Wednesday February 22nd 2012

Church Info

Web Team Open House

Picture of the church website as it looked on February 15Please join us in room 110 on Monday, February 27, from 6 to 7:30 pm, for a Website Open House.

We’ll be exploring tips and tricks about how to use the church website. Plus we’ll be comparing notes and doing some training with the volunteers who help to manage it.

This is an open invitation to drop in during the evening and get questions answered and share ideas with others.

It is very informal, and all church members who are interested in learning more about the church website are encouraged to stop by.

If your group or committee is not currently listed on our website and you’d like to see it there, please join us.

This is the place to be on Monday night!

Contact the Web Manager for more details

Complete Worship Services are Online!

Did you miss church last Sunday? We know there are many reasons you may not have been in the pews during the service.

Maybe you were in Sunday School teaching the Fourth Graders. Perhaps you had to set up for the coffee hour after the service. It’s possible that you were working in the nursery or some other part of the church. You might even have been skiing on Mount Hood…

No matter! Have we got a deal for you!

The whole worship service from Sunday morning is online! That’s the whole service from every Sunday morning!

Starting in January of this year, we have begun offering all of our Sunday morning services for playback online. Each service begins with the our lay leader’s announcements and plays right through to the end of the postlude.

You can listen to any of the services listed in the Sunday Morning section under the Worship heading right here on our website. Services that are available show up as a row links at the bottom of that Sunday’s entry (you’ll see them right under “Download the Bulletin” when they are available). Just click on the “Play Now”, “Play in Popup” to listen right away, or click on “Download” to get the service and play it later.

If you listen to podcasts using the iTunes Podcast directory, you can subscribe and have each week’s service delivered to your favorite listening device automatically. Go to the iTunes Podcast directory and search on fumcpdx to subscribe (or click on this link: Portland’s First United Methodist Church at iTunes).

Church Staff

Rev. Donna Pritchard
dpritchard@fumcpdx.org
Senior Minister
503/228-3195 ext. 226

Rev. Tom Foster
tfoster@fumcpdx.org
Minister of Pastoral Care
503/228-3195 ext. 233

Jonas Nordwall
jnordwall@fumcpdx.org
Artistic Director of Music and Organist
503/228-3195 ext. 218

Kelly Qualls
kqualls@fumcpdx.org
Executive Director of Music
503/228-3195 ext. 235

Megan Humphreys-Loving
mhumphreys-loving@fumcpdx.org
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
503/228-3195 ext. 227

Mark Ohlson
mohlson@fumcpdx.org
Coordinator of Volunteers, Hospitality, and Outreach
503/228-3195 ext. 220

Christine Bostick
cbostick@fumcpdx.org
Church Administrator
503/228-3195 ext. 222

David Jenkins
djenkins@fumcpdx.org
Administrative Assistant
503/228-3195 ext. 221

Dwight Dragoo
ddragoo@fumcpdx.org
Facilities Manager
503/228-3195 ext. 205

Shirley Blalock
sblalock@fumcpdx.org
Bookkeeper
503/228-3195 ext. 225

Staff Spotlight: Megan Humphreys-Loving

Megan Humphreys-LovingStaff SpotlightGetting To Know Your First Church Staff:

Megan Humphreys-Loving

Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries Megan was born in Minneapolis, MN and raised in Waukesha, WI with two brothers. Both of her parents are ministers. Her father is the Chaplain at Carroll University and her mother is an associate pastor and teaches introduction to writing. Megan received her BA from Pacific University in English Literature and Feminist studies. She then moved to Boston and worked at Fourth Presbyterian Church in South Boston, in urban and children’s ministries. She also was a member of the Greater Boston Interfaith Or- ganization and participated in training volunteers in advocating for community issues. Megan then came back to Portland. She started her position at First Church starting in May 2008. In her free time Megan enjoys drinking coffee, exploring nature, singing and any kind of aerobics from step class to Zumba.

At First UMC Megan enjoys working with all generations, hearing people’s stories, hearing why they have come to this church. She likes being able to call on the wisdom of all ages, talking and collaborat- ing with the committees and seeing how the commit- tees actively support the church functions.

She has started a weekly email to the parents, children and youth: “What’s Up Wednesday” for the children and “Shout Out” for the youth. She also is pleased about the development the First Church website.

Megan states that she hopes to put more focus on facilitating the parents and committee members to become the leaders of the children and youth education and activities. This would allow her to have more time to facilitate creating connections within the children, youth and parents of the church. Megan also hopes to be free to attend sports games and other extracurricular activities that our kids participate in and to start making personal phone calls on a regular basis.

Her hopes for creating more involvement for the youth are to enable them to participate in the Sunday service such as reading the liturgy and ushering.

Welcome to the New Website

The new website for Portland’s First United Methodist Church was launched on November 15, 2011.

If you don’t see your group or committee listed anywhere, it’s because we don’t have a volunteer from your group to help maintain your area yet.

Contact the web manager to get the ball rolling, and we’ll have you contributing to the site before you know it!

Our Location

Google Map of our location
Find us on Google Maps
First United Methodist Church
1838 SW Jefferson
Portland, OR 97201

We can be reached by Max on the blue or red lines at the Goose Hollow stop.

TriMet Bus lines 6, 58 and 68 all stop right at the church, the 51 and the 63 both stop a few blocks away. You can use the TriMet.org Trip Planner for more details about public transportation.

Credit Card Donations

Tax deductable donations can be made to First United Methodist Church by with your major credit card. If you choose to donate by credit card, you will be taken to a secure third-party site where you can enter your information and choose which ministry of the church you would like to donate to.

If you prefer, donations can also be made by sending a check to the church office at

Church Office
1838 SW Jefferson
Portland, OR 97201

Room Use

First Church is home to many community groups and activities. If you are interested in a one time use or an ongoing program at First Church, you can begin with a phone call to Christine Bostick, our Church Administrator, at 503/228-3195 ext. 222.

Questions or Concerns

If you have a specific question or concern about First Church, you can reach us through the church office at 503/228-3195. Dave Jenkins is our Administrative Assistant and he will answer your question or direct you to the person who can!

We also have a psychologist who maintains an office on our campus. Dr. Roger Carlson is an ordained United Methodist minister, as well as a fully licensed psychologist. If you desire to make an appointment for counseling, you can reach his office directly at 503/245-2929 or e-mail him at: rogerdcarlson@gmail.com.

Weddings

If you are interested in having your wedding at First Church, you can begin with a phone call to Dave Jenkins, our Administrative Assistant, at 503/228-3195 ext. 221. Below is a link for our current Wedding Policy Guide.

About Portland’s First United Methodist Church

PORTLAND FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH is a part a wordlwide denomination known as the United Methodist Church. First Church is one of many congregations in the metro area and around the world. We are made stronger by our connection with other churches. Our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. We believe that each of us is called to participate in the ministry of Jesus Christ. John Wesley, put it plainly, "Do all the good you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." This spirit is alive and well at First Church.

Vibrant In Believing

WORSHIP is a vital part of the First Church experience. The pastors, lay leaders, music staff and Chancel Choir are dedicated to leading meaningful and uplifting worship experiences. Our regular worship service is at 10:30 AM every Sunday morning. Communion is served the first Sunday of each month. Embracing our Methodist heritage, we affirm God’s claim upon our lives and actively invest our hearts, minds and resources to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. We respect diversity of belief. In this spirit, we want to be a place where people can explore and expand their spiritual lives, striving to make God’s love visible in this world.

Vibrant In Thinking

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES at First Church are many and varied, ranging from Sunday School classes to forums on significant issues of the day. We seek to:

  • encourage those who call First Church home to participate in study and fellowship as individuals.
  • create a sense of inquiry to grow in faith.
  • respect and listen to the views of others.
  • nurture a sense of spirituality in each other.
  • connect our faith to public life.
  • confront the issues of our time in thoughtful, effective ways.

Vibrant In Acting

SERVICE is a vital part of the life of First Church. We have a commitment to put our faith into action. We seek to:

  • be a compassionate, caring, justice-oriented people.
  • come together in fellowship.
  • communicate with one another about things that matter.
  • use music as a way to enhance our worship of God.
  • work to eradicate the poverty of mind, body and spirit.
  • commit ourselves to be a significant voice in the world — both locally and globally.
  • nurture each person’s potential as a whole and loved gift of God.

Donate Your Car

With the assistance of Volunteers of America (VOA), First United Methodist Church now accepts donations of used cars. VOA takes care of everything, including selling the vehicle. You, the donor, receive tax advantages for 100% of what the vehicle sells for, and the church receives 60% in cash. It’s a win-win.

Want to donate your vehicle now?
You can go to Charity Connections and fill out the online form. Select First United Methodist Church in the drop down menu to ensure your donation makes it to us.

If you would rather have First United Methodist Church submit your donation, please contact Christine Bostick at 503.228-3195 x222 to get started.

Vehicle Donation Frequently Asked Questions from the VOA website:

Q: Why should I donate my vehicle to First United Methodist Church?
A: There are many reasons, including:

  • You may receive greater value for your vehicle as a charitable contribution on your itemized tax return.
  • You’ll be spared the ordeal of trying to sell your vehicle.
  • First United Methodist Church is part of the Volunteers of America Oregon Vehicle Donation Program.

Q: What percentage of the proceeds from the sale of my vehicle goes to First United Methodist Church?
A: 60% of the sale of your vehicle will go directly to First United Methodist Church. VOA Oregon keeps the remaining 40% for there own nonprofit and social justice programs.

Q: Does my car have to be running to donate it?
A: No. VOA Oregon accepts running and non-running vehicles. (Some restrictions may apply.)

Q: What types of vehicles are accepted?
A: All kinds! Cars, trucks, boats, motor homes, travel trailers, utility trailers, and aircraft, to name a few. They have even received and sold a fire engine!

Q: Will they pick up my vehicle? What is their tow range?
A: VOA Oregon offers free towing or you can drop off your vehicle at their storage facility. (Call 503.239.7944 for details.) Their tow range is from Longview, WA to Cottage Grove, OR and a 50-mile radius of I-5, but they’ll go anywhere for the right vehicle.

Q: What if I have an out-of-state title?
A: No problem – VOA Oregon can process a donation with an out-of-state title, and they can accept vehicles in almost any state.

To donate a vehicle, go to Charity Connections and choose First United Methodist Church from the drop-down menu.

About Rev. Donna Pritchard

Rev. Donna Pritchard
dpritchard@fumcpdx.org
Senior Minister
503/228-3195 ext. 226

Immediately prior to coming to First Church as our senior pastor, Rev. Donna Pritchard served as Assistant to the Bishop for the Southern District and as the Dean of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference Cabinet.

She is an ordained Elder and full member of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference, who has served in a variety of roles and settings throughout her ministry.

Prior to being on the Cabinet, Donna was the pastor of churches in Albany, Silverton, Mountain Home, Newberg, and Cave Junction/Wilderville. She has also served the church at both the general and jurisdictional level, being elected as the clergy delegate to the 2008 General Conference and serving as a member of the General Commission on General Conference. Donna is also the Chair of the Western Jurisdiction Leadership Team and a member of the Mission Cabinet for the region.

Donna graduated from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. She has two adult daughters.

Other News

An Outreach Project you can put your heart into!

An Outreach Project you can put your heart into!

Introducing FUMC Compassion Coins! Remember the last time someone did something unexpectedly kind for you? Maybe they [Read More]

Whats Up Wednesday: Weekly Family Ministry News

Whats Up Wednesday: Weekly Family Ministry News

Whats Up Wednesdays: February 22, 2012 TONIGHT: Ash Wednesday Service Children will be invited to participate in the 7 [Read More]

Winner of Portland Vocal Consort’s Young Composer Competition

Winner of Portland Vocal Consort’s Young Composer Competition

Mark Woodward, our tenor soloist, has won the Young Composer Competition sponsored by Portland Vocal Consort. [Read More]

UMW Unit Meeting: “Forgiveness, Restorative Justice and Reconciliation”

Forgiveness, Restorative Justice and Reconciliation will be the topic of the program from the 2011 Schools of Christian [Read More]

Tabitha Circle: Prayer Shawl Ministry

All knitters are invited to the next Tabitha Circle meeting on March 7 at 1:30 PM. We will be introducing a new [Read More]

Today at First Church

Wednesday, February 22nd
9:30 am
UMW Planning Meeting
110
5:30 pm
Lenten Supper
Collins Hall
6:00 pm
160
6:30 pm
Nursery Open
Nursery
7:00 pm
Sanctuary Bell Rehearsal
202
7:00 pm
Childrens Ash Wednesday Service
Fireside Room
7:00 pm
Ash Wednesday Service
Chapel
7:30 pm
Gym & 136
Thursday, February 23rd
10:30 am
Library
12:00 pm
Sanctuary
5:00 pm
Gym
6:00 pm
juBELLation Rehearsal
202
6:30 pm
Nursery Open
Nursery
7:00 pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Sanctuary
7:00 pm
Planet Church Meeting
Library