Rod Stafford Lead Pastor [email protected]
Curt Weaver Pastor of Children and Youth [email protected]
Britt Carlson Pastor of Community Life [email protected]
Rachel Joy Administrator [email protected]
At Portland Mennonite Church we are striving to take seriously the challenge of the prophet Jeremiah to “seek the peace of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7)
6.14.2020 — 10:45 am
FACILITATORS
Prelude/Postlude:
David Kmetovic
Worship Leader: Kim Brandt
Song Leader: Nancy Good
Musicians: Ashley, Ruby, J Sider,
Julian Sider May Wang
Children’s Time: Curt Weaver
Sermon: Rod Stafford
Prayers: Britt Carlson
Technical Support: Curt Weaver
Rachel Joy
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
WELCOME!
We are glad you have joined us for worship today. The season in the church year after Pentecost is sometimes called 'ordinary time.' This hasn't been an ordinary year, though, has it? This morning as we sing our gratitude, listen to the scriptures, and lift up our prayers, I hope that we
will all find the grace and faith to imbue these hours and days with the extraordinary lovingkindness of God. Peace to you, Rod Stafford On Sunday please join us via Facebook Live www.facebook.com/portlandmennonite/ and follow along with scriptures and songs in the following pages.
Prelude
Greeting
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
♫ ‘Come Holy Spirit, descend on us’— Sing the Journey, 33
Matthew 9:35-10:1, 7-8
♫ ‘This little light of mine’ — Hymnal, A Worship Book, 401, v.1
Children's Time
♫ ‘Let justice roll down like a river’ — Sing the Story, 33, vv. 1,2,5
Sermon: ‘For such a time as this’
♫ ‘As I went down to the river’ — Sing the Journey, 79
Prayers
Offering
Sending Words
Benediction Song: ‘Aaronic Blessing’
Benediction
Postlude
Prelude
Greeting
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your serving-maid. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!
♫ — Come, Holy Spirit, descend on us — SJ 33
Come, Holy Spirit, descend on us, descend on us. We gather here in Jesus’ name. (hum while leader calls out next line for repeat)
Come Word of Mercy…
Come to disturb us…
Come to inspire us…. Text/Music: John L Bell © 1995 WGRG/The Iona Community/GIA Publications. Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #M-734252. All rights reserved.
Children’s Time
Matthew 9:35-10:1, 7-8 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.
♫ — Let justice roll like a river — SS 33
Let justice roll like a river, and wash all oppression away; Come, O God, and take us, move and shake us, Come now, and make us anew, that we might live justly like you. 1. Take from me your holy feasts, all of your off’rings and your music; let justice flow like waters, and integrity like an everflowing stream. 2. How long shall we wait, O God For the day of your mercy to dawn, the day we beat our swords into ploughs, When your peace reigns over the earth?
♫ — This Little Light of Mine — WB 401
This little light of mine, I’m goin’a let it shine, This little light of mine, I’m goin’a let it shine, This little light of mine, I’m goin’a let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine (let it shine). Text/Music: African-American spiritual.
Lyrics continue on next page
♫ — As I went down to the river — SJ 79
Sermon: ‘For such a time as this’
1. As I went down to the river to pray, Studyin’ about that good old way, And who shall wear the starry crown, Good Lord, show me the way. Oh, sisters, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh, sisters, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. 2. As I went down to the river to pray, Studyin’ about that good old way, And who shall wear the robe and crown, Good Lord, show me the way. Oh, brothers, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Come on brothers, let’s go down, down to the river to pray.
‘Let justice roll like a river’, continued
5. You have been told the way of life, The way of justice and peace; To act justly, to love gently, And walk humbly with God. Let justice roll like a river, and wash all oppression away; Come, O God, and take us, move and shake us, Come now, and make us anew, that we might live justly like you. Text/Music: Marty Haugen, based on Amos 5:21-24, 8:4, Micah 4:3-4, 6-8, Joel 2:12-14 © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #M-734252. All rights reserved.
Lyrics continue on next page
‘As I went down to the river’, continued
Text/Music: American Folk Song
3. As I went down to the river to pray, Studyin’ about that good old way, And who shall wear the starry crown, Good Lord, show me the way. Oh, fathers, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh, fathers, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. 4. As I went down to the river to pray, Studyin’ about that good old way, And who shall wear the robe and crown, Good Lord, show me the way. Oh, mothers, let’s go down, come on down, don’t you wanna go down. Come on mothers, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. 5. As I went down to the river to pray, Studyin’ about that good old way, And who shall wear the starry crown, Good Lord, show me the way. Oh, sinners, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh, sinners, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. 6. As I went down to the river to pray, Studyin’ about that good old way, And who shall wear the robe and crown. Good Lord, show me the way.
Offering CLICK HERE TO GIVE
Sending Words
Postlude
Benediction
Benediction Song: Aaronic Blessing
Text/Music: John L. Bell © 1989 GIA Publications, Inc./WGRG/The Iona Community Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license M-734252. All rights reserved.
The family of Viola Nussbaum, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening. She will be buried next to her husband in Idaho. A memorial service will be planned at PMC later.
Sharon Moyer, who was hospitalized recently and is now rehabbing at home;
Christina Moss' infant niece, Eliana, who has been hospitalized from birth, and for her
parents; they were able to go home recently and pray that medicines continue to work
without too many side effects;
Please Pray For...
Prayer (ending with the Lord’s Prayer)
Announcements begin on next page...
Remembering Viola Nussbaum Wed, June 17 at 7:00 pm via Zoom You are welcome to join an online gathering next Wednesday to share in the grief of Viola's death and to remember with much gratitude the life she lived among us. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82325942351?pwd=b1ZNOW85MUlIYW9tZ21OZWtzTUJMUT09
Transitions Tuesday, June 16 / 10:00 am Transitions is a group for older adults at PMC that typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month. We will meet via video conference this coming Tuesday. A zoom link will be sent out on Monday (and can also be found on the PMC calendar). Everyone is welcome to join us.
Quilting Group—Outdoors at PMC June 17 / 9:30 am Dorcas' Needles & Stitches is meeting again to knot and complete comforters for MCC. Our plans are to meet during the summer, every other Wednesday starting this week, June 17th at 9:30 AM. Since we are working outdoors, this will be weather dependent. If you are interested in attending, please contact Gail Manickam ([email protected]) so that you can be included in the email notification that will go out the Monday prior. Future dates: July 1, 15, 29, August 5, 19. Please wear a mask.
Congregational Meeting Report Last Sunday, June 7 / 12:00 pm Last Sunday at noon we held a Congregational Meeting via a Zoom Webinar to vote on renewing Rod Stafford’s Lead Pastor term for 3 more years. The congregation affirmed Rod’s continued call to ministry at PMC (and his response is below). Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting and voted. At the meeting, we also talked about PMC’s hopes for re-opening during the Summer season and the limitations/concerns around these possibilities. The Leadership Table has made the decision to not open for Sunday morning services at our church building until we know it can be done safely. Instead, PMC will continue to meet for Sunday morning Worship online throughout the summer season. However, we are considering ways that smaller groups might begin utilizing the church space. At its regular monthly meeting last Wednesday, the Leadership Table worked on a plan to move forward and guidelines for building use. If you would like to communicate comments, concerns and questions regarding re-opening slowly, you may still do so at: www.portlandmennonite.org/congregational-meeting-response.
Rod’s Response Accepting New Three-Year Term as Lead Pastor: “With much gratitude and hope, I accept Portland Mennonite Church's invitation to continue serving as Lead Pastor of the congregation for another three years. It's hard to believe that this will be my eighth term. Through all those years it has been a privilege to be part of the worship and work of this congregation. I am heartened by the commitment, wisdom, faithfulness, and courage of PMC, even in the midst of this strange season. I am eager to see what is yet ahead for us. Peace to you, Rod Stafford”
Collecting Stories of Living Through this Pandemic With the help of Gloria Nussbaum, we are starting a podcast called COVID Chronicles. Our hope is that this will be a way to listen to and get to know each other during this time of being asked to stay apart. Gloria will be contacting individuals for interviews and we will be letting you know how to listen when they begin to be compiled.
Bearing One Another's Burdens In the midst of this unsettling time we are committed to caring for each other and to 'seeking the peace of the city' (Jeremiah 29:7). If you or someone you know at PMC is facing financial need, please let us know. We can offer help through our Care Fund and through the Sharing Fund of Everence. If you are able to offer financial support we invite you to give to the Care Fund at PMC. Thank you!
Announcements continue on next page
Announcements
Racial Justice: The biblical vision of the Beloved Community calls us to take up the work of doing justice and making peace.
Resources on anti-racism, including books, blog posts, and a video of last week's Conversation on Race and Faith, can be found here.
You can give to pay for our congregational membership and to support the work of the Portland chapter of the NAACP, here (be sure to change the designation from ‘offering’ to ‘other’ and make a note in the memo), or by sending a check to the PMC office.
The Washington Office of Mennonite Central Committee is encouraging us to contact our US representatives and senators to support the demilitarization of police departments. More information and a sample email can be found here.
Black Lives Matter Protest Friday nights at 6:00 pm we as a church are going to meet in front of the New Seasons sign (on Stark Street pictured below) at Revolution Hall to join the protest against police brutality and to affirm that black lives are precious to God. The protests have been peaceful during the daylight and we want to witness to God’s kingdom of justice, truth and hope. While almost everyone protesting last Friday was wearing a mask it is very difficult to social distance. Don’t forget your mask! Unable to come but want to support? Please pray for the protesters, our city, for our black community and for justice. Questions? Call, text or email Britt at 503-381-6145 [email protected]. Adult Ed Class — Racism: Making a Difference Sundays / 9:30 am
Due to current events, the Adult Education class is shifting its focus to Racism: Making a Difference. We will explore ways we can make a difference in the injustice our brothers and sisters of color have had to endure. This will be a class of learning about the history, listening to peoples’ experiences, and discussing steps we can take to help. As a church seeking the peace of the city, we need to step out and help bring peace to potentially volatile situations. Jane Bateman will be leading the discussion, but she is open to help from anyone who has direct experience in anti-racism, peacemaking, etc. This will be a time to connect with others and find hope in this unprecedented time. To join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81308189218?pwd=L2I0YWM2djAxaEp4Z3VSWERWdS9uQT09 Advance Directives are Not Just for Old Folks Advance Directives help us make crucial decisions now about end-of-life health care choices that our families and doctors may be required to face later on our behalf. When we are younger it is easy to imagine that we have plenty of time, but in the midst of this pandemic it is important that each of us fill out an Advance Directive. The Congregational Care Group of PMC wants to help. They have a planning guide and the advance directive forms that can be sent to you. Three people have also volunteered to work through the form with you and/or to answer any questions you have (Alison Nelson, Leon Eshleman, Karin Weaver). Contact the PMC office if you would like to have an Advance Directive form sent to you or if you would like to have one of these volunteers contact you.
See next page for Zoom links for the upcoming week
Join us on FB Live Sunday Morning at 10:45 am, or check our page for updates throughout the week www.facebook.com/portlandmennonite
Check out our website www.portlandmennonite.org for news, sermons, event information, and ways to stay connected with each other including sharing prayer requests and video greetings.
PMC Staff are minimizing time in the office. Please email us for fastest response. We will check voicemail remotely each day.
Electronic Giving We have a variety of options for financial contributions, including by credit card, or direct debit from your bank account. Checks may be mailed to the church office at 1312 SE 35th Ave, Portland OR 97214. Rachel opens the mail once a week. For details and forms, go to www.portlandmennonite.org/give. You can also check with your bank about sending electronic payments. Contact Rachel Joy ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
PMC and COVID-19
Adult Ed Class — Racism: Making a Difference Sundays / 9:30 am
Due to current events, the Adult Education class is shifting its focus to Racism: Making a Difference. We will explore ways we can make a difference in the injustice our brothers and sisters of color have had to endure. This will be a class of learning about the history, listening to peoples’ experiences, and discussing steps we can take to help. As a church seeking the peace of the city, we need to step out and help bring peace to potentially volatile situations. Jane Bateman will be leading the discussion, but she is open to help from anyone who has direct experience in anti-racism, peacemaking, etc. This will be a time to connect with others and find hope in this unprecedented time. To join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81308189218?pwd=L2I0YWM2djAxaEp4Z3VSWERWdS9uQT09
Monday Mornings Pastor “Coffee Time” Mondays / 9:00 am On Mondays, 9:00-9:30 am, Britt or Rod will host a “coffee hour” via Zoom for anyone who would like to check in together as the week begins. Look for the link in the weekly update, and on our website. To join: zoom.us/j/368828512
Transitions Tuesday, June 16 / 10:00 am Transitions is a group for older adults at PMC that typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month. We will meet via video conference this coming Tuesday. A zoom link will be sent out by email on Monday (and can also be found on the PMC calendar). Everyone is welcome to join us.
Wednesday Evening Prayers Wednesdays / 5:30 pm
On Wednesdays we will 'gather' at 5:30 pm for a 10-12 minute service of evening prayer. We will read from the Psalms, share concerns that we carry with us, and pray together. To join: zoom.us/j/516026852?pwd=cXFLRTNWSWZPNzUyTVlQcUVuOTVKdz09
Remembering Viola Nussbaum Wed, June 17 at 7:00 pm via Zoom You are welcome to join an online gathering next Wednesday to share in the grief of Viola's death and to remember with much gratitude the life she lived among us. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82325942351?pwd=b1ZNOW85MUlIYW9tZ21OZWtzTUJMUT09
Friday Morning Coffee Group Fridays / 10:00 am
A group of PMCers continues to meet, now via Zoom, every Friday morning for an informal social time. If you’d like to join, contact Linda Rush or the church office for more information.
Zoom Meetings This Week
