Staying Connected
August 27, 2026
This Sunday with Pastor Brett
Title: Joy in Every Circumstance
Scripture: Psalm 19:7-14, Romans 5:3-5
We also boast in our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
--Romans 5:3-5
Opportunities this Week:
Sun, 10:30 am: Worship
In the sanctuary and online
Tue, 1:00 pm: Talk 'n' Thought
In the Fireside Room
ImBible Study on hiatus until Sep 16
Job Opening!
VHUMC is seeking a part-time Youth Leader to guide the spiritual development and well-being of youth in grades 6–12 through relational and justice-oriented ministry. The position is 20 hours per week (Sundays and flexible weekday/evening hours) and reports to Pastor Anna. If you or someone you know might be interested, please forward the job information.
Upcoming Sundays
Pastor Anna is on vacation through Sep 5; Rev Erin Martin, 541.653.7638, pastorerin@fremontumc.org, will cover pastoral emergencies. Pastor Brett Stuvland will bring the message this Sunday; Bryan Cooper on Sep 6.
Special Offering
This Sunday is a ‘fifth Sunday.’ All monies put into the silver bucket will go towards our Good Samaritan fund, which Pastor Anna can use at her discretion to help members and neighbors in need.
Connecting Neighbors Training
Connecting Neighbors is a hands-on, faith-based training designed to help the church and community be ready when crisis hits. The training is free but donations will be accepted for a light lunch. Saturday, Sep 19, 8:30-4:15 at Beaverton FUMC. Learn more at umoi.org/newsdetail/19929179
Getting Ready for the General Conference 2028!
Pastor Anna was elected as a head delegate, stepping into a role that serves as the primary organizer, strategist, and logistical anchor for the Oregon-Idaho delegation. Read more about what GC is, when it is, and who will represent us in this document
Online Giving
Our financial software is undergoing some changes this month. The online donation form will look different and you may be asked to input your information again. Those who have set up a recurring donation should *not* see any changes. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact John Espy or the church office. Thank you for your cooperation.
Food, Film, and Community
Food has a beautiful way of acting as a glue—bringing us together, sparking deep conversations, and crossing cultural boundaries. This fall, IMIrJ invites you to a unique fundraising event that celebrates the rich, diverse flavors and stories of our community. As you watch the first three episodes of the series,Food Foray, you will also get to sample the very foods, from Republic of Georgia, Mexico, and Myanmar, featured on screen. Saturday, September 19. Visit imirj.org/news/food-film-and-community-a-special-fundraiser-for-imirj for more information.
Save the Date
Auction 2026 will be on Saturday, Oct 10, at 5:30 pm. This is a major fundraiser for our church, with online, silent, and live portions. Donations are requested! Some best-selling ideas are themed baskets, homebaked goods, gift cards, and hosted events. If you have any questions, please ask Virginia - she is more than happy to help! Tangible items (excluding baked goods) should be brought to the church between Sunday, Sep 20 and Thursday, Oct 1. And don't forget - we can easily increase our proceeds by bringing friends to this fun event!
Breaking Out of the Cage of Race
Civil rights activist, writer, and educator Joan C. Browning will present a free lecture on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church in Portland. Browning, a Freedom Rider who participated in nonviolent protests in the 1960s, will speak about how people of faith can engage in public witness and activism around racial and social justice. The event includes a 90-minute lecture and Q&A followed by refreshments; RSVPs are requested. Learn more and RSVP on the event website.
Lay Servant Ministries Course Schedule
Eleven Lay Servant Ministries courses will be offered on Zoom from September through November for laity throughout the Greater Northwest area. Foundational and advanced offerings cover spiritual gifts, preaching, prayer, worship, United Methodist polity and more; registration deadlines vary, with some approaching in August. Review the schedule and register on the Conference website.
Anti-Racism Learning Circles
You are invited to join a free Antiracism Learning Circle this fall, organized by Portland First Unitarian. All circles meet on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere. Several different groups are available, beginning Sep 21 and later. See the full descriptions and schedules here or pick up a flyer on the Welcome table.
Hiatus
ImBible bible study will not meet in person again until Wednesday, Sep 16. If you are interested in joining a weekly discussion group on Zoom, contact John E for more information.
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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