Staying Connected
September 10, 2026
This Sunday with Pastor Anna
Title: Empathied-Out
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if my brother or sister sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times." -- Matthew 18:21-22
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 Returns!
In the Fireside Room and online
All Church Work Party
Our monthly gathering to perform chores around the church is this Saturday. We will be working mostly indoors, preparing a room for the youth group. There will be some heavy lifting, vacuuming, and cleaning (at least!) Please come from 10:00 - noon if you are available.
Affordable Housing Event
TONIGHT at Christ UMC, 6:30 pm. You are invited to a screening of No Place to Grow Old, a poignant documentary set in downtown Portland, following the lives of three older adults navigating the harsh realities of life without a home. Through their stories of hardship and resilience, the film offers an intimate portrayal of the challenges they face, while also shining a light on the systemic issues contributing to their plight. Following the screening, a panel of local experts will discuss the realities and challenges of finding and providing safe, affordable housing. There will also be a community fair for resources and a silent auction to benefit Golden Rainbow Haven. Refreshments and childcare will also be provided. The event is free to attend. Registration is encouraged, but not required. https://bit.ly/4gayYn7 Golden Rainbow Haven is a Washington County based nonprofit organization that wants to help provide affordable, safe, and inclusive housing for LGBTQ+ Seniors.
It's Back!
ImBible bible study returns on Wednesday, Sep 16, from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Fireside Room. This is a lively, progressive group of folks who dig into the bible - what it meant then and what it means now. All are welcome!
Start Donating!
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! Donation forms are available on the Welcome table or email the church office. Tangible items (excluding food items) 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!
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
Volunteer Opportunity
The mission of the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ) is to accompany and support immigrants and refugees in Oregon while organizing faith communities to advance justice, dignity, and human rights. The Accompaniment Program exists to support our community members who are forced to navigate the United States’ complicated, outdated, and exploitative immigration proceedings. We train volunteers to walk side-by-side with individuals as they attend I.C.E. check-ins, immigration court hearings, Intensive Supervision Appearance Program appointments, and other mandatory dates during their immigration process. Consider volunteering to accompany our community members. Learn more at https://www.imirj.org/accompaniment
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, 6:00 pm, at the Tomorrow Theater (3530 SE Division St, Portland) Tickets are $20, available at tomorrowtheater.org/purchase/842033/ Visit imirj.org/news/food-film-and-community-a-special-fundraiser-for-imirjfor more information.
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 and reports to Pastor Anna. If you or someone you know might be interested, please forward the job information.
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 theevent 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 scheduleshere or pick up a flyer on the Welcome table.
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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