November 15, 2018
Advent Events!
 
Advent season is nearly upon us and our churches are planning events to enjoy the deeper meanings of the season. From concerts, to a market, to festivals, and a time for those grieving to come together, there is something here for everyone. In addition to these events, check with your local church to learn about additional events going on. Come and join us! 
 
Alternative Christmas Market
December 1st (Saturday) - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
December 2nd (Sunday) - 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Salem First's social concerns committee sponsors this market featuring local non-profits. It's a great place to shop for inspiring gifts uplifting many people!
 
"Just for Fun Singers" Concert
December 1st (Saturday) - 2 p.m. at Trinity 

The Just for Fun Singers will perform a free Christmas concert at Trinity and everyone is invited. Refreshments will be served following the concert and donations will be taken to help fund Outreach projects. Please invite your friends, family, and neighbors to attend this fun holiday event.
 
Advent Abend Festival
December 2nd (Sunday) - After Morningside worship

This is a wonderful time for families to engage in the Advent season. Come enjoy creating picture ornaments (among other crafts), sharing stories and songs, decorating cookies, and enjoying the Advent season together. This includes a free lunch!
 
Advent Workshop for All Ages
December 2nd (Sunday) - 10-11 a.m. at Salem First

Join us for a festive event, for all ages, to kick-off the Advent season! Come to create an Advent craft, eat snacks, caroling, and enjoying time with one another.  
 
Labyrinth Walk
December 7th (Friday) - Worship and Song at 7 p.m.
December 8th (Saturday) - Labyrinth Walk at 1-6 p.m.

Our Advent Labyrinth Journey begins in the Morningside sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night for worship and song including Don Main playing the clarinet and Sharon Cooper on piano. On Saturday, come any time between 1-6 p.m. to walk the labyrinth in Herrmann Hall.  
 
Blue Christmas
December 14th (Friday) - 7 p.m.

If you're struggling with the upcoming holidays for any reason, Stephen Ministers are hosting a "Blue Christmas" at Salem First. We'll light candles, share our pictures and pray together. Stephen Ministers will be available for support and light refreshments will be provided. Come join us.
 
John Nilsen in Concert
December 22nd - 2 p.m.

John Nilsen will be in concert at Keizer Clear Lake. He is a pianist, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter and one of the Pacific Northwest's most successful performance and recording artists.  
 
Family Christmas Celebration
December 23rd (Sunday) - 12-2 p.m.

Join us at Morningside to celebrate an intergenerational Christmas with food, treats, crafts, songs, games, and story time. 
In This Issue
Open Door Churches newsletters are sent out every other Thursday.
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.


Thanksgiving Service

On November 18th, many of our churches are holding a special Thanksgiving service to collect food for our local food banks. Each service will be at the normal service times. Check your church for details.
 
 
Interfaith Worship Service 
Sunday, November 18th, 6:30 pm
Temple Beth Sholom   
 
Offering Mutual Support in Times of Indiscriminate Violence
 
Echad - We Are Not Alone. We Stand Together. The Oneness Coalition invites everyone to attend a special service at Temple Beth Sholom as we stand together in solidarity with people affected by religious and ethnic bigotry as well as indiscriminate violence. Rabbi Eli Herb will address the Jewish perspective on racial and culturally motivated hate crimes and antisemitism.

This is truly a community event. Please plan to attend and invite friends and neighbors.
 
Las Naciones Update

Reverend Arturo Fernandez will be providing pastoral and ministerial leadership at Las Naciones beginning this week through January 31, 2019. Please contact Pastor Arturo for any questions or needs related to Las Naciones.
Salem First Voting on Whether to Become a Reconciling Congregation

On November 18th, Salem First UMC is voting on whether or not to become a Reconciling Congregation. Let's all pray for the congregation as they make this important decision as a community. If you have any questions, you can find information on their website.
Youth Group's Back in Session! Help Out by Providing Lunch 
Youth group during the summer of 2018
 
Our youth group is looking for volunteers to provide lunches for their gatherings. They are meeting at Keizer Clear Lake UMC in November. Please take moment to go to Sign Up Genius to read the details for the lunches and to sign up. 
 
Click Here to Sign Up:
 
November 18, 12:30 pm KCLUMC
November 25, NO YOUTH GROUP  
December 2 -youth group at FUMC 12:30-2
December 9 -meet for lunch at FUMC. Parents can pick up youth at Keizer Station Target at 2p.m. We'll be shopping for gifts for the giving tree.
December 16th -we'll be volunteering at the Keizer Miracle of Christmas Lights from 6-8 p.m. No afternoon youth group
December 23, 30 No youth group
 
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 - 9:30 a.m.
  • Morningside - (Face to Face) 8:30 a.m.,10:30 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.