Baby Shower Tomorrow

Join us tomorrow in the Lighthouse for a Baby Shower for a Family Promise mom.

A baby girl is expected.  Family Promise says the mother can use everything: crib, stroller, playpen, clothing, toys, etc.  More expensive items, such as a crib, may be ‘gently used.’ Diapers are always needed but any other gifts are greatly appreciated.  

Family Promise is very pleased that Westside is willing to provide the space for Baby Showers.  Thank you all for your continued support of Family Promise. 

This Sunday: Life's Dilemmas

We are beginning a 6-week class this Sunday, May 7, at 8:30 am in the Family Room (with a break on Mother’s Day, May 14.)

We will read and discuss one fable a week from the book, Friedman’s Fables by Edwin Friedman (purchasing the book is optional; copies will be available.)

Come caffeinated and opinionated, and be advised - this won’t be your average Sunday school!

Space Needed

The Western Farm Workers Association is looking for a donated space in Hillsboro where they can staff an office, open 2-3 days a week, to provide clothing for farm workers. Ideally, a ground floor room with space for some racks, shelves, and a sorting table.

The room would be needed for approximately six months.

If you or someone you know has some property that might work, please contact Merry G at 503-690-1908 (home) or 503-840-7410 (mobile.) Thank you for your support.

Baby Shower on May 6

We will be hosting a Baby Shower for a Family Promise mom in the Lighthouse on Saturday, May 6 at noon. 

A baby girl is expected.  Family Promise says the mother can use everything: crib, stroller, playpen, clothing, toys, etc.  More expensive items, such as a crib, may be ‘gently used.’ Diapers are always needed but any other gifts are greatly appreciated.  

If you would like to help set up and decorate, or provide party food, please contact Bonnie B. 

Family Promise is very pleased that Westside is willing to provide the space for Baby Showers.  Thank you all for your continued support of Family Promise. 

New Class Begins May 7

We are beginning a 6-week class on Sunday, May 7, at 8:30 am in the Family Room (with a break on Mother’s Day, May 14.)

Based on Friedman’s Fables by Edwin Friedman: “illustrative tales that offer fresh perspectives on familiar human foibles and reflect the author's humor, pathos, and understanding. Friedman takes on resistance and other "demons" to show that neither insight, nor encouragement, nor intimidation can in themselves motivate an unmotivated person to change. These tales playfully demonstrate that new ideas, new questions, and imagination, more than accepted wisdom, provide each of us with the keys to overcoming stubborn emotional barriers and facilitating real change both in ourselves and others.”

We will read and discuss one fable a week. Come caffeinated and opinionated, and be advised - this won’t be your average Sunday school!

KIVA Loans

Your seed money, faithfully donated through the Change for Change bucket in the autumn of 2019, continues to support small businesses in the US and around the world.

This week, repayments funded two more loans. The first to Shahnoza in Tajikistan (https://www.kiva.org/lend/2565710), a widow with two children who is expanding her dairy. The second loan went to Faith in Uganda (https://www.kiva.org/lend/2565660) who needs to buy a deep freeze and dishes for her restaurant.

KIVA crowdfunds loans and unlocks capital for the underserved, improving the quality and cost of financial services, and addressing the underlying barriers to financial access around the world.

To date, Westsiders have made 33 loans as previous loans have been repaid. You are changing the world.

New Sunday School Class

We are beginning a short-term class on Sunday, May 7, at 8:30 am in the Family Room. 

Based on Friedman’s Fables by Edwin Friedman: “illustrative tales that offer fresh perspectives on familiar human foibles and reflect the author's humor, pathos, and understanding. Friedman takes on resistance and other "demons" to show that neither insight, nor encouragement, nor intimidation can in themselves motivate an unmotivated person to change. These tales playfully demonstrate that new ideas, new questions, and imagination, more than accepted wisdom, provide each of us with the keys to overcoming stubborn emotional barriers and facilitating real change both in ourselves and others.”

We will read and discuss one fable a week. Come caffeinated and opinionated, and be advised - this won’t be your average Sunday school!

Thank You!

A thank you note from the Western Farm Workers Association:

We had a most wonderful Easter celebration this year! Thank you to everyone who donated the baskets, eggs, candy, toys, and their time on Saturday. It was so much fun!

We had just over 130 children get an Easter basket filled with goodies. There were about 50 volunteers to set it all up, cook and serve a delicious lunch, run the games, crafts. and clean up after.

Family Promise Baby Shower

We will be hosting a Baby Shower for a Family Promise mom in the Lighthouse on Saturday, May 6 at noon. 

A baby girl is expected.  Family Promise says the mother can use everything: crib, stroller, playpen, clothing, toys, etc.  More expensive items, such as a crib, may be ‘gently used.’ Diapers are always needed but any other gifts are greatly appreciated.  

If you would like to help set up and decorate, or provide party food, please contact Bonnie B. 

Family Promise is very pleased that Westside is willing to provide the space for Baby Showers.  Thank you all for your continued support of Family Promise. 

Good Friday Service Tonight

Join us tonight, Apr 7, at 7:00 pm for our Good Friday service. West Portland and Vermont Hills UMCs will be part of our gathering for this moving remembrance of Christ’s last words on the cross.  The service will also be online.

Known as a tenebrae service, we will begin in light and slowly move toward darkness. If you are attending online, you may want to prepare to dim the lights or blow out candles around you.

Reminder: Quilted Stole for Bishop Bridgeforth

The Greater Northwest Area (GNW) will install its recently assigned Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth on May 20, during a service live-streamed for the area from Juneau, Alaska.

To welcome Bishop Cedrick, the GNW Worship Team is commissioning a custom quilted stole using fabric from around the area. They are inviting each local church and ministry to send one 2"x2" fabric square in the color and pattern of your choice.

Please bring your fabric square to church by Easter, so that it may be mailed.

Every effort will be made to include every swatch, representing more than 400 churches and ministries Bishop Cedrick now shepherds in the GNW.