Today I had the good fortunate to visit with some of the youth attending summer camp at Parkrose Community United Church of Christ. This was only my second visit to the church since leaving my position there nearly two years ago as the long-term interim minister.
Parkrose continues to be a church in transition and as such they reflect they community they are a part of in NE Portland. Since The Rev. Don Frueh was called as the congregation's permanent minister they've worked with the Center for Progressive Renewal and others to continue an exciting journey the congregation began when I was called there in 2006 and the membership began an intentional process of discerning what it means "to be" church.
A congregation that was once on the verge of collapse is being renewed and that is vital because a progressive Christian voice in needed in mid-county.
The church was started in 1913 and what worked then doesn't work now. Churches need to adapt with the times and also help shape the times by providing moral leadership on important issues, such as economic justice for those living in poverty and equality for all.
Rev. Frueh and the people of Parkrose Community United Church of Christ are together creating a living model of a loving, faithful, progressive Christian church that other mainline churches can learn from.
It was a joy to visit there today.
