Dear Friends,

We could not have had a more beautiful week seasonally.  The bright rays of sunlight in Oregon’s City of Sunshine are bold and beautiful. This week it lived up to its name.  We witnessed a full moon and migration of birds back to our area. Trees are full of green growth and flower blooms. There is so much for which to be thankful.  Yet the national news is disconcerting to those with compassion for others.  It wounds us to wound others, and we as a nation are wounding people inside and outside of our borders.  It’s hard to keep your chin up during this even with the phenomenal weather, pink moon and other beautiful experiences.  Many people are worried and rightly so. 

It is important in these times to seek out community with people who make you feel safe and respected. We can be there for you.  First Sundays are Open Worship where the only speakers speak from the silence. The other Sundays are semi-programmed, which means half of the service has a program with music and a message and the other is unprogrammed except for joys and concerns and announcements. People do speak from the silence as led by God to say something.  Most of you know this and are familiar with our services.  But it is important to show up and just let yourself be, —- be still, be present, be open to the voice within.  One of the important factors is to be with others in fellowship.  We are here to walk with you on your spiritual journey and to be with you in your woundedness and healing.

There are so many opportunities to get as involved or not as you feel led. We are all struggling with what it means to be spiritual in today’s world.  And sometimes we get it wrong.  But that is where grace comes in, and laughter at ourselves and life. Healing is here, though.  And there is a community willing to let you in (or back in), no questions asked.  Come find community and be a part of a whole group of seekers.

Below is the calendar which is very full, so please keep it in mind when choosing what you would like to do or join in on.  There are a few things not on the calendar and other things to highlight. 

Ministry and Care meets May 15 at 5:30. Wendy, Bernie and your pastors are open to hearing from you and what you want changed or included for your spiritual growth. There are pastor evaluations on the front entry table and a box next to the pastors’ office to drop the filled-out evaluation.  Let me know if you need a copy of the evaluation sent to you.  They are anonymous.  They are due on May 11, 2025.

We are interested in the May 17, NAMI Walk.  There is information on the front entry table and sign-up sheets for getting sponsors.  While it is a fundraiser, come and walk with us to support all those who provide support for people with mental illnesses, even if you are not interested in getting sponsors or participating in the fundraiser.  We’d like to have a group from the church to be there.

·       April 20 – 9:00 Peace and Social Concerns (P&SC)

·       April 20 – 10:00 – Easter service

·       April 21 – Admin — 5:30

·       April 22 — Food Pantry – please call Linda at 541-281-5535 if you want to volunteer

·       April 27 – 11:00 – Meeting for Business

·       April 29 — Food Pantry – please call Linda at 541-281-5535 if you want to volunteer

·       May 4 – 11:00 – Circle of Friends – How Do We Grow Our               Meeting?

·       May 11 – 9:00 – Bible Study

·       May 11 —  Pastors’ Evaluations must be in the Green Box

·       May 17 – NAMI Walk

·       May 18 – 9:00 – P&SC

·       May 18 – 11:00 – Book Group on Quaker Ecology – Chapter 4

·       May 25 – 11:00 – Meeting for Business

·       June 8 – 9:00 – Bible Study

·       June 15 – P&SC

·       June 15 – Final Book Club Meeting

·       June 22 – Art and Spirituality with Sue

·       June 27-29 – Annual Meeting at Reedwood Friends in Portland – All are encouraged to attend – Joe will be being recorded as a minister as well.

Blessings!

Leigh