Staying Connected
October 15, 2026
This Sunday with Rev Melissa Reed
Title: The Math Is Not Mathing
Scripture: Matthew 20:1-18
For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard...
-- Matthew 20:1
Opportunities this Week:
Sun, 10:30 am: Worship
In the sanctuary and online
Tue, 1:00 pm: Talk 'n' Thought
In the Fireside Room
Wed, 6:30 pm: ImBible Study
In the Fireside Room and online
Our Guest Speaker This Sunday
Rev Melissa Reed, an ordained Lutheran pastor, is currently the Director of the Land Liberation Initiative, organizing and accompanying faith communities to discern racial repair through their land and engage in acts of solidarity. She is a 45-year-old white, European-descent cis-woman, in a hetero-marriage with her husband Deacon Matt Smith, and mama to Jack (18) and Brigid (12). They live in NE Portland and are members of Salt and Light Lutheran Church and Leaven Community. She is originally from New England.
Send in the Clowns Auction
Big thanks to everyone who made our annual fundraiser possible, especially Crystal, Dori, Elizabeth, and Michael. So far, we have raised $5593! There are still two events with space available (contact the office to purchase):
Games and Grub, Saturday, Mar 13, 2027, 4:00 pm. Board games and chili courtesy of the Coopers, $20 (3 spots available)
Hand and Foot Card Game with Dori, Thursday, Apr 15, 2027, 6:30 pm. Easy-to-learn and play. Snacks, party favors, and big fun included, $20 (1 spot available)
Help Needed
We will need help after the service this Sunday, Oct 18, to clear the sanctuary and to set up the Fireside room for the AR8 Conference Retreat, which will be meeting at VHUMC on Oct 20-22, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Thanks!
Church Survey
Our SPR team is still looking for your input in a brief, 10-question survey. Find a printed copy on the Welcome desk this Sunday, or complete the form online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vgyn774OolcdBz4C7DKf2L4f2rTmq_Ji2ggz2Fk0Ass/edit
Fireside Friends
Join us on Monday, Oct 19, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the studio downstairs. Plenty of room for everyone!
Charge Conference
Our annual Charge Conference is set for Thursday, Oct 29, at 7:00 pm. This is when we vote as a church for Pastor Anna’s 2027 compensation package and any other all-church business. Rev Brian Shimer will be leading us, so it should be a productive, brief meeting. All are invited to attend.
Diana Butler Bass to Speak
Historian, author and public theologian Diana Butler Bass will visit Portland Nov. 6-8 as part of the Seeking Sacred Wisdom Speaker Series at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church. The three days include a Friday evening lecture and book signing, a half-day Saturday workshop and Sunday worship. Tickets, ranging from $20-70, for the Friday and Saturday events are available through Eventbrite.
Night Strike
We continue our connection with Night Strike, a ministry to the houseless, under the Burnside Bridge. Our usual evening is on the third Thursday of each month. Slots fill very quickly. You can register at cityteam.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/nightstrike (the link is also at the top of this email.)
Vigils
There are ongoing vigils at the Portland ICE building, 4310 S Macadam Ave, from 2:00-2:45 pm every 1st and 3rd Thursday. Grab your group and peacefully protect our democracy.
Easy Giving
Donate online
Fred Meyer Rewards program, code SY323
CarEasy.org to give 70% of vehicle sale to VHUMC
Contact the church office with any questions.
Calendars
Receiving 2027 calendars that you won't use? You can leave them on the Welcome table and Donna will make sure they get to Neighborhood House for those who need them.
Talk N Thought
The ‘dynamite’ ladies of TnT meet every Tuesday, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, in the Fireside Room to read and discuss together. Contact Linda Miller at raylindamiller@comcast.net for more info.
Prayer Chain
Email your prayer requests to PrayerVHUMC@gmail.com. If you do not have access to email, you may call Linda Miller at 503.699.8628. The ‘Prayers of the People’ is crafted weekly from this information; please indicate if your prayer is private.
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