Thoughts Along the Way . . .

Last Sunday after worship I helped lead the second of a two-part New Member class, designed for people who are exploring the possibility of becoming a member of our congregation. It was a good group of folks – eleven people wanting to know more about who we are and several active members who were there to contribute to the conversation. It was a good reminder that our congregation is vital and healthy and growing. Yes, we are in a time of transition. Yes, at some point in the next year or so you will have a new settled pastor (who is not me). Yes, there will always be questions and challenges and uncertainties. And it is clear that our vitality is not defined or constrained by any of that. I invite you to remember that God is present and active in the midst of our congregation, calling us and guiding us and empowering us to become ever more fully a force for compassion and justice and radical hospitality in our community and our world. Look around you on Sunday mornings during worship. Feel the movement of the Spirit. Attend a board or committee meeting and experience the exciting ways in which the practical business of being church are being lived out. Remember that together, with each other and with God, our best days are still ahead of us. It is an exciting time to be a part of this particular corner of God’s realm.

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

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

In last week’s edition of my “Thoughts Along the Way” reflection I shared with you information regarding plans being considered by the Washington County Board of Commissioners to close the public health clinics currently being operated by the county. I was reminded afterwards that there are always at least two sides to every story. So, in an effort to be fair-minded and even-handed, I want to share with you information from two different sources. This link will take you to a response from Washington County officials. And this link will take you to several pieces of information provided by the Western Farm Workers Association. The WFWA opposes the plan to close the clinics. As I said in last week’s reflection, I believe that Jesus made it abundantly clear that we are called to care for the last, the lost and the least among us. Figuring out how best to accomplish that goal can be challenging. And it is an important enough goal that we need to give it our thoughtful, careful, prayerful consideration. I invite you to reflect on how you might respond.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

I became aware this week that the Washington County Board of Commissioners are giving serious consideration to closing the two public health clinics in the county (they have already closed a third clinic in Tigard). These clinics provide basic health care coverage for approximately 9,000 individuals. Many of the people who use these services are the most vulnerable people in our community, living on the edge with very few resources to draw upon. I believe that Jesus made it abundantly clear that we are called to care for the last, the lost and the least among us. I invite you to consider contacting the County Commissioners and encourage them to reconsider these closures. There will be a public hearing about this plan on Tuesday evening, February 24th in the County building. A show of public support from the local faith communities would be helpful.

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

Lent

The Church’s liturgical calendar is structured around seasons which flow from Advent and Christmas through Epiphany and into Lent, Easter and Pentecost, followed by the long period known as Ordinary Time and then back once again to Advent. Each season has its own character and its own themes. One of the gifts which comes with paying attention to such a calendar of seasons is the opportunity to really immerse ourselves in the themes. The truth is that we may or may not be experiencing the realities represented by the various seasons when the season is occurring. The joy of Christmas may not be ours at that moment. The wonder of Epiphany may not resonate with where we find ourselves on January 6th. The notions of sacrifice and reflection which present themselves during Lent may seem foreign to us. But the seasons allow us a chance to “try them on” so that when we do find ourselves in such circumstances we will have some spiritual resources available to us which can be brought to bear.

On February 18th we will once again enter the season of Lent, which is the 40 days (not counting Sundays) preceding Easter. It is a season which offers us the chance to explore some of the “darker” aspects of life - sacrifice, loss, suffering, betrayal, etc. This year our worship experiences during this season will, in one way or another, center around a theme of being in the wilderness. I hope you will take the opportunity to allow this season to be a time of spiritual exploration and growth as together we discover what it means to be people of faith even in challenging times.


- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

A year ago today I met with the search committee tasked with finding your next interim pastor. I didn’t know any of them and they didn’t know me. I had never been to Hillsboro before. And now, a year later, here I sit in my office, writing to you in my capacity as your Transitional Pastor. I am regularly reminded that life is an amazing journey full of surprises. And along the way we always have choices. We can hunker down and try to protect ourselves from the changes which threaten to disrupt our illusion of control. Or we can do our best to stay open to the flow of God’s Spirit which carries us along on the amazing adventure of our living. There will be surprises along the way. We won’t always end up where we thought we would end up. And isn’t that a good thing. I am grateful that our journeys have come together for a time. Thank you for walking with me.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

As many of you know, we had a congregational meeting last Sunday after church. The discussion which took place was lively, with strong opinions being expressed on both sides of the issue. We took a vote, tallied and announced the results and we were done. The point I want to make about all of that has to do with what it says about the character of our congregation. Some of you may have been here long enough and watch enough of these sorts of discussions take place that you’ve stopped noticing what an amazing thing it is. But I would like to invite you to notice. We had a challenging discussion that could easily have resulted in hard feelings and left people not talking to each other. But not here. People felt free to participate fully and give voice to their views on the matter. And when all was said and done we were still talking to each other. That speaks volumes about who we are as Church. Once again I find myself feeling such gratitude for the privilege of sharing in ministry with you.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)

Thoughts Along the Way . . .

I am home sick today. It is not a condition I enjoy. But it does serve as an opportunity to remember how grateful I am for my body. It allows me to be fully present in this amazing world – hearing, seeing, tasting, touching, smelling my way through each and every moment. And the inner workings of my body are truly remarkable. The reason I’m sick is because my body is busy fighting off whatever foreign bugs found their way into my system. So I am grateful to be alive. Every moment is a God-given gift. And in this moment I will stay home and drink lots of water.

- Pastor Roger

(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)