There will be a community-wide protest and rally this Saturday at Beaverton City Park (around the corner from Bethel) starting at 2:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to use our voices to stand up for our beliefs and support targeted demographics.
A group will be gathering at Bethel at 1 pm in the fellowship hall to make signs together before heading over to the rally. Come join us!
Learn more about the event here: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/839632/
Respond to Racism Movie Viewing - Mama Bears October 11th at 2:30 pm
Join us in the sanctuary on Saturday, October 11th at 2:30 pm to watch Mama Bears, a film about titular group of mothers fighting to "make the world kinder and safer for all LGBTQ+ people." There will be a discussion held after the film.
Click here to learn more:
https://mamabearsdoc.com/about-the-film/
It's the Week of Bethel's Rummage Sale!
Attention all de-clutterers and treasure hunters! Here is important information for our annual Rummage Sale:
DROP OFF DATES:
Monday, September 29th, 12:00 pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday, September 30th, 12-00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, October 9:00 pm - 12:00 pm (Noon)
This is the new and FINAL cut-off time.
We are locking the doors at Noon🔐
SALE DATES:
Friday, October 3rd, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday, October 4th, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
SOME of the Items We Can Take:
• Clean, with no holes, clothing and accessories/shoes...kids, women’s, and men’s. We don’t have the manpower to clean clothing and shoes, so cleaning them before you put them in a donation box is very helpful.
• Jewelry
• Collectibles... if you are donating collectibles and have some idea of your item's value, please let us know. It could save someone hours of research.
• Books…nothing damaged or missing pages; no tech/computer manuals, medical advice, or textbooks older than 5 years; no travel guides older than 3 years; no encyclopedias or yearbooks
• Toys and kids’ gear
• Household items...kitchen items, dinnerware, cutlery, bathroom items, tools, holiday decor, linens, pictures/frames/mirrors, luggage, etc.
• Working electronics / small appliances (Please attach any power cords to your item. They tend to get easily separated.)
• Sports Equipment
• Garden items
• Items for pets
• Furniture...if it can be moved by two strong adults.
WHAT WE CANNOT TAKE:
-Mattresses (including crib mattresses)
-Big boxy TVs
-Car seats
-Tires
-Open toiletries
-Used underwear/bras/swimsuits
-Any item too large to be moved by two strong people
We will see you there!
PLUMPER PUMPKIN PATCH after service SEPT 28th - Kids & Youth
After service on Sunday, September 28th, we will be heading to Plumper Pumpkin Patch! Plan on bringing lunch from home or purchasing food from the farm. There will be plenty to do from wagon rides, to playgrounds and mazes, to pig-racing, and more! Click HERE to see the farm's fall activities and view the map.
Because there is so much to do, our group will meet at a specific spot: the giant mushroom by the hobbit house (#12 on the map) for a group photo at 12:30 pm, then we hope everyone will enjoy themselves the rest of the time.
Tickets are $16 in advance and $18 at the door. Our Faith Development Committee will cover the cost of kids and youth tickets, but parents will need to purchase separately. We will be purchasing tickets for the 12 pm time slot.
Pint with the Pastor - Friday, Sept 19th
Summer will be coming to a close, and to celebrate we hosting another “pint with the pastor” on Friday, September 19th from 7-8:30pm. This will be a great opportunity to catch up with Pastor David after his trip! We're excited for everyone to join us for good drinks and better company.
Pastor David will provide the “pint” – of beer or lemonade. (We want everyone to feel comfortable). If these beverages don’t fit your taste, feel free to bring your own. If you’d like to bring a snack to share that would be great.
We’ll gather outside at Bethel around the tables with purple umbrellas and enjoy conversation and fellowship together.
If this appeals to you, please RSVP to Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org
Homecoming Potluck after service, September 14th
Do you have a favorite chili recipe to share? Or a favorite side to go with chili? We're getting fired up for all the fall favorites so please bring a dish to share to help us celebrate the start of a new school year and enjoy fellowship together with Pastor David's return. Click here to email Erin to help coordinate our meals!
"Stump the Pastor" - Sunday, September 14th
We need your questions! Do you have a theological question, or a question about the life of faith or the way the church works that you’ve always wanted to ask but were afraid to ask it? September 14th is your chance! Pastor David will offer an instant sermon with impromptu answers to your questions.
For the next few weeks, we will have a submission box and paper slips for questions out front in the Narthex on Sundays, or you may submit your questions via email to Erin by Sept 10th (eb@bethelbeaverton.org)
Bethel Visits Art in the Pearl - Monday, Sept 1st
Do you like arts and crafts? Join your Bethel friends for a visit to Arts in the Pearl this Labor Day on September 1st, 2025. We’ll meet at the Millikan Max Station at 10:05AM. We’ll ride Max to the Library downtown and from there it is about an 8-minute walk to the North Parks Blocks. Food is available for purchase and the art is interesting to view! Link up with a Bethel or non-Bethel friend and enjoy the time together. Reach out to Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org to coordinate a group!
Sign Up for our Respond to Racism Class on the Book: His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope By Jon Meacham
Before he was a congressional representative, John Lewis, a faith leader and the civil rights leader we learn about in school, he was a young man fueled by hope and a vision of a world that could be. In the book, His Truth is Marching On, Jon Meacham gives us an overview of the life of John Lewis from childhood to 1968.
While many books and television specials have been produced about Rep. John Lewis, Jon Meacham offers us another opportunity to remember his humble yet profound work and the bigger implications it has for people of faith. As a child and young man, he believed his calling was to be a preacher; but his understanding of the Gospel moved him to put his understanding of God’s love up against the empire. May his life and struggle be an open invitation for us to continue the work of the Beloved Community.
During this this 7-week study, we will be become cover the following themes and figures:
Nonviolent resistance in the Civil Rights Movement
Racism in the United States
Creating Beloved Community
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr.
Each session will be held in-person each Sunday before service at 9:00 am with a repeat session the following Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm via zoom. The first session will be Sunday, 9/14 and Tuesday 9/16.
Please RSVP so we can order the appropriate number of books. This will be set up so even if you can only attend a single class, it will be worth your while! We hope you can attend all!
RSVP by signing up in the Narthex on Sunday or email Tim Moe.
Kids and Family Hike - Saturday, Aug 23rd from 10 am - Noon
Since we are missing out on Camp Adams this year, we are planning a family hike at Tryon Creek to share memories and enthusiasm for our good times at camp and enjoy the great outdoors together. We are inviting other families from UCC churches in the area to share in this outing with us. Plan on bringing a brown bag lunch and water!
Tryon Creek
11321 S Terwilliger Blvd
Portland, OR 97219
https://www.tryonfriends.org/visit-tryon-creek
R2R: Good Trouble Lives On: A Day of Action - Thursday, July 17th Virtual and In-Person Events
Time: Thursday, July 17th.
3-4 pm (6-7 pm EDT)
Location: Virtual event
Join from anywhere
Hosted in Boston, MA 02133
About this event
Good Trouble Lives On: A Day of Action
On July 17, the anniversary of Congressman John Lewis’s passing, People Power United is hosting a virtual event to honor his legacy and defend our rights and freedoms.
As Trump and his allies push voter suppression bills like the SAVE Act and criminalize protest, we’re rising up in nonviolent resistance—because in America, the power belongs to the people.
This isn’t just a virtual rally. It’s a moral stand. It’s Good Trouble—alive and marching forward. Join us.
3:30 - 6 PM In Person Event - Beaverton City Library
Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of nonviolent action to respond to the attacks posed on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration and to remind them that in America, the power lies with the people.
Time: Thursday, July 17th.
3:30 - 6pm
Location: Beaverton City Library, library lawn
12375 SW 5th St
Beaverton, OR 97005
Click Here to learn more about this in person event!
Join us for 'Pint with the Pastor', June 27th
The sun is shining, the days are getting longer, and it's time for our first “pint with the pastor” of the summer on Friday, June 27th from 7-8:30pm. We're excited for everyone to join us for good drinks and better company.
Pastor David will provide the “pint” – of beer or lemonade. (We want everyone to feel comfortable). If these beverages don’t fit your taste, feel free to bring your own. If you’d like to bring a snack to share that would be great.
We’ll gather outside at Bethel around the tables with purple umbrellas and enjoy conversation and fellowship together.
If this appeals to you, please RSVP to Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org
Summer Fruit Potluck, June 22nd, Fellowship Time
It's time for celebrating summer and the bounty of fruits!
If you've ever wanted to contribute towards our fellowship treats and refreshments but felt a little overwhelmed by the scope, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss! Please bring a fruit of your choice to the kitchen before service on Sunday, 22nd.
Even one pint of berries, an orange, (whatever you can find!) will be welcome!
You don't need to plate or cut up your fruit. We will do the prep work, and you can enjoy the first fruits of the season with your Bethel friends.
Respond to Racism (R2R) to Celebrate Juneteenth Outreach Booth-Volunteers Needed!
Respond to Racism will host an outreach booth at the Beaverton Farmers Market on Saturday, June 21st, following the Juneteenth commemoration on June 19th. We invite members of the Bethel congregation to join us in this community engagement initiative. Volunteers will have the opportunity to distribute information, interact with market attendees, fostering connections and raising awareness of Bethel congregation's commitment to inclusivity and community well-being. This event offers a valuable platform to demonstrate the vibrant presence and caring ethos of our church within the Beaverton community. If you would like to join R2R for a 2-hour spot starting at 9:30 and ending at 1:30 please email
Nancy winstonj@comcast.net or Mo memoney@comcast.net or come see us during fellowship.
Join us for an All Church Movie Night! - May 30th
This month, Bethel Bookies is reading The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, and the group had a great idea to gather everyone to watch the movie together. We will meet in the sanctuary on Friday, May 30th at 6:30 pm to enjoy the family film. The run time is 1 hour and 42 minutes. Please RSVP with Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org, so we know how many folks to expect.
Click here to watch a preview of the movie!
And if you feel like reading the book in advance, our book club meets on Tuesday, May 27th at 10 am in the conference room or via Zoom and you would be more than welcome to join us!
Our Lives in Stories - Women's Retreat Saturday, May 17th at 10 AM
Join us for our Spring Women's Retreat centered around the role of stories in our lives and how they transform the varied moments we experience from snapshots into chapters. Our time together in this retreat will be spent in fellowship with one another and study/creative sessions.
Saturday, May 17th in the fellowship hall from 10 am to 12:30 pm!
Please email Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org with any RSVP's or questions!
Lunch will not be served, but breakfast items will be provided.
All who identify as women or nonbinary are encouraged to attend!
New Member Orientation - May 4th and 18th (Make Up Session May 25th)
Interested in joining the church or learning about membership?
Then join us for our two-part membership class.
These two sessions give basic information about the life of the church: organization, mission, vision, and hopes for the future.
The last couple of years we’ve offered these sessions virtually via Zoom.
This fall, we would like to gather in person in the Conference Room at Bethel.
Session 1 – Sunday, May 4th from 12:30pm – 2:00pm in the conference room at Bethel following Congregation Informational Meeting ( a light lunch will be provided).
Session 2 – Sunday, May 18th from Noon – 1:30pm (light lunch)
Session 3 – Sunday, May 25th - a “make up session” if some of you can’t make the 4th or the 18th work.
Receive new members in worship June 8th
To help Pastor David prepare for the sessions, RSVP to Pastor David at your earliest convenience by emailing drb@bethelbeaverton.org.
HOLY WEEK EVENTS
Palm/Passion Sunday - April 13th
Holy Week begins with worship on Palm Sunday. The children and choir members will gather at the Front entrance of the church
and in the Narthex for a congregational procession into the sanctuary with palms waving!
Congregants can decide if they would like to join the processional or be seated in the sanctuary at the start of service.
Worship will conclude with the building of the cross (made from the trunks of our Christmas trees).
Maundy Thursday - April 17th, 7pm
On Thursday, April 17th at 7pm, we will be offering a Maundy Thursday hybrid worship service.
You can participate in person or join us virtually via Zoom and Facebook. If you're joining us virtually, please have a candle with you.
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/) and Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/140844207
The Maundy Thursday worship service draws its purpose and themes from historical events that our Christian tradition believed happened on the Thursday before Easter.
“Maundy” is the English form of the Latin word meaning commandment. Jesus’ new commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you,” is the focus of Maundy Thursday.
This day brings us to the lowest point of Holy Week, but there is an important message to remember: “We Are Blessed, Regardless”. Our service will walk us through our "blessings for when we don't feel blessed," we will receive communion in memory of the Last Supper, and following our final scripture reading and choir anthem, we will leave the sanctuary in silence.
Good Friday Quiet Prayer - April 18th - 12-3pm
Join us on April 18th from 12-3 p.m. for a Good Friday quiet prayer, in-person at Bethel in our chapel.
We will offer an opportunity for those who would like to come to Bethel for a contemplative sit.
Come and stay for as little or as long as you would like.
Prayer materials will be provided for your time of quiet prayer and contemplation.
Easter Sunday - April 20th - 10am
Please join us this year for Easter Sunday!
Worship will take place on April 20th at 10:00am both in person and virtually via Zoom and Facebook.
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/) and Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/140844207
This all-generational worship will celebrate Christ’s resurrection with special music, prayers and liturgy.
Our sanctuary will be flooded with color from flowers given in honor or memory of loved ones.
Our children and youth will once again have an opportunity to Flower the Cross inside.
We invite you to come forward to the chancel and sing Handel’s "Hallelujah Chorus" to conclude worship.
Easter Egg Hunt
Join us after our Easter Service on April 20th, for an Easter Egg Hunt for all our children up through 5th grade.
Please have your child bring their own Easter basket. We will have bags available for those who forget.
Following the egg hunt, you are invited to continue celebrating with us in the Fellowship Hall with special treats.
All Church Talent Show - Saturday April 5th at 1 PM
Bethel's All Church Talent Show is coming together! Please note we are changing the time of our show to begin at 1 pm.
On Saturday April 5th, we will start in the sanctuary for a performance starting at 1:00 pm, to see our live artists. Afterwards we will head into the fellowship hall to enjoy the bakers and makers and crafts of our visual artists. We hope you come join us!
Performers, keep in mind that there will be a rehearsal on Sunday March 30th, 1pm. Chad will be on hand to support with his amazing skills. On the day of the performance, there will be a sound check a half hour before the show starts. Please arrive ready to go by 12:30 pm.
Visual Artists and Makers, please arrive at least a half hour before the show with your creations to set them up in the fellowship hall. If you need to coordinate with Erin to get them to the church earlier in the week, please reach out!
Questions? Contact Erin or Melanie at eb@bethelbeaverton.org or mm@bethelbeaverton.org.
Congregational Meeting March 23rd
After the (shortened) worship service on Sunday, March 23, there will be a congregational meeting about the proposed capital campaign. We encourage you to attend, either in person or via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87457812295. or Facebook [http://(https:/www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/)]http://(https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/)