June 28, 2018
The Power of "Yes"!

Greetings,

This past month we've been working our way through our 'Next Adventure' sermon series and as the series was approaching I found myself a bit nervous because adventure is not something I seek out. Adventure is something that raises my anxiety and something I tend to steer clear of. But this year my new year's resolution was to say "Yes" to opportunities in life that I would say "No" to or let my anxiety get the best of me. So far I have said yes to opportunities where I would have to travel on my own and that is something I would have said no to before. I have gone to prayer vigils and protests which I would of said no to before because of my fear of being trapped in a crowd.  Sometimes discipleship asks us to stand up and face our fears. 

We are living in a world right now that is full of things that scare us. Every time we listen to or read the news there are stories that frighten or upset us. I know these news stories frighten me because they show a message counter to the one Jesus shares with us.

As disciples of Christ we are going to have moments like the disciples did in the scripture where we feel that Jesus or God do not care.

We are going to face moments in our life where we are afraid or frightened. But it is important to remember in the scripture Jesus calms the storm by offering peace. As disciples of Christ, we too, are called to offer peace to one another and to share with the world the lessons of our faith. Sometimes doing so means facing our fears and stepping outside of our comfort zone. Sometimes that means sharing our stories or taking the time to listen to one another's stories. Sometimes it means going to a prayer vigil at a prison or a protest at the capitol. But when it comes right down to it we are called to offer peace and to show love to a world and a people who are scared and frightened.

This year as I have embraced my resolution of saying "yes" in situations where I would of said "no," I have really learned a lot about who I am and who God is calling me to be. I have learned I am stronger than I give myself credit for and that if I let go of fear and give God the space to work, incredible things happen. But it all starts with saying "yes" and facing our fear. In doing so it is important to remember that we don't walk alone but God walks with us as we seek to offer peace in a broken world.

Your Sister in Christ,
Pastor Alyssa
In This Issue
Open Door Churches newsletters are sent out every other Thursday.
Board Meeting

The next Board meeting will be July 23, at FUMC, at 6:00 p.m.

Open Door Churches Webpage

Our webpage is live!!  Go to  opendoorchurches.org to see information about 
each of the churches and ways you can be involved.
Families Belong Together
July 30th at 10:45 a.m.

This Saturday we're participating as an Open Door Churches community in the "Families Belong Together Rally" at the Families Belong Together event in Wilson Park at the Capital building.

We'll gather at 10:45 a.m. on the steps of the Micah Building (next to FUMC) to walk over together.

It's so important to stand up for those who are being hurt and especially for those who are unable to stand up for themselves. Stronger together, let's combine our voices!

For more information, check out the Facebook event. 


Vacation Bible School
July 9-12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. - Morningside UMC

All kids from age 4 to 5th grade graduates are invited to four days of venturing onto an uncharted island where we will learn about how Jesus carries us through all of life's storms such as loneliness, struggles, feeling powerless, and worrying. Each day as we sing, craft, snack and use our imaginations, we'll see how Jesus is always there for us!

Registration forms are available from both church offices and on the Facebook event page. There will be a limit of 50 kids at each site so sign up soon!

Volunteers are needed! If you have a heart for kids and want to venture onto an uncharted island, too, call Morningside!
Youth Group

As the weather heats up, we start looking towards summer. Remember to sign up for summer camp. We have a lot of great options this summer. Also remember that financial assistance is available for camp. 

Summer Schedule
Summer youth group started on Tuesday June 19th. We'll meet most Tuesdays in the summer from 6:30-8:00 (unless otherwise noted) and will do a variety of activities:
  • July 3 No Youth Group
  • July 8-14 VBS at Morningside UMC
  • July 10 Scavenger Hunt
  • July 17 Youth Group Hike (earlier in the day) location TBA
  • July 24 Pietro's Lazer Tag night
  • July 31 Water Balloon Games Bush Park (Cesie and Tom's house)
  • Aug 7 Bowling
  • Aug 14 Worship Night and Movie at the Lopez barn
  • Aug 21 Games and Ice Cream
  • Aug 25 (Saturday) Family night at the Volcanoes no youth group until September 9th
  • Sept 9 Open Door Outdoor Worship and Potluck
  • Sept 16 Fall Sunday Youth Group resumes
For details of youth group activities visit their Facebook page  Here
Open Door Young Adults

The Open Door Churches Young Adult Group is made up of college students and young professionals ranging in age from 18-29 who are exploring questions of faith together. The group meets every Wednesday evening from 7-8:30 at IKE Box. 

This past month we have spent time talking about the future of The UMC as The Commission on A Way Forward has been meeting and as statements come out from The Council of Bishops. The young adults also attended the Table Talk event hosted by the conference in which they engage in round table discussion about the church's future. As news continues to come out we will continue in our conversations. Thank you for your continued support of The Open Door Young Adults. Please contact Pastor Alyssa with any questions.

Director of Family Ministry position at First UMC of Salem

The Director of Family Ministries for Salem First United Methodist Church is a  25 hour a week position. There are three main areas which this position  oversees:
  1. Ministry to families with young children 
  2. Oversight and supervision of childcare and nursery program 
  3. Development and implementation of children's Christian education. 
This is a dynamic, growing, and rewarding position with an emphasis on  inclusion and building a base of millennials and young families. Another key  aspect is supervision of the Sunday school program for these families and  children by providing developmentally appropriate and engaging ministries.

If interested in learning more, please email Katie Carpenter at  salem1st@wvi.com for a full job description.
Open Door Churches - Worship & Celebration
Sunday, September 9th
Riverfront Park

Although a few months off, the excitement is building for our
grand Open Door Churches Worship & Celebration at Riverfront Park! Please SAVE THE DATE and plan to attend.

Are you interested in being a part of the planning team? The team is looking for ideas and  will meet next Monday, May 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Keizer Clear Lake UMC. Call your church office for contact information.
Sunday Sermon Series: "The Next Adventure"

Two Sunday's remain of our "The Next Adventure" Sermon Series. This Sunday, July 1st, we'll explore "Truth or Dare" then conclude the sermon series the following Sunday, July 8th, with "Risky Business" considering our calling to lead courageously, follow faithfully and to do God's good deeds in our world.
Planting the Garden

Did you see the video sermon on June 17th? Check it out via the Youtube link below!

Planting the Garden
Planting the Garden

Coming Soon to a Worship Service Near You...
"Living Out Love"
Our new Sermon Series begins, Sunday, July 15th

Beginning July 15th, we'll delve into Ephesians - examining how we live and practice our faith.
Open Door Churches June Board Meeting Notes
  • The Open Door Churches Board meeting was held at Morningside UMC on Monday June 25th.
  • All Church Riverfront worship followed by pot luck. Dr. Leroy Barber preaching. Dr. Barber is the new Annual Conference Developer for Congregational Vitality.
  • Families Belong Together gathering June 30: This Saturday we're participating as an Open Door Churches community in the "Families Belong Together Rally" at the Families Belong Together event in Wilson Park at the Capital building. We'll gather at 10:45 a.m. on the steps of the Micah Building (next to FUMC) to walk over together. It's so important to stand up for those who are being hurt and especially for those who are unable to stand up for themselves. Stronger together, let's combine our voices! For more information, check out the Facebook event.
  • Open Doors beginning budget talks for discussion next month
  • All current Open Doors Pastors were reappointed!!
What's Happening at Our Local Churches?

This is a new section in our newsletter! We will be keeping our ears out for events going on at our six churches so you can know about all the great things our community is doing!

Building an Inclusive Church - FUMC

NEW Summer Bible Study-God and the Gay Christian
Sunday mornings at 10 am from June 24th -July 29th
Location: FUMC-room 108

We believe that God's love and grace extends to all! In an effort to be welcome to all, FUMC is exploring the process of becoming a reconciling congregation and are doing a Bible study this summer to explore a well-written and popular book by Matthew Vines title God and the Gay Christian. This study (both book and video oriented) examines Biblical passages relating to same-sex relationships. 
This is a discussion and all people with different opinions are welcomed without judgment. Please come explore this issue!

For more information, feel free to contact Diana Dickey. For information on the book, visit www.reformationproject.org. Thank you!

New Little Library - Trinity

Trinity has officially opened their new little library for the children of their community who need access to reading material. The Statesman Journal was there and wrote a lovely article about the event.

Book donations in English and Spanish are always welcome! Simply leave them in the little library!


Come Visit!
We, as Open Door Churches, are a wonderful community together. To continue building our relationships, it's good to visit each other. If you would like to visit one of the other Open Door Churches, here are all our Sunday service times:
  • Englewood - 11:15 a.m. 
  • Trinity - 9 a.m. (10 a.m. on August 20th)
  • Morningside - 10 a.m.
  • Salem 1st - 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
  • Las Naciones - 12:30 p.m.
  • Keizer Clear Lake - 10 a.m.