April 2 / Palm Sunday / Bulletin
Welcome! This morning our service begins with a procession of children waving palm branches. Everyone is welcome to join the parade!
Ringing the Church Bell
Prelude
Psalm 118.1, 26-29
Procession - Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord Voices Together 219
Gathering Words
Hymn - Hosanna, Loud Hosanna Voices Together 313
Gathering our Gifts
Moment in Mission - Mennonite World Conference
Matthew 21.1-11
Children’s Time
Hymn - All Glory, Laud, and Honor Voices Together 315
Sermon: ‘How to Make an Entrance’
Silence for Reflection
Philippians 2.5-11
Prayer of Confession Voices Together 896
God of the foolish cross,
you are not the savior we expect.
Your power does not look like the power
we want our God to demonstrate.
Your wisdom makes no sense to us.
We are happy to join the crowd,
waving branches,
but not so sure we want to follow you
into the temple courts
into the upper room
into the garden of Gethsemane
to the foot of the cross.
Forgive our false assumptions.
Clarify our clouded vision.
Free us to relax into the foolishness
of your love and grace. AMEN
Hymn - Take, O Take Me as I Am Voices Together 748
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Prayer, ending in the Lord’s Prayer Voices Together 989A
Sending Words
Hymn - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty Voices Together 316
Benediction
Ringing the Church Bell
Prelude
Psalm 118.1, 26-29
Procession - Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord Voices Together 219
Gathering Words
Hymn - Hosanna, Loud Hosanna Voices Together 313
Gathering our Gifts
Moment in Mission - Mennonite World Conference
Matthew 21.1-11
Children’s Time
Hymn - All Glory, Laud, and Honor Voices Together 315
Sermon: ‘How to Make an Entrance’
Silence for Reflection
Philippians 2.5-11
Prayer of Confession Voices Together 896
God of the foolish cross,
you are not the savior we expect.
Your power does not look like the power
we want our God to demonstrate.
Your wisdom makes no sense to us.
We are happy to join the crowd,
waving branches,
but not so sure we want to follow you
into the temple courts
into the upper room
into the garden of Gethsemane
to the foot of the cross.
Forgive our false assumptions.
Clarify our clouded vision.
Free us to relax into the foolishness
of your love and grace. AMEN
Hymn - Take, O Take Me as I Am Voices Together 748
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Prayer, ending in the Lord’s Prayer Voices Together 989A
Sending Words
Hymn - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty Voices Together 316
Benediction
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FACILITATORS
Prelude and Offertory Molly Beiningen Song Leader Jani Van Pelt Worship Leader Kim Brandt Moment in Mission Bruce Campbell-Janz Reader Leslie Sanya Children’s Time Joan Steininger Sermon Rod Stafford Ushers Andrew Yoder, Ken Roupp |
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Peace and courage as we continue to fight for common sense gun laws in this country. Debra Hubbard as she is having a temporal biopsy on Tuesday. |
today's scriptures
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Psalm 118
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever. |
Matthew 21.1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’ |
announcements
Welcome!
This morning we are glad to welcome Bruce Campbell-Janz. Bruce has been the Chief Development Officer at Mennonite World Conference since 2022. Bruce is married to Ann and they have two young adult children, Isaac and Madi. Bruce is a member of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he serves as Chair of the Church Board. Bruce served with Mennonite Central Committee for eight years in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bruce is Canadian (roots in Manitoba) but has been living in the US for the past nearly 17 years for work reasons.
Hymnal & Anabaptist Prayer Book Order
For anyone interested in purchasing their own copy of the Voices Together hymnal or Anabaptist Prayer Book(s), we're gathering information to see if we could order enough to get a bulk discount. Go to the Adult Classes page on PMC’s website or scan the code to fill out the form letting us know you are interested. You can also just send an email to Kristen Swartley (kristen@portlandmennonite.org). The price listed in the form is the normal price, but often the bulk discount is 40% off.
The SMMS annual Plant Sale Fundraiser will be accepting orders until April 17th, so don't delay. Go to the Fundraisers page of the SMMS website (https://www.smmspdx.com or Preschool tab on PMCs website) to learn more about the flowers and vegetables available this year and fill out the order form linked on the page (Paper versions can be found in the Old Chapel.) The plants will be ready for pick up at the church on Thursday, May 11th, just in time for Mother's Day. What a lovely way to support the children at Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori School. Growing plants = growing children.
Reparations 2023
This year we are sending reparations payments of $1750 each to the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and to Self-Enhancement, Inc. (SEI). Reparations are meant to be acts of repair. ‘Indian Schools,’ which caused horrible harm, were often run by churches. As a church, we are sending funds to NAYA, which is run by indigenous leaders and which houses a school that nurtures the identity and heritage of native students. SEI is located in what was once the historic black neighborhood of Portland. Gentrification has almost completely uprooted and displaced that community. Many of us at PMC have benefited from gentrification, so we are sending funds to SEI to support their work in NE Portland. We encourage you to consider making reparations a personal practice by supporting these two groups.
‘A Glimpse of Heaven’
The Vancouver Master Chorale (including Mary and Jm Wenger) will present Requiem and Regina Coeli by Mozart on May 6 (7:00 pm) and May 7 (3:00 pm) at First Presbyterian Church in Vancouver (4400 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98663). Cost is $25; kids 12 & under, free.
Sermon Notes Available
Most Sundays copies of the preacher's sermon notes will be available before the service in the PMC office. Sometimes they will be manuscripts, sometimes they will be outlines. You are welcome to pick one up.
Pastoral Reviews
The Staff Relations Committee (SRC) is tasked with administering annual reviews for each staff member. This year, Rod Stafford has a ‘major’ review. After the completion of these reviews, a decision is made by the congregation about renewing his three-year term to serve at PMC. Curt’s review this year is a ‘minor’ review. Kristen will have her first official review in the 2024 cycle.
Each pastor will have a review committee consisting of congregational members, a representative from the Table and a representative from the SRC. During the month of March, we are seeking feedback from the congregation.
To provide feedback, you can use any of these methods:
1) Online survey (Rod): https://www.portlandmennonite.org/rods-review-
2023.html
2) A paper version of the survey is available in the Old Chapel.
3) Email, phone or in person to SRC members for the respective pastors:
Kate Manelis for Rod; Tim Fransen for Curt
Please complete your responses by Sunday, April 2.
Racial Justice Mailing List
The Racial Justice group at PMC wants to build a contact list to stay in touch with folks from PMC and beyound about thier work. You can easily join this list by filling out the form found on thier page.
The SMMS annual Plant Sale Fundraiser will begin on Thursday, March 23rd but you can get your orders in early. The form will be open for almost a month, until April 17th, so you'll have plenty of time to order your favorite flowers and vegetables. The plants are scheduled to arrive at the church on Thursday, May 11th. What a lovely way to support Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori School. Growing plants = growing children.
Adult Faith Formation
All are welcome to join at 9:30am on Sundays at PMC. Class descriptions are available on the Adult Classes page of PMC’s website. Current adult classes will meet one more time on April 2 (No classes on March 26 and April 9), and new classes will start after Easter.
Short-term Small Groups
Join up with one of these fun short-term focus groups! Check out the Small Group page on the PMC Website for more details and options. Contact the group leader for more information and to participate. A few upcoming highlights include:
Prayer Shawl Knitting, Handwork, and Sharing (Vivian Headings, Linda Smith): Tuesdays, 2-4pm, PMC quiet room
Monthly Knitting Circle (Lois Gearhart): 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:30 starting April 10
Signup for the Anabaptist Community Bible Project!
If you’d like to join this once-in-a-lifetime project, we need you to sign up by Monday, March 27! Small groups will meet during the Sunday School hour (9:30am on Sunday mornings) from April 16 to June 4 (with no class on May 14 because of the retreat). You can find more information and a link to sign up online on the Adult Classes page of PMC’s website or there is a paper signup at the back of the sanctuary. Questions? Ask pastor Kristen Swartley (kristen@portlandmennonite.org).
Family Promise Hosting: We will be hosting twice this spring and are taking sign ups for both. Our upcoming host weeks will be April 9-16 and April 30-May 7. All volunteers who interact with guests must be trained and background checked. You can sign up for food or volunteer slots at the easel in the Old Chapel or get links to the online signups on the Family Promise page of PMC’s website.
Family Promise Volunteer Training: If you would like to volunteer with the guests and have not yet taken the training, attend our upcoming training on April 2nd after church 12:15 to 2:45 downstairs. Bring a bag lunch. Let Susan Voss-Rothmeier (vossrothmeier@yahoo.com) know if you plan to attend. There is also an online training - more information about that can be found on the Family Promise page of PMC’s website.
Nightstrike! On Thursday April 13, PMC will be serving at Nightstrike from 6:45-9pm. Night Strike is a community gathering that mobilizes volunteers/services, meets felt needs, and develops relationships that transform lives. It is an opportunity for members of Portland’s homeless community to hang out, enjoy a hot meal, receive a free haircut or shave, have their feet washed and have their old shoes/clothes/sleeping bags replaced. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kim Bonner at kimberly.bonner@gmail.com by Tuesday April 11.
Coffee Makers needed!
We would like to expand our coffee time to include coffee before Sunday School if we can find a few more people to help. Please contact LaVonne Blowers with your interest.
Kitchen Volunteers needed for events!
Kitchen volunteers needed for 4 congregational events throughout the year. This is a good opportunity for those who have limited time to commit to something but want to help. Please contact LaVonne Blowers with your interest.
This morning we are glad to welcome Bruce Campbell-Janz. Bruce has been the Chief Development Officer at Mennonite World Conference since 2022. Bruce is married to Ann and they have two young adult children, Isaac and Madi. Bruce is a member of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he serves as Chair of the Church Board. Bruce served with Mennonite Central Committee for eight years in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bruce is Canadian (roots in Manitoba) but has been living in the US for the past nearly 17 years for work reasons.
Hymnal & Anabaptist Prayer Book Order
For anyone interested in purchasing their own copy of the Voices Together hymnal or Anabaptist Prayer Book(s), we're gathering information to see if we could order enough to get a bulk discount. Go to the Adult Classes page on PMC’s website or scan the code to fill out the form letting us know you are interested. You can also just send an email to Kristen Swartley (kristen@portlandmennonite.org). The price listed in the form is the normal price, but often the bulk discount is 40% off.
The SMMS annual Plant Sale Fundraiser will be accepting orders until April 17th, so don't delay. Go to the Fundraisers page of the SMMS website (https://www.smmspdx.com or Preschool tab on PMCs website) to learn more about the flowers and vegetables available this year and fill out the order form linked on the page (Paper versions can be found in the Old Chapel.) The plants will be ready for pick up at the church on Thursday, May 11th, just in time for Mother's Day. What a lovely way to support the children at Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori School. Growing plants = growing children.
Reparations 2023
This year we are sending reparations payments of $1750 each to the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and to Self-Enhancement, Inc. (SEI). Reparations are meant to be acts of repair. ‘Indian Schools,’ which caused horrible harm, were often run by churches. As a church, we are sending funds to NAYA, which is run by indigenous leaders and which houses a school that nurtures the identity and heritage of native students. SEI is located in what was once the historic black neighborhood of Portland. Gentrification has almost completely uprooted and displaced that community. Many of us at PMC have benefited from gentrification, so we are sending funds to SEI to support their work in NE Portland. We encourage you to consider making reparations a personal practice by supporting these two groups.
‘A Glimpse of Heaven’
The Vancouver Master Chorale (including Mary and Jm Wenger) will present Requiem and Regina Coeli by Mozart on May 6 (7:00 pm) and May 7 (3:00 pm) at First Presbyterian Church in Vancouver (4400 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98663). Cost is $25; kids 12 & under, free.
Sermon Notes Available
Most Sundays copies of the preacher's sermon notes will be available before the service in the PMC office. Sometimes they will be manuscripts, sometimes they will be outlines. You are welcome to pick one up.
Pastoral Reviews
The Staff Relations Committee (SRC) is tasked with administering annual reviews for each staff member. This year, Rod Stafford has a ‘major’ review. After the completion of these reviews, a decision is made by the congregation about renewing his three-year term to serve at PMC. Curt’s review this year is a ‘minor’ review. Kristen will have her first official review in the 2024 cycle.
Each pastor will have a review committee consisting of congregational members, a representative from the Table and a representative from the SRC. During the month of March, we are seeking feedback from the congregation.
To provide feedback, you can use any of these methods:
1) Online survey (Rod): https://www.portlandmennonite.org/rods-review-
2023.html
2) A paper version of the survey is available in the Old Chapel.
3) Email, phone or in person to SRC members for the respective pastors:
Kate Manelis for Rod; Tim Fransen for Curt
Please complete your responses by Sunday, April 2.
Racial Justice Mailing List
The Racial Justice group at PMC wants to build a contact list to stay in touch with folks from PMC and beyound about thier work. You can easily join this list by filling out the form found on thier page.
The SMMS annual Plant Sale Fundraiser will begin on Thursday, March 23rd but you can get your orders in early. The form will be open for almost a month, until April 17th, so you'll have plenty of time to order your favorite flowers and vegetables. The plants are scheduled to arrive at the church on Thursday, May 11th. What a lovely way to support Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori School. Growing plants = growing children.
Adult Faith Formation
All are welcome to join at 9:30am on Sundays at PMC. Class descriptions are available on the Adult Classes page of PMC’s website. Current adult classes will meet one more time on April 2 (No classes on March 26 and April 9), and new classes will start after Easter.
Short-term Small Groups
Join up with one of these fun short-term focus groups! Check out the Small Group page on the PMC Website for more details and options. Contact the group leader for more information and to participate. A few upcoming highlights include:
Prayer Shawl Knitting, Handwork, and Sharing (Vivian Headings, Linda Smith): Tuesdays, 2-4pm, PMC quiet room
Monthly Knitting Circle (Lois Gearhart): 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:30 starting April 10
Signup for the Anabaptist Community Bible Project!
If you’d like to join this once-in-a-lifetime project, we need you to sign up by Monday, March 27! Small groups will meet during the Sunday School hour (9:30am on Sunday mornings) from April 16 to June 4 (with no class on May 14 because of the retreat). You can find more information and a link to sign up online on the Adult Classes page of PMC’s website or there is a paper signup at the back of the sanctuary. Questions? Ask pastor Kristen Swartley (kristen@portlandmennonite.org).
Family Promise Hosting: We will be hosting twice this spring and are taking sign ups for both. Our upcoming host weeks will be April 9-16 and April 30-May 7. All volunteers who interact with guests must be trained and background checked. You can sign up for food or volunteer slots at the easel in the Old Chapel or get links to the online signups on the Family Promise page of PMC’s website.
Family Promise Volunteer Training: If you would like to volunteer with the guests and have not yet taken the training, attend our upcoming training on April 2nd after church 12:15 to 2:45 downstairs. Bring a bag lunch. Let Susan Voss-Rothmeier (vossrothmeier@yahoo.com) know if you plan to attend. There is also an online training - more information about that can be found on the Family Promise page of PMC’s website.
Nightstrike! On Thursday April 13, PMC will be serving at Nightstrike from 6:45-9pm. Night Strike is a community gathering that mobilizes volunteers/services, meets felt needs, and develops relationships that transform lives. It is an opportunity for members of Portland’s homeless community to hang out, enjoy a hot meal, receive a free haircut or shave, have their feet washed and have their old shoes/clothes/sleeping bags replaced. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kim Bonner at kimberly.bonner@gmail.com by Tuesday April 11.
Coffee Makers needed!
We would like to expand our coffee time to include coffee before Sunday School if we can find a few more people to help. Please contact LaVonne Blowers with your interest.
Kitchen Volunteers needed for events!
Kitchen volunteers needed for 4 congregational events throughout the year. This is a good opportunity for those who have limited time to commit to something but want to help. Please contact LaVonne Blowers with your interest.
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Retreat Registration Tips
When using the google form on the registration page PLEASE click through ALL the pages of the form until you reach the button that lets you SUBMIT your registration.
The form is set up to allow larger family groups to use it so you may find there are pages you do not need. Simply click continue until you reach the end of the form. Thanks! |
upcoming events
Adult Classes (see announcements) / March 5 - April 2 / 9:30 am / Sundays
Palm Sunday / April 2
Good Friday / April 7
Join us for a simple meal at 6:00 pm, followed by a Tenebrae service at 7:00 pm
Easter Sunday / April 9
The MYF will be serving pastries and coffee prior to our service at 10:45 a.m.
Church Retreat / May 12-14
Save the date and plan to join us at Twin Rocks Retreat Center in Rockaway Beach.
More information on the church website.
Palm Sunday / April 2
Good Friday / April 7
Join us for a simple meal at 6:00 pm, followed by a Tenebrae service at 7:00 pm
Easter Sunday / April 9
The MYF will be serving pastries and coffee prior to our service at 10:45 a.m.
Church Retreat / May 12-14
Save the date and plan to join us at Twin Rocks Retreat Center in Rockaway Beach.
More information on the church website.
inserts
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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.
