The New Jim Crow, Ice Skating, PFLAG, and more inside!
Weekly Highlights
Caring Conversation
What is your dream for social justice?
  Week of January 15
ICE SKATING: Sunday, January 15 

Our first outing is THIS Sunday! After church we'll eat lunch and then carpool to the Sherwood Ice Skating Rink for two hours of sliding, slipping, and skating around the serendipitous rink! You won't want to miss this exciting outing with all your church friends. This event is suitable for ages 4 or 5 to teens and beyond. As always, kids are free; adults are $8. The Sunday weather forecast is for rain only, no ice or snow. Yeah! Please RSVP to Ken ASAP if your family/kids are interested in going.
The New Jim Crow: Sunday Morning Discussion and Feb. Forum 

Michelle Alexander's bestseller, "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness," will be a focus of inquiry at Bethel in January and February. The Sunday morning adult discussion group, which meets at 9:00 in the narthex conference room, is discussing the book and all are welcome to attend. No prior experience with the book (or the topic) is required. Copies of the book can be obtained through the church office. The February 26 Social Justice Forum, following the Sunday morning service, will also focus on this topic, and will feature Jo Ann Hardesty, president of Portland NAACP.
POSTPONED - Randall-Bodman Holiday Open House

Jeanne and David have decided to postpone their open house originally scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, January 7. The weather forecast is for snow turning to freezing rain beginning at 10am and going through the day and evening.  The date for the open house has been moved to Saturday, March 18 from 1-5pm.
PFLAG 

Our next Washington County PFLAG meeting on January 19 will feature speakers from SAGE. The program starts at 7:00 followed by a sharing circle at 8:00 p.m. for those who wish to stay. SAGE Metro Portland works with and for LGBT elders 60+ to create community, social change, and to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBT elders in the Portland Metro area.
Bethel Square Dance

The next Bethel Square Dance will be Saturday February 4 from 2-4 PM in the Fellowship Hall. For adults and kids 10 and over. If child care is needed, contact the office.
Torchsong Entertainment Presents: Opera vs. Broadway

Friday, January 27th at 7:00pm
Saturday, January 28th at 3:00pm
The Chapel Theater at Artist's Milepost
8155 NE Oregon Str., Portland, OR 97213

Join us for a battle royale live on stage as classical soprano heavy hitter, Amanda Hofmann-Smith dukes it out against knock-out belter, Heidi Davis in this title fight. Who will win in a match pitting "La Boheme" against "Rent", "Rigaletto" against "Chicago," "La Traviata" against "A Chorus Line," and many more? Come see which diva throws in the towel and which wins the coveted championship belt in this fun filled show featuring music by Puccini, Mozart, Verdi, Kander & Ebb, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Schwartz, and more!
Silent Prayer and Meditation in the Public Square

The interfaith community of Portland is calling for people to gather on Sunday, January 22, two days after the Presidential inauguration, to stand in solidarity with all those who stand to be marginalized and silenced by the incoming administration.

We will meet a Congregation Beth Israel at 3:30 pm for a silent march to Pioneer Square. Then, starting at 4:30 pm, we will practice silent prayer and meditation for one hour in the name of Peace, Justice, and the Integrity of All Creation. If you're able, please bring a battery-powered candle that can endure the elements and keep shining out as we pray together.

RSVP on Facebook at: tinyurl.com/healingthebelovedcommunity
 Second Home Beaverton Celebration Luncheon! 

Join us on Wednesday, January 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. for the annual Second Home Beaverton Celebration Luncheon at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 12405 SW Butner Rd, Beaverton. Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon's Second Home is a community effort to provide stable homes for our unaccompanied youth. Learn more about Second Home.
Beaverton Opens Severe Weather Shelter

The City of Beaverton has opened a severe weather shelter at the Beaverton Community Center, 12350 SW Fifth St. The facility will provide free temporary shelter for adults (age 18 and older) experiencing homelessness during extreme temperatures. It is the only severe weather shelter within city limits. For more information click on this link: http://www.beavertonoregon.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1634
Mark Your Calendars

Guest Organist - Dan Miller - January 22
Annual Meeting - January 29
Bethel Square Dance - February 4
Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ | (503) 646-1191 | Email
5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005