NWYM news

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.

Colin Saxton: peace is much, much more than the absence of conflict. Rather, as it is imagined in its fullness, it is an unhindered, contented life lived before God and in the beloved community belonging to God. It is learning to live in the righteousness and justice of God in every sphere of one’s life, depending as we must on God’s overwhelming mercy for us to even make a start in this direction. In the Christian context, it is learning to walk in the fullness of our faith, becoming people of truth and a community of light, even as we live in an oftentimes faithless and dark world. I am struck again and again by the “spacious place” verse found in 2 Samuel. Though directed in particular to David, I think the invitation is open to all of us: God bringing us into a spacious place, in part, because God delights in us. Read the rest of this article.

For announcements and ministry updates on YCEW, Twin Rocks Party by the Parkway, Summer camp schedules, pastoral transitions, and more...click here.

Greenleaf Friends Academy (GFA) is looking for a superintendent (head administrator) to begin serving on or before their 2010-2011 school year. He/She will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the academy's mission statement, purpose and objectives. Read more about GFA's position and see the church openings still receiving applications. Please do not unsubscribe from this announcement format. It affects more people than yourself. Contact Bruce Bishop if you are having difficulties with these announcements.

A new resource to find Friends Meetings in the United States can be found at QuakerMaps. The site groups meetings regionally and theologically. A resource for travel within NWYM, is the Friends House-to-House directory. You can find host homes among NWYM Friends, or volunteer to host people yourself.

Three openings for pastoral positions are now available in NWYM, Entiat, Vancouver, and Rose Valley. Read their descriptions.

We are beginning to gather information online regarding our annual sessions July 25-29, 2010 at George Fox University. Check out the theme and speaker for this time of fellowship and worship and business.

The Pacific Northwest Quaker Women’s Theology Conference welcomes women primarily from Canadian, North Pacific and Northwest Yearly Meetings. As women from divergent Friends traditions, they strive to articulate that which has been meaningful in the expression and development of their faith. They are open to God’s leadings and willing to make a commitment to prepare, to risk, and to be open to learning from one another. NWYM members have been active participants and leaders for several years. Read more about this conference, June 16-20, 2010.

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I've been thinking a lot about living a balanced life. Jesus, of course, is our example for all things good and true. Did he lead a balanced life? Not by most definitions. Read the rest of Colin's thoughts

Read our news and ministry updates from March and April. They include a Thanksgiving Offering update, information about discernment training, and our Youth Challenged programs.