As I write, November is almost here. We are heading into the last few weeks of what is known as “Ordinary Time” in the church calendar. In Christianity, Ordinary Time encompasses all the weeks that lie outside of the major religious holidays and liturgical seasons, which include Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. In 2020, Ordinary Time will end on November 29, as the first Sunday of Advent ushers in a new church year.

In a way, it is fitting that Ordinary Time is coming to a close, because few things at Woodfords feel “ordinary” these days. The flood that struck our church on October 13 has ushered in all kinds of new challenges – and, perhaps more importantly, opportunities – for our church community. On October 16, I got to see the building’s subterranean furnace and utility room for myself, after trucks carried away thousands of gallons of flood water. The floor was soaked. The wiring was still dripping wet. The furnace was completely dead. It is going to take a lot of work to get the church’s systems back up and running, and I was slightly overwhelmed by the thought of it all – especially when I recalled that this is only the latest in a series of upsets for the Woodfords community. First the building was shut down due to coronavirus, and now it has closed completely once again. I know that there are lots of people among us who are grieving deeply.

But you know what? Even as I felt dismay in that basement, I also felt a sense of hope, for the church’s furnace room is a remarkable sight. In addition to seeing dripping wiring that Friday morning, I saw some of the physical bones of our Woodfords campus – and they are beautiful! The brick walls that hold up Parish House are incredibly thick and sturdy. They are stable and deeply rooted in the ground. When I saw those walls, I knew in my bones that our Woodfords community will bounce back from the latest challenges that confront us. Like the church building, we are stable and sturdy. Like the church building, we are incredibly strong.

Today, we face the prospect of having to change. We have a lot of decisions in front of us. But you know what? That basement convinced me that we can do it. We are a healthy community, and we are deeply rooted. Our ancestors in faith have provided us with beautifully-boned buildings and financial resources that permit us to face the future with courage and hope.

Friends, we have the power to rebuild anew. As Woodfords rises, like a watery phoenix, from the remains of our recent flood, let us renew our faith community’s commitment to ministering to all. With the help of God, we can emerge stronger thank before. I look forward to walking through the upcoming days, weeks, and months with you. May the Holy accompany and watch over us.

In faith,

Do you like helping people? Would you like to collaborate with a team of people in caring for members of the Woodfords community? If so, Rev. Alyssa would love to hear from you.

Historically, Woodfords’ lay ministry program has matched church members who are unable to attend worship and/or participate in church activities with volunteers who have paid regular visits and provided companionship and connection. Unfortunately, in-person visits became much more difficult last spring, with the advent of COVID-19, stay-at-home orders, and institutional restrictions on visits to communal residential settings (e.g., assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc.).

At this point in time, Rev. Alyssa is interested in exploring what Woodfords’ lay-led congregational care ministries might look like in the future.

If you are interested in learning more about Woodfords’ congregational care initiatives, or you would like to be matched up with a caregiver, please click the button below and fill out a simple form.

His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.

In Incarnation, best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores the meaning of these titles and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Join Rev. Alyssa in exploring claims about Jesus’ identity and reflecting upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and world today.

Book Information: Incarnation, by Adam Hamilton. Published by Abingdon Press.

If you would like to participate in Advent book discussion, but the prospect of having to buy the book is prohibitive, please be in touch with Teri (tcoviello@woodfordschurch.org). Scholarship funds are available; we strive to make Woodfords events accessible for all.

When: November 22 at 10 am

Where: YouTube (details TBA)

Can you remember all the way back to Thanksgiving 2019? What does that Thanksgiving look like after all you have gone through this year? 2020 has certainly been a year filled with unexpected twists, turns and challenges. But there have also been surprising gifts and discoveries. What are you grateful for? Where have you experienced abundance? What will you (as an individual or a family) be harvesting this year? Join us for a service in which we will celebrate resilience and take time for thanks-giving. If you would like to participate in creating the service, please contact Rev. Tamara at ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org.

Michael Naylor will lead this four-part workshop exploring the dynamics of intimate relationships (romantic, familial, professional). How can we better understand ourselves and our beloved in ways that enrich our connections and help us to navigate conflict? Participants will be guided to use the Enneagram as a profound and immensely practical way to understand their relationships with others. We will feature exercises as well as music, meditations, and practices that will help bring greater presence to our inquiry.

In years past, Rev. Carolyn and Rev. Alyssa – along with their colleagues from Portland’s interfaith clergy group – helped host an interfaith Service of Gratitude on Thanksgiving Eve. The gathering brought together Woodfordians and people from a wide variety of other Christian churches and faith traditions. This year, Rev. Alyssa will continue the tradition, and Rev. Carolyn will, as well. But instead of meeting in person at Trinity Episcopal Church, all of us will gather online to give thanks at 7 pm on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 25).

We will post instructions for logging into the service as Thanksgiving nears. You’ll be able to find them on the church’s online events calendar (www.woodfordschurch.org/events) as well as in the weekly announcements. Alternatively, feel free to contact Teri or Rev. Alyssa for more information after November 10. We hope to celebrate all of God’s blessings with you!

November: The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict (Martha)

From beloved New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Benedict comes the story of a not-so-famous scientist who not only loved Albert Einstein, but also shaped the theories that brought him lasting renown.

If you would like to be added to emails regarding book group activities, or if you have any questions, contact Suzanne D’Bourget at suzannedb@me.com or 329-1444.

December: The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg (Cindy, this is a change in book selection for her)

January: Cover of Snow by Jenny Milchman (Lana)

February: Themes of Race and Racism (articles to be copied by Barbara Thompson)

March: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (Charlotte)

April: Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield (Connie)

May: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and The Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmer (Lorraine)

Woodfords Church is continuing to hold its gatherings and meetings via Zoom. If you have not yet participated in a Zoom meeting, this is an online platform for video- and audio-conferencing. If you are new to Zoom, here are some helpful notes: