July 26, 2018
NOMADS Are Here!

Out at Morningside this week, one woman was painting a newly repaired shed, two more were on the roof clearing debris, and another was repairing and replacing rotten wood. I was amazed and impressed with these men and women's dedication and love to serve. They spend their time on the road traveling from place to place all over the country to help Methodist organizations with whatever projects with which they need a lending hand.

You may know these folks as the NOMADS: Mission Volunteers, a group of people who travel around the country  in their RVs  wherever they are needed  to:
  • paint
  • repair
  • sew
  • garden
  • complete light construction
  • work on roofs
  • lay new floors
  • clean
United Methodist Nomads
United Methodist Nomads

The NOMADS are currently working at Trinity, Morningside, and Las Naciones for three weeks of painting and repair.  Last week they were at Trinity, they are currently finishing up at Morningside, and are spending the rest of their time doing a lot of painting and repair at Las Naciones. In between fixing damaged siding, cleaning gutters, and scraping old paint, Sandy Drake, who has been with the NOMADS for six years, shared that you can sign up for as many or as few projects as you want. If a church or ministry wants to have the NOMADS come, they send an application and provide space for the NOMADS to park their RVs as well as supplying all needed materials. The properties they work on include camps, churches, retreat centers, children's homes, and disaster relief.

Working at our Open Door Churches here in Salem and Keizer have become an annual stop for the NOMADS. Last year, they did a lot of work at Keizer ClearLake and are keeping their RVs on their property this year as they work on the other buildings throughout Salem.

The efforts of these folks are making a huge difference in the lives they touch. For their part, they love to meet new people, help out churches complete needed upkeep and repair, use their time in retirement to give back, and it's an opportunity to travel the world while serving others. 

If you have any questions, check out their website for more information. To the NOMADS - thank you so much for all you are doing! We really appreciate it! Your work has made a huge difference in the lives of our churches.

Sarah Katreen Hoggatt
In This Issue
Open Door Churches newsletters are sent out every other Thursday.
Board Meeting

The next Board meeting will be August 27th at Trinity 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.
Do you have any work clothes?

The people at Las Naciones are in need of work clothes. Do you have any you aren't using or could you buy some for someone who needs them? When buying shirts, long sleeves are especially helpful.

Please bring all clothes to Las Naciones for distribution.
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 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. 

Open Door Young Adults Are Planning a Retreat
It has been a great joy to lead the young adult group this year. As the young adult pastor I have had the pleasure of seeing relationships formed and community built as they explore questions of faith. 

This summer the young adults would like to go on a 2 day retreat to the coast in August to continue forming their connections with one another and grow in their faith. To provide this opportunity to the young adult community, we are looking for your support. 
  • Would you be willing to invest in the young adults financially? 
  • Do you know of or have a place where 10 young adults could stay? 
  • Or would you be willing to provide them with meals for the retreat? 
Please prayerfully consider supporting the young adult group. If you are able to support the young adult group, please contact me at alyssabaker08@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued support of the Open Door Church Young Adults.

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.
Coming Soon to a Worship Service Near You...
"Living Out Love"
Sunday Sermon Series

We are currently delving into Ephesians - examining how we live and practice our faith! Check your local church for the schedule on when different topics will be discussed.
What's Happening at Our Local Churches?

Keizer Clear Lake Garage Sale
August 9-10, 2018

Come check out our garage sale fundraiser and see what treasures you can find! Donations are now being accepted!

Morningside Annual Church Retreat Day
Sunday, August 5th
Silver Falls State Park

Mark you calendars and make plans to join in the fun at our wonderful Church Retreat Day on August 5th. It will be a day of fellowship, worship, incredible beauty, and indoor and outdoor activities.

Saturday of Service
Saturday, August 18, 2018
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

We'll meet in the dining room of the historic Sanctuary building at First United Methodist Church of Salem for a light breakfast and time of fellowship then divide into work teams to support community service projects and outreach such as the Union Gospel Mission, Jason Lee Cemetery, and the Marion Polk Food Share. There will be no Backpack Buddies this month. The program will resume when school is back in session.
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.
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.