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Worship On Sundays

WFWA Holiday Update

Merry G shares the latest about the Western Farm Workers Association:

It has been a very busy time for the members and volunteers!

On November 11, Kaiser Permanente opticians gave us 97 appointments for complete eye exams and free glasses at their facility in Tanasbourne. Every patient received prescription eyeglasses, and three patients will have eye surgeries donated. Thank you to the opticians and staff!

For our Thanksgiving food distribution, 85 families received a turkey and seven bags of groceries. The food was sorted, bagged, and numbered before the teams of drivers delivered them to the members' homes. The whole day went smoothly and joyfully.

Our Christmas holiday distributions are being planned now. We will be collecting toys, new clothing, and food. Here is our timeline:

Friday, December 15, Toy Sort at Hillsboro United Methodist church. Gifts are bagged and labeled by family.

Saturday, December 16, Family Holiday Party at HUMC--dinner, childrens' crafts, and gift distribution.

Saturday December 23 : Christmas Food Distribution at Reedville Presbyterian Church. Food will be sorted, bagged, and delivered to homes.

Westside has offered to hold a hat and gloves collection for the Farm Workers gift drive. Please note that gifts of clothing must be new.

Volunteers are needed to prepare for and participate at all of these events. You can find a time that works for you and sign up. Call Merry Goldthorpe at 503-690-1908 or the WFWA office at 503-681-9399. Thank you.

MILE Survey

Pastor Brett and your church council are requesting that you complete this survey, https://westsidejourney.breezechms.com/form/MILE, in the next 48 hours. Responses will be sent to the district on the morning of Friday, Dec 1.

It asks your opinions concerning Westside and the four aspects of Bishop Bridgeforth’s MILE vision:

  1. Ministry that Matters

  2. Itineration and Location

  3. Lay Ministry Enhancement

  4. Elimination of Racism

Learn more about MILE at https://greaternw.org/mile/

HomePlate Gift Drive

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.

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!