The  Sower  
Orchards United Methodist Church Newsletter
August 2020     
1st Edition     
Our mission is to  Love God, Love People and Serve Both! 
"Orchards United Methodist Church welcomes  and  affirms people of 
all sexual orientations and gender identities and supports full inclusion  in every aspect of church life."  
You may have seen where I was cited i n The Columbian shortly after the pandemic began. " The Rev. Christopher Gudger-Raines placed a canister of oatmeal in each box before passing it down the assembly line. When asked what brought him to the Clark County Food Bank on Wednesday afternoon, Gudger-Raines replied: hope." ("In face of virus, Clark county charities rely on Volunteers," March 22, 2020) 
You will notice that this citation was a paraphrase. What I actually said was "I am volunteering to not feel so hopeless". I can understand why they softened the quote. I also asked to not be photographed because I looked and felt terrible...not unhealthy, just anxious.
Which brings us to our Mission Statement: "Love God, Love People, Serve Both". I'll have to admit the serving people part has fallen away from me. We all have protective tendencies when we are anxious; mine is to withdraw. Ultimately, I haven't kept up my volunteering.
As I am writing this, Governor Inslee has frozen all county phased advancements indefinitely. So, we're stuck in phase 2 for the foreseeable future. Our plan to reopen cannot proceed for the time being. That means worship online is still where we're at. If you need help getting connected, please let us know so we can help. If you need a device or technical assistance, let us help you find what you need.
In the meantime, we must return to serving people. To that end, throughout the month of August, I am hosting Zoom sessions on how we can return to serving our community. I'd like all members to attend at least one. And I am having several sessions so attendance can be small enough for a deep conversation. Please see the attached schedule of Zoom sessions. Please call or email me the one you'd like to attend. 
If Serving People is our Mission, our Mission must matter during the more challenging times. Let us commit to our Mission. Thank you.
Service Listening Sessions
  • Wednesdays, 12 noon: August 5, 12, 19, 26
  • Sundays, 6:30pm: August 9, 16, 23, 30
I have some starter questions for each of these sessions.
  • What needs are seeing or hearing about in our community?
  • In what ways do you think Orchards UMC can serve our community as the pandemic lingers?
As this unprecedented year unfolds, let us find ways to love well and to serve with integrity.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Christopher
We have a new Mailing Address:

OUMC
P O Box 891492
Vancouver, WA  98682
I am starting to be back in the office part of the time. Also, I will still be working from home as well as items come up and until we are back operating completely. 

Please feel free to contact me on my cell phone 360-518-9988 or via the  church  email  if you need anything .
Contact Information

Website:   www.orchardsumc.com       
Follow us on Facebook:  Orchards UMC Vancouver  #OrchardsUMC
Orchards United Methodist Youth  #OrchardsUMCYouth

Office Hours: Tues.-Thur., 9:30 am - 3:30 pm        
Phone: 360-892-5240        
  *Due to Covid-19 Office is temporarily closed*

Pastor:  Christopher Gudger-Raines
 
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Birthdays &
Anniversaries

If we don't have 
your birthday or anniversary date, 
or if it is incorrect,
please call the office,
3 60-892-5240 or    email

Birthdays
     
   3 Deb Burlingame
   9 Allison Hibbs
 12 Dorothy Shepard
 13 Jenah Boruff
 16 Terry Eaton
      Jason Olson
 17 Hunter Roe
 19 Kathy Funk
 20 Judy Klineline
      Ed Masters
 23 Charles Chandler
 26 Dustin White

*************
Anniversaries

   6 Eric & Betsy
      Clayton
   7 Michael & Allison
      Hibbs
  8 John & Terry
     Eaton
 11 Ray & Katie
      Dehler
 12 Mike & Diane
      Coats
 17 Stu & Merle
      Lockhart
 29 Bill & Shannon
       Roller
Pray for Our Military

SFC Patrick Walker
Army
Colorado Springs

SPC Gus Jeffries
National Guard
Deployed

1st LT Tom Roller
Air Force
has been deployed

Upcoming  
Events
and
Meetings

To View all current Calendar items 
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