January 25, 2012

Volume 16, Issue 02

Portland First
United Methodist
Church declares that
we will be an advocate
for peace in our local
communities and world.
As a Reconciling
Congregation,
members of
First United
Methodist Church
have pledged to
welcome and support
all who want to worship
with us, regardless of
race, gender, class or
sexual orientation.
LIVING A VIBRANT FAITH

WORSHIP
AT FIRST
CHURCH
January 29
Worship at
10:30 AM

February 5
Worship at
10:30 AM
Reconciling
Sunday

SUNDAY
WORSHIP
BELIEVING THINKING ACTING
www.fumcpdx.org
ECUMENICAL BIBLE
DISCUSSION & FELLOWSHIP
As it appears, the ONLY downtown
ecumenical Bible Discussion begins here at
First Church on Thursday, February 2, 2012.
The format is a discussion group of lay
participants and at least one clergy person.
The Rev. Joanne Rannells will be present as
the group gets started. Discussions will
follow the common lectionary for the church
year and all you need to do in preparation is
pre-read that weeks scripture and come with
your Bible, comments, and questions. The
weekly gatherings will be publicized in part
through Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
and Christians of all denominations from
nearby churches will be encouraged to attend.
It should be a lively discussion each week,
which will help you interpret scripture and
its meaning in application to the daily events
of your life. Plan to join this new fellowship
group! Starts Thursday, February 2, 10:30
AM to noon in the Church Library. Bring
coffee/tea, water will be available.

For more information contact Mark Ohlson,
Outreach Coordinator at 503/228-3195
(ext. 220) or mohlson@fumcpdx.org
Back by popular demand! Join Rev. Donna for a discussion
of the following weeks Scriptures in this relaxed, informal
setting on two Wednesdays in February: Wednesdays,
February 1 & 8, 2012 at 7:00 PM at Goose Hollow Inn.
PREACHERS PUB
TWO WEDNESDAYS IN FEBRUARY
2
Rev. Donna
Pritchard
a message
from our
pastor
I am soon (February 6th) going to be celebrating another birthday maybe even by the
time you get this edition of the Circuit Rider I will be blowing out those 50-some odd
candles on my cake. So I decided it might be Iun to fnd out a little bit about myselI as I
fnd myselI on the internet.

It turns out that I am not only a United Methodist clergywoman, and the senior pastor
here at First United Methodist Church of Portland, Oregon. It turns out I am also an
award-winning Registered Nurse, a realtor in the San Juan Islands, the owner of a
liquor store in southeast Missouri, a youth worker in Times Square, a rugby player, a
member of the Pool Committee in Verona, New Jersey, a human resource associate for
the Canadian government, a model somewhere in Wales, a psychologist in Winnipeg, a
principal in Georgia, a founding member of the Dallas, Texas Harley Davidson chapter


And that is just a sampling Irom the frst three pages oI 'hits in my Google search
using the name Donna Pritchard. It boggles the imagination, doesnt it? To think that
there are so many other 'Donna Pritchards in the world, doing such amazing things,
having such different lives and impacting the world in so many different ways.

I could probably see myself playing rugby, or serving on that pool committee, or
working in a school somewhere. I could see myself doing a little HR work for Canada,
or some youth ministry in New York City. But probably not nursing . and defnitely not
creating 'HOG heaven in Dallas - or anywhere else, Ior that matter!

Yet thinking about all those other Donnas may be a good thing, as I contemplate another
birthday. For the year ahead promises to be as surprising, ambiguous, challenging,
joyful, and open as any year before it, full of many opportunities and many choices to
make. The year ahead will be as full of possibilities as I am able to allow.

All of us create ourselves in every year of our lives by the opportunities we seize and
the ones we let go by the choices we make and the roads we travel. So it might be a
good thing to imagine the possibilities from time to time. Who knows what your next
'Googling might reveal? For as Paul puts it in the book oI Romans .
'You did not receive a spirit oI slavery to Iall back into Iear; but you have received a
spirit oI adoption. (Romans 8:15)
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Donna
6
Things You Can Do On Our Church Website
www.fumcpdx.org
1. Check out the First Church calendar.
2. Read Pastor Donnas blog.
3. Download a copy of the bulletin/insert.
4. Download a past sermon.
5. Listen to an entire worship service.
6. Make a donation to the church.
And much, much more ...
3
PRAYERS OF SYMPATHY FOR ...
Sue Beardwood, in the death of her very good friend
Charles Bernard. Charles died on
January 21, 2012 after an extended illness.
PRAYERS OF CONCERN FOR ...
Monika Gleason, who has been diagnosed with
late stage Lyme Disease. She is the
granddaughter of Sue Beardwood ...
OUR PRAYERS CONTINUE FOR ...
Virginia Bender, Judie Carpenter, Nancy Beth Davis,
Doris Lavely, Olive Pomeroy, Marilyn Ringquist,
Jim Jozwiak, and Kyong Vaandering ...

CHANGING CHRISTIANITY
This class meets each Sunday morning at 9:00 AM in Room 202.
The class is currently discussing Twelve Steps to a Compassionate
Life, by Karen Armstrong.

FAITHLINK
This class meets each Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 AM in Room 134
This weekly study analyzes current events from a Methodist
perspective. FaithLink is a study for individuals or groups who
want to apply their United Methodist beliefs to current faith issues
and world events. This essential guide motivates Christians to
consider their personal views on important contemporary issues.
FaithLink also encourages action for beliefs. Please join us each
Sunday for lively discussions and inspiration.

A SHORT-TERM ADULT CLASS:
READING & USING THE BIBLE
Rev. Dr. Tom Rannells leads the fnal session oI Reading and
Using the Bible, on Sunday, February 5, at 9:00 AM in Room
110. Those who are newer to the faith or those who would like a
'reIresher course on the Bible are encouraged to attend.
Adult Sunday School Classes
CONCERNS
PRAYERS
JOIN THE FIRST CHURCH UMVIM
TEAM TO UMCOR WEST
Space is still available on the First UMC Volunteer in
Mission Trip to UMCOR West (Utah) June 3-10, 2012.
Sarah Baker and Dee Poujade will lead a group of
volunteers to the Methodist Supply Depot in Salt Lake City,
Utah, where they will perform volunteer service work
packing health, layette and sewing kits for distribution to
disaster areas across the globe. Cost of the trip is about $600,
which includes transportation (either by plane, or by auto
with an overnight stop in Idaho), lodging at the Episcopal
Retreat Center in Salt Lake City, most meals (shared meal
preparation at the retreat center and in local restaurants),
donations to the work project and insurance. A $100 deposit
will hold a place on the team; application Iorms are available
in the church oIfce.
Anyone who would like additional information
can contact Sarah at 503/239-7709 (sarah baker1915@comcast.net)
or Dee at 503/243-3337 (deelaw33@hotmail.com).
Pictured above are volunteers from the
2011 VIM Trip to UMCOR.
At the very back you can see Lowell Greathouse.
LAST SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP
On Sunday, January 29, 2012 the youth group will have its Last
Sunday of the month adventure, lunch at the Sushi-Go-Round.
Bring $10 for lunch. Meet after worship in Collins Hall.
On Sunday, February 26, meet in the Youth Room after worship
for pizza lunch and games.
First Church Youth
4
Hundreds of books will be on sale Sunday, February 5, 2012.
It takes place in Collins Hall during Coffee Hour after worship
on that day. This is your chance to stock up on bargain reading
materials to get you through the winter. Titles will be available on
all sorts oI topics, fction and non-fction alike, best sellers, books
for children or grandchildren, and more. All money received goes
to purchase new books for the outstanding resource library here at
First UMC. See you at the Book Sale!
Mardi Gras Party

FRIENDS OF MUSIC PRESENT A

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012

Remember the fun you had at last years Mardi

Gras at First Church? Grab your beads, put on
your party masks and dancin shoes! Saturday
night, February 18, 2012 is our Second Annual
Mardi Gras presented by the Friends of Music.
The party begins at 6:00 with Methodist
Hurricane Punch, a great Jambalaya dinner,
dessert and presentation of the King Cake
followed by dancing. This years event has
twice the fun with duo Masters of Ceremonies:
our new Chancel Choir Director, Erick Lichte
and Ethan Sperry. Do your Mardi Gras research
to win the King Cake! Again the fabulous
Glenn Tedina Swing Band is providing dance
music, and the Mardi Gras cuisine is prepared
by our master chef Art Kayser and his expert
staff.
This fund raising event for our music depart-
ment is a very affordable $25 per person.
Additionally you are invited to be a Mardi Gras
sponsor.

Tickets and more information will be available
during Coffee Hour in the Commons follow-
ing worship on January 29, 2012. Seating is
limited, so get your tickets early.
6:00 to 9:30 PM
IN COLLINS HALL
HUGE LIBRARY BOOK SALE
ALTAR FLOWERS
Dates Ior altar fowers are still available. Marty Martin will be in
Collins Hall after worship taking orders or people can email Agnes
Zach at aazach@hotmail.com.
This & That
PLAY READING AT THE OLD CHURCH/
GOURMET LUNCH AT OREGON
CULINARY INSTITUTE
Join us for this popular annual event on March 6,
2012 as professionals read a contemporary
comedy in the setting of the historic Old Church in
downtown Portland. We meet at First UMC at
9:00 AM and carpool to the Old Church.
A gourmet lunch follows at the Oregon Culinary
Institute. Registration is $22.00 for the play tickets
and lunch with a limit oI 20 participants; deadline
is February 14, 2012. Register with Christine
Bostick in the church oIfce: 503.228-3195 ext 222
or cbostick@fumcpdx.org.
5
ABUSE & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
On Tuesday evening, February 14, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:00 PM,
Stephen Ministry will host a guest speaker on the pervasive and
devastating issue of abuse and domestic violence.
Nationally, one in four women has experienced domestic
violence in her lifetime.
Nearly three out of four (74%) Americans personally
know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic
violence.
Approximately one in fve Iemale high school students
reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating
partner.
Nationally, the health-related costs of intimate partner
violence exceed $5.8 billion each year.
But there is hope and there is help. Locally, there are
several agencies and groups which offer abuse victims a
life-line in the midst of their darkest emotional and physi-
cal pain. One such group is ARMS.Come meet Stacey
Womack, Executive Director of ARMS. Abuse Recovery
Ministry and Services is a faith-based, interdenomina-
tional, organization. It provides educational counseling
and awareness to individuals faced with domestic abuse.
The ARMS program encourages beliefs and behaviors
that heal and promote healthy life styles. As founder of
ARMS, Stacey Womack is a notable leader, author and
speaker on abuse recovery and we are pleased to have her
with us.
Stephen Ministry welcomes you to join us in Room 160
(downstairs by the Max entry), Tuesday evening, from
7:00 to 8:00 PM on February 14, 2012.
DOMEST I C
VI OLENCE
RESPONDING TO
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FIRST CHURCH SPRING RETREAT
April 13, 14, and 15, 2012
Suttle Lake Camp, outside of Sisters, Oregon
Families of all shapes and sizes are invited to join us for this wonderful event!
Space is limited. Contact Megan Humphreys-Loving for more details.
mhumphreys-loving@fumcpdx.org or 503/228-3195 ext. 227
All women are invited to participate in the follow-
ing activities. We strive to develop a supportive
fellowship as we promote concern for women,
children and youth at home and abroad. President,
Marion Hollenberg. 503/640-3270
UMW UNIT MEETING
The UMW Unit will meet Wednesday, February 1,
2012 at 10:00 AM in the Fireside Room. As part of
the devotions portion of the business meeting, a
collection will be taken for the World Thank
Offering. The program will be presented by
Marilyn Outslay who will explain the relationship
between Womens Division and the work of the
United Nations. The Church Center at the UN is
owned by the Womens Division and many United
Methodist meetings and functions are held there.
Marilyn is a former Director of Womens Divi-
sion and is currently serving on the Board of the
Portland chapter of UNA-USA. Bring a brown bag
lunch. Dessert and beverage will be provided.
TABITHA CIRCLE
The Tabitha Circle will meet Wednesday, February
1, 2012 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in Room 202.
THE RUTH CIRCLE
The Ruth Circle will meet Wednesday, February
15 at noon in Room 204. Cheryl Luce will present
the program about her recent trip to Machu Pic-
chu, Peru. Bring a sandwich for lunch. Dessert and
beverage will be provided. Chair: Betty-Lou Hare,
UMW
United Methodist Women
Publication Deadlines
Articles for The Circuit Rider are due no later
than 10:00 AM on the Thursday before publication
the following Wednesday. The next Circuit Rider will
be published on February 8, 2012.
The Circuit Rider can be e-mailed to you.
E-mail the church ofhce at ofhce@fumcpdx.org
to request it by e-mail.
Address Service Requested
The Circuit Rider
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1838 SW Jefferson St. Portland OR 97201-2496
THE CIRCUIT RIDER is a publication of First United Methodist Church,
1838 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR 97201-2496
Nonproft Org US Postage Paid Portland, OR
Permit No. 1719
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
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PORTLAND OR
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from
FRONT
DESK
the
I have never worked in a church oIfce that has such large windows. My desk Iaces out to two sets
oI windows ... the set oI windows looking into the church oIfce Irom the hallway ... and the set oI
windows that look out to Beckham Courtyard from the hallway. In the spring it is sometimes
breathtaking to look out into the courtyard. The Shovel and Rake Gang are top notch in keeping
our grounds in such beautiful condition. However, this winter has been a bit on the gray side. Our
brief encounter with snow the other day was a welcome change from day after day of rain. One re-
cent Thursday the rain was torrential. As I looked out into the hallway I could see a man in cut-offs
and a tee-shirt, he was drenched. BeIore he could make it to the church oIfce, I saw Mark Ohlson.
Mark is our Coordinator of Volunteers and Hospitality. Although I could see the brief drama that
was playing out through the windows I couldnt hear the interactions. Mark engaged the man in
a conversation and led him to a place to sit and rest. Mark left and returned with a warm coat and
some other articles of clothing. The man appeared appreciative. As Mark stood in the doorway, I
could hear him say, 'I hope that helps.
I was impressed with Marks gentleness and compassion. I was proud to work at First Church.
I am always troubled by Jesus` words, 'Inasmuch as you have done it (oIIered help) in my name,
you have done it to me. Our corners are proliIerated with 'signers, those who hold makeshiIt
cardboard signs saying, 'Even pennies help. I generally wince and hope the light changes soon. I
only want to help if I can do it in a substantial and ongoing way. I dont want to perpetuate poverty.
Then Jesus pipes up Irom the backseat, 'Inasmuch ... And then the light changes and his voice
fades.
It is raining again today. Not too much traIfc in the hallways. I keep looking out the window ...
maybe Ill catch a glimpse of Jesus! Dave Jenkins, Administrative Assistant