Brian Shimer
Online Worship on Zoom
Brian Shimer
Zoom Begins this Sunday
Brian Shimer
Join Us for Online Worship
Brian Shimer
Online Worship
Brian Shimer
Worship On Sundays

Night Without a Bed

Over 12% of all US children live in poverty; family homelessness is on the rise.

Family Promise of Greater Washington County is hosting an experiential evening to raise awareness for unhoused children and their families, and to raise funds that will directly impact their lives.

On Saturday, October 21, you are invited to Southminster Presbyterian Church to sleep outside your bed. Dinner and a to-go breakfast will be provided for those staying overnight (bring your own sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, etc.) If you’re unable to stay overnight, you can still participate by sleeping on your sofa, the floor, or even in your car. The event begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:00 am on Sunday, Oct 22.

Donations of $10 per person (or a package of diapers or toilet paper) are requested. Learn more and register (by Monday, Oct 16, please) at familypromisegwc.org

October is Pastor Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

The call to honor our church leaders’ contributions can be traced back to the apostle Paul. In establishing the first Christian churches, Paul advised the congregation to give “double honor” to the elders of the church who managed the affairs of the church well, “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

So, “double honor” Pastor Brett with a hand-written note, small gifts, a coffee date, or just a sincere prayer of thanks for all he does for Westside. Most of all remember that while October is set aside as Pastor Appreciation Month, our pastors and church leaders should be encouraged, celebrated, and graciously thanked all year long. So shower them with love, understanding, and support every day of the year!

Special Guest this Sunday

Gabby Thuillier, Community Engagement Manager at Blanchet House, will be joining us this Sunday, October 15.

Blanchet House is “On a mission to alleviate suffering and offer hope for a better life by serving essential aid with dignity.” Established in 1952, they offer hot meals six days a week, clothing services, and two residential programs. Learn more at blanchethouse.org

Every Sunday we collect loose coins and small bills through our Change for Change buckets to support their vital work. Come at 10:00 am this Sunday to see a presentation and hear more about how we can all help.

WFWA Update

The new Benefits office of the Western Farm Workers Association is now open! 

The new location is at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church on the corner of 8th and Lincoln Streets. It is currently open twice a month; 43 people attended the first Saturday to select adult and children’s clothing.

All clothing donations will still be accepted at the main office,  725 S.E. 7th Avenue in Hillsboro, for sorting.

WFWA is still looking for a donated vehicle, something for office staff to use, no more than 15 years old.

Thank you to all who donate resources. WFWA is an all-volunteer organization, open every day of the year, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.  If you are interested or have questions, please contact Merry Goldthorpe at 503-690-1908 or 503-840-7410.

Still Need Volunteers!

Bonnie still needs folks to help prepare and serve dinner on Thursday, Oct 12. Only a 3-hour commitment to make a big difference in the life of a youth.

We will provide dinner at their Hillsboro drop-in center, at Hillsboro UCC, 494 E Main St. Food prep begins around 5:00; you will be done by 8:00 pm. Please let Bonnie know as soon as possible that she can count on your help!

Store-bought cookies are still needed as well.

Thank you!

Pastor Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

The call to honor our church leaders’ contributions can be traced back to the apostle Paul. In establishing the first Christian churches, Paul advised the congregation to give “double honor” to the elders of the church who managed the affairs of the church well, “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).

So, “double honor” Pastor Brett with a hand-written note, small gifts, a coffee date, or just a sincere prayer of thanks for all he does for Westside. Most of all remember that while October is set aside as Pastor Appreciation Month, our pastors and church leaders should be encouraged, celebrated, and graciously thanked all year long. So shower them with love, understanding, and support every day of the year!

Beaverton Buddies

Beaverton Buddies is a group that Family Promise works with. We received the following message through them:

If you are interested in volunteering with our Beaverton Buddies program, we could certainly use your help during this time of year when the demand is high. Please contact Amanda Hill at amandah@fpgwc.org for more information. We are especially receiving a high level of need for the following items and would be very grateful for any donations you may be willing to make:

  • toilet paper

  • paper towels

  • diapers

  • baby wipes

  • cleaning products

  • dish soap

  • laundry detergent

  • shampoo & conditioner

  • sanitary pads & tampons

Volunteers are also needed to sort and box items, and, on occasion, deliver boxes to families. Please contact Bonnie B if you can help.

Volunteer Appreciation

Family Promise is celebrating everyone who has contributed to make the program a success. Did you know, there are 23 host and support organizations, including Westside, and over 650 volunteers!

Please join us on Monday, Oct 16, from 4:30 - 6:00 pm in our Lighthouse building.

There will be snacks and beverages and sincere appreciation for YOU!

Beaverton HS Community Partners

The first meeting of the Community Partners Team (CPT) is this Friday from 9:30 - 10:30 am in Beaverton High School's Community Room.

The primary objective of the CPT program is to foster meaningful connections between the school and the broader community. By working together, we can create a nurturing environment that enhances the educational experience of students.

During the first gathering, we will discuss the mission and vision of our Community Partners Team, explore ways in which we can collaborate with various community stakeholders, and establish measurable goals that align with our school's needs and priorities. Your insights and contributions will be invaluable as we work to shape the direction of our CPT.

Future meetings are on the second Friday of every month at the same time.

If you are interested in participating, please confirm your attendance ASAP by responding to this form.

Service Opportunity

Westsiders are invited back to HomePlate Youth Services! HomePlate offers drop-in services where youth ages 12-24 can stop by for a free meal, access clothing, showers, or job support, and build relationships with trusted adults.

We will provide dinner on the second Thursday of every month at their Hillsboro drop-in center, at Hillsboro UCC, 494 E Main St., beginning October 12. Food prep begins around 4:30: due to health regulations, purchased food must be brought directly to their kitchen; food from scratch must be prepared onsite. For more information, please click here. You will be done by 8:00 pm.

Donations for the cost of the food are also appreciated.

Contact Bonnie B if you can help.

Family Promise Week

Westside will be “hosting” the families at Family Promise Beaverton House the week of October 15-21. 

We will provide a hot meal for two nights and gift cards for the other nights.

If you (or you and a friend or two) are able to provide a meal, please let Bonnie know.   If you would like to donate funds to help with the gift cards, please make a check out to Westside, or donate through our online giving, with Family Promise noted.  We will provide each family with a $75 Visa gift card that they can use for groceries or restaurant meals. 

Thank you for your support!