OCUMC Weekly News Bulletin – August 21, 2008

Oregon City United Methodist Church; 18955 S. South End Road, Oregon City OR 97045
Phone - 503-656-3433; fax - 503-657-1811; e-mail - ocumc@clacknet.com

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AN E-THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – “Christians may not always see eye to eye, but they can always walk arm in arm.”

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ANNOUNCEMENTS – If you want an announcement included in the weekly update, please be sure it gets to the office (either call, e-mail or put in "office" box) by the Sunday deadline.

CLEANING PARTY – On August 16^th, we had God-powered wind blow through the church.  Some members got together for a cleaning party and we cleaned the nursery, Meggan’s Corner, the bathrooms, the kitchen, the Heritage Room and all the class rooms.  We even got some of the windows washed (inside).  Those giving up a few hours of their time were: John and Susan Ronfeld, Doug and Carol Forncrook, Hal and Charlotte Smith, Judy Fox, Marvin and Marsha McElroy and Bob and Mary Gifford.  The work done was so appreciated and “fun”, we are going to do it again next month on Saturday, September 13^th.  Thank you, thank you to everyone helping!  Mary Gifford, 503-655-2778, will be organizing our next workday, so give her a call to reserve your special cleaning task. 

THANK YOU – “Stephen Ministry would like to thank all who took part in two recent, very successful Wednesday evening dinners.  Your donations were highly appreciated and very generous.  May the Lord bless you for supporting our efforts to bring a Christ-caring ministry to God’s people in times of need.”  Oregon City UMC Stephen Ministers

WOMEN’S RETREAT FUNDRAISER - The Women’s Retreat planning team is baking and selling Friendship Bread and Muffins to raise funds for retreat scholarships and to help with expenses.  These delicious “Tea Party” goodies ($3 for a small loaf or for 6 muffins) will be available on Sundays and Wednesday evenings or you can call the office with your order. 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE – Bring in your donations of school supplies this Sunday, August 24^th.  You can stay after church to help sort them for distribution to our local schools for children who need help getting all they need.  Put your items in the large box in the lobby marked “School Supplies”.  Or make a monetary donation (mark your check “school supplies”) and supplies will be purchased.

THE HIGHER GROUND ADULT CLASS is offering a 12-week study beginning September 7^th:  Great World Religions: Christianity – a DVD Series taught by Professor Luke Timothy Johnson of Emory University with discussion led by Rynn Mazur.  They meet Sunday mornings from 8:30-9:45 in the Heritage Room.

GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP SILENT AUCTION – Sun, Sept 7.  Donate your special gifts or favors to help raise money to build a house during next year’s Guatemala Mission Trip.  Auction items received include: handiman services, boat ride, bakery items, handmade quilts, picture memories, homemade items, gift baskets and kid's things.  Forms are on the lobby table and can be completed and turned in as late as Sunday, August 31^st.

MEMBERSHIP CLASS – We are offering a one-session class on Sunday, September 28^th, from 11:30am-1pm where you can explore United Methodism, the vision of our particular church and what membership means.  We’ll have a light lunch and childcare will be available.  If you would like to attend, just give the office a call or send a note or an e-mail.  Membership is a personal decision that we want you to be sure about before you decide to join.  If you choose to become a member, you will have the opportunity to join on Sunday, October 5^th.

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CALENDAR - Our church is very busy with a variety of groups and programs. Pick up a copy of the "Small Groups" brochure for a complete listing.  Every group is open and welcomes newcomers, so call the contact person for more information.  Do you feel called to begin a ministry, fellowship or support group?  Call or e-mail the office.

August 21 – Church Board, 6:30pm

August 21 – Stephen Ministries meeting, 6:30pm

August 22 – Friday Bible Study, 7pm.

August 24 – Grandparent Support Group, 11:30am.  Come share the challenges and joys of “grand”-parenting.

August 26 – Book Discussion Group, 7pm.  This is a monthly gathering for those who want to share their love of books.  The August selection is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  (The Sept 23^rd selection is December 7^th by Martin Cruz Smith and the Oct 28^th selection is The Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs.)

August 27 – W.O.W. – Wednesday Night Dinner will be served in the Worship Center from 6-6:30pm.  Kids from 3 years - 6^th grade will enjoy “THE ZONE” from 6:30-7:30pm.  Everyone is invited to W.O.W., an informal service of music, sharing and discussion in the Heritage Room from 6:30-7:30pm.  The Nursery will be open from 6:30-7:30pm in Room 1-2. 

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LOOKING AHEAD – Call or e-mail the office if you have any questions or need further information about upcoming events.

OFFICE CLOSED – Mon, Sept 1 in observance of Labor Day.

LADIES’ NIGHT OUT – Mon, Sept 1, 6:30pm.  Location TBA

GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP SILENT AUCTION – Sun, Sept 7.  What special gifts or favors can you donate?  Fill out a donation application or call the office.  The money raised will help with expenses of building a house, purchasing medical and other supplies and other mission projects of the Guatemala Mission trip in March 2009.  Forms are on the lobby table and can be completed and turned in as late as Sunday, August 31^st.

MEN’S NIGHT OUT – Mon, Sept 8, 6pm.  The men will meet at the Blue Sage Café at 21900 Willamette Drive in West Linn.  Call the office if you need a ride.

RETIRED MEN’S BREAKFAST – Wed, Sept 10, 8am at the Berry Park Retirement Center.

CLEANING PARTY – Sat, Sept 13.  We’ll start at 9am, come when you can, and be ready to “roll up your sleeves” to help get our church clean and sparkling.

RUMMAGE SALE – Sat, Sept. 27, 9am-5pm.  Save your “gently used” goods and treasures for this event.  Proceeds will help with expenses of building a house, purchasing medical and other supplies and other mission projects.  Due to limited storage at the church, we ask that you bring your items in starting Sunday, September 21^st.

MEMBERSHIP CLASS – Sun, Sept 28, 11:30am-1pm.  A light lunch will be provided and childcare will be available.

ALL-CHURCH CONFERENCE – Tue, Oct 7, 7pm.  This is the annual church business meeting with Kate Conolly, our District Superintendent, presiding.  The agenda will include:  Approval of the Membership Report, Pastoral Salary Package, Lay Speaker Report and Nominations Report.

WOMEN’S RETREAT – Fri-Sun, October 24-26.  Join the “Mad Hatters Tea Party” for a wonderful weekend!  Registration forms are located on the lobby table for this special weekend of relaxation and fun.  If you register by October 5^th, the cost will be $55 (after the 5^th the registration fee will be $60).  For more information, check out our website and click on the “For Women” link.