WIXLIB

Madras United Methodist ChurchOctober, 2021The Madras MessengerWhen Will We Return to the Sanctuary?That question is a common refrain in churchconversations these days. It’s understandable thatpeople are curious about worship plans for thecoming months. The short answer is byNovember we will likely explore somecombination of limited-numbers, short-durationindoor worship and online Zoom worship.Now, let’s unpack this question a bit further. Thequestion of when we will be back in thesanctuary is probably the tip of the iceberg ofdeeper conversations that we need to have as acongregation.The first conversation revolves around our care for each other. This was the core commitment wemade in choosing Option 2: A Commitment to Safe Local Practice. Friends, for the past two months,our county COVID risk level has either been Very High or Severe. We have many members whohave health concerns or care for someone with health concerns. Even with the miracle of vaccines, abreakthrough case is not inconsequential for someone with a compromised immune system. Inaddition, children under 12 are not eligible for a COVID vaccine. For all these reasons, we willworship outdoors as long as possible because it is the safest option.A second question near to my heart is how our worship strategy (outdoors, indoors, online) impactsour ability “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Our congregationholds a special place in the life of our community. It is my prayer that we make missional decisionswhich invite people to experience the inclusive, transforming love of Christ.Finally, I’m curious about the need behind the desire to return to the sanctuary. This may requiresome soul searching. Where and how we worship is a strategy. For example, worshipping outdoors isa strategy to meet the need for safety. Worshipping online may be a strategy to meet the need to bemissional. When we express the desire to return to the sanctuary, what is the underlying need that isnot being met through outdoor or online worship?Let’s chat soon. Call, drop by the office, or send me an email. I’m looking forward to hearing fromyou.With Curiosity, Pastor GigiOctober 2021, Madras Messenger1

Madras United Methodist ChurchOctober, 2021Connectional News Our Annual Charge Conference with District Superintendent Rev. Wendy Woodworth has been moved toNov. 1, 7 pm via Zoom. More info to follow. That Was a Great Meeting! Do you chair a committee, lead a discussion or teach a class at your church/ministry site? Would you like to improve your skill at leading meetings and create an atmosphere that isboth relational and gets the necessary work accomplished? DS Wendy is offering a mini-workshop this falltitled : “That was a Great Meeting/Class.” We will discuss best practices, how to keep one or two voicesfrom monopolizing the conversation and how to be relational, inclusive, and complete the work. Theworkshop is FREE and will last 60-90 minutes via Zoom. It will be offered multiple times to accommodatedifferent schedules and keep each workshop a manageable size for discussion. Register by clicking here.After registering, you will receive the Zoom link a day before the workshop. Wendy says, "I hope to see allchairpersons and lay leaders at one of these workshops!! I will offer additional times as needed."Current dates and times offered:Monday, October 18 at 10 a.m. and at 7 p.m.Wednesday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m.Wednesday, November 3 at 1 p.m.Monday, November 8 at 7 p.m.Men's Coffee GroupOctober Meeting!October 14th at 10amDorothy Burgess, 10/2Fred Kane, 10/4Kathy Stevenson, 10/9Bud Beamer, 10/13Pat Hastings, 10/14Christopher Jones, 10/15Peggy Kemper, 10/15Barbara McGowan, 10/21Nancy Jolstead, 10/22October 2021, Madras MessengerThe guys will bemeeting atThe Hastings Home120 Lee StreetHope to see you there!2

Madras United Methodist ChurchOctober, 2021Feeling the Fear.And Doing It Anyway!by Christopher JonesWorship HighlightsUpcoming series:“Listening at the Margins”The gospels are filled with stories of Jesusengaging persons who found themselves on themargins of society, and Old Testamentscriptures repeatedly emphasize the need tocare for vulnerable persons in society. We’llexplore readings from Jeremiah, Ruth, Mark,and John as we consider what it means to listento and care for those on the margins today.Our new series beginswith a celebration ofChildren’s Sabbath andLaity Sunday onOctober 17, featuringa panel discussionabout issues impactingchildren and youth.Don't forget to check out our Madras UnitedMethodist Church website, recently updated!www.madrasumc.orgCheck it out and let usknow what you think.We are always open tonew ideas for the siteOctober 2021, Madras MessengerMonday, September 28, 2021, a day that willlive in infamy.well at least for me it will. I wokeup in the morning and just did not feel well.Achy, exhausted, scratchy throat. I took my tempand it was 99.6. I decided to call out sick andnot risk exposing anyone else to this bug I hadpicked up somewhere. I stayed home and justgot some rest.The next day I was feeling better, temp wasnormal so I went back to work. All was well, Ithought. Tuesday evening our COVID Team metand decided that I needed to get a COVID testbefore I came back to work. When I was notifiedI was angry, hurt and felt like a leaper. But I didwhat I needed to do. I called Public Health andgot the information I needed to get tested.I started to think things through and realized thatI did have COVID symptoms and our team wasright to have me get tested. At the same time.Irealized I did have COVID symptoms and whatwas going to happen if I was positive! I spent avery restless night worrying about every possibleoutcome, but I knew what I had to do.The next day I called Public Health again, theytook all of my information over the phone andtold me what the next steps would be in thetesting process. I showed up and drove into theirparking lot, someone came out, swabbed mynose and said they would be back out in about15 minutes. The panic started to rise again and itseemed like a very long 15 minutes! When theycame back out, I was told I tested negative.Relief shot through my body and I wanted to telleveryone I saw on the street what my resultswere.In hindsight, getting tested was the best thing forme to do. Not only knowing I was safe butknowing that I was keeping my family andfriends safe as well. I still feel the relief ofknowing I tested negative and I still feel a bit offear knowing that my continuing to stay negativeis also dependent on those around me. If youthink you have COVID or even somesymptoms, please, don't hesitate toget tested. Try to follow protocolsthat are in place and remember,you are doing it not only to keepyourself safe but also those aroundyou. Thank You!3

Madras United Methodist ChurchOctober, 2021October 2021, Madras Messenger4

Madras United Methodist ChurchOctober, 2021PRAYERS FORPROJECT CHURCHPlease Pray Regularly for: The work the Oregon-IdahoConference of the UMC todismantle racism and the work weneed to do locally. The children and youth in ourcommunity that our collectivedecisions may support theirphysical, spiritual, mental, andemotional health and well-being. School boards across the country.May their meetings be peaceableand productive!Many hands make light work. Join PastorGigi on the second Saturday of each monthto complete small projects around ourchurch. When the weather is good, we’ll dolight yard work. Otherwise we will tacklesome indoor projects that need to be takencare of!We’ll gather at 9 am. I’ll have the coffeeready so bring a travel mug. Let’s see whatwe can accomplish!Any ideas for future church projects?Talk with Pastor Gigi! Our Christian siblings at theLutheran Church of the GoodShepherd St. Mark’s EpiscopalChurch as they say farewell to Rev.Katherine Brick who has accepteda new call.WeX Voter Outreach Hosts a Table During Food Pantry!On September 23rd WeX Voter Outreach, a grassroots group, hosteda table during the Madras Community Food Pantry. This event,sponsored by WeX, a non-partisan group, helped reach out tounderrepresented members of our community to educate themabout how voting can amplify their voices and enhance their powerin the political process. What a great group to work with and wewere happy to support them in their endeavors. If you would likemore information on this group check them out on Facebook oremail them at wexvotes@gmail.com.October 2021, Madras Messenger5

Madras United Methodist ChurchOctober, 2021October 2021, Madras Messenger6

Oct 10, 2021 · Feeling the Fear. And Doing It Anyway! by Christopher Jones Monday, September 28, 2021, a day that will live in infamy.well at least for me it will. I woke up in the morning and just did not feel well. Achy, exhausted, scratchy throat. I too