Staying Connected
September 24, 2026
This Sunday with Pastor Anna
Title: On Whose Authority?
Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and even after you saw it you did not change your minds and believe him." -- Matthew 21:31-32
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
Send in the Clowns
Auction 2026, with a circus theme, will be on Saturday, Oct 10 (less than three weeks!), 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 by Thursday, Oct 1. And don't forget - we can easily increase our proceeds by bringing friends to this fun event!
Join the VHUMC Travelers!
Do you enjoy traveling to new places, learning about different cultures, and trying new foods? Come to the Fireside Room this Sunday, Sep 27, at 2:00 pm, to see pictures and hear about our recent trip to the Nordic countries. We will also be discussing and planning for fall 2027 travel, as well as looking ahead to 2028. All are welcome to journey with us, either vicariously on September 27 or by joining our actual upcoming trips!
Survey
The SPRC is beginning our annual review process with a survey so that we can create space for honest, thoughtful conversation about who we are as a church and how we are growing together. There are printed surveys on the Welcome table or use the QR code in your Sunday bulletin for the digital survey. Please share your thoughts and ideas with us by Sunday, October 11.
Mark Your Calendars
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.
New Book
Talk 'N' Thought, our weekly book group, is beginning a new book, Rest is Resistance, A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey. Hersey, aka "The Nap Bishop", encourages us to connect to the liberating power of rest, daydreaming, and naps as a foundation for healing and justice. Join in the discussions on Tuesdays, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the Fireside Room. Contact Linda M for more information.
Lay Servant Classes
Several Lay Servant Ministries courses will be offered on Zoom from September through November for laity throughout the Greater Northwest and Mountain Sky areas. Foundational and advanced offerings cover spiritual gifts, preaching, prayer, worship, United Methodist polity and more; There are still a few courses available. Review the schedule and register on the Conference website.
Safety and Community Care Workshops
Ministry leaders are invited to a free fall workshop series led by Mazorca facilitation. Security for Gatherings, which met on Sep 16, addressed safety planning for worship, special events and church buildings; De-Escalation on Oct 14 will introduce practical ways to lower the intensity and danger of conflict; and Travel Security on Nov 18 will cover monitoring, check-in systems, emergency plans, and risk tolerance. The remaining Zoom workshops will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Questions can be directed to Brett Pinder at bpinder@umoi.org. Register for the workshops on the Conference website.
Decolonizing Christianity
In today's tense political and cultural climate, how might Christianity be renewed into a tradition that is more faithful to the Gospel — and more capable of responding to the signs of our times? That's the question at the heart of Decolonizing Christianity, a six-session online course led by Dr. Ish Ruiz. Together, we'll examine the historical complicity of Christian theology, spirituality, and ministry in systems of racial, sexual, and economic oppression, while exploring the transformative possibilities emerging from feminist, queer, and BIPOC theological traditions. This course is open to both clergy and laity seeking deeper theological grounding for justice-centered Christian life, ministry, and congregational leadership. More info and registration
Dates: Mondays & Tuesdays, October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20
Time: 7:00 PM EST · Six 90-minute sessions
Format: Online
Cost: $150 (Limited partial scholarships available.)
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
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.
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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