February begins with a continuation of a season of Ordinary Time. We will consider how the apostle Paul sublimates his own desires and preferences and opens himself up to the preferences and cultures of others for the sake of Christ. Then we see Jesus on the mountaintop with Moses and Elijah, his appearance changed before … [Read more…]
As the 12-day season of Christmas comes to a close, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany on January 3rd. It commemorates the visit of the magi to Jesus and his family, bringing gifts of gold frankin- cense, and myrrh. Then a week later we remember our baptisms as we celebrate Jesus being baptized by … [Read more…]
As of November 29th, we have started a new liturgical year and entered the first season of the worship calen- dar: Advent. Advent – coming from the Latin ad, meaning “to,” and venire, meaning “come” – is the four-week season of preparation for Christmas, the anticipation of the coming, the arrival, the advent of the Christ child. … [Read more…]
Dear FGUMC Family, This is the time of year that I would normally stand up in church during announcements, use my “teacher voice” and say something like: Good morning everyone. It is time again to color for Christmas. I want to cover these windows with more pictures than I ever have before. So PLEASE choose at least one … [Read more…]
The month starts with a continuation of our focus on Paul’s first letter to the Thessalo- nians. Having heard Paul in October describe himself as a mother to the Thessalonian Chris- tians, we now hear him describe himself as their father. We get a glimpse of Paul’s vision of life beyond death, and we hear … [Read more…]
On October 11, Early Church is beginning study of White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin DiAngelo. You can join in Sunday mornings at 8:30 via Zoom. Use the link bit.ly/earlychurchfg. You might also find this reading guide helpful.
As we continue in the liturgical season of Ordinary Time in October, we will consider scriptures from the Book of Exodus and the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians. We revisit God’s gracious giving of the law at Sinai in the Ten Commandments. We see how, even from the beginning, God’s people had trouble … [Read more…]
a time of prayer, reflection, and praise As wildfires rage, we add to our prayers yet another crisis. Our individual prayers are crucial, but our corporate prayers are needed, too. Join United Methodists from across the Greater Northwest Area in a time of prayer, reflection, and praise in online worship this Sunday, September 20, at 3 … [Read more…]
Fire Updates in Cascadia District as of Thursday Morning I want to keep you informed related to the fires throughout the Cascadia District and also offer a word of prayer. Please know that you are held in my prayers. We are not alone in the midst of these challenges and crises. God provides us comfort and … [Read more…]
Friends in the Greater Northwest Area, United Methodist leaders from across our area have been meeting to monitor and respond to the wildfires ravaging our land and threatening many communities across Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. People in many areas have evacuated or are preparing to evacuate from their homes. If you are not in immediate … [Read more…]
All middle school and high school youth are invited to meet on Sundays starting September 13th at 6 pm. We’ll play games, check in with each other, explore questions of faith. Join via Zoom at bit.ly/forestgroveumy or with Meeting ID 973 5210 9417 and password FGUMY.
It’s our tradition to gather at this time of the year for Campfire in the Courtyard. Since we can’t yet gather in person, we’ll gather using Zoom. On Sunday, September 6, at 7 pm, join us for a campfire, singing, and stories. Login with this address greaternw.zoom.us/j/91922325473 or with the Meeting ID: 919 2232 5473. … [Read more…]
As we continue in the liturgical season of “Ordinary Time” in September, we will consider scriptures from the Gospel of Matthew and the letters of Paul. We contemplate two of Jesus’ parables, one about the power and re- sponsibility of forgiveness and the other about jealousy and the overwhelming power of God’s grace. From the … [Read more…]
During the month of August, we’ll be ex- ploring the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Matthew. From Genesis, we’ll see how Jacob wrestled with God and won. From Exodus, we’ll hear the story of five faithful woman who did God’s will by breaking the law. And from Matthew, we’ll read three stories of Jesus and … [Read more…]
On Friday, we received approval to enter Phase 2 of the bishop’s reopening plan. This allows designated people to resume routine work in and around the building, and it increases the total number of people allowed in the church facility at any one time to 10. It also allows the Montessori School to operate so … [Read more…]
It’s Pastor David’s first day in the office today. Looking to worship with you on Sunday. Early Church is at 8:30 on Zoom. Contact John Hayes for details. Livestream Worship is at 10 on Facebook live. Find it here: www.facebook.com/forestgroveumcoregon/live
The Church Council has elected a Reopening Task Force to work with Rev. Dr. David King on creat- ing a plan to resume gatherings and activities at the church. The Conference, and your leaders, will continue to take a cautious approach and make plans with a mind toward doing no harm. The reopening plan will … [Read more…]
Hello Friends,This article will be my last one to you, and likely my last of any kind, for publication in a church newsletter. Like the completion of other aspects of my pastoral work in this strange time, I don’t think you will find any espe- cially world-changing bits in this. For me the time has … [Read more…]
Worship, Messages, and Offerings FYI there are sermons, and some church music from our staff, soon to be available on our website, www.www.umcforestgrove.org. Look for links on the home page. Also, I am sending sermons out via email, and some regular mailings. I hope they give you something to think about. Of course, if ever you … [Read more…]