Staying Connected
September 17, 2026
This Sunday with Pastor Anna
Title: Waking Up from the Wage
Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard...the last will be first, and the first will be last.” -- Matthew 20:1,16
Opportunities this Week:
Sun, 10:30 am: Worship
In the sanctuary and online
Tue, 1:00 pm: Talk 'n' Thought
In the Fireside Room
Wed, 6:30 pm: ImBible Study
In the Fireside Room and online
Send in the Clowns
Auction 2026, with a circus theme, will be on Saturday, Oct 10, at 5:30 pm. This is a major fundraiser for our church, with online, silent, and live portions. Donations are requested! Some best-selling ideas are themed baskets, homebaked goods, gift cards, and hosted events. If you have any questions, please ask Virginia - she is more than happy to help! Donation forms are available on the Welcome table or email the church office. Tangible items (excluding food items) should be brought to the church between Sunday, Sep 20 and Thursday, Oct 1. And don't forget - we can easily increase our proceeds by bringing friends to this fun event!
Join the VHUMC Travelers!
Do you enjoy traveling to new places, learning about different cultures, and trying new foods? Come to the Fireside Room on Sunday, Sep 27, at 2:00 pm, to see pictures and hear about our recent trip to the Nordic countries. We will also be discussing and planning for fall 2027 travel, as well as looking ahead to 2028. All are welcome to journey with us, either vicariously on September 27 or by joining our actual upcoming trips!
Game Night
Our monthly gathering to play all types of games is this Sunday from 4:00-6:00 in the Fireside Room downstairs. All are invited! Feel free to bring a game, a friend, and/or a snack to share.
Fireside Friends
The auction and holiday bazaar will be here before we know it! Join us this Monday to work on multiple fundraising quilts. 6:00-8:00 pm in the studio. Ask at the Welcome table if you need more info.
New Book
Talk 'N' Thought, our weekly book group, is beginning a new book, Rest is Resistance, A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey. Hersey, aka "The Nap Bishop", encourages us to connect to the liberating power of rest, daydreaming, and naps as a foundation for healing and justice. Join in the discussions on Tuesdays, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the Fireside Room. Contact Linda M for more information.
It's Back!
ImBible bible study returned last night. Join this lively, progressive group of folks who dig into the bible - what it meant then and what it means now. Weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Fireside Room and on Zoom. Contact John E for more info.
Connecting Neighbors Training
Connecting Neighbors is a hands-on, faith-based training designed to help the church and community be ready when crisis hits. The training is free but donations will be accepted for a light lunch. This Saturday, Sep 19, 8:30-4:15 at Beaverton FUMC. Learn more at umoi.org/newsdetail/19929179
Decolonizing Christianity
In today's tense political and cultural climate, how might Christianity be renewed into a tradition that is more faithful to the Gospel — and more capable of responding to the signs of our times? That's the question at the heart of Decolonizing Christianity, a six-session online course led by Dr. Ish Ruiz. Together, we'll examine the historical complicity of Christian theology, spirituality, and ministry in systems of racial, sexual, and economic oppression, while exploring the transformative possibilities emerging from feminist, queer, and BIPOC theological traditions. This course is open to both clergy and laity seeking deeper theological grounding for justice-centered Christian life, ministry, and congregational leadership. More info and registration
Dates: Mondays & Tuesdays, October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20
Time: 7:00 PM EST · Six 90-minute sessions
Format: Online
Cost: $150 (Limited partial scholarships available.)
Volunteer Opportunity
The mission of the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIrJ) is to accompany and support immigrants and refugees in Oregon while organizing faith communities to advance justice, dignity, and human rights. The Accompaniment Program exists to support our community members who are forced to navigate the United States’ complicated, outdated, and exploitative immigration proceedings. We train volunteers to walk side-by-side with individuals as they attend I.C.E. check-ins, immigration court hearings, Intensive Supervision Appearance Program appointments, and other mandatory dates during their immigration process. Consider volunteering to accompany our community members. Learn more at https://www.imirj.org/accompaniment
Food, Film, and Community
Food has a beautiful way of acting as a glue—bringing us together, sparking deep conversations, and crossing cultural boundaries. This fall, IMIrJ invites you to a unique fundraising event that celebrates the rich, diverse flavors and stories of our community. As you watch the first three episodes of the series,Food Foray, you will also get to sample the very foods, from Republic of Georgia, Mexico, and Myanmar, featured on screen. This Saturday, September 19, 6:00 pm, at the Tomorrow Theater (3530 SE Division St, Portland) Tickets are $20, available at tomorrowtheater.org/purchase/842033/ Visit imirj.org/news/food-film-and-community-a-special-fundraiser-for-imirjfor more information.
Job Opening!
VHUMC is seeking a part-time Youth Leader to guide the spiritual development and well-being of youth in grades 6–12 through relational and justice-oriented ministry. The position is 20 hours per week and reports to Pastor Anna. If you or someone you know might be interested, please forward the job information.
Anti-Racism Learning Circles
You are invited to join a free Antiracism Learning Circle this fall, organized by Portland First Unitarian. All circles meet on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere. Several different groups are available, beginning Sep 21 and later. See the full descriptions and scheduleshere or pick up a flyer on the Welcome table.
Night Strike
We continue our connection with Night Strike, a ministry to the houseless, under the Burnside Bridge. Our usual evening is on the third Thursday of each month. Slots fill very quickly. You can register at cityteam.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/nightstrike (the link is also at the top of this email.)
Vigils
There are ongoing vigils at the Portland ICE building, 4310 S Macadam Ave, from 2:00-2:45 pm every 1st and 3rd Thursday. Grab your group and peacefully protect our democracy.
Easy Giving
Donate online
Fred Meyer Rewards program, code SY323
CarEasy.org to give 70% of vehicle sale to VHUMC
Contact the church office with any questions.
Calendars
Receiving 2027 calendars that you won't use? You can leave them on the Welcome table and Donna will make sure they get to Neighborhood House for those who need them.
Talk N Thought
The ‘dynamite’ ladies of TnT meet every Tuesday, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, in the Fireside Room to read and discuss together. Contact Linda Miller at raylindamiller@comcast.net for more info.
Prayer Chain
Email your prayer requests to PrayerVHUMC@gmail.com. If you do not have access to email, you may call Linda Miller at 503.699.8628. The ‘Prayers of the People’ is crafted weekly from this information; please indicate if your prayer is private.
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