Thoughts Along the Way . . .

It is Christmas! And I am grateful! I am grateful for the many gifts which pour into my life – some of them big and some of them small, some of them simple and some of them complex, some of them old and some of them new. And all of them profoundly enhance my life in amazing ways. High on the list is my gratitude for this congregation. You have welcomed me into your midst and expressed appreciation for the gifts which I bring to the table. You are strong and healthy and vital. You are loving and welcoming and gracious. It is a joy to serve as your pastor. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a profoundly vibrant New Year. May the blessings of this season fill you to overflowing. Thank you for being who you are.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

The Advent season is drawing to a close. On Sunday the last of the Advent candles (Love) will be lit. The tree has been decorated. The themes of hope, peace, joy and love have been proclaimed. The watching and waiting and preparing have brought us to this moment when Christmas is upon us. So I invite you to pause and let it sink it. Revel in the awe and wonder of this season. Pay attention to the presence of the sacred which shines through all of the traditions which we cherish. Stop for just a moment and breathe. And then, allow all of that delicious inspiration to prompt you into action. Live your life in such a way that hope and peace and joy and love become manifest throughout the world. Why else would we celebrate this season?

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

“Behold, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” These are the words which an angel speaks to the shepherds. Often when angels appear in scripture they come bearing important news. I love the word which is used in the RSV and KJV translations (and, sadly, has been changed in the NRSV) – Behold! It proclaims that what follows is exciting news worthy of our complete attention. In the case of the shepherds, that good news is “of great joy for all the people”. ALL the people. It is a radically inclusive gift that encompasses all of humanity. Which is one of the reasons why I appreciate the angel which is hanging in our Fellowship Hall. It was first created back in about 2006 by my wife, Veronica. It was in response to her frustration around the fact that most of the angels which she saw were blonde haired, blue eyed and Caucasian. There was very little diversity. They did not represent “all the people.” And so she created this very dark face with very strong features and dressed in very colorful garb. It serves as a reminder that the good news which we celebrate is radically inclusive. The message that God loves us and is always and forever with us is for all the people – black, white, yellow, brown or red; gay, straight or somewhere in the middle of the spectrum; male, female or gender-flexible; rich, poor or just getting by; liberal, conservative or middle of the road; young, old or somewhere along the path. Humanity is such a rich and diverse tapestry, woven together with the love and grace of God. Let us celebrate that diversity.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Advent - an Opportunity to Reflect

We find ourselves in the midst of Advent – a season in the life of the church that includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas. This season is characterized by watching and waiting, preparing and anticipating. I love this season because it reminds me to take time to be still and pay attention to the movement of Spirit in my life and in my world. There is an opportunity to reflect on themes such as hope, peace, joy and love. The commercial aspects of our culture encourage us to get caught up in the hectic and busy pace of spending more money in more ways and more places. There is always one more gift to buy – one more party to attend – one more holiday activity to do. And all of that can be fun – as long as there is balance. In these days which lead us to Christmas, I invite you to be intentional about also taking time to slow down, remember to breath, and pay attention to the ways in which God is present in your life. Prepare a place in your heart for the Christ to be born.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

The day is finally upon us. Months of planning and preparing have brought us to this moment. On Saturday we will share together in a day-long visioning retreat designed to help us listen for guidance from God’s Spirit regarding the future direction of this congregation. We will celebrate our history, who we are in this moment, and who God is calling us to become in the days, months and years ahead. More than 60 people have signed up to participate. I am confident that at the end of the day we will be even more excited to be a part of this wonderful congregation than we already are. And the Pastoral Search Committee will have a lot of good material with which to begin their work. I look forward to spending the day with you on Saturday. See you then.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

“Today I am grateful for...” These are the words I use every day at the beginning of my “DailyGratitudes” blog. It’s not that I’m only thankful for one thing each day. I simply find that the practice of pausing to pay attention and reflect on one particular thing each day helps me to be more aware of all the blessings which surround me in each and every moment of my living. So on this Thanksgiving Day, I pause to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for the privilege of being the pastor of this congregation in these days. Thank you for the ways in which you have welcomed me and embraced me. Thank you for the ways you have worked with me and supported me as together we seek to discover what God has in store for us next. May we continue to experience the guidance and direction of God’s Spirit.

~ Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thought Along the Way . . .

This morning I find myself reflecting on life and death and gratitude. Two friends are facing the imminent death of their fathers. Another friend just posted a refection on Facebook about the five year anniversary of her partner’s death, which triggered an awareness that I am only a few months away from such an anniversary of my own. And all of this is happening a week before the holiday we set aside for giving thanks. How does it all fit together? Our culture often tends to put death at the other end of the spectrum from giving thanks. It is not a subject which is usually discussed in polite company. But I find myself experiencing it differently these days. Slowly, sometimes painfully slowly, I am coming to an awareness of the connectedness of our lives, including our deaths. Of course there is pain and grief when we experience the death of someone close to us. And there is also so much more. Even the pain points us to the truth of our connection. It is because we are connected that it hurts. And that is worth celebrating. That is worth giving thanks for. What happens after we step beyond this earthly existence is beyond my ability to comprehend. And I am confident that the Holy and Sacred Presence who gave us this amazing life has something even more amazing in store. That is worth giving thanks for. So today, surrounded by both life and death, I choose once again to give thanks.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

Last week I attended a “Faith Luncheon” sponsored by the Hillsboro School District. I found it to be an enlightening, challenging and inspiring experience. We heard from Mike Scott, District Superintendent, along with several principals from around the district. They presented a picture of an almost overwhelming array of needs among the students of Hillsboro, and the limited resources within the district to address those needs. They are attempting to address those needs by reaching out to faith communities who might be willing to step up and help. I came away from the event with a new level of awareness that this is one way we could get involved in our community. As a congregation we already participate in the Weekend Food Backpack Program, providing food for low-income children on the weekends. And there are so many other ways in which we might get involved, both individually and collectively. It could be as little as half an hour a week. It might involve tutoring, or mentoring, or just sharing lunch or playground time with a child. If you are interested in getting involved, you can contact Katie Willis or Coleen Garrett. They are volunteer coordinators with the district and they can help you plug in and make a difference. In the words of Jesus from Matthew’s Gospel, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.”

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

In November, as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it seems natural that our thoughts turn to the practice of gratitude. Gratitude can transform our experience of life at the deepest and most profound levels. As we pay attention to that for which we are grateful we discover more and more for which to be grateful. It frees us to see beauty and grace and wonder in every moment. It even helps us face life’s most challenging and painful experiences in such a way that healing and wholeness can emerge. The more we make it our practice, the fuller and deeper and richer our experience of life becomes. This is the perfect moment to begin.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Lately you’ve been hearing a lot from me about the Visioning Process. I’ve tried to keep you informed and excited about this important process in the life of our congregation without overwhelming you and sounding like a broken record. So here we are, in the middle of this period of transition, seeking to discern who God is calling us to become. Toward that end, there are a couple of significant opportunities in the next month which are designed to help us listen for the guidance of God’s Spirit.

The first opportunity comes in the form of a series of small group discussion sessions which are designed to help us explore the intersection between our congregation’s strengths and the world’s needs. There will be ten of these sessions offered during the month of November. You can sign up on-line at: http://goo.gl/Vyr145 or in person on Sunday mornings in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

The second opportunity will happen on Saturday, December 6th when we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for an All-Church Retreat from 9am until 3pm. On that day we will spend time sharing together in a variety of ways as we seek clarity and inspiration regarding the future for our congregation.

Throughout this process your voice is important. The understandings and information which emerge from this process will be used by the Pastoral Search Committee as they create the Congregational Profile which is a central part of the search process. So let your voice be heard. Get involved. Take advantage of these important opportunities. Together, with each other and with God, we will walk boldly into God’s exciting future.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

Saturday, November 1st, is All Saints Day. It is an ancient Feast Day in the life of the Church, when we remember that we are, in the words of the writer of Hebrews, surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. A vitally important part of what it means to be human is to be in community, and that community is ultimately made up of far more than just those in some small inner circle. Indeed, our connections stretch out across space and time, encompassing all those who have gone before us. On Sunday during our morning worship service we will celebrate this powerful reality with a special litany. There will be an opportunity for you to name a loved one who has died, and then later in the litany a chance for you to name someone still living who touches your life in a personal way. I hope you will join me in worship on Sunday as together we catch a glimpse of the larger reality in which we live.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

Your voice matters. We are a community of faith and our community would be diminished without your participation. So I invite and encourage you to get involved in the Visioning Process which is currently underway. The next phase of that process, exploring the intersection of our congregation’s strengths and the world’s needs, will take place in November. There will be ten opportunities for you to participate in a small group discussion around this theme. You can sign up now by logging in to: www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d4faeae22aafb6-cottage or by visiting the sign up table in the Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour following worship on Sunday morning. I also invite you to make plans now to attend the All-Church Retreat on Saturday, December 6th from 9am – 3pm. What we come up with in these discussions will help to inform the Search Committee when they begin constructing our Congregational Profile, which will be their first task as they begin the process of searching for your next Settled Pastor. Let your voice be heard.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

The Bible Study phase of our congregation’s Visioning Process has concluded. More than 50 people participated and the reports I’ve been hearing are very positive. A special thank you to all those who led one of the sessions. And a thank you to all who took the time to participate. Now comes the next phase in the process – opportunities for small group discussions that will center around our congregation’s gifts and passions, and where those intersect with the needs of the world. Ten sessions will be offered during the first three weeks in November (see elsewhere in this Church Update for those dates and times). Sign up for these sessions will be available no later than Sunday. I encourage you to get involved and participate in one of these sessions even if you did not attend one of the Bible Study sessions. Your voice matters as we continue to seek God’s guidance and direction in this time of transition.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

The Wider Church

We traveled to Pendleton for the Central Pacific Conference of the United Church of Christ Annual Meeting. There were four of us from this congregation who participated – Marcia and Steve Gilliland, Marcia Simms and me. Folks from all across the conference, from Ashland, Oregon to Boise, Idaho, gathered together. And together we worshiped and studied, ate and played, discussed and debated. In other words, we were the church. This was my first such gathering in this Conference. I was pleasantly surprised that I knew more people than I expected to know, and I am looking forward to getting better acquainted with several people whom I met for the first time.

The business which was discussed, debated and voted on included the budget for the Conference, new officers and leaders for the coming year, and resolutions concerning climate change and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The discussions around the issues were thoughtful and civil. We clearly demonstrated that it is possible to disagree on important issues and still be sisters and brothers in Christ. All of the resolutions and other documents related to this Annual Meeting are available on-line at Google Drive or Dropbox.

One of the workshops I attended was titled “Bringing Your Body to Your Church and Life: a body-centered experience for a head-centered people.” We discussed and practiced ways to expand our faith experience by including practices which involve our senses. I found it to be a helpful workshop and I expect to include some of the ideas with the congregation in the coming weeks and months.

If you have never attended an Annual Meeting I would encourage you to consider doing so next year. It is a rewarding experience that offers a perspective of the wider church.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

I continue to be so grateful for the opportunity to be your pastor at this moment in your history. It is an exciting time. You are such a leader-full congregation, filled with health and vitality. God is alive and working in you and through you in such diverse and amazing ways. The future that is stretching out before you is filled with possibilities beyond imagining. We cannot yet see where the path will lead us, but I have every confidence that it will be a rich and rewarding journey. Keep breathing. Keep taking each step. Keep being as fully present in each moment as you can possibly manage. Thank you for the opportunity to share this time with you.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

Our congregational visioning process is now officially underway. Three of the Bible Study sessions have already taken place and the reports from participants have been very positive. There are still some questions about how this Bible Study fits in with the whole search process. “How will this help us find a new pastor?” This is my perspective on the matter.

1) The search process is a spiritual endeavor. Beginning with a Bible Study helps to ground the whole process in faith – orienting us towards scripture, prayer and spiritual gifts.

2) Finding the right pastor begins with knowing who we are. Knowing who we are as a congregation begins with knowing who we are as individual members. Thus the Bible Study includes a focus on our spiritual gifts.

3) The next steps in the process will focus on the spiritual gifts of our congregation. So having spent some time paying attention to our personal gifts helps to prepare us for that conversation at the congregational level.

4) It also helps to bring us closer together because we have all participated in the same experience.

If you have not already done so, I hope you will sign up to participate in one of the Bible Study sessions. There are several more opportunities. You can sign up on-line by clicking here or signing up in the Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

This week-end I will be traveling to Pendleton to participate in the Central Pacific Conference UCC Annual Meeting. In the 33+ years I’ve been in ministry I have attended a lot of meetings like this. Even though I’ve never been to such a meeting in this conference I am confident that it will include opportunities for fellowship and shared meals, worship, conducting the business of the church, discussions around various pressing issues of the day, and then more of the same. And I also know that what I experience in Pendleton will not be exactly like any other gathering I have ever participated in. I know this to be true because that is how life works, and it is certainly how the church works. There is both continuity and uniqueness. What has come before shapes our present experience, but it does not define it. God is always calling us to be fully present in each new moment - in each new experience. Thus I travel to Pendleton filled with anticipation. And in the same way I am filled with excitement as together we move into the future which God has in store for this congregation.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

On a regular basis I am reminded that we are all connected. Not just you and me, but all of us. All six billion plus of us. Actually, all of us who ever have or ever will be alive on this planet. We don’t have to do anything to make it happen. It simply is true because that is how God created us. It’s written into our DNA. We are connectional beings. What we can do is be intentional about living ever more fully into our awareness of that reality. And so we come together in this congregation to share life with each other. In such sharing we experience not only our connection with those around us, but also our connection with the Sacred Source of all life. My life in enhanced in so many ways because I share it with you. Together may we continue to be God’s community of love as we reach out beyond ourselves to touch the world around us.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

I was deeply moved during worship last Sunday morning. I experienced the Spirit of God shining in us and through us. It happened first when I invited everyone present to lay hands on our teachers in an act of blessing. In that moment our hearts were all connected as together we reached out in love. And then came the children’s moment. Most of you were probably unaware, but the idea of passing the love rocks around the sanctuary was not a pre-planned part of the service. That particular idea didn’t occur to me until we had laid hands on the teachers and I had a flash of inspiration that we could do the same thing with the rocks. I am convinced that it was a Spirit-inspired notion. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and paying enough attention to catch the idea when it showed up. But what moved me so deeply was not that I got to catch a wonderful idea. It was moving because when I shared the idea with the congregation you took it and embraced it whole-heartedly. It took a while for the basket of rocks to make its way around the sanctuary because the room was full of people who genuinely relished the idea that they could share their love for the children in this wonderfully tangible way. So we took the time that it took for that to happen. And no one got impatient. No one complained that it was taking too long. It was a timeless moment when God’s ever-present Spirit came shining through the ordinary and transformed it into an extraordinary experience. And those of us who were fortunate enough to be there were transformed as well. Thank you for being the extraordinary congregation that you are.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

A Process of Visioning and Discernment

The time has come. We spent the first five months of my tenure getting acquainted and settling in to the new reality of congregational life beyond Pastor Diane’s ministry. Now we are preparing to engage in a process of visioning and discernment that will help to shape the future of this congregation for years to come. By now you have received a letter introducing the process. If you have not already done so, I invite you to please read it carefully. Ask questions if you need clarification. Your voice, and every voice, is incredibly important to the success of this endeavor. We are laying the foundation upon which the Pastoral Search Committee (to be named sometime soon) will build when they move forward with the task of finding and calling your next settled pastor. Get involved. Let your voice be heard. Make it a priority. I believe you will find it to be an exciting and inspiring process. Thank you for the honor and the privilege of being with you in these days.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

I just returned home from a few days of vacation in San Francisco. It was a refreshing time away, including re-connecting with Susan, eating way too much good food, meeting new friends and exploring a fun city. And now it’s time to jump into a busy and exciting time of discernment for our congregation. I hope you will take advantage of the upcoming important opportunities for helping to shape the future of First Congregational UCC. Let your voice be heard. Contribute your time and talents. Hold us in prayer. I remain convinced that God’s Spirit is moving among us in powerful ways, and I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to share life and ministry with you in these days.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

In these waning days of summer, as we head into the Labor Day week-end, I invite you to engage in the challenging spiritual practice of living fully in the moment. There is so much in our current cultural environment that tries to pull us into the past or the future. We worry about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. We rob ourselves of the present by complaining that “summer is almost over.” The truth of the matter is that this present moment is the only moment there is. The past is gone and the future is not yet. “Now” is the only opportunity we have in which to be fully alive. “Now” is the only opportunity we have in which to be fully connected with ourselves, with each other and with God. Of course we need to remember the past. Of course we need to plan for the future. But not at the expense of being fully present to what is right in front of us. Be alive to the wonder of each glorious day. Allow each breath you take to be a reminder to slow down and pay attention to all of the ways in which God can be experienced in each incredible moment. It requires lots of practice, and the gifts we will discover in the process make it all worth the effort.

- Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

“Be the change you wish to see in the world!” is the way Mahatma Gandhi put it. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” is the way Martin Luther King, Jr. put it. If we want to help bring peace and love and harmony into our broken and hurting world then it makes sense that we begin by bringing it into our own lives. When we come from a place of peace within ourselves, rooted and grounded in a deep and abiding awareness of God’s peace, then our actions in the world are much more likely to contribute to peace in the world around us. It is not always easy to find that peaceful center, and even more challenging to stay there. And it is a spiritual practice that is well worth the effort – one step, one breath, one peaceful intention at a time.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

Actor and comedian Robin Williams died this week, apparently ending his own life in the midst of an ongoing struggle with depression. I confess that I have never experienced anything that came even close to tempting me to end my own life, so I can only barely imagine what sort of inner turmoil and pain must be involved. There is a quote floating around the internet that invites us to “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” We have the sacred opportunity to shine the light of grace and peace into the lives of those whom we encounter along the way. In this moment and every moment may we be agents of God’s love in the world.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along The Way . . .

This morning I find myself thinking about journey as a metaphor for life. And three quotes have presented themselves to me which I now share with you.


If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.
~ Joseph Campbell


Walk as if you are printing your footstep on the ground; leave an imprint of happiness, peace and serenity, not an imprint of anxiety, negativity or frustration.
~Thich Nhat Hahn


All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.
~ Martin Buber


May the journey of your life take you to surprising and rewarding places.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Being a Pastor is a Funny Business . . .

Lately folks in the congregation have been touching base with me and asking how things are going. It often comes in the form of some variation on the question, “Are you still glad you’re here?” To which I always reply that I am, indeed, still glad I’m here. It is such a privilege and a joy to be your pastor. I love my job. And one of the things which I appreciate most about being your pastor is the opportunity to share life with you – in joyful celebrations, painful struggles, everyday happenings, all of it. Such sharing is a large part of what keeps me coming back for more and why I’m still a pastor after more than thirty years. Being a pastor is a funny business. I’m not any holier than anyone else. Not any more perfect. Not any more gifted. Not any more anything. What I am is grateful for the extraordinary privilege of being a representative for the church, and sometimes for God. It means that when I walk into a hospital room wearing my pastor hat I bring the whole congregation and all of their prayers with me. It means I have the opportunity to allow the presence of the Sacred to shine through me and into the lives of those I meet. And the only way for any of this to happen is if you participate in the process by inviting me to share those moments with you. When you are in the hospital I want to come visit you. When you have a special anniversary or other family celebration I would love the opportunity to offer my best wishes. When something happens around the church I hope you’ll make sure I know about it (because sometimes I don’t). I always appreciate an invitation to visit you in your home, or meet you for tea, or get together for lunch. I look forward to opportunities for sharing life with you. Together may we continue to be the church God is calling us to be.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

I’ve been thinking a lot about community and connection lately. In many real and powerful ways our very existence is shaped by the connections we share with each other and with God. Our experience of life takes on meaning and purpose and direction because we are in relationship. That is what it means to be Church. That is what it means to be human. To be fully alive requires that we be open to the presence of those around us and the presence of the Sacred within us. We are not in this on our own – never have been, never will be. Sometimes this is easy. Often it is challenging. Always it is essential.

This reality offers guidance and direction for our life together as a congregation. As we prepare to move forward into a time of visioning and discernment, seeking the leading of God’s Spirit, it will be important to remember that each and every one of us are vital pieces of the picture. It will take all of us together to become most fully who God is calling us to be. It also means we must always remember to keep our doors and our arms and our hearts open so that we can continue to invite and welcome others into our circle of community. There is always room for one more – always one more. How will God use this gift of our connections to help in the healing of the world?

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thought Along the Way . . .

As I write these words there are children and adults in the sanctuary making music. It has been fun to be here this week during Music Camp as music and laughter fills the building. Much the same thing happens on Sunday mornings. At 9:30am things are very quiet. By about 10:15am there is an excitement buzzing in the air as people gather to worship together. I am reminded once again that each of us make contributions which touch the lives of everyone around us. Without your presence and your participation in the life of this congregation the experience of being the church would be diminished for all of us. And each of us gets to decide what kind of energy we will bring to the mix. What sort of contribution will you make? Together may we continue to be God’s excited, joyful, creative and enthusiastic church.

~ Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

“Keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow” is the tag line I use for my email and my newsletter articles. I started using it six years ago when my life took on an unsettled, transitional quality. It was a playful reminder that staying in the flow of this present moment is where I will encounter God, and where I will find meaning and purpose in my living. Worrying about an uncertain future simply does not serve me well.

During this time of transition in which you now find yourselves, there is a temptation to get through it as quickly as possible. “Just find a new settled pastor so we can get on with the business of being the church.” I would invite you to consider the possibility that there is a “flow” to this process. Being the church happens now. Being faithful happens now. Being alive happens now. This present moment is a unique gift. May we use it gratefully and joyfully.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Being the Church is Relational

We are relational beings. It’s written into our DNA. Being in relationship isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. So it’s not at all surprising that relationship so profoundly influences what it means to be the church. First Congregational UCC is in the midst of a transition time because Pastor Diane retired, and the relational ripples of that reality continue to spread across the life of the congregation. The ways in which you relate to her and to each other have changed. What it means to be church together is now in flux. We find ourselves in a period of time when the ground is shifting beneath our feet. What was has come to an end and what will be has not yet taken shape. And it is important to remember that this is not simply a time to get through as quickly as possible. It is not something that has gone wrong and needs to get “fixed.” This is an opportunity to learn and grow. It is an opportunity to experience the presence and guidance of God’s Spirit in new ways. And because we are relational beings, all of this will happen within the context of being together. We do not have to face these days alone. Indeed we cannot do so. Together we will discover the ways in which God is moving in us and through us. Together we will discover new ways of being church never before dreamed of. Together we will reclaim old ways of doing things that still speak powerfully to who we are today. Together, with each other and with God, we will become the church God is calling us to become. Thank you for the remarkable opportunity of being your Transitional Pastor in such a time as this. I am honored by your trust. I am excited by the possibilities.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

I’ve been with you as your Transitional Pastor for three months. I am deeply grateful for the ways in which you have warmly welcomed me into the congregation and into your lives. Together we are finding our way through this new territory in which we find yourselves after Pastor Diane’s retirement. Some of what I bring to the experience is change – parts of our worship time are different, how I present myself is different, who I am is different. Along the way you may discover that such change is uncomfortable. Not all of the changes are going to be appreciated by everyone. That is very understandable. Please know that part of my job is to help you experience church in ways which are different from what you’ve been used to, so that you have a fuller, richer perspective with which to decide how you want to be the Church going forward from here. It may well be that you will decide to return to some of the ways things used to be done. And there may also be new things you discover along the way that you choose to truly embrace. It’s all a part of the process of stepping into the future to which God is calling you. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of walking with you on this path for a while.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along The Way . . .

Last week I told you that the Dances of Universal Peace are the thinnest place I know – they regularly and profoundly open me to the Sacred Source. This week I am at Wilderness Dance Camp in Montana, where I am spending my time singing and dancing and playing with an open heart – full to overflowing with wonder and gratitude. As I write these words it is only Tuesday, and already I have been moved to tears on more than one occasion. Lila Flood is one of our Dance Leaders, and several of her dances have been favorites of mine for a long time. It has been a wonderful treat to express my thanks to her for that gift in my life. This morning she led us in one of those dances – Soli Deo Gloria – Adoramus Te (all glory to God alone with deep adoration). She introduced the dance with a quote from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. “To adore: that means to lose oneself in the unfathomable, to plunge into the inexhaustible, to find peace in the incorruptible, to be absorbed in defined immensity, to offer oneself to the fire and the transparency, to annihilate oneself in proportion as one becomes more deliberately conscious to oneself, and to give of one’s deepest to that whose depth has no end.” As I danced and sang I found myself overwhelmed with the awareness that I am living my life immersed in the unfathomable Mystery. It is such a gift to sing from my heart, to move my body, to be surrounded by music, and to dive deep into the heart of God.
- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

On Sunday after church I will hop on the Max to the airport and catch a plane to Kalispell, Montana. I will spend the week at Wilderness Dance Camp on Flathead Lake. The event centers around the Dances of Universal Peace, which is a spiritual practice that has been described as body prayer - simple circle dances with songs and chants from many of the world’s faith traditions. At this particular camp all of that happens outside, on grass, under a beautifully decorated tent, while surrounded by 60 or so amazingly open-hearted people of all ages, with a host of wonderful musicians in the center of the circle. In Celtic spirituality there is a concept known as “thin places” - where the veil between this world and the spiritual world grows thin. For me the Dances are one of the thinnest places I know. My heart is opened and I become profoundly aware of being deeply and intimately connected with the Sacred Source of all that is. The opportunity to participate in this grand adventure fills me with gratitude. When I return home on Saturday I will be refreshed and renewed. I invite you to find a spiritual practice that opens your heart and fills your life with the light of God’s presence.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

This week there was another school shooting, and this time it happened very close to home. Reynolds High School is less than 40 miles from where I am sitting as I write these words. Following the unfolding news reports, which include two students dead (one of them being the shooter), a teacher wounded and an entire community traumatized, I find myself awash with an awareness of the turmoil in the lives of all those involved in this latest in an ever-growing list of such incidents. My heart is heavy and I want to respond by opening my arms and my heart in an embrace that wraps them with the healing and transforming power of love. Such a response may seem simplistic to some. At least one person thinks that I am wearing rose-colored glasses. I know that it is not a response which everyone will feel led to make. And it is where my heart is leading me. I don’t have any clear answers. The solution will be challenging, complex and a long time in coming. A variety of particular responses will be required, as each person is led to contribute to the process. And what I know I can do right now is to send out as much light and love as I can muster - to the family and friends of the student who was killed, to the students, teachers and staff of Reynolds High School, to the parents and loved ones of those directly involved, to the police and other first responders, to the community of Troutdale, to the greater Portland community, to our country, to our world, and even (perhaps especially) to the shooter and his family. Love and light. Love and light. Love and light.

What Happens Next?

It has now been more than two months since I officially became your Transitional Pastor. I am slowly putting names and faces together. I have visited with some of you in your homes. We have shared in worship together. I have participated in meetings with more than a few of you. And through it all I am still very excited to be here with you.

In the coming months we will begin to move through a process which will eventually lead to the calling of your next Settled Pastor. At this point there is no firm time-line for all of this, but it might be helpful to lay out some of what you can anticipate along the way. If you ever have any questions about this process, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thoughts Along The Way

This is a very active congregation, with lots going on. There are assorted meetings, social activities, outreach projects, worship experiences, opportunities for study and growth, music, and on and on the list could go. There is no way for any one person (including me) to be involved in all of it. And it is important for you to find those places where you can plug in. Get involved. You will benefit. The church will benefit. The community will benefit. First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hillsboro is a congregation worth celebrating. How will you participate in the celebration?

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along The Way . . .

I spent last week-end singing and dancing and praying with about 120 wonderfully open-hearted people at Inland Northwest Sufi Camp in northern Idaho. The theme for the camp was “Singing the Sacred Song of Every Heart.” Not really so very different from the phrase we use a lot in this congregation - “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” When we seek to be open to the presence of Spirit that shines through each person, honoring and welcoming every bearer of Spirit whom we encounter, then the result is true community that can heal the world. Each of you is a precious gift from God. Together may we allow God’s Light to shine through us.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along The Way . . .

This week Oregon joined the growing list of states where the freedom to marry is an officially and legally recognized right for same-gendered couples. It is a milestone worth celebrating and I am grateful to be part of a church where such a decision is viewed as good news. It touches people’s lives in profoundly personal and far-reaching ways.

And there is more work to be done. Our country, our culture and our world are deeply divided on this issue. Hurtful attitudes and actions are still far more prevalent than we might dare to imagine. We can make a difference, both personally and as a congregation - with our words, with our choices, with our actions. Never doubt that even seemingly small things can contribute to a more just and life-affirming world for everyone. Dare to let your voice be heard. Dare to let your light shine.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along The Way

You have likely heard me say this before, and in all likelihood will hear me saying it again - I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be with you as your Transitional Pastor. In the almost two months that I have been here I have experienced you to be a healthy, vibrant, and active congregation. There are so many ways in which you demonstrate a profound understanding of what it means to be the Church.

I know that this transition period is challenging for many of you, as you grieve the absence of your long-time and much beloved pastor. And I have the utmost of confidence that you will rise to the occasion as you learn to live into the bold future to which God is calling you. Life is not as it was, and it has not yet become clear what it will be. For now it is enough for us to know that God is alive and present in the midst of this community, calling forth gifts which are already manifest among us. Together we are the Church. Together we will continue to be the Church in new and exciting ways.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Blue Angels

When visiting my office you might notice an angel hanging above my desk. She is a product of my late wife’s wonderful artistic creativity. One of the features of this particular angel is that she is blue. A friend of ours once asked, “Why is she blue?” Veronica's immediate response was, “Because she wanted to be!” I love that. It offers a powerful image for what it means to be the Church. We are called to be a place where blue angels are not only welcomed but also encouraged to shine forth in all of their wonderful uniqueness. Our culture is filled to overflowing with assumptions, expectations and judgments concerning “acceptable” ways of looking and acting and being. And if the truth be told none of us fit perfectly or comfortably into that unrealistic and unhealthy mold. Which is why it is so vitally important for the Church to be a safe sanctuary where each unique child of God can be celebrated and affirmed. When that begins to happen then the world becomes a more vital and enriching place for all of us. In another burst of creativity Veronica wrote a poem about watching for unlikely angels -

~ Inconsequential Details ~

by Veronica Lassen ©2009

I keep saying: “I’ve never seen an angel.”

But I’m starting not to believe myself -

My life is full of angels.

They love me and help me,

Talk to me and challenge me,

Hold me,

And believe in

Me.

I just don’t see wings.

I’m going to try squinting,

And looking out the corner of my eyes,

Quickly.

If that doesn’t work,

I’ll give up on this idea of wings altogether.

Then I’ll see angels all the time.

May we learn to see angels all the time, in all of their multi-colored glory. And may we continue to become a church where such angels are welcomed, affirmed, celebrated and encouraged.

- Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

The Journey Begins

As I write these words I have officially been your new Transitional Pastor for about two and a half weeks. And already it feels very good to be with you. So many of you have warmly and graciously welcomed me. More than a few of you have helped me get settled, from those who helped me move things into my new office, to those who helped unload the truck at the house, to recommendations for good restaurants, parks and area attractions. Thank you for your kindness, and your understanding patience as I work on connecting names and faces.


I love the positive and exciting energy that I am finding here at First Congregational UCC. I am experiencing you to be a congregation filled with dedicated, committed, hard-working people who take seriously the ongoing work of being the church. So many of you are involved in the life of the church in such a wide variety of ways. It seems like there is always some group meeting about something important. And I do not have adequate words to express how much I appreciate the energy I experience on Sunday mornings as you gather for worship. On top of everything else it is very apparent that you enjoy being together.

Meet Your New Transitional Pastor

I grew up in the church, the son of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister. I attended Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon, graduating in 1978 with a B.A. in Psychology. From there I went to seminary at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. In addition to learning to say “y’all” and “fixin’ to”, I graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1981 & was ordained as a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister.