Church guide

The potluck, really a thanksgiving feast of turkey and delicious sides, was such a great time for people to pause, visit and enjoy each other's cooking. The music and singing at the 5th Sunday Sing made so many people smile. God is honored in all our actions! As we move into the Lenten season, Lent meaning to "lengthen", we take time to observe and be in touch with our spiritual and world-based journey. If you are available, you are invited to join us for an Ash Wednesday service at 12 noon on February 10, this next Wednesday. We will have a traditional service with oil and/or ashes for marking the beginning of this season leading up to Easter.

The congregation is putting together a pot luck lunch after our 5th Sunday "request a hymn" singing and prayer service on January 31. Center of potluck will be roasted turkey with dressing and our great cooks are already planning the side dishes that will satisfy the body and soul! Service is from 10-11 and the meal will follow. If you can't join us, plan to have a meal together and hold us in prayer. God's will is being done, and we are trying not to get in the way.....!!!

Pastor Jane here, "Be watching for a link to our web page, created and managed by our creative and out-reaching lay folks! it will be coming soon."

All of us here at the Warrenton United Methodist Church want to extend God's grace, love and welcome in this new year! We live at the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean on the upper left edge of Oregon. Blessings to you with every breath and tide during 2016. Our year started with our Epiphany service including John Wesley's Covenant Renewal--old timey language, timeless assurance. We renewed our Baptismal promises and last Sunday declared, that We are able, with God's presence, to serve in our place and time. We hold each and every one of you in prayer.

The congregation is so grateful for each of its partners-- and here is why! Thank you to the NA folks who shared their time, sweat and love on this hot April day

A couple of really great things have happened in the last week--we invite you to celebrate with us and to join with us. First, our local Nowrthwest Senior and Disability services supervisor, Michelle Lewis has announced a 6 week, 12 session FREE Tai Chi for Arthritis class at the Warrenton UMC. One hour sessions (10-11 am) are offered Monday and Wednesday between May 19th and June 25. What an opportunity this is! All you have to do is help at least 10 people enroll, including yourself. Call instructor Angela Sidlo at 503-338-9921 to be sure YOU are included. Bring a friend. Second--Pastor Jane Hill has had an article published by the Newlsletter of the Office of Aging and Older Adult Ministries/Issue 26, Spring 2014- the S.A.G.E.( Spiritually Aging Gracefully Empowered). The article is about community cooperation to present an Elder Abuse Prevention workshop that was presented in 2011. It is an idea that can be easily replicated in your local community. Take a few minutes to read it at www.aging-umc.org. If we can be of any help as you set up your own workshop, don't hesitate to contact us.

Isn't it great to be Easter People? That's right, people who smile at others, offer a hand of welcome or an arm of support and who are willing to invite and share with others--we share many things, but the most treasured are these three: the Word of our Creator's Love; our Savior's gift of salvation and our Companion's supportive presence each day. Extend care, forgiveness and companionship where ever you are led and able to. Always prayer, always a welcome at Warrenton United Methodist Church! Blessings from Pastor Jane

All of us here in Warrenton are preparing the church and the yard for Holy Week and our Easter celebration. Palms are on hand for Palm Sunday. Special music is being prepared for Easter Sunday--thank you for the gifts of music Diane and Kathy. We are an Easter People after all--a people of hope, love and freedom through salvation. Alleluiah. Blessings from Pastor Jane

Watch this space for an update on Nick's Memorial Garden Bench!

To mark the beginning of Spring, the Oregon Youth Authority hosted our first Labyrinth Walk for the gentlemen of 2014. This marks the beginning of our 3rd year of sharing this spiritual discipline with the young men. Participation and study is voluntary, but even with the warm sun pouring into the central yard of the facility, 10 gentlemen chose to spend an hour in this spiritual practice. Karin, John and I were all blessed by the insight, honesty and tenderness of the participants and the staff. Thank you.

Today, after a meaningful worship led by our lay leader, Anne, the 38 worshippers joined several others in a baked potato bar lunch with salad and desserts--what a delightful, friendly and smile filled event. It continues our monthly tradition of sharing a meal. 8 take out lunches were provided to home bound folks and the remainders were taken to the local Rescue Mission. Abundance and bounty shared--God is good.

Each warm, bright 4th of July, the Warrenton community has a great parade. Kids, businesses, organizations and a great time to re-connect with friends. The Warrenton UMC offers a smile, a restroom and cool water for the parade goers. Stop by and say hello--we are always glad to meet new people.

Our Easter Sunday tradition is to put the congregation decorated cross outside the church building so the community can share the joy of being Easter People--people of hope, joy and compassion, forgiven, loved and free to share with everyone. Join us this year for Easter Sunday at 10:00 am on Sunday April 20, 2014.

On Palm Sunday, 2013 we gathered in the Memorial Garden to start our worship service. Join us this year on April 13, 2014 at 10:00 am. We want you to be part of God's picture, too.

Please take time to pause and ponder in our Memorial Garden. It is located at the rear entry to the social hall. Watch this space. . .a relaxing bench from Nick's Senior Project will be dedicated next June 11, 2014 for our 121st anniversary.

Plenty of room to park. The ADA ramp is right in front of you. Come on in.

You are welcome to join us for worship and activities--just open the red doors!