This Sunday

This Sunday, Nov 19, will be busy - and wonderful!

The choir will lift their voices in praise during worship and we’ll hear about the ‘L’ and ‘E’ of Bishop Bridgeforth’s MILE initiative.

After worship, we’ll have our Chili Cookoff. Try several varieties of chili and vote for your favorite. There will be prizes awarded! Remember to bring whatever you signed up for - chili and/or toppings.

Sunday is also the deadline for bringing items for the Thanksgiving baskets. If you haven’t signed up yet, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BABAF22AB9-46171026-thanksgiving. You may also contribute to the purchase of items and perishables, online or in the offering plate - remember to indicate that your donation is for Thanksgiving baskets.

M.I.L.E. Continues

Last Sunday, Pastor Brett covered ‘Ministry that Matters’ and ‘Itineration and Location’ (Oh M.I.!) This week will be ‘Lay Ministry Enhancement’ and ‘Eliminating Racism’ from Bishop Bridgeforth’s 4-point M.I.L.E. initiative.

You may view all of the bishop’s videos at https://greaternw.org/m-i-l-e-2023-annual-conference-sermons/ or get a quick overview with links at https://greaternw.org/mile/

And be sure to attend Westside’s all-church meeting on Sunday, Dec 10, after worship for a potluck lunch and discussions on how Westside will respond to the M.I.L.E. vision.

Don't Forget Thursday's Blood Drive

We are hosting a Blood Drive this Thursday, Nov 16, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Lighthouse.

There are 12 spots still available; most between 11:15 am and 12:30 pm. You may simply walk in if you find yourself in the neighborhood. Or sign up at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=WestsideUMC.

Learn more about donating, and eligibility, at redcrossblood. It’s easier, and more folks are eligible than before.

Make giving blood a holiday tradition!

Go the M.I.L.E.

Over the next two weeks in worship, Pastor Brett will be exploring Bishop Cedric's vision to ‘go the M.I.L.E.’ Some clips of his vision will be shown in the bishop’s own words; Brett will do some paraphrasing of longer videos.

You may view all of the bishop’s videos at https://greaternw.org/m-i-l-e-2023-annual-conference-sermons/ or get a quick overview with links at https://greaternw.org/mile/

And be sure to attend Westside’s all-church meeting on Sunday, Dec 10, after worship for a potluck lunch and discussions on how Westside will respond to the M.I.L.E. vision.

A Gospel Music Nativity

From Nov 22 - Dec 10, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts is presenting Black Nativity by poet and playwright Langston Hughes. Tickets are $40 ($35 for seniors, $27 for students with ID) and are General Admission. 

Based on the traditional Nativity story, the spirit-filled, inspiring play features traditional Christmas carols performed in a gospel style with a few new songs specifically for the show.

Wendy and Josh Fedderly will be going to the Thursday, Nov 30, 7:30 pm performance. Reach out to Wendy if you’ll be going that night, and she’ll save you a seat!

 https://www.portland5.com/brunish-theatre/events/black-nativity

HomePlate Seeking Santa Support

HomePlate Youth Services needs your help with their annual Holiday Store. The Store provides youth the opportunity to practice generosity by choosing gifts for their guardians, grandparents, siblings, babies, etc.

You may help by donating unwrapped gifts with a maximum value of $20; donating cash for HomePlate to purchase gifts; and/or volunteering before and during the event.

Gifts may be brought to church by Sunday, Dec 10 (see this flyer for details and gift ideas.)

Volunteer opportunities are:

  • Week of December 4th (flexible timing based on availability)
    Organizing and inventorying the gifts we receive before youth shop for them

  • December 13th: 4-8 pm Holiday Store in Beaverton
    Helping with gift wrapping, cookie decorating, etc.

  • December 14th: 6-8 pm Holiday Store in Hillsboro
    Helping with gift wrapping, cookie decorating, etc.

If interested in volunteering, you may contact their coordinator at clare@homeplateyouth.org or 971-238-3055. Contact Bonnie B with any questions.

Chili Cookoff is Coming!

You’re invited to enter your best chili in our Chili Cookoff contest, to be held on Sunday, Nov 19, following worship. Earn bragging rights - and fabulous prizes! - with any type of chili, any level of spice. Entries will be anonymous.

Apostolic Church will be joining us in this event!

Bring a minimum of 4 quarts, hot and ready to eat, in an electric crockpot. Tasting and judging will begin at 11:30. There will be a People’s Choice Award, plus a small panel of judges to award other prizes.

If you have an extra crockpot, please let us know, in case it’s needed.

Entries are due by Sunday, Nov 12, to Sandy H or the church office. Entry forms are on the front table at church or enter online at https://westsidejourney.breezechms.com/form/chili-cookoff

Invite your friends and family to enjoy a tasty bowl of chili!

Blood Drive - Sign up Today!

We are hosting a Blood Drive on Thursday, Nov 16, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Lighthouse.

Are you a fan of the movie, Elf? Donors will receive a pair of cool socks, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the film (while supplies last) in addition to a Red Cross t-shirt.

Sign up at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=WestsideUMC.

Learn more about donating, and eligibility, at redcrossblood

Make giving blood a holiday tradition!

Everyone who gives blood Nov. 10-30 will receive an exclusive pair of Elf & Red Cross socks, while supplies last!

Join us to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the film Elf and make giving blood a holiday tradition!