Wildfire Concerns
So thankful that the Mill City, Springwater and
Phoenix church buildings have been spared so far in the fires.
Prayers for members who lost their homes.
We are actively monitoring the devastating fires throughout the west, including those in Oregon, Washington and California. Some of the areas where we have churches and members have been affected. While we try to keep abreast of the latest news, things are changing by the hour. Please let us know how we can pray for and support you during this crisis.
Pray for those in the areas where we know our members have been affected or are at risk.
Here are some areas that at the time of this writing we know have been of concern.
Mill City\Santiam area
McKenzie Valley/ Walterville area
Lincoln City
Clackamas County – Woodburn, Eagle Creek, Aurora, Springwater
Phoenix, Ashland, Medford, Central Point area
Cave Junction area in Josephine County
Salem area including member’s homes
Glide\Roseburg area
Fruit Valley\Vancouver area
Warms Springs area
The Presbytery Staff are also in contact with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance agency and stand ready to support churches and their communities in their response as soon as we are able.
From Clark Scalera
I have heard from quite a few of you asking about how you can be of help, and wanted to update you on the best ways you can support our extended church family during this time. Here’s the top ways we can use you right now:
- Spiritual Support – please pray those most deeply impacted, as well as for our region as a whole. Also, reaching out with a listening ear and conveying your love, concern, and support goes further than you imagine!
- Providing Shelter – For larger spaces or initiatives, our ministry partners the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (https://emoregon.org/) is working closely with the Red Cross and VOAD to safely coordinate efforts, which can be registered at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M77RNWM .
- Financial Support – the presbytery is currently collecting funds which will be distributed through local churches to areas of greatest need. Donations designated as “Fire Relief” can be made directly to the presbytery, but if your local church has the ability to collect and consolidate funds, it is ideal for the local church to do so, and then send one check to the presbytery.
- Send us an Update – we are trying to get a good sense of each church and what needs it and it’s members may have. We are also trying to consolidate a list of what resources our churches are offering. Rev. Morgan Schmidt (mschmidt@bendfp.org) of 1st Pres Bend is helping coordinate our efforts in these regards, and both of us would love to hear from you. Also, if you know of church members with particular need for housing, please let us know as we do have a handful of resources available.
Current Documents
See What’s Coming UpFrom the Center: A Cascades 360 Retreat
Stated Presbytery Meeting November 6-7, 2020
From the Center: A Cascades 360 Retreat
Monday, September 28 7:30pm—Tuesday, 29 at 4pm
Cost: Our gift to you!
“It is easy to get dizzy and lose our bearings these days!
However, gathering from all corners of the Presbytery,
we will center our minds, bodies and hearts
on the One who is the source of life
and the inspiration for all we do.
We are gifted this space for reflection, community, worship,
creating, renewal and fun.”
Rev. Sharon Edwards, Retreat Leader
Friends,
Situations have changed dramatically since we first planned this retreat.
Gather with us in a couple of weeks if you can, so that we may:
–mourn together, adding our tears to God’s tears
–lament on behalf and with one another
–help each other get our bearings and catch our breath
–Be fed by the practices of our faith
–Be strengthened by the love and hope of God.
——-In Peace, Sharon Edwards, Retreat facilitator
There is no cost for the retreat, but advanced registration is required.
CLICK HERE
BISBEE GRANT
This fall’s Bisbee Fund Community Ministry grant awards will be focused on Mental Health issues i.e. suicide prevention, depression, paranoia, PTSD etc. If your church has an ongoing program or is contemplating a new one that addresses these needs be sure to apply. Applications may be found here. Deadline is Nov 30! Awards will be announced in mid-December.
