NWYM

By Kara Maurer, Newberg As I sit here contemplating my faith, I grow a bit discouraged by my lack of answers. Then I am reminded that faith is a journey, which is great because that means I don’t have to have any answers; I just have to be seeking the truth. For the past two years, the closest person in my life was a steadfast atheist. Read Kara's story.

by Ken Redford, MeridianIn God’s providence, our home was located four blocks from the largest building in Talent—the meetinghouse for Talent Friends Church. More important, as it turns out, God had located me directly in the path of people who would have a part in shining his light into my life. As I reflect on my own experiences of being drawn to Christ through NWYM people, I want to offer a few “points of light” to ponder.Read Ken's story.

One of the encouraging signs of growth I have witnessed in the church over the past several decades has been a shift in the way many local churches and even denominations relate to one another. Rather than being so focused on competition there is a much greater spirit of cooperation, as we work together in Kingdom ministry. United in Christ and in our common commitment to the core gospel, the different tribes within Christianity are also finding something good and powerful about having their own unique expression of faith. Read the rest of Colin's reflections.

By Ken Magee, Klamath Falls Trying to be a Christ follower has led to many challenges, numerous adventures, and multiple “God sightings.” I can’t recommend a better life for anyone. Typically, these challenges and adventures have included other people. Let me tell you of one man I met following the 9.3 earthquake and devastating tsunami of 2004 that killed thousands. Read Ken's story.

By Jamie Johnson, GFU I began my position at George Fox University as director of the Friends Leadership Program on July 1, 2009—one year ago! As I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next, I want to share with you some of the highlights.

by Shawn McConaughey I get asked a lot: “How can I pray for our Friends Serving Abroad?” I appreciate this concern because it comes from people who are convinced it matters. I’m not sure I know anything new about prayer, but I am convinced that it makes a difference. So why, as our focusing query suggests, should we pray “for those who are engaged in spreading the gospel?” Here are a few reasons.

By Gar Mickelson As I was growing up (spiritually speaking) my pastor would often use the phrase “We are working our way up to servanthood.” This saying had a tremendous impact on my life because it invited me to live life with a radically different perspective. Instead of a self-referenced perspective, this shifted my focus to those around me and challenged me to see myself as their servant. Read the rest of Gar's challenge.

A George Fox University fundraising event, “Empty Bowls: A Night for Haiti,” raised more than $15,000 for victims still recovering from the January earthquake that devastated the island country. Read the rest of this story.

Read the announcements and updates, including pastoral transitions, college camp, EFI Voice changes, community gardens, Samuel School II, and Yearly Meeting details.

Please do not unsubscribe from these email updates. It will affect others besides yourself. If you have concerns, contact Bruce Bishop.

Harold and Marilyn Antrim, (Sherwood Friends) married for nearly 60 years, and Pat and Patti Paz, (Meridian Friends) married for 20, share some reflections on their relationships. Read their stories.

One of the encouraging signs of growth I have witnessed in the church over the past several decades has been a shift in the way many local churches and even denominations relate to one another. Rather than being so focused on competition there is a much greater spirit of cooperation, as we work together in Kingdom ministry. United in Christ and in our common commitment to the core gospel, the different tribes within Christianity are also finding something good and powerful about having their own unique expression of faith. Read the rest of Colin's reflections.

Read the announcements and updates, including pastoral transitions, college camp, EFI Voice changes, community gardens, Samuel School II, and Yearly Meeting details.

Please do not unsubscribe from these email updates. It will affect others besides yourself. If you have concerns, contact Bruce Bishop.

Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends, George Fox University and Mennonite Central Committee present: Christians and Immigration in a Land of Contradictions A Call to Biblical Action Join with other concerned Christians as we educate ourselves about immigration in the United States. Together we will examine details of immigration law and history, hear first-hand stories about the immigrant [...]

Join us at Yearly Meeting sessions, July 25-29, at George Fox University. Activites for all ages includes childcare, Camp Tilikum, Youth Yearly Meeting (check out their invitation video!), worship and workshops. Read all about it at our YM page, or register online. Printed schedules and other information are available in the just-arrived Yearly Meeting booklet at your church. We hope to see you there!

Several of our churches are involved with community gardens this summer, providing opportunity to build relationships with their neighbors while meeting very real needs for nutritious food. See who is involved and connect with one another.

For updates and announcements regarding the annual youth volleyball tournament, Angel Diaz serving as Executive Secretary of the Ministerial Alliance for Friends in North America, summer interns, YCEW, YCLS, GFES, Carole Spencer's ministry change, and Young Adult Camp, click here Please do not unsubscribe from this update, it will affect many others besides you. Contact Bruce Bishop if you wish assistance.

by Colin Saxton The work we do together as Friends in NWYM is centered on a few important themes. When asked to summarize them I usually say this: We seek to know and obey Jesus, love and support each other, and carry out God’s mission in the world. These are, in large part, how God is at work in the world in and through us on both a local and on a yearly meeting level. Figuring out how to live it each day is the challenge. Read more out of Colin's mind.

The Peace Education subcommittee is accepting submissions for January's daily devotional focused on how NWYM members are walking in peace. Read More.

Consider joining Friends from across the northwest for our annual Yearly Meeting Sessions, July 25-29, at George Fox University. Worship, business, workshops, and leadership development round out this week of fellowship and spiritual growth. See details of events and speakers, along with the opportunity to register online.

The tribal chair woman at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation has declared a "state of emergency" for her people because of youth suicide, alcohol and drugs. There really is nothing there for them to look forward too and housing in general is horrible, jobs are hard to find etc. Our church (Living Waters Ministry) is planning to bring our youth group of 12 kids to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to help in any way we can. Read more to learn about opportunities to contribute time, clothing, or money.