July 12, 2018
Welcome Christopher Frost!

Just this morning, the kids, volunteers, and staff at Morningside wrapped up the second of two Open Door Churches' Vacation Bible Schools. After all the crafts, singing, Bible stories, and the fun, Christopher Frost is grateful for his first opportunity to work with one of the programs for which he was hired.

Some of you will already know Christopher. For the past two years, Christopher has worked as the youth intern with the youth group while studying psychology at Western Oregon University. While there, he worked at developing events and activities for the boys as well as working on general programming. Now graduated with his bachelor's degree, Christopher has been hired at Morningside United Methodist Church as the Director of Family and Program Ministries. 

Methodism is not new to Christopher - it's the denomination he grew up in down in San Diego, California. Now at Morningside, he is delighted to have a job bringing joy to kids and families and helping them grow with God. Now that VBS is over, Christopher is working on gearing up for the fall programming. Soon, he'll be digging into:
  • Sunday school curriculum
  • recruiting teachers
  • Parents' Night Out
  • Family Picnic
  • Family enrichment classes
  • Holy Holiday events (what used to be Messy Church)
Until then, Christopher is also still working with the youth group for several hours every week and loves working with the teens.

Christopher currently lives in Monmouth but is looking to move to Salem so he's closer to the church. In his free time, he loves to read and get outside into the mountains and trees. If you are at a youth group event or go to an event at Morningside, make sure to say hi to Christopher. We are so lucky to have him as s part of our Open Door Churches family!

Sarah Katreen Hoggatt
In This Issue
Open Door Churches newsletters are sent out every other Thursday.
Board Meeting

The next Board meeting will be July 23rd at Morningside at 6:00 p.m.
Open Door Churches Webpage

Our webpage is live!!  Go to  opendoorchurches.org to see information about 
each of the churches and ways you can be involved.
Youth Group

As the weather heats up, we start looking towards summer. Remember to sign up for summer camp. We have a lot of great options this summer. Also remember that financial assistance is available for camp.

Summer Schedule
Summer youth group started on Tuesday June 19th. We'll meet most Tuesdays in the summer from 6:30-8:00 (unless otherwise noted) and will do a variety of activities:
  • July 17 Youth Group Marion Lake Hike (Meet at Keizer Clear Lake at 9:30 a.m.)
  • July 24 Pietro's Lazer Tag night
  • July 31 Water Balloon Games Bush Park (Cesie and Tom's house)
  • Aug 7 Bowling
  • Aug 14 Worship Night and Movie at the Lopez barn
  • Aug 21 Games and Ice Cream
  • Aug 25 (Saturday) Family night at the Volcanoes no youth group until September 9th
  • Sept 9 Open Door Outdoor Worship and Potluck
  • Sept 16 Fall Sunday Youth Group resumes
For details of youth group activities visit their Facebook page  Here
Open Door Young Adults

The Open Door Churches Young Adult Group is made up of college students and young professionals ranging in age from 18-29 who are exploring questions of faith together. The group meets every Wednesday evening from 7-8:30 at IKE Box. 

Open Door Young Adults Are Planning a Retreat
It has been a great joy to lead the young adult group this year. As the young adult pastor I have had the pleasure of seeing relationships formed and community built as they explore questions of faith. 

This summer the young adults would like to go on a 2 day retreat to the coast in August to continue forming their connections with one another and grow in their faith. To provide this opportunity to the young adult community, we are looking for your support. 
  • Would you be willing to invest in the young adults financially? 
  • Do you know of or have a place where 10 young adults could stay? 
  • Or would you be willing to provide them with meals for the retreat? 
Please prayerfully consider supporting the young adult group. If you are able to support the young adult group, please contact me at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support of the Open Door Church Young Adults.

Check us out on Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/OpenDoorChurchesYoungAdults
Open Door Churches - Worship & Celebration
Sunday, September 9th
Riverfront Park

Although a few months off, the excitement is building for our
grand Open Door Churches Worship & Celebration at Riverfront Park! Please SAVE THE DATE and plan to attend.

Are you interested in being a part of the planning team? The team is looking for ideas and  will meet next Monday, May 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Keizer Clear Lake UMC. Call your church office for contact information.
Coming Soon to a Worship Service Near You...
"Living Out Love"
Our new Sermon Series begins, Sunday, July 15th

Beginning this Sunday, July 15th, we'll delve into Ephesians - examining how we live and practice our faith! Check your local church for the schedule on when different topics will be discussed.
What's Happening at Our Local Churches?

Keizer Clear Lake Garage Sale
August 9-10, 2018

Come check out our garage sale fundraiser and see what treasures you can find! Donations are now being accepted!

Morningside Annual Church Retreat Day
Sunday, August 5th
Silver Falls State Park

Mark you calendars and make plans to join in the fun at our wonderful Church Retreat Day on August 5th. It will be a day of fellowship, worship, incredible beauty, and indoor and outdoor activities.

Saturday of Service
Saturday, August 18, 2018
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

We'll meet in the dining room of the historic Sanctuary building at First United Methodist Church of Salem for a light breakfast and time of fellowship then divide into work teams to support community service projects and outreach such as the Union Gospel Mission, Jason Lee Cemetery, and the Marion Polk Food Share. There will be no Backpack Buddies this month. The program will resume when school is back in session.
Director of Family Ministry position at First UMC of Salem

The Director of Family Ministries for Salem First United Methodist Church is a  25 hour a week position. There are three main areas which this position  oversees:
  1. Ministry to families with young children 
  2. Oversight and supervision of childcare and nursery program 
  3. Development and implementation of children's Christian education. 
This is a dynamic, growing, and rewarding position with an emphasis on  inclusion and building a base of millennials and young families. Another key  aspect is supervision of the Sunday school program for these families and  children by providing developmentally appropriate and engaging ministries.

If interested in learning more, please email Katie Carpenter at  [email protected] for a full job description.
Do you have sheets you no longer want?

Shirley Brusie is collecting used sheets to tear into bandages for the Community Emergency Response Team. Do you have any hanging out in your linen closet you no longer use? Contact Shirley at [email protected] to make a donation. It is much appreciated!
Come Visit!
We, as Open Door Churches, are a wonderful community together. To continue building our relationships, it's good to visit each other. If you would like to visit one of the other Open Door Churches, here are all our Sunday service times:
  • Englewood - 11:15 a.m. 
  • Trinity - 9 a.m. (10 a.m. on August 20th)
  • Morningside - 10 a.m.
  • Salem 1st - 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
  • Las Naciones - 12:30 p.m.
  • Keizer Clear Lake - 10 a.m.