Thoughts on Faith in PDX
by Rev. Marcie D. B. McDonald, M. Div.
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Bible Study and Time Issues
I finally started a small Bible study group for Three Rivers ULC. I set up a Google group that is available through invitation only to avoid random comments from people. Anyone who is interested can send an email to revmcdonald@threeriversulc.com to find out more.
It feels like there is always more to get done than there is time to complete the To Do list. Perhaps this is part of the reason so few people are interested in belonging to churches these days. Sunday is just one more day to slog through the various tasks that life throws at you. There's the laundry to get done. The kids need to finish their homework for Monday. The sun is out, so shouldn't we really be out there weeding the flower beds and mowing the over tall grass? Busy, busy, busy--that is the American lifestyle.
Instead of bringing people together even for a Bible study, I'm experimenting with technology and trying the meet online approach. Ideally, I'd like to have a face-to-face meeting occasionally too. There just is no substitute for the human interaction and the discussions that can result. Yet, the people in our Bible study group are far flung around the Portland Metro area and it is difficult to match schedules. I too have a long To Do list as well. A wise friend of mine once told me that she spent her time ironing in contemplation of the Divine. It is not a bad idea to incorporate thoughts of faith while doing those mundane, auto-pilot tasks. At least then we wouldn't be too busy to spend tme with God!
Okay, Let's Rethink This
Well, that was a short lived experiment. It turns out that fewer people really wanted regular services than I thought. It's time to regroup and try a different tack. At this time I think I'll focus on the requested Bible study group and see if eventually the number of interested people increases to a sustainable level. Until that time Sunday services have been suspended.
Congratulations, it's a church!
After thinking and dreaming for a couple of years, Three Rivers Universal Life Church is finally coming into being for me and mine. I have wanted to make a place for "none of the aboves" who don't fit into or want to be a part of mainstream denominations for quite awhile. Now I finally have a chance to start building such a place. I am grateful to my family and friends for being a part of this experiment in spirituality.
Currently Three Rivers ULC is a small interfaith home church with a Christian emphasis. I intend to speak about a variety of faith traditions and to invite people of a variety of religions to come speech on Sundays. The intent is to teach and learn, to discover God in our own individual ways.
Now let's see where this experiment takes us!
Welcome!
Welcome to yet another blog on the great open frontier known as the Internet. "Just what we need--another blog!" you might be thinking. Perhaps you are right. I think it offers an opportunity for discussion about issues of faith, however.
I am an interfaith minister in Portland, OR. We are known here for our love of the outdoors and cutting edge green ethic. Many residents sport "Keep Portland Weird" bumper stickers. This is a region with less than half the population claiming church membership. People often would rather go hiking than sit in a stuffy building on Sunday being preached at. We also tend to have an independent streak that keeps many of us from easily fitting into religious pigeon holes. We have highly visible alternative lifestyle livers as well as conservative, staunch Republican types. There is room for everyone.
That is where I come in. I want to meet people where they are instead of trying to cram them into my theology and philosophy. I tend to work best with the more "liberal" types, but I play well with others whatever their philosophy of life. I offer my services to officiate weddings, funerals (human and pet), baby names, house blessings, puberty rites, and many more things. I also wish to allow for a forum of discussion for religious topics. You don't have to agree with me, but do be polite about your dissention.
Welcome one and all! Welcome those of faith, those who are spiritual, and those who are seeking to figure out what they are. And welcome to those who claim no faith at all. Just be aware that I have a firm belief in God, whatever and however your define Him/Her/It/Them and make no apology for my faith. Nor should you.