Board Games and Brunch, June 10th

Back by popular demand, we will be holding another Board Games and Brunch gathering on Saturday June 10th, from 10 AM to noon in the Fellowship Hall.

This event will be a potluck and be open to the whole congregation. Kids will be welcome--we will have a movie and activities set up for them in the Kids Corner if they do not want to play games. 

Please bring a favorite brunch item for the group to enjoy and any games you'd like to share.

RSVP with Erin Barber (eb@bethelbeaverton.org) by Thursday, June 8th. You're welcome to bring other game-loving friends too!   

To Mars and Beyond Vacation Bible School is coming to our Summer Sundays!

This summer, prepare for fun as we explore where God's power can take you. We'll be offering six special Sundays throughout our Summer months where we will enjoy crafts, science experiments, games, and lessons in place of our normal Sunday School. 


Save the dates for: 
Sunday, July 2nd
                                   Sunday, July 9th
                                   Sunday, July 16th
                                   Sunday, August 13th 
                                   Sunday, August 20th 
                                   Sunday, August 27th


Email Erin for more information (eb@bethelbeaverton.org)  

We're Celebrating Youth Sunday on June 4th

Kids are invited to participate in Youth Sunday! This is a special service where our youth take on roles to help lead worship—from greeting to reading, from singing to speaking. We present bibles to students who have just completed third grade and we honor and bless our graduating seniors. It’s a Sunday you won’t want to miss!
Sign up with our program coordinator, Erin Barber at  eb@bethelbeaverton.org 

Resources to Advance our Response to Racism:

Bethel UCC established a Respond to Racism (R2R) committee, January 2021. A series of violence against people of color that occurred in the summer of 2020 (precipitated by the murder of George Floyd) demanded that we take action to confront systemic racism. Last fall, the R2R team members offered a six week class using the UCC curriculum called “White Privilege: Let’s Talk”. We also sponsored a day-long DEI Retreat for church leadership led by Carla D. Gary, JD. This column in the Highlights  is provided by the R2R committee.

FROM OUR LEXICON FOR EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Inclusion: Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities and decision/policy making in a way that shares power. Inclusion promotes broad engagement, shared participation, and advances authentic sense of belonging through safe, positive, and nurturing environments. Inclusion is key to eliminating systemic inequality.

COMMUNITY EVENTS
An Evening with Slam Poet Alex Dang
Thursday, May 11 | 6:30-8 PM
Beaverton Main Library, Meeting Rooms A & B
Alex Dang is a poet from Portland. A former TEDx speaker, Dang competed at the National Poetry Slam, was a Portland and Eugene Poetry Slam grand slam champion, and has performed in seven countries. He has strong opinions about burgers and wants to know what your favorite song is. His performance - followed by a writing workshop for attendees - will focus on his identity, the different ways he sees himself, and how that may or may not align with the way the world perceives him. No advanced sign-up is necessary.

Voices from the Our City, Our Stories Project
Thursday, May 25 | 6:30-8 PM

Beaverton Main Library, Auditorium
Our City, Our Stories: An Expanded History of Beaverton focuses on how Beaverton has been
shaped by the experiences and stories of those who have lived, worked, or passed through this city. Hear the voices of some of the current-day individuals featured in the project during this interactive panel discussion with the researchers. Learn about how the city and Five Oaks Museum are working together to expand Beaverton’s narrative, why it matters, and how we’re redefining whose stories are considered history. No advanced sign-up is necessary.

Monday, May 22, 6:30pm
Save the date!  Lake Oswego Respond to Racism, Lake Oswego Public Library, and
Lakewood Center for the Arts present a free showing of Vanport Mosaic’s “Walking through Portland with a Panther:  The Life of Mr. Kent Ford.  All Power!” – a solo play by Don Wilson Glenn, directed by Damaris Webb, and featuring La’Tevin Alexander.  The play celebrates the life of Mr. Kent Ford, co-founder of Portland’s chapter of the ’60s-era black empowerment organization, and it incorporates archival footage and storytelling to understand the legacy of local resistance, rediscover lost neighborhoods where the Panthers used to patrol, and learn the intimate makings of unsung leaders of protest andrevolution.
This play is offered free of charge, but ticket reservations are required CLICK HERE to reserve your tickets.

RESOURCES FOR EXPLORING THE TOPIC OF RACISM
Bethel staff and the R2R committee, with the help of folks who attended our DEI retreat, have put together listings of resources for those who are interested in exploring the topic of racism. This week we are sharing the listing of Books and Articles.
The link is:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qJucuat1Vr9ODV07q8RBLP9EbBwC1U715WOPVDsPZOk

"Youngish" Adults Board and Game Night, Saturday April 29th

The Youngish Adults Group is hosting a fun Board Games and Brunch time together on Saturday April 29th, from 10 AM to noon in the Fellowship Hall. Kids will be welcome--we will have a movie and activities set up for them in the Kids Corner. 

This will be a great time to get to know each other better over coffee and bagels, and of course games! We'll have One Night Werewolf (think Mafia, but better), Settlers of Cataan, Apples to Apples, and more! Please feel free to bring your favorite game to share with a group!

RSVP with Erin Barber (eb@bethelbeaverton.org) by Wednesday April 26th. You're welcome to bring other game-loving friends too!   

Bethel's Women's Retreat

All those who identify as women are invited to come and enjoy a morning retreat. We will be exploring Friendship and Fellowship. Time to visit, enjoy lunch, and maybe even learn a little about yourself, others, and our relationships with each other and God. RSVP to Paige Unangst at either paige@unangst.net or 503-567-9946 by Saturday April 8th if you plan to come.  

Habitat for Humanity Upcoming Event on April 26th!

Join the Portland Region Habitat for Humanity community at this year’s free HopeBuilder lunch on Wednesday, April 26th at the Oregon Convention Center from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Discover the work Habitat for Humanity is doing to address our local housing crisis.  Help build a Portland region where everyone has an opportunity to have an affordable place to call home.

Learn more and RSVP today at https://habitatportlandregion.org/events/hopebuilder-lunch/

The featured keynote speaker is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Mitchell S. Jackson.   His memoir Survival Moth: Notes on an All-American Family examines the hardships that shaped his life in Oregon, his family, and his community.

Leon Taylor is hosting a Bethel UCC and friends table –reach out to Leon at mr.leon.taylor.new@gmail.com.

If you are unable to attend the event, and still want to support Habitat Portland Region, use this link, donate here.  

Peace & Blessings

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday – Simple Supper and Worship – Wednesday, February 22 – 6:30pm
We will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a light supper of soup and bread to launch our Lenten theme: wilderness.

Our gathering will include an activity designed to draw us into the season of Lent. There will also 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.

The ancient practice of Lent was intended to prepare people for baptism on Easter. Lent invites us into a time of introspection – a time to inventory what aspects of our lives may be obstacles to following the way of Jesus. Lent is modeled after the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness as it is recorded in the 4th chapter of both Matthew and Luke’s gospel.

Jesus’ time in the wilderness reveals the reality of temptations we all face as we strive to live with love as our primary purpose. The point of Lent isn’t to deny that we ever struggle to be faithful to the way God would have us live. Rather, Lent gives us the opportunity to be transparent – real with who we are – our strengths and our weaknesses. Acknowledging the ways we may feel hindered, or broken, or bound up can serve as first steps toward freedom and wholeness.

To help with the preparation of the meal, please RSVP to office@bethelbeaverton.org if you plan to attend the service.

INVITATION TO AN INTERFAITH EVENT Jan. 29, 2023

  You are invited to an Interfaith Event on Sunday, January 29, 3:00-5:00 PM hosted by Bilal Masjid, 4115 S.W. 160th Ave. Beaverton.
 
     The goal of this event is to begin to build a diverse interfaith coalition to expand understanding of various traditions; build community and enjoy one another’s company; encourage respect and unity in the Beaverton area.
 
     The afternoon will include:  panelists from diverse faith traditions; small group conversations; choosing actions/activities to build the coalition.

Epiphany Season Worship Series – January 8 – February 19, 2023

The season of Epiphany follows the celebration of Christmas. This is the liturgical season when we celebrate the “manifestations” of the birth of the Messiah. In the baptism of Jesus, and the miracle stories of Jesus for example turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. in other words, this is the season of “ah-ha” moments. The reality of God’s Incarnation in human form, keeps showing up. The Biblical examples of the season of Epiphany are the “wise men” who came from distant countries, the presentation of Jesus at the temple, the

Our creative and imaginative task during this season is to hear these ancient accounts of God’s Incarnation as invitations to see how and where Christ is showing up in our world today.

This Epiphany, Rev. David R-B will offer lectionary preaching from the book of Matthew. David will build the worship series from The Working Preacher online resource. Working preacher is an on-line community of Biblical scholars from seminaries around the U.S. and other clergy who want to hone their preaching skills thus bringing the Good News of God’s love alive TODAY!

Epiphany Season Worship Series – January 8 – February 19, 2023

See last week’s blog post about the John Nilsen Trio performing this Sunday, Jan. 1st.

The season of Epiphany follows the celebration of Christmas. This is the liturgical season when we celebrate the “manifestations” of the birth of the Messiah. In the baptism of Jesus, and the miracle stories of Jesus for example turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. in other words, this is the season of “ah-ha” moments. The reality of God’s Incarnation in human form, keeps showing up. The Biblical examples of the season of Epiphany are the “wise men” who came from distant countries, the presentation of Jesus at the temple, the

Our creative and imaginative task during this season is to hear these ancient accounts of God’s Incarnation as invitations to see how and where Christ is showing up in our world today.

This Epiphany, Rev. David R-B will offer lectionary preaching from the book of Matthew. David will build the worship series from The Working Preacher online resource. Working preacher is an on-line community of Biblical scholars from seminaries around the U.S. and other clergy who want to hone their preaching skills thus bringing the Good News of God’s love alive TODAY!

Christmas Services

Christmas Eve Worship Service 10PM

It is not difficult to imagine this night as “reflecting the sacred.” We gather and sing and light candles and dare to believe that love truly enters the world time and again and anything is possible. What may be more difficult to understand, however, is that this love is ours, not because we’ve been “good” (as if God is Santa Claus), but simply because we are beloved–the firstborn of God. Our very being reflects the sacred. The incarnation of God in human flesh is proof.
We will gather on Christmas eve for a hybrid 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.
(https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/) and  (https://zoom.us/j/140844207 or by phone at 1-253-215 8782 Meeting ID: 140 844 207)  

Christmas Day Service 2022, Dec. 25th - Pre-recorded


We wanted our staff and volunteers to enjoy the Christmas day activities and traditions they value. So we have created a very special Christmas Day service, Christmas Day – Surprisingly Sacred. You can watch any time online either on YouTube, Facebook or on the website. Remember to celebrate the birth of Jesus in the midst of your holiday activities.
In the early church, Sunday was known as the “day of light.” And so it is special when Christmas falls on a Sunday, as it does in 2022. As light dawns on this morning, as the children scramble to the tree to see what has appeared, we remember that the sacred comes in the form of surprise sometimes, just as it did when light and life was known anew in the form of a baby in a humble stable. Can we dare to believe that we can know a surprising calm even in the midst of anxiety because of the in-breaking of this Prince of Peace upon our lives each and every day?

Our Christmas Day 2022 Worship service will become available on Facebook 10:00 AM Christmas Day. View, worship, and share comments with each other as usual. There will be no Zoom meeting. (https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/) and YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/0A9eFDbNfes

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Dec. 24th, 10:00pm

We will gather on Christmas eve for a hybrid 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.
(https://www.facebook.com/BethelBeaverton/) and Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/140844207 or by phone at 1-253-215 8782 Meeting ID: 140 844 207)  

Wassail and Fruit Breads

Sunday, December 18th, after worship service, we have a tradition hosted by the past and current members of the choir, 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 18th, to celebrate the good harvest and the coming new year.  

Peace & Blessings

Blue Christmas 2023 Service, Dec. 3 rd, 2:00pm

Each year during Advent, Bethel offers a quieter, more meditative worship service. The holidays can be a difficult time for those who are coping with illness, grief, loss, other difficulties and challenges of life.

This time of year, the culture around us seems to demand hearty good cheer at all times. When we are grieving, in pain, trying to make ends meet, and dealing with the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and how to have a safe holiday celebration, we may feel out of step and off balance.

The Blue Christmas Worship Service gives us an opportunity to give voice to our pain and frustration, and the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to us through candlelight, music, and, if desired, the ancient practice of anointing with oil. The Blue Christmas Worship Service will take place Sunday, December 3rd at 2 pm as a hybrid service.

For further information, please contact Pastor David at drb@bethelbeaverton.org.

Annual Bethel Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 

Join us Friday, December 2, 2022, 7PM for our annual Christmas tree decorating. Bring weather resistant ornaments to decorate the tree. We will also sing some fun and familiar Christmas Carols, close with prayer. Then enjoy Christmas cookies, cocoa /coffee in the Fellowship Hall.

"The Gingerbread Bash" Family Advent Activity

Dear Bethel Families,

We hope you and your kids will come celebrate Advent with the “The Gingerbread Bash” Friday, December 2, 5:30 -7:00 pm. This is a Bethel family activity (including kids "of all ages") building “gingerbread house style” nativity scenes! The Faith Development Committee will provide all supplies including graham crackers, candies, cookies and frosting. Busy builders will also enjoy pizza for dinner in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 PM and share in the story of Advent, get sticky and share the fun!
Please RSVP for us to buy the right amount of pizza and supplies to: Jan Hodge.

After “The Gingerbread Bash” will be the Bethel’s Annual Christmas Tree - Lighting Ceremony at 7:00 PM – with Christmas cookies, cocoa /coffee to follow!

"The Gingerbread Bash" Family Advent Activity

Dear Bethel Families,
We hope you and your kids will come celebrate Advent with the “The Gingerbread Bash” Friday, December 2, 5:30 -7:00 pm. This is a family activity for kids of all ages and parents; building “gingerbread house style” nativity scenes! The Faith Development Committee will provide all supplies including graham crackers, candies, cookies and frosting. Busy builders will also enjoy pizza for dinner in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 PM and share in the story of Advent, get sticky and share the fun!
Please RSVP for us to buy the right amount of pizza and supplies to: Jan Hodge.

After “The Gingerbread Bash” will be the Bethel’s Annual Christmas Tree - Lighting Ceremony at 7:00 PM – with Christmas cookies, cocoa /coffee to follow!