Volume 42, Number 3 March 2017 From The Pastor… Leaning & Lent The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and Ash Wednesday is on March 1 this year. Lent, as you probably know, is the period of 40 days (excluding Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Easter. The word lent comes from a Latin word that means lengthen, as in the lengthening of days at this time of year. Although Lent is beginning later than it has in a while, we’re still experiencing some of the darkness of winter — and, of course, the gloominess of our rainy season here in Portland. A couple of years ago, Father Rick Ganz of Marylhurst University expanded my understanding of Lent. He said the word lent also includes the idea of leaning, as in leaning into something. In this case, leaning into the light — leaning into the lengthening of days that happens at this time of year. And we all do this, don’t we? After so much darkness — too much for most of us — we’re all leaning into spring: into the additional daylight, the blue skies, the sunshine and warmer temperatures, the trees budding, the jonquils blooming. It’s going to be glorious, isn’t it? Even an entire week of rain won’t discourage us too much, because we’re leaning into the light. It’s coming. The spiritual side of this experience is that we’re well-acquainted with another kind of darkness: the darkness of human brokenness and sin. The increased darkness of winter reminds us that we’re trapped in brokenness and sin and need a savior. Our savior is Jesus Christ, and during Lent we make a point of leaning into the light of his redemption…the light of his Resurrection. They’re coming. But here’s something else, too — something that has to do with transitions, like the transition MPC began last year as John and Sylvia began the process of leaving Portland for Kenya. Transitions, by definition, always include some darkness and uncertainty — often more than we’d like. They can also last longer than we’d prefer. But even now, the Transition Team is creating an experience of congregational discovery for you to participate in: something that will be primarily conversational, and relational, and fun — that will engage all of you in helping to articulate what kind of church MPC is and what’s most important to you as a community of faith. Even now, a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) is coming together and will probably be elected by the congregation sometime in March. And even now, the Session is mapping out their part in the interim work over the course of 2017, so that MPC can be ready — as well as eager — to embrace the long term pastor God has in mind for you. Speaking of readiness, the preaching series for Lent will focus on John the Baptist — or John the Forerunner, as he’s known within the Orthodox wing of the Christian Church. John’s call from God was to “ make ready a people prepared for the Lord” — which is what the Transition Team, the PNC, the Session and I, together with all of you, are really “up to” during this time of transition. In all these things, I hope and pray you’re being made ready for whatever the Lord wants to do next: in and through MPC. So lean into Lent. Lean into the light of spring. Lean into the light of Christ’s redemption — and the light of his resurrection. Lean into the light of MPC’s future — and the light of being made ready: becoming a people prepared for the Lord. Lean. Warmly in Christ, Laurel
Transcript
Volume 42, Number 3 March 2017
From The Pastor…
Leaning & Lent
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and Ash Wednesday is on March 1 this year. Lent, as you probably know, is the period of 40 days (excluding Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Easter. The word lent comes from a Latin word that means lengthen, as in the lengthening of days at this time of year. Although Lent is beginning later than it has in a while, we’re still experiencing some of the darkness of winter — and, of course, the gloominess of our rainy season here in Portland.
A couple of years ago, Father Rick Ganz of Marylhurst University expanded my understanding of Lent. He said the word lent also includes the idea of leaning, as in leaning into something. In this case, leaning into the light — leaning into the lengthening of days that happens at this time of year.
And we all do this, don’t we? After so much darkness — too much for most of us — we’re all leaning into spring: into the additional daylight, the blue skies, the sunshine and warmer temperatures, the trees budding, the jonquils blooming. It’s going to be glorious, isn’t it? Even an entire week of rain won’t discourage us too much, because we’re leaning into the light. It’s coming.
The spiritual side of this experience is that we’re well-acquainted with another kind of darkness: the darkness of human brokenness and sin. The increased darkness of winter reminds us that we’re trapped in brokenness and sin and need a savior. Our savior is Jesus Christ, and during Lent we make a point of leaning into the light of his redemption…the light of his Resurrection. They’re coming.
But here’s something else, too — something that has to do with transitions, like the transition MPC began last year as John and Sylvia began the process of leaving Portland for Kenya. Transitions, by definition, always include some darkness and uncertainty — often more than we’d like. They can also last longer than we’d prefer.
But even now, the Transition Team is creating an experience of congregational discovery for you to participate in: something that will be primarily conversational, and relational, and fun — that will engage all of you in helping to articulate what kind of church MPC is and what’s most important to you as a community of faith.
Even now, a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) is coming together and will probably be elected by the congregation sometime in March. And even now, the Session is mapping out their part in the interim work over the course of 2017, so that MPC can be ready — as well as eager — to embrace the long term pastor God has in mind for you.
Speaking of readiness, the preaching series for Lent will focus on John the Baptist — or John the Forerunner, as he’s known within the Orthodox wing of the Christian Church. John’s call from God was to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” — which is what the Transition Team, the PNC, the Session and I, together with all of you, are really “up to” during this time of transition. In all these things, I hope and pray you’re being made ready for whatever the Lord wants to do next: in and through MPC. So lean into Lent. Lean into the light of spring. Lean into the light of Christ’s redemption — and the light of his resurrection. Lean into the light of MPC’s future — and the light of being made ready: becoming a people prepared for the Lord. Lean.
Warmly in Christ,
Laurel
Page 2 Multnomah Announcer
Interim Updates
The Process for Electing a PNC Suggestions of people to serve on the PNC were solicited from the congregation in early January, and many
names were submitted. The Congregational Nominating Committee has been working with those suggestions to create a PNC of 7-9
members, based on denominational recommendations and best practices for a congregation the size of MPC. The goal is to create a PNC that is broadly representative of the entire congregation, comprised of individuals who work well on teams and are committed to spiritual discernment and confidentiality.
Once the CNC has assembled a complete group of nominees, the Session will call a congregational meeting to elect the PNC. The nominees’ names, photos and biographical information will also be made available to the congregation in advance of the congregational meeting.
As always, in accordance with The Book of Order, the congregation will also have an opportunity to nominate people from the floor at the congregational meeting.
Copies of the the PNC Job Description are available in the church office.
Glossary for Interim Ministry Congregational Nominating Committee (“CNC”) - The CNC of every local church nominates people to serve as Elders, Deacons, and on PNCs. Our CNC is comprised of two Elders, one Deacon, and four at-large members elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting. Ministry Information Form (“MIF”) - An MIF is a church résumé, written by the PNC and approved by the Session and the Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry. Mission Study - A process of reviewing and reflecting on who we are as a congregation: past, present, and future. The PNC will draw on the Mission Study to write the MIF. Pastor Nominating Committee (“PNC”) - The PNC conducts the search for a new pastor. It's a group of 7—9 people who are representative of the congregation and elected by the congregation. Personal Information Form (“PIF”) - PIFs are the pastor résumés a PNC receives and reviews as part of their search process. Transition Team - The Transition Team is a small group that works with the Interim Pastor on designing and conducting the Mission Study. Our Transition Team consists of Donna Bachand, Priscilla Downing, Spencer Magnusson, Randy McCourt, and Mark Trullinger.
* * * * *
I was supposed to tell you this at the Annual Meeting on February 5, but I forgot. It’s customary at annual meetings to vote on the Terms of Call (compensation package) for the pastor(s), but you didn’t do that this year. Here’s why: Interim Pastors are hired by the Session, not the congregation — and consequently, the Session sets the Interim Pastor’s Terms of Call. When the PNC chooses a pastoral candidate, you all will vote on whether to call that person as your Pastor — and you’ll also set their Terms of Call, just as you always did with John and Sylvia.
Warmly in Christ, Laurel
Page 3 March 2017
March Sermons
March 5 I AM the True Vine John 15:1-17 March 12 John the Forerunner: His Purpose Luke 1:8-17
March 19 John the Forerunner: His Preaching Matthew 3:1-12
March 26 John the Forerunner: His Perspective John 1:29-34 &
John 3:22-30
Finance and Administration Update January 2017 Financial Results
January 2017
Income $29,871.32
Expenses 23,542.34
Difference + 6,328.98
The new year is off to a positive start. Income exceeded expenses by $6,329 in January. While January giving was slightly less than last year, spending was also less than last year. January spending was less than budgeted, as well. Blessings to everyone for staying current with pledge giving despite the interruptions and cancelations due to the January winter storms.
Updated 2016 Financial Results Routine year-end transfers of several unspent budget items to designated funds ($2,844) were made in January. There is no difference in the church’s total assets ($149,013), as reported to the congregation at the annual meeting on February 5. The adjusted 2016 ending General Fund balance was $88,253. After adding 2016 net income of $20,736, the total General Fund balance was $108,990.
New Fund for Pastor Search As directed by Session in January, $20,000 was transferred from the General Fund balance to a new designated fund, Pastor Search and Moving Expense. This new fund will be the responsibility of the Pastor Nominating Committee that will be designated soon. After the transfer, the General Fund balance at the end of January was $88,990.
Thank You for Your “Per Capita” Contributions Our church pays an annual fee to our denomination, based on the number of church members. This year the fee is $31.43 per individual member. The assessment covers the various activities and administration costs of the Presbytery. The most prominent benefit to our church in the past year was the search for an interim pastor that led to Pastor Laurel Neal. Since the church is required to pay the assessment, your contribution to cover the fee is appreciated.
Flower Guild
Lenten Arrangements Hold Special Significance and Meaning In keeping with the Lenten season of contemplation, reflection and repentance, the floral arrangements in the Sanctuary during Lent are spare, natural and without fresh flowers. In their place, bare branches and dried arrangements evoke preparation, hope and the promise of renewal. On Easter morning, when we celebrate the Resurrection and proclaim that Christ is risen, the Sanctuary will be filled with the beautiful flowers of spring, representing transformation, joy and new life in Christ.
Page 4 Multnomah Announcer
Building & Grounds Update
Managing Winter Weather Related Events: The weather related cancellation of various church events this past winter has prompted a lot of discussion about how to deal with these unusual events. The following notes are from discussions at the B&G meeting on Thursday February 9th and the Men’s Breakfast on Friday February 10th. Further input will be solicited before finalizing a plan for future events, so if you have any thoughts or comments please feel free to talk with any of the B&G Committee members. (Amy Clements, Jenifer Aberle, Clay Morgan, Dick Eyberg, Dennis Zerba)
Top Priority is Safety of the Congregation It is OK to cancel services and events when appropriate. Do not put people at risk. Must be fair to those who have to put on services or special events (Pastors, Worship Team, Choir,
etc.). General Conditions
The Church parking lot has steep approaches which many churches do not. The parking lot does not get a lot of sun to help melt the snow and ice. Light amounts of new or packed snow in the parking lot would generally not be a reason for cancelling. Ice or deep snow in the parking lot makes it extremely difficult for most people to negotiate safely in
their vehicles or on foot. Road conditions may be different than those in the church parking lot. Roads and streets generally get a
lot of traffic and may be passable and since SW 45th is a major street, it gets the attention of city snow removal and sanding crews.
Decision Process During the last snow event, it worked well to have a small group of people meet at the church to assess
the church parking lot, street conditions and weather forecasts prior to making a final decision about any cancellations.
The sooner the decision can be made and communicated to the congregation the better. Communications
Things that worked: Early Notifications Text Message Alert System Email Blast
Things that could be improved: Not all people have access to alert or email notifications. Ability to remotely update church phone message about cancellations. Getting closure information to TV stations so it can show on their crawlers across the bottom of
their broadcasts. Possible use of a Deacons phone tree. Put Updates on the Website.
Snow removal Generally leaves behind a thin layer of snow which may melt and can easily freeze and form a sheet of
ice if temperature drops below freezing. Difficult to find contractors when everyone is in the same boat. It cost $700 in 2009 to have a contractor plow the parking lot for one service. Timing is a problem. Remove it too early and subsequent snow can negate the previous cleaning. Tearing up the parking lot surface with the plow blade.
Page 5 March 2017
Dove Christian Preschool had a successful Open House at the end of January. As a result, we have just a few openings available for Fall 2017. If you know of a family looking for a preschool, we hope you will refer them to Dove. Please refer them to our website, www.dovepreschool.com or email us at [email protected].
The preschool kids will be spending the month of March preparing for the Spring Luncheons. During the luncheons, the kids sing songs they have been working on since January to their parents, family and friends. Afterwards, everyone gathers for lunch, which is prepared by the Dove Preschool Board and volunteers. If you are interested in helping out during a luncheon, please let us know. Please join us! Contact us at [email protected].
For the March 3, 2017, meeting of the Book Group, we are reading the amazing real life story, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. This book tells the story of how Louis Zamperini’s bomber was shot out of the air, over the ocean, and how he survived an incredible amount of days floating in the Pacific, capture, and prison. Louis’ sports ability, Hawaii, and military training are all included in this inspirational story.
We will meet in the downstairs fellowship room, Friday, March 3, 2017, at 6:15 pm and begin dinner with prayer at 6:30. The dinner theme food has been suggested: rice, and not very much of it. Probably reading the book will fill in your questions about our potluck. Discussion will be included, to give our dinner a balanced menu.
For those of us who like to read ahead, in April the group has chosen, The Robe, by Lloyd C. Douglas.
The First Friday Book Group welcomes new readers each month. If you would like more information, please call Karen Beers at 503.799.8170, or email Nancy Trullinger: [email protected]. Everyone is welcome!
PARENT NIGHT OUT If you are looking for a break and need some time with your spouse or friends, bring your kids to Parent Night Out on Saturday, March 4, 5:30-7:30 pm. The MPC Youth, along with adult supervision, will hang out with your children while you have some "me" time. Cost is $5/hour/child (age 2-10) with a $25 maximum per family. Proceeds go to the Alaska Youth Mission fund. Please RSVP to Barb, [email protected] or Heather, [email protected]. You're welcome to invite friends, too! Future Parent Night Out dates: April 7 (Friday) and May 6 (Saturday).
If your wish is to have someone cook your dinner and you can enjoy it around the table in fellowship with friends, then Wednesday @ the Well
is the place to be. We even do the dishes for you. Our first dinner of the month is on March 1, which is also Ash Wednesday. We'll be serving soup and bread in recognition of that special day, vegetarian and GF included. Dinner will start at 5:45 to allow you to have time to eat and then attend the Ash Wednesday service in the Sanctuary at 6:45. Hope you'll plan on joining us that evening.
Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am & Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm Join us as we weave together hands-on Bible study in the Gospel of Mark with tools and skills for going deeper into God’s Word. If you have questions about things like the reliability of the scriptures or how we got the Bible we have, about why we have so many different translations of the Bible or how to read the Bible for all its worth, please bring those questions along with you.
March and April are the months when we join our SW community to feed the hungry of this area. You will see the barrel in the Fellowship area to collect our donations.
Most Needed Items ***All foods must be shelf stable*** Tofu & Meat Alternatives Canned Proteins (beans, legumes) Kosher and Halal Foods Canned Vegetables Prepared foods (soups, chili, etc.) Feminine Hygiene Products Diapers (size 4-6) Boxed Cereal (no/low-sugar)
Another very effective way to help is by writing a check! Make it out to Multnomah Presbyterian Church and indicate SW Hope in the memo line. Or go online to www.nhpdx.org and donate directly. Every $1.00 you give enables the Neighborhood House to purchase 4 lbs. of needed food.
SW Hope has planned several other fun community based events to help raise funds. Concert on Friday, March 10 @ 7 pm at Hillsdale Community Church. The band Kendalin will be
there and a free will offering is taken. Empty Soup Bowl Dinner on Sunday April 2 @ the Multnomah Arts center in Multnomah Village.
Get a beautiful, handmade ceramic bowl, delicious soup and a warm feeling all at once. 5k /1k Run/Walk on April 22. More info in the April Announcer.
The Mission Committee will be organizing carpools from the church for these events. Please let any of us know if you’d like to participate.
Did you know our Neighborhood House serves 1,000+ people per month year-round? We need your help.
Love from the Mission Committee, Priscilla Downing, Dick White, Clay & Joana Morgan, Fran Barth, Lisa Shelley, Karen Black, Ann Lemon and Melissa Milnor, chair
January Session Activity
Rescheduled 1) the ordination and installation of church officers, 2) the regular January Session meeting, 3) the Annual Meeting 4) and the current CNC’s PNC nomination timeline.
Elected Darlene Higgenbottom as treasurer for 2017.
Elected Mike Clopton as corporate president and Steve Goodfellow as corporate secretary for 2017.
Requested Presbytery approval to pay 2017 per capita in installments.
Agreed to observe the Lord’s Supper the first Sunday of every month, Ash Wednesday (March 1) and Good Friday (April 14).
Whether you are a paper or electronic calendar person, or both, put a note on your calendar the first week of January 2018 to register for the 2018 Mission ConneXion! I think it will be January 19 and 20. You don’t want to miss it! Mission ConneXion is a free event (donations accepted) that will change your life in a positive direction! Hours are generally Friday from 5:30-9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. It has been held the last few years at Sunset Presbyterian Church. One can attend as little or as much of the conference as desired. This year there
were 96 workshops covering 24 tracks or themes to choose from and one could attend up to 4 of them. (It was really hard to choose since there were so many interesting classes! But they have audio recordings so you can hear some that you couldn’t attend in person.) There are 4 general sessions where everyone meets together in the Sanctuary for singing, keynote speakers, and entertainment such as the children’s choir, Voice for the Voiceless, or the Unishow, a world champion unicyclist with a message. And, did I mention, the vendor booths? There are a ton of them to visit and one can find out about all kinds of mission
opportunities—both locally and globally. This year, the 4 keynote speakers were Joni Eareckson Tada, Michael Oh, Tom Doyle and Andrew Palau. They were all good but my favorite was Joni. This is Joni’s 50th year in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic (I read most quadriplegics don’t usually live that long). She is 67 (paralyzed at age 17 in a diving accident). When I was in high school, I listened to Joni’s songs on cassette tapes. Now I have them on CDs. The theme of the conference was “Who Is Able?” and Joni reminded me that with God, all of us are able! God is so big there is nothing we can’t do if we believe in Him. And God frequently has bigger plans for us—bigger than we can imagine--if we let Him lead us. Just look what He has done with Joni! In one full day and one evening, I attended a workshop on media in missions (track What’s Trending?), listened to refugees from Iraq and The Democratic Republic of Congo who live here in Portland now (track Refugee Response), learned what it is like to be a Jehovah’s Witness and what happens to a person who leaves the organization (track Cults), and listened to 80-year-old Pat Palau, wife of evangelist Luis Palau, share parts of her life (track Women in Mission). I was inspired, humbled, entertained and educated. I bought Christian books at the bookstore and have already finished one of them—Joni: An Unforgettable Story—which I highly recommend to everyone. I even ran into Ethan, Ezra, Emma and Michael Lukman (our former choir director) Friday night! For more information about the 2017 Mission ConneXion, see http://missionconnexion.com/ or ask me, Karen Black ([email protected] 503.977.0409). Hope to see you at Mission ConneXion 2018 next January!
March is the month we “welcome spring’s arrival, and also, we change our clocks to Daylight Saving Time on March 12.” Our focus goes to “Do I ‘spring ahead’ or ‘fall back’ — and how can I remember the difference?” Daylight Saving Time was first proposed by a New Zealander in 1895 and through the years, many countries have used it at one time or another. The U. S. began using it in 1918 but then stopped after 1919. We had it during both World Wars, but there was no standardization until 1966. Even today some states opt not to go to Daylight Saving Time (Hawaii and Arizona). Recreational companies like the idea of later times in the evening after work; farmers dislike the idea of going to work earlier in the dark. Meetings need to “start on time” and people may look at their watches to see if they are late or something is taking longer than they think it should. “Time measures our lives.” Even the disciples were sometimes focused on time. In Acts 1:6-7 “…they asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.’ ” God has his own timetable for events and we must trust in His wisdom. So, this month take time to watch for God’s timetable of events and remember to trust in Him. (And don’t forget to “spring forward” one hour on March 12!) Your Deacons
"Prayer is a powerful thing, for God has bound and tied himself thereto. None can believe how powerful prayer is, and what it is able to effect, but those who have learned it by experience." -Martin Luther
Bonnie Larson Faye Quinn
Rosemary Roser Evelyn Walls
We invite you to join us for Prayer Night, Tuesdays at 7 pm, in the Chapel. If you are in need of prayer or know someone who is, please let a Prayer Team member know. We also encourage you to come and be prayed for after Worship on Sundays.
Dear Multnomah Presbyterian Church,
The Kroger Family of Stores is committed to bringing hope and help to local communities. We do this through a variety of activities, including charitable giving, sponsorships and the unique Community Rewards Program of Fred Meyer. We are also committed to carefully protecting our customers' personal information. In order to meet their expectation of privacy, we have adopted a simple policy to never share a customer's personal information. Our privacy policy applies to Community Rewards participation as well. As your neighborhood food retailer, we deeply value our ability to support local organizations like yours. Your supporters (6 households) who shopped at Fred Meyer between 10-1-2016 and 12-31-2016 (Cycle 2016, Qtr 4) have contributed to your $74.62 total donation. Your organization will be receiving a Kroger check in this amount within 30 days from 1-23-2017. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit our website at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. Thank you for your continued support of your local Fred Meyer store. Don't forget to use your newsletter, website, and events to encourage your supporters to link to your organization. The more your supporters shop with us, the more money your organization will earn!
Thank you, Community Rewards Staff
Do You Shop at Fred Meyer?
MPC is registered with Fred Meyer Community Rewards. If you link the church to your Rewards card (Fred Meyer's loyalty program), MPC gets a donation based on purchase amounts. You still get your personal account credit. Links to FAQs and a sign-up page are here: https://www.fredmeyer. com/topic/community-rewards-4. MPC's organization number is 88436. Proceeds go to building and grounds maintenance, with a mission contribution. Thanks to everyone who has signed up already. So far, checks from the program have been averaging about two dollars per month for each household that's signed up. Questions? Suggestions? (We have tried Amazon – didn't work.) Contact Steve Goodfellow: ([email protected]
Meet Your Deacon Sunday, March 12th Sunday, March 12th, after each service, you will have the opportunity to meet and/or greet your Deacon. Do you know your Deacon? Do you need to put a face to a name? Each member and regular attendee at church has a Deacon – that special someone at church willing to share in your good news, your bad news, to pray for you or assist you when you need help. “Oh,” you say, “but I don’t even know who my Deacon is.” No problem – the Deacons will have a list of everyone’s name and who is fortunate enough to be their Deacon.
We are going to have another Sunday morning gathering for families with elementary and younger children on April 2nd. We will have donuts, activities for the kids and plenty of coffee and conversation for the adults at 9:45 am in the downstairs classrooms at the end of the hall.
Alaska Winter Mission Report Spencer and I had quite the adventure traveling to Skagway, Alaska a few weeks ago. Usually we only see Skagway during twenty four hours of darkness and when it is not quite so chilly or empty. When we were invited up for a winter trip, we had no idea what to expect — but, as usual, God surprised us with an amazing experience of ministry and a lot of kids. We packed as much as we could into the four days we were up there. We met with people who want to be involved, or already are involved, with the youth and kids in Skagway. We also had some major youth groups and a Super Bowl party. We had a VBS preview for the little kids and we spent a lot of time in conversation with the people in Skagway. It was so apparent how happy they were to have us there, and how much our church means to them. Everywhere we went we heard stories of how much they look forward to our presence with them in July each year and how much it meant to them that we would make the journey in February, too. We were able to speak words of light and life into the darkness of winter, at a time when the town is eerily quiet and isolated; and they spoke life into us with their encouragement. Alaska Mission Auction SUNDAY, APRIL 30th we will hold our Alaska Mission auction. Each year we are filled with a bit of apprehension as the airline tickets are reserved and we see just how expensive it is to get twenty-two people to Alaska. But each year we are also overwhelmed with gratitude at the end of the auction when we see how much this church supports our Youth on this trip. We look forward to that happening again this year — and getting the chance to see our students understand just how much they are loved and supported in the work they do as they represent MPC in Alaska. We are already accepting donations for the auction. We would love it if you have any items, services, gift cards, event tickets, vacation homes or anything else you find fitting to share with us. Saturday Serve Every second Saturday we head to Northwest Children's Outreach with the Youth group to sort donated items so they can be distributed to families in need. We will be going again on March 11th from 10 am to 2 pm.
Outreach Committee News Due to the weather, our Outreach Team has not met yet this year.
What we do know so far is that we are planning a group outing to see the new movie “The Shack.” The movie comes out on March 3rd, so we will probably plan to go to a Sunday matinee on/around March 19th.
MPC T-shirts will be ordered soon. They will be given out to new members as they take the New Members class. They will also be available to anyone else who wants one for a small fee.
We are putting together ideas for a men’s retreat. The women already have a retreat planned.
Lastly, we will be working with the Mission Team to rearrange and add to the wall of photographs showing the various missions that MPC has supported. To volunteer for this fun project, please contact any member of the Outreach Team.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PORTLAND, OR
PERMIT NO. 366
Our Mission Statement: Loved by Christ, we love. Served by Christ, we serve.
