Morningside United Methodist Church | April 2021
April Monthly Newsletter
Sunday Worship Services
CLICK THE GREEN "SUNDAY WORSHIP" BUTTON BELOW TO VIEW THE WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICE BEGINNING AT 9:45 AM EACH SUNDAY MORNING.
CLICK THE "COFFEE HOUR" COFFEE MUG BUTTON BELOW TO JOIN THE VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR FOLLOWING THE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 11:00 AM THIS SUNDAY MORNING.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS UNABLE TO ACCESS OUR WORSHIP VIDEOS ONLINE? SHARE OUR TELEPHONE ACCESS PHONE NUMBER TO LISTEN TO OUR WEEKLY SERVICES. JUST CALL (888) 655-8086 AND FOLLOW THE PROMPTS.
Open Door United Methodist Churches Easter Sunday Worship & Communion
Sunday, April 4th @ 10:00 AM
John 20:1-18; Acts 10-34-43
Join us Easter Sunday morning to celebrate the risen Christ and the glories of his love and inspiration in our world! We will also enjoy a special presentation of our Open Door Churches virtual choir in a rousing Easter anthem.

We will also be celebrating with communion, so please remember to have your communion elements ready worship!

All are invited to join us via our Open Door Churches YouTube Channel. Share this invitation with your family, friends and neighbors. These online services are a wonderful opportunity to share the love of our faith community with everyone, near and far!

See you online! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Holy Week Devotionals and Worship Services
Watch it Now!
In case you missed any of the Holy Week Devotionals or Worship Services, here are links to each one - beginning with daily devotionals offered by each of the pastors on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and finishing the week with a Maundy Thursday communion and worship service and our Good Friday worship service featuring a beautiful passion play, "That We May Remember." (Good Friday premieres Friday evening at 7:00 PM)

CLICK the video link to watch each service now.
Open Door Churches
Sunday, Mar. 28th, 2021 Worship
Video Now Available
In case you weren't able to join us on Open Door Churches YouTube Worship this past Sunday, here is the video from our Palm Sunday worship service.

It is loaded on YouTube so no Facebook account is needed. This is a wonderful way to be connected with our entire Open Door Churches family during these challenging times!
Music Mondays
In case you missed it... Here's the link to a very special Music Monday featuring the United Methodist Greater Northwest Virtual Choir 2021 in a performance of "Crown of Thorns."
Pastor's Blog
In this Holy Week, Pastor Kalina shares her reflections of this week and its significance in her life.

CLICK HERE to read her blog.
Our Church Family
In our prayers...
Those with health concerns, illness, and loss of loved ones:

Allen Patterson-Sterling, Coyote Marie, Mary Jo and Layton Gilson, Harriet Mock, Ron and Lynn Ham, Duane Medicine Crow, Fred Wiedner, Jim and Phyllis Boston, Norm & Nancy Johnson, Nahnie Williams, Liz Toy, Allen Patterson-Sterling, Susi Bromley, Lyle Dragoo, Diane and Brigitte Rolph, Robert Kuenzli, Arlen Hollinshead, and Elisa Reckendorf.
- Sharon Cooper -

  • In Mobile, Alabama, 1963 I was responsible for advocating that two of my born Jewish girlfriends join my high school sorority. I was Vice President. The ban rule was done away with and they were voted in unanimously.
  • I absolutely loved to dance and play cards in my childhood, youth and college years. 
  • The Jim Crow laws in Alabama bothered me greatly as a child. I thought Jim Crow laws were very hurtful and still do.
Better Know Your MUMC Friends
SEND ME YOUR 3 FUN FACTS TO SHARE WITH OUR MUMC FAMILY!
- - - - - - - -

So, you think you know your Morningside friends pretty well? Did you know one us raised pigs growing up? Or someone grew up on a remote island in the Pacific?

Let's have some fun... click this link and email me your name and 3 fun and unexpected facts about you. I'll share them here over the next few weeks.

Let's get to know a little bit more about each other. I'll begin...

Who's next? Send me your fun facts!

Staying Connected
Kids Connection
What's New for Kids and Families?

Family Zoom Parties - Please email fumckids503@gmail.com and ask to be sent the updated Zoom link for the twice a month online activity! The Zoom party precedes worship (9:30 a.m.) on those Sundays!

Family Fun with Tes - Open to anyone (singles, couples and families) from Morningside or Open Door Churches! A chance to visit, laugh, check in and have some fun! Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM via Zoom: https://greaternw.zoom.us/j/96441061184
Open Door Churches Youth Group - April
THERE IS NO YOUTH GROUP MEETING ON EASTER SUNDAY. ENJOY TIME WITH YOUR FAMILIES!

Open Door Youth Group continues to meet every Thursday evening from 7-8:30 for Jackbox Games and on Sunday afternoons from 1-2:30 for a variety of activities. All youth 6-12th grade are welcome to join us.

If you would like more information contact Jeff Lowery at Revjeff@opendoorchurches.org for more information and to get signed up for our weekly emails.

Two important dates to put on your calendar:
  • Saturday April 24th - Our youth will be putting on a virtual Talent Show to showcase the many talents of our youth.
  • Sunday May 23rd - Confirmation Sunday, we will be confirming our youth in worship on Pentecost Sunday.

If you have questions or would like the Zoom codes contact Jeff Lowery and revjeff@opendoorchurches.org
Open Door Churches Young Adults - April
What: Coffee Conversation and Community Online

When: April 7th, April 21st via Zoom

Zoom Information:
Meeting ID: 131 231 344
Password: 033240

The Young Adult Group meets twice a month online for a time of spiritual conversation and community on Zoom online!
Creating Bigger Stories
During our April gatherings we will continue our series from theworkofthepeople.com "Creating Bigger Stories." We hope you can join us!
ANNOUNCEMENT: Heather Hawkins has been hired to be the Faith Formation Interim Director replacing Rev. Jeff Lowery who was temporarily filling in. MANY THANKS to Rev. Jeff for the great work he did and join in welcoming Heather into this position.
Christian Education Opportunities
Prayers of the Heart - Zoom every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

This group gathers to share a short reading, a time of meditation, and lectio Divina. Contact Dennis Lundeen ddlundeen@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Digging Deeper - Zoom every Sunday morning at 11:15 a.m. NO CLASS ON EASTER SUNDAY

"Digging Deeper" will be taking Easter Sunday off, but starting up on April 11 as we explore the book Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear: Choosing Trust over Safety in an Anxious Age by Scott Bader-Saye (2nd edition, 2020). Bader-Saye teaches ethics and theology and serves as Academic Dean at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. Join us Sundays at 11:15, right after Open Door worship. Our discussions are led by Jody Felton and Charlie Wallace, either of whom can provide you with our Zoom connection details.

All are welcome. Contact Charlie Wallace cwallace@willamette.edu for the Zoom link.

Modern Christian Life: Getting Educated on Race & Racism - Zoom every Monday evenings from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

  • April 5 The Story Behind the Vanishing…Vanport, OR

Tuesday Evening Lenten Study - Zoom Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.

This group will take a couple of weeks off to re-group and announce a new book series soon.

Contact Jennie Pitney: jenniepitney@hotmail.com details.

Sunday School for those Who May Not Believe in God - Once a month class via Zoom, on Sundays, from 4-5:30 p.m.

March Class is March 28th from 4 - 5:30 PM. - The Universal Christ 2.0

Contact Heather Hawkins for Zoom details.: sharingourdream2020@gmail.com

Christian Education for Children - Contact Christina Gordon at
fumckids503@gmail.com for more information about their Zoom gatherings.
CLICK THE BANNER ABOVE TO GO TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND CLICK JOIN
Open Door Churches - Shalom Prayer Group Invitation
All are welcome to join in our Open Door Churches online prayer community via Facebook. CLICK HERE or search for "Shalom Prayer Group - Open Door Churches" from your Facebook page.
News, Announcements & Opportunities
Coyote Marie Moves In!
As the culmination of an extremely successful collection event supporting our friend, Coyote Marie, Sara Amend and her hero helpers have just returned from delivering all the donated furniture and furnishings to Coyote Marie's new home in Medford.

Here's a note from Sarah with her final report

A big THANK YOU from Coyote Marie and me for your generosity. On Tuesday, because of your contributions, we filled the garage of her new home with furniture and household items.

Blessings,
Sara Amend

A HUGE thanks to everyone who donated $$$ and furniture and helped move the furniture! And a special THANK YOU to Sara Amend for her time and commitment to this wonderful project.
Saturdays of Service
When: Saturday, April 17th
What: You Choose
  • Hoover Elementary School, working with Salem Parks, laying down bark dust, weeding, ice storm clean-up (unlimited #s, perfect for kids and families)
  • Lee Cemetery clean-up and weeding (unlimited #s)
  • Trinity UMC Food Bank (limited #s)
  • Write letters or call Open Door Church members and friends to stay connected.
  • Collecting financial donations for BackPack Buddies – for gift cards to families at Hoover Elementary. You can stop by Clear Lake UMC in Keizer between 1-3 p.m. with your donation or donations can be made on-line at OpenDoorChurches.org
  • Food donation: “What Kids Loooove to Eat!” Bring peanut butter and boxes of mac and cheese for “Feed the Children” ministry. Drop off at Keizer Clearlake UMC.

CLICK HERE to sign up online! Sign-ups are a must to participate. It’s Easy! If you are unable to sign up online and would like to participate, call the church office and we will connect you with Melissa Berry.
 
We look forward to seeing you – in person but still socially distant, and please continue to wear a mask!
 
“Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us.” 1 John 4:19 (TPT)
 

A Note about BackPack Buddies:
$20 will support one family
$100 supports five families.
MUMC and Family Building Blocks - Supporting Families Throughout Marion and Polk Counties
If you aren't familiar with the wonderful services provided by Family Building Blocks (FBB) here in Salem, they began as a small Relief Nursery back in 1997 in the basement of a local church.

Since that time FBB has grown into a well-established social services agency serving over 1,200 children and 800 families from seven locations throughout Marion and Polk counties. They now operate several family strengthening and early childhood programs led by over 100 employees, and supported by 400 volunteers and 1,700 donors annually.

It is now Morningside UMC's privilege to partner with FBB by providing a home for their ever-expanding program to support families of children with special needs.

Attached is an update from MUMC's Trustees explaining our relationship with Family Building Blocks and the what the future holds for this very important community outreach project.

CLICK HERE to view the Trustees' complete status report.
Quick News Items, Volunteer Opportunities,
Save the Dates and Reminders

  • Saturdays of Service Collection Event - Sat., Apr. 17th (CLICK HERE to Sign Up Today)
  • American Red Cross Blood Drive - Wed., June 2nd (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM) (MUMC - Herrmann Hall)
Contact the Pastors
Pastor John Fleming
Pastor Alyssa Baker
Pastor Kalina Malua-Katoa
Pastor Zaida Hureca
is Pastor for Las Naciones UMC.
Her ministry is focused on the Latinx Community of our Open Door Churches.
Rev. Jeff Lowery
is our United Methodist Open Door Churches Youth Director.
Contact Us
Morningside United Methodist Church
Physical Address: 3674 12th Street, SE
Mailing Address: PO Box 3076
Salem, OR 97302
 
Telephone: 503-364-5013
Email: umcmorningside@gmail.com
Web: morningsideumc.net
 
Office Hours: Office is currently CLOSED

Ministry Team
Ministers: All the Laity
Pastor Team:
  • Rev. John Fleming: pastorjohn@opendoorchurches.org
  • Rev. Alyssa Baker: pastoralyssa@opendoorchurches.org
  • Rev. Kalina Malua Katoa
..........pastorkalina@opendoorchurches.org
Communications/Office Manager: Vicki DeVol
Bookkeeper: Christine Stevens
Family & Program Ministry Director:  Tes Lacy
Praise Band Leader: Jan Nelson 
Organist: Brace Langenwalter 
Keyboardist: Teresa Stewart 
Custodian: Jan Wetherbee 
 If you need a printed copy of the newsletter, copies are available on the counter in the Narthex.