Rev. David Randall-Bodman Unpacks his Sabbatical which was his part of Bethel UCC's Summer of Adventure. After his 40 day solo motorcycle trip through the Yukon was halted due to an injury, Good Canadians came to his aid much like The Parable of the Good Samaritan. Julie Fairman reads that parable in Luke 10:25-37.
HomePlate - special video projecT
HomePlate is working on a special video project to highlight their many programs, and will be filming at Fellowship Hour this Sunday, September 29! For more information about this project, read on:
Over the past few months, HomePlate Youth Services has been working with Devin Tau, a local documentarian, on a youth-focused video for HomePlate. He has joined them on outings, come to their main office for a "mock drop-in," and filmed at both Sit-n-Stay and It Takes A Village. All of the interviews have been with the youth, which is the biggest difference when compared to our other videos that feature the staff and/or volunteers. Last on the list of filming opportunities is HomePerk. Devin and his camera operator, along with the two new core HomePerk volunteers, will be present at filming at Bethel's Fellowship Hour on September 29. We imagine that they would like to take some wide shots of the line coming through for coffee, maybe the dining area, and will probably want to film Maddison or Christian interacting with people (for those who are comfortable and would like to help with the project and be featured). Please feel free to check in with Devin the filmmaker, who is very friendly. HomePlate ultimately hopes to use the video as promotional material to have on their website, use at presentations, etc. We're really excited to help provide some good footage of HomePerk in action and help our friends at HomePlate.
The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat
John 12:12-19; Mark 15:25-34
Summer of Adventure Video
Check out Bethel’s Summer of Adventure video! It shows Pastor David beginning his sabbatical on his motorcycle, Gong Healing, Taizé Labyrinth walk, hiking interviews, Rev. Rodriguez’s tribute Bethel and her Summer of Adventure and more.
The Communications team’s adventure was to upgrade our equipment and improve methods to make better videos for you. Watch them when you can’t attend in person, or want to re-experience a worship service. Really, try it! Visit Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ on Facebook, YouTube, or our Website (SERMONS tab, or Staff page for more interviews).
We are pleased when we hear how people have benefited from these videos. With your help we can make an even greater difference. Join us, learn, grow, create, and bless others with our message. Do camera work, video editing, sound, lighting, or story design regardless of where you are on your audio/visual journey.
Contact Stan Davis, Communication Team members, or staff.
Loneliness and Solitude: One and the Same?
Rummage Sale
The Bethel Rummage Sale is approaching and we need everyone to pitch in! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and a great way for you to give to Bethel is to help with the annual Rummage Sale. Here are some ideas for how to get involved:
1. Now is a good time to sort through your cupboards, closets, and garages. There will be boxes in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall every Sunday in September for you to take home home and fill up. Drop off days and hours are attached to every box. PLEASE DO NOT BRING ITEMS BEFORE SEPT 30th. WE HAVE NO SPACE FOR STORAGE.
2. We also need your time!
-Can you spend time hanging up clothing as donations come in?
-On Sept 30 and Oct 3, can you unpack a box and set items on a table? Evening hours are available.
-On Oct 3, can you help stick prices on items?
-On Oct 4 and 5, can you sit or stand in a designated area and greet shoppers, answer questions, like where to check out? Can you add up purchases using a calculator? Can you bag purchases?
3. Volunteering is probably one of the best ways to meet people and make connections. If you are new to Bethel or a long time member, we would love your help at the Rummage Sale!
Instant Sermon David Randall-Bodman
Job 38:1-11 read from The Message
No video today. Click here to see the Facebook live stream of the sermon.
Quarterly Women's Gathering: Call to Courage
Join us Saturday, September 14 from 9 AM to 1 PM for the fall women’s retreat. We will be exploring the themes in Brené Browns video “Call to Courage.” She has penned 5 New York Times best sellers and has spent over 20 years studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. She challenges us to choose courage over our comfort in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty. Come ready to learn and share about what a "call to courage" might look like for you. Lunch will be provided, please bring a morning snack to share. If you need child care let Paige know when you register. RSVP to Paige@unangst.net or 503-567-9946.
Same Value
Matthew 20:1-16; Psalm 107:1-22
Update: Pastor David's Return
As you may recall, Paige announced on Sunday that Pastor David tore the distal bicep tendon at his left elbow. He saw the surgeon this afternoon and as luck would have it, he was able to have surgery this past Thursday, August 29. It was an outpatient procedure and he is expected to return to work after Labor Day. Pastor Dianne will be with us on September 1. The "Stump the Pastor" sermon will wait until Pastor David's return on September 8 so you have another week to think of questions to ask. Please keep Pastor David in your prayers.
The Gospel of Joy
Help Needed: Sorting School Supplies for Beaverton Students
The Beaverton School District reached out to Bethel about getting help sorting school supply donations. If you are available to help on Friday, August 30 from 11am-3pm, the district could use your assistance. Because of all the media this spring about budget cuts and the Student Success Act, Beaverton School District has been blessed with numerous donors coming in with school supplies. NOW THEY NEED HELP SORTING! Sorting at the warehouse is family friendly, and even an hour of your time is a help. You can contact Christina Mackin, Community Resource Coordinator to RSVP via email at christina_mackin@beaverton.k12.or.us or by cell (503)789-8309. This event will take place at BSD Transportation Support Center, south parking lot garage entrance. 1270 NW 167th Place, Beaverton.
The Parable of the Feather. . . . Dianne Rodriguez, Sabbatical Minister
Genesis 18:1-14, Luke 24:28-35
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Please come August 25 after worship to celebrate Pastor Dianne's last Sunday with us and enjoy some ice cream at the Ice Cream Social! We will have the ice cream base, whipped cream, chocolate and caramel. We would love to see what you like to top your ice cream with, so please bring your favorite toppings to share! However, we are keeping the ice cream social nut free so please leave nut toppings at home. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Blessing of the Artists
On August 11, we will be featuring the many artists of the Bethel congregation as part of our Blessing of the Artists worship service. Our Blessing of the Artists celebration will include a special art and creativity-focused worship service at 10 AM, followed by an artists' reception from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Creations include everything from wood carvings to fused glass to woven baskets to fruit preserves to poetry. Please join us for this special service and artists' reception! We'll be enjoying a spread of culinary arts during the reception and there will be time to chat, nibble, enjoy fellowship, and view artworks at your own pace.
Kayaking on the Tualatin River
On August 14, join us for another Summer of Adventure outing - kayaking on the Tualatin River! We'll meet at Cook Park at 1:30 PM. Dress for the weather and bring water and a snack if you want one. It is advisable to wear shoes that can get wet, like sandals. Tualatin Riverkeepers will provide the boats, life jackets and paddles.
As far as boat options, TRK has 7 canoes, 2-4 double kayaks, and 10-15 single kayaks. Canoes can take 1-2 passengers depending on their size/age, which is great for little ones going with their parents. The activity will run from 1:30 to 4:30 PM. Everyone will need to sigh a waiver (adults on the front, minors on the back).
Taize Service
Taize Service and Labyrinth Workshop
On Sunday, July 28, as part of our Adventures in Worship, the sanctuary will be transformed for a contemplative Taize service. For this service, all children and youth are invited to go to the Education building before service begins. There will not be a Children's Time. During this service, there will not be any verbal announcements. Extra copies of the Highlights will be available in the Narthex for you to pick up. As part of worship, you'll have the opportunity to walk a triple spiral labyrinth either on paper or on the floor. Copies of the labyrinth, clipboards and pens will be provided.
Afterwards from noon - 3 pm, Rev. Kathleen Verigin will offer a labyrinth workshop entitled "A Triple Spiral Journey: A Celtic Path to Belonging." Rev. Kathleen is the founder of Anam Cara Connections (www.anamcaraconnections.com)and has led tours to Ireland and Scotland multiple times. She uses the triple spiral as a blueprint for one's spiritual journey that delivers the traveler to the Nest of Belonging - the sacred heart within. This workshop is being offered on a love offering basis. You can pick up flyers at the Connect Table. If you have any questions, please contact Beth. Additional details are also in the Facebook event posting: https://www.facebook.com/events/1318658948290570/
Hear O Hear My People
Strategic Planning Wants to Hear from You!
The strategic planning committee is holding a series of focus group meetings for members, visitors, and friends of the congregation to share their thoughts and aspirations for Bethel! The data collected will be used to inform our strategic plan for the next five years. The focus groups are being held on the following dates:
July 25 at 11:30 AM at Bethel.
August 5 at 7 PM at Bethel.
August 16 at 6:30 PM at the Macpherson home.
August 18 at 11:30 AM at Bethel.
August 26 at 7 PM at the Griffo home.
To sign up for one of the meetings, please click on the Summer of Adventure Signup Link in the Weekly Highlights or contact Courtney in the church office.