Staying Connected
July 23, 2026
This Sunday with Pastor Anna
Title: The Acoustic Nervous System
Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11–13, Mark 4:9, 23
Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. --I Kings 19:11b-13a
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
Big Thanks!
Thank you to everyone who helped renovate the office, especially Janet Z (supervising carpet and paint over 4 days), Elizabeth B (meeting the electrician), John E (re-installing the bulletin boards), and everyone who moved boxes and furniture. It was a team effort that really paid off in a nice, bright, beautiful office! And thanks to everyone who financially contributes to the church - we so appreciate your support!
Meal Train
While Mike Schappert continues to recuperate from surgery, Rebecca would appreciate some help with meals as she returns to work. You can sign up to deliver a meal, or purchase a restaurant gift card, at https://mealtrain.com/6y1mkd
All Church Work Party
Saturday, Aug 1, join us at 10:00 am for our monthly ‘clean-up’ of the church campus. During the summer, there is always plenty of pruning and weeding outdoors, and cobweb removal indoors! Many hands make light work—please attend!
Concert in the Park
You’re invited to an evening of music and fun at the annual Hayhurst Concert in the Park on Friday, Aug 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Pendleton Park. The fantastic Boka Marimba band will be performing, plus kids’ activities and food carts from Hot Lips Pizza and Kona Ice. We hope you will attend and/or work our booth to increase our visibility to the community. You may sign up at https://forms.gle/FApLYim9GWtK3Raz7
Back-to-School Drive
The Grauer Project is collecting new or gently-used tees, shoes, and coats for students, kindergarten through high school. Items may be brought to the church office for delivery to St Luke Lutheran. The Grauer Project is a volunteer, nonprofit cooperative partnership of faith organizations, social service agencies, and businesses created to respond to the back-to-school needs of children in Southwest Portland who are eligible for the federal free and reduced lunch program. Their goal is to support 400 students this year. Bring items by July 28, or you may choose to donate at grauerbacktoschool.com/donate
Update
If you want more information on Joy Milne, the ‘woman who could smell Parkinsons’ from Anna’s message last Sunday, visit this website: https://www.ted.com/talks/joy_milne_the_nurse_who_can_smell_parkinson_s
Soul Care Retreat
Women of faith, caring for your well-being and seeking balance is part of embracing the fullness of life that God offers and desires for all people. Join in setting intentional time aside for spiritual renewal and reflection at a one-day retreat, on Saturday, Aug 22, at Tigard UMC. More information is on thisflyer; registration info ishere (forms are also available on the Welcome table.)
Grief Gatherings
Grief is a normal part of living. Grief comes with all loss — including but not limited to death. New strengths arise when we weave loss into our ongoing lives. The Grief House offers multiple gatherings, both in-person and virtual, to support you in your grief - through nature, quilting, Reiki healing, and other methods. Learn more at griefhouse.org/portlandgatherings
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 atcityteam.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/nightstrike(the link is also at the top of this email.)
Film School
Mr. David’s School of Film will be using Fellowship Hall again this summer, for their week-long kids’ camps. If you know a kid, age 5-14, who loves stop motion, Lego animation, and/or movie making, visitmrdavidfilm.comfor more info.
Kids Summer Camp
Adventures in Spanish invites kids, ages 5-9, to have fun learning Spanish through song and play. The weeklong camp, June 29 - July 3, will be held here at Vermont Hills from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm each day. Learn more and sign up at adventuresinspanish.org
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.
Want to receive this as a weekly email? Sign up below.