Jesus wandered alone for 40 days.
How long have you?
Last summer the people of Parkrose Community United Church of Christ extended an invitation for me to serve as their interim minister. Over the last several months our goal as a congregation has been to explore how best to be disciples in a new age. The church was established to serve a distinct part of the Northeast Portland area known as Parkrose but the neighborhood has changed since 1913 and now welcomes more and more immigrants who often bring with them their own traditions and theologies. Our church has experienced a decline in membership as the neighborhood has changed. So how do we need to change as a church to continue?
That is a question we’ve discovered will take some time and so the church has asked that I stay on until the summer of 2009 as we explore new ways of doing ministry. We are seeking, for example, to expand our participation in community outreach through a new partnership with Stand for Children and we are working to increase Christian education programs for adults and youth. The church has also increased the number of times communion is offered during worship as a way of connecting more intentionally with the Spirit.
How we as a church respond to the challenges before us over the next year or so will help the congregation to better decide what kind of permanent pastoral leadership is needed at the conclusion of the interim period. I’m really excited about the future of this church. The people are welcoming and thoughtful and I think anyone who visited would feel that way. So if you live in the Portland area stop by and visit. Services are at 10 am on Sunday mornings. The church is located at 4715 NE 106th Ave (just off Sandy). We’re easy to find.
Isn’t it time for religion with relevance? The United Church of Christ. We’re about justice, understanding and exploration. So no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey you - and your questions - are welcome here.
