Welcome Erin Barber during and after Service this Sunday.

We are happy that Erin will join us this Sunday. Erin grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon attending church with her family where she served in Sunday School as a teacher and sang on the worship team throughout high school. She went on to attend Seattle Pacific University where she met her husband Kyle, another Portland native. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre, and then began using her "storytelling degree" at Westside Church in Ballard where she directed the children's ministry for four years. During that time, she and Kyle welcomed a baby girl, Georgia, and it wasn't long before they moved back to the Portland area to be closer to family. Erin loves putting her creativity to work behind the scenes, whether working in the theatre or church! In her spare time, Erin loves reading for her book club, playing Dungeons and Dragons with her husband and friends, and writing fiction.   

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ESL Teacher Needed

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  Bethel’s Andy and Victoria Hyett have stepped up to teach a much-needed “Intro to English” (level-0) class at Bethel. This Tuesday was their first day of class. Bethel now hosts three level-0 classes. Thanks, Andy and Victoria!
Bad news: While we were setting up the Hyetts’ class, the Thursday teacher for Bethel’s level-3 (intermediate) class had to resign due to a job move. We have tentative coverage for Thursdays starting in late April, but we need a fill-in teacher for 4 Thursdays in March and 3 in April. Classes are 7:00-8:30 pm in Bethel’s education building.
Curriculum, mentoring, and other support are available. For more information, contact Jim Keniston (503-415-1961, jakeniston@hotmail.com). 

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Ash Wednesday

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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.

Food Cupboard Needs

We continue to have many families who need food. We welcome donations of cereal and pasta- such as small bags of spaghetti or macaroni. Welcome onboard Sara Edmiston who will be taking over the liaison and reporting to Oregon Food Bank! 

Thanks to all our volunteers! You are making a positive difference in someone’s life!
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We continue to need cans of hearty soup with pop tops for BHS homeless students. Please choose varieties that have meat and vegetable. Teenagers need calories more than any other time in their life!
BHS Soups this week, 330 and need 325 more. 131 students to be helped this Spring Break.

DEI Moment!

Diane Imel (Lady Di) is part of the City of Wilsonville's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. As part of this committee, she has written a thought provoking article that we feel should be shared with as many people as possible. Thank you Lady Di for sharing.  Please read and learn.

Do You Know What You Said?

Recently, I was “called out” by one of my dearest friends regarding a misspeak I had made.  This misspeak was unintentional and completely without malice and, unfortunately, prior thought.  To say I was stunned is an enormous understatement!  However, this “blow” was like the key to a locked door…revealing my ignorance and lack of knowledge regarding the acceptable use of descriptors…. adjectives…words!

How can we know what the appropriate language should be?  Where can we educate ourselves to the acceptable phraseology of today? This is the challenge that confronts us each day and one that begs to be addressed.

How often have we misused our adjectives and descriptors… “my Asian butcher, my black friend, my disabled neighbor, the gay librarian, my immigrant school mate”?  It is important to recognize and correct   these unacceptable and often derogatory phrases.  And what about the usage of proper pronouns: he/him, she/her, they/them?  These are more relevant now than we realize.

Information on this subject can be found through the internet.  “Pronouns:  A How-To-The Diversity Center”, Preferred Terms for Select Population Groups “and “A Guide to Race and Ethnicity Terminology and Language” are just three of the informational resource sites available. 

It is imperative that we continue our efforts of abolishing all discrimination and the proper usage of our words, as well as the eliminations of other barriers, is a must!  These goals of diversity, equity and inclusion may be novel to many…often generational in their nature.  This stresses the need for introspection regarding our speech and the inherent strength of the words we use. It is human nature to speak in the moment without thoroughly analyzing what we’re saying but it would be to the benefit of all that we weigh the words we use before utterance.  By Diane Imel

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INVITATION TO AN INTERFAITH EVENT Jan. 29, 2023

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  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.

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

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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!

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

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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!

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Christmas Services

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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

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

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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)  

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Wassail and Fruit Breads

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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

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

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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.

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Annual Bethel Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 

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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.

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"The Gingerbread Bash" Family Advent Activity

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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!

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"The Gingerbread Bash" Family Advent Activity

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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!

BHS Homeless Teens!

In a few weeks, we will deliver over 4 tons of food to teens at Beaverton High School experiencing homelessness. We need canned soup that can function as a meal with a protein and vegetables. We have 343 and need 497 more. Please put them in the racks outside of the Chapel.

And please get ready to volunteer the week of Dec. 11. Many hands make light work!

Stewardship 2022 - Rooted in Love

They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season.

This Sunday we will begin our Stewardship Worship Series - Rooted in Love. During this time we will look at the unique contributions Bethel UCC and the wider church make to our community, our country and the world. You'll have the opportunity to explore what "roots" you in our congregation as well as how the "roots" of Bethel make you stronger. You'll have the opportunity to hear testimonials from members of Bethel of how the roots of love that are a part of our community spread seeds of justice and joy. Our hope is that your "roots" will be nourished as you discern what is yours to give to Bethel in the coming year. Stewardship Sunday will be November 13th. We will also have a place available to leave pledges on November 20th as well. Stewardship packets will be mailed the week of October 30th.

Peace & Blessings

Welcome Melanie Madigan our New Music Director

Melanie grew up in Denver and started singing in choirs at her large Lutheran church when she was five. She continued to have a passion for choral music and chose to attend Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. She received a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance, and had the privilege of singing under and studying choral conducting with Paul J Christiansen, son to the renowned F. Melius Christiansen who founded the St. Olaf Choir.

Melanie has conducted choirs since graduating from college and has held full time Director of Worship positions at St. John’s Lutheran, Denver and Victory Lutheran, Mesa, AZ. As the Choral Conductor for West Hills Universalist Unitarian from 2014 to 2019 she grew the choir membership from 14 to 33 members. She comes to us from First Christan Church where she has been the Director of Worship since 2019. Melanie has been vocal staff for the Portland Symphonic Choir and toured Europe several times as a paid soloist. Her claim to fame as a choral singer is that she performed in the Sistine Chapel–surreal!

Melanie is also Project Coordinator for the Department of Pediatrics at OHSU. She has 3 children, the youngest of whom will graduate from PSU spring of 2023l. They are her crowning joy and she loves spending time with them. Dancing, hiking and theater are her hobbies.

Melanie is so pleased to be joining the staff at Bethel! Building strong choirs and meaningful worship continues to be her passion and vocation.