Women's Retreat - Saturday, February 21st, 2 - 4 PM

The Brilliance of Resilience

For anyone who has felt overwhelmed or drained or not enough lately, our upcoming women's retreat on Resilience is for you! Come and be lifted up with fellowship, inspired by scripture, and leave with tools to equip us to ground ourselves and keep going as God has called us.
Plan on joining us for a special time of fellowship and faith!
All who identify as women and/or nonbinary are welcome to attend!
Saturday, February 21st in the fellowship hall from 2 - 4 pm!
Please email Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org with any RSVP's or questions!
Tea-time Refreshments will be served!

BSD Neediest Families Food Project - Pack Out on March 14th

The Spring project to supply food for Beaverton School District’s neediest kids and families has launched.
We are expanding the project and will provide 100 boxes of food and toiletries.
This is more than double what we did in December.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 14. By the end of that day we will have packed those 100 boxes and have them ready for delivery on March 16.
More information will follow in future announcements along with ways you can get involved with this important project in our highlights newsletter and on Sundays.

If you are outside our church organization and would like to contribute to this effort, you can email our office to find out how you can volunteer: office@bethelbeaverton.org

Ash Wednesday - February 18th

Ash Wednesday – Simple Supper and Worship – Wednesday, February 18th – 6:30pm.
We will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a light supper of soup and bread to launch our Lenten theme: Full to the Brim.

There will be the opportunity to receive ashes for those who find the ritual meaningful.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is the season of preparation for Easter in a similar way in which Advent prepares us for Christmas.

Ash Wednesday is also the time when we aspire to make some room for deeper introspection and practices that will draw us into the love and assurance of faith. But sometimes faith can feel not as assured as we hoped for. We can feel “less than,” perceiving that others seem to be able to be “more faithful” in their practices and beliefs. This Lent, rather than change for “the best”, we’ll seek to gain momentum one day at a time, “to reach for a faith that is never perfect, but good enough.”

To help with the preparation of the meal, please RSVP to office@bethelbeaverton.org or call 503-646-1191, by Sunday, February 15th, if you plan to attend the service. 

Mardi Gras Sunday Potluck - February 15th

Before we dive into the season of Lent, we have an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the richness of our community and have a little fun! We're leaning into the festivity by inviting everyone to participate in a potluck.

We're looking for people who can bring cinnamon rolls, gumbo, red beans and rice, fruit, or other Mardi Gras favorites. 

Please email Erin at eb@bethelbeaverton.org to let us know what you can bring!

SAVE THE DATE: Our 144th Annual Meeting will be on January 25th, after service.

Join us for our Annual Meeting, where we will gather in the sanctuary after service and review the achievements of 2025 and the plans for 2026, including potential bylaw updates and our line-ups for our committees.

Written Annual Reports for 2025 will be available in print (limited copies due to cost), and digitally by a link, after the report has been completed by Friday, January 23rd.

Following the Annual Meeting a light lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Lynne Marie in the office so we can have an accurate count for the lunch service.

Upcoming Epiphany Series: Six Stone Jars

Next Sunday we will be diving into our new series for the season of Epiphany, Six Stone Jars from Worship Design Studio. Check out their description to get a sneak peek of what you can expect for the next several weeks: 
A miscalculation has occurred. The wedding guests have drunk all the wine before the party is over. At times life can feel like we’re “running out” of so much, and scarcity is shutting down the party. In these moments, we are invited to turn to the currency and economy of Jesus. In his economy, the true measure of abundance is fullness for the whole community, not just for some. Let us build the Kin-dom of God by drawing from jars of Hope, Purpose, Healing, Meaning, Vision, and Grace for all people.

Upcoming Youngish Event January 1, 2026

Join the Youngish Group for a First Day Hike at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. We are aiming for the 9:00am, 5-mile hike, but you can always cut it short if you want. 

Parking will be limited so arrive by 8:30 if you want to take your own car. 
We are planning on car-pooling as well.  We will meet at Bethel at 8:00. If interested, let me or Jessica Butler know if you can either drive or need a ride. 

RSVP Please to me or Jessica if you are planning on being there.  
Thanks 
Jessica Butler: jessicalb93@yahoo.com 
Mac Macpherson: Macmacpherson@hotmail.com 

2 Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve Family Service - Dec 24, 5 PM

We will gather on Christmas eve for a family friendly service of the story of the nativity, carols and hymns at 5pm in the sanctuary.  We hope you’ll join us for this beautiful tradition filled with light, love and mystery.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - Dec 24, 10 PM

We will gather on Christmas eve for a service of lessons, carols and candle-lighting at 10pm in the sanctuary. There will be special music from the chancel choir. We hope you’ll join us for this beautiful tradition filled with light, love, and mystery.

Queer Christmas High Tea at Bethel - Saturday, Dec. 20th at 2 pm

Our LGBTea+ gathering is doing something special this holiday season!

We'll be gathering in the fellowship hall on Saturday, December 20th at 2 pm to share some tea and treats!

Please sign up with Amy Tobey to bring something to share. 
All members and allies of the queer community are welcome!

Wassail and Fruit Breads Celebration - Dec 7th

Sunday, December 7th, after worship service, we have a tradition hosted by the past and current members of the choir and worship band, to serve Wassail and fruit breads.
We do this in the old style—beautiful settings, glass punch bowls, and a masterful centerpiece. Wassail is an Old English spiced, warm apple drink (made by Diana Marsden). Traditionally, first cup is served by the Lord of the Manor.  Our current Lord of the Manor is David Thoma. He was taught by our longstanding Lord of the Manor (the late George Russell)
He brings out of the kitchen, a bowl of wassail and sings (a cappella) 'Wassail, Wassail" and invites everyone to the table for refreshments. Please join us on December 7th, to celebrate the good harvest and the coming new year. 

Beaverton School District Food Project for Homeless Students

After a delayed start, we are kicking off our food drive with Beaverton’s McKinney-Vento Group to supply food over winter break to 50 of the neediest students and families. The amount of food we give will be less this year, but much more targeted to the requests of the students and families.

Key Dates are: 
    Friday December 12: Move food to the Fellowship Hall and load food on tables.
    Saturday December 13: Packout (fill food boxes and stage boxes for delivery)
    Monday December 15: Deliver food boxes to McKinney Vento office.

We are not providing soup as we have done in the past. Instead, we are asking that Bethel people donate the cost of full or partial boxes of food.  Details and sign up will be at the Volunteer table in the Narthex or Fellowship Hall soon.  Another option is to donate however much is best for you on-line or by check referencing ”Beaverton Homeless Teens”.   
You will also have the opportunity to sign up at the Volunteer table to help on any of the 3 dates shown above. 
Look for more detail in future updates.  

Pumpkin Pancake Fundraiser - after service Sunday, Nov 9

Fire up the griddles because we're planning our annual Pumpkin Pancake Fundraiser! After service, our kids and youth will get to help serve pancakes to the congregation to help raise money for our kids and youth activities like the Pumpkin Patch. Volunteers will begin preparations during service and then kids can help serve during Fellowship Time. Be sure to bring your appetite!

Women's Retreat - Saturday, November 8th, 10 am to 1 pm Peace Within - Crafting a "Care of Self "Tool Kit

You can't pour from an empty cup! Join us for our Fall Women's Retreat centered around the importance and how-to's of caring for ourselves. Our time together in this retreat will be spent in fellowship with one another and study sessions, featuring a presentation from The Pink Lemonade Project in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Saturday, November 8th in the fellowship hall from 10 am to 1:00 pm!
Please email Erin Barber at eb@bethelbeaverton.org with any RSVP's or questions!
Breakfast Items AND Lunch will be served!
All who identify as women or nonbinary are encouraged to attend!

All Saints Day - Sunday, November 2nd

We will celebrate All Saints Sunday again this year. We will come forward and light candles in memory of our dearest that have gone before. Also, we will continue our ritual of building a bouquet to honor and remember either members of Bethel or close family members of Bethel members and friends who passed since last All Saints Sunday.  Please let us know if there is anyone you would like us to remember by October 26th .  Thank you.

We will also have a slide(s) with the names of others who have passed before last year. Let us know who you would like to remember. You may email the office at office@bethelbeaverton.org. Please indicate if your loved one passed in the past year, since last year's All Saints Day. 

No Kings Rally Saturday October 18th from 2:00 - 4:00 PM

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!