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Annual Conference in Eugene
The Annual Conference for 2019 is currently going on in Eugene Oregon. Click here for current information. Below are two articles about some of the work being done.
Bishop: more love, blessing, salvation needed
In this CrossOver year where the United Methodist Church has been discerning whether to stay together or split apart, Greater Northwest Area Bishop Elaine Stanovsky knows the church isn't going to be the same.
"General Conference (2019) sought to chart this new way forward," she said in her opening episcopal address. "But it may turn out to be a tipping point that tears us in two."
Since that gathering in February, she said she's heard from people at every point along the spectrum who feel victimized. She hears from people who don't want the church to split, but don't know how to see a way to stay together as the General Conference voted to approve the LGBTQ+ exclusionary Traditional Plan.
Town Hall tackles tough questions about church future
Annual Conference members got the sense that something new is being birthed from the brokenness caused by General Conference 2019, but what that baby will look like remains to be seen.
At least, that's how Rev. Jeannine Knepper phrased it during Thursday's town hall discussion when different representatives gathered at the front of the plenary room to answer questions formed by different Table Talk groups and also included questions from the crowd.
Panelists were asked to tell the truth about how they viewed the church being in the position it is of possibly splitting over the issue of LGBTQ+ inclusion and the General Conference 2019 adoption of the traditional plan.
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Open Door Churches newsletters are sent out every other Thursday.
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Open Door Churches Webpage
each of the churches and ways you can be involved.
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Furnishings Needed for Open Door Churches Intern Housing 
Open Door Churches of Salem-Keizer will be hosting three interns this summer.
Housing has been located for them and we need to provide some of the furnishings. Kitchen utensils, a couch and chairs, small dressers, cleaning supplies, small microwave oven, and a few other items are needed.
Here's the complete list:
KITCHEN:
- Small counter-top microwave
- Electric coffee pot
- Toaster
BEDROOMS:
- 3 small bedside tables or nightstands
- 3 small table lamps for nightstands
- 3 small dressers or chest of drawers or portable type of storage for "foldables"
- 2 area rugs (5x7 or 8x10)
- Hallway runner (rug)
LIVING ROOM:
- Couch
- Chairs (2)
- Side or coffee tables
- Lamps
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Broom and Dustpan
- Dust mop (wood floors)
- Vacuum
The items are needed the week of June 15th through the end of August. If you have something to donate or loan, please call Kathy Pressler at (503)364-6709.
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New Pastor Appointment at Las Naciones UMC 
Dear Members and Friends of Las Naciones:
Grace and peace in Christ!
This morning it is my privilege to share with you that the Bishop intents to appoint Pastor Mario E. González Quezada as pastor of Las Naciones United Methodist Fellowship on July 1, 2019.
Pastor González comes from Kentucky and nine years of faithful service there in two congregations and over fifteen years of faithful service in the Methodist Church of Cuba. Pastor González is an Elder in the Methodist Church of Cuba, a Licensed Local Pastor in the US and working toward full Elder status in the United Methodist Church. He has a heart for carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the community. He is a musician (piano, drums and guitar) and uses music as one way to connect with the children and youth. He has skills in community development and church planting and brings to you a wealth of experience, talent, and passion for following God's call to bring the Gospel to all people. He understands the power of cooperation for ministry and believes that the love of God and Christ are for all people.
I am holding your leadership and the entire congregation in my prayers during this time of transition. I anticipate with you the vital ministry you will continue in your community as you move forward with Pastor González.
On behalf of Bishop Stanovsky and the Cabinet I want to express our gratitude and appreciation to Rev. Arturo Fernandez who has served you so well and faithfully during this time of transition. I know that in the time you have left with him as your pastor you will express your gratitude and appreciation for his ministry among you.
Grace and peace in Christ,
Reverend Timothy L. Overton-Harris
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Confirmation and Youth Sunday
Is there a moment you remember when you confirmed with God that you loved Jesus and wanted to walk with him? Coming soon on
June 16th at 10:30 a.m. at Morningside will be one of those times for several of our youth. These two dates are both Youth Sunday and Confirmation Sunday when our youth make their first profession of faith. This will be a special time in the lives of our confirmands (those making their profession) and it is our blessing to be a part of their day as we renew professions of our own.
The youth in this year's confirmation ceremony are:
- Austin Gienger - FUMC
- Erika Bateman - FUMC
- Elisabeth Rich - FUMC
- Sophia Miller - FUMC
- Lauren LeRoy - FUMC
- Aeson Pargas - Morningside
Let's celebrate our youth and support them in whatever ways we can as they take these important next steps in their lives of faith!
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Are You Ready for Vacation Bible School 2019?
"Who's My Neighbor?"
Mon - Thu, August 12th to 15th
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Open Door Churches Vacation Bible School (VBS) is happening again this year and we will be holding one week of it at Morningside.
All kids from age 3 to 5th grade graduates are invited to four days of fun-filled adventure, faith exploration and discovery and making new friends. Each day as they sing, craft, snack and use their imaginations, the kids will learn more about themselves and what makes each and everyone unique, special and, yet, the same!
Online registration is encouraged this year (if possible) but paper registration forms will be available soon, if needed.
CLICK HERE for a link to the online registration website.
Volunteers are still needed, too! If you have a heart for kids and want to help make sure our kids have a fun and meaningful VBS experience this summer, let Christopher know you are available ASAP!
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New Sermon Series:"Boldly Stepping Out"
June 23rd to September 1st
As we near the end of our current sermon series, we look forward to our new series, "Boldly Stepping Out."
Join us each week as we explore the many ways our faith inspires us, supports us and allows us to live life boldly - within our community and the world, in the face of adversity and opposition, and when we need change in our life.
This series is sure to fill our souls and give us courage to boldly step out!
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Open Door Churches - Youth Group Summer Schedule
No one's more excited that summer is here than our Youth Group! Beginning Tuesday, June 18th, the Open Door Churches Youth Group will begin their summer meeting schedule - moving to Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm (for the most part.) Mark you calendars, keep your eyes open and check the group's Facebook Page for detailed updates.
June
June 18 mini golf-Best Little Roadhouse
June 25 Popcorn and a Movie Night
July
July 2 Bowling
July 9 Costa Rica Mission Trip
No Youth Group
this week
July 16 Scavenger Hunt
July 23 Water Balloon Fight and Ice Cream at Bush Park
July 30 Pietro's Lazer Tag
August
Aug 6 City Camp (low mission) FUMC Youth Group Room Decoration Planning
Aug 12-15 Vacation Bible School @ Morningside
Aug 13 Movie afternoon after VBS
Aug 20 FUMC Youth Group Room Decoration
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Open Door Churches Young Adults
June Schedule
This past month the Open Door Church Young Adults took a closer look at our membership vow to promise to faithfully participate in a local congregation through their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Each week we looked closely at each of these ways of participation and talked about how we live them out. We also gathered for a night of fun at Pastor
Alyssa's for pizza and watching the Blazer game. Several of our young adults are looking forward to participating in Union Gospel Missions Walk for Hope in June.
The Open Door Young Adult group meets on Wednesday's from 7-8:30. Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the Open Door Young Adults.
Check out our group's Facebook Page: CLICK HERE
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Transformations Prayer Retreat 
Site: Suttle Lake Camp
Dates: 9/22/2019 - 9/27/2019
Age Level: Adult
Cost: $369
32nd Annual Transformations Prayer Retreat
Leaders: Rev. Kate Conolly, Rev. Michael Powell, and Rev. Nancy Slabaugh-Hart
The Transformations Prayer Retreat blends contemplation and community. Emphasis is on the communal sharing of the sacraments, with ample time for the solitude of prayer, meditation, and reflection. Come apart to renew your spirit and re-center yourself through time in Christian community and intentional time with God.
The Prayer Retreat is structured so that your days can be custom made to provide you with the rhythm of community, solitude, and worship you need for spiritual renewal.
There are three worship experiences each day, grounded in daily scripture. Each morning begins with Holy Communion. At noon we gather for quiet, contemplative worship. At 5 o'clock we share an interactive worship time focusing on the scripture that we have lived with during the day. There is ample free time for rest, hiking, reading, and canoeing on the lake. Kate , Michael, and Nancy will lead evening programs.
All of this takes place in the beautiful and restorative setting of Suttle Lake Camp. The outstanding staff provides us with Christ-like hospitality and delicious, nourishing meals.
This year's focus will be on Joan Chittister's book, The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully.
For more information and to register: CLICK HERE
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Open Door Churches Board Meeting Notes 
The board meeting was held at Keizer Clear Lake UMC on Monday, April 29, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
A few of the take-a-ways from this meeting were:
1. Save the Date for a Town Hall meeting of all the Open Door Churches on June 9. It has been 4 years since we began this cooperative ministry so a progress report will be given. Both Dan Pitney and Sandy Kimbrow will retire on July 1, 2020, so new leadership for the Ministry Team will be needed. With the changes in the United Methodist Church, other changes may also be needed. So we invite everyone to join us on June 9, as we brainstorm ideas and develop plans for the future.
2. Our growing Hispanic Ministry received two grants recently. One from the Conference Ministry Leadership Team in the amount of $21,000 and one from the Cascadia District Extension Society in the amount of $20,000. This money will help fund the new Hispanic Ministry position at Las Naciones.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Nominating Committee of Open Door Churches is looking for nominations to fill a very important position. A Trustee chairperson of the Open Door Churches Board of Directors.
If you have a recommendation or interest please contact one of the Open Door pastors or Rev. Dan Pitney [email protected] or 503-364-6709 for more information.
The Board also met last Monday, June 3 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at First UMC.
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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:
- Trinity - 9:30 a.m.
- Morningside - (Face to Face) 8:30 a.m.,10:30 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.
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