address every concern. The primary reasons for continuing at 9:30 have to do with 2024/2025 being a year of transition. We want to ‘lean into relationships’ in the coming year. By starting at 9:30, and perhaps extending the fellowship time after the worship service, we can create space for people to connect. In the coming year, we also anticipate a number of Transition forums on Sunday mornings. By starting at 9:30, more people are typically about to participate in the Forums that follow the services. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to contact any of the members of the Leadership Table.
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.
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.