The Chinook Blog

New Bold Moves Grants Awarded – Fall 2022

The missional efforts of Family Promise of Metro East, supported by the Portland Congregation and the international work of the North American Climate Justice Team have been awarded Bold Moves Grants in the Fall Cycle of 2022.  The recipients began their work in 2020 and 2019 respectively with the help of seed money provided by…

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Club Q and Safe Space: Reflections from a Queer Minister

By Sean Langdon “…I’m so sorry to learn of the Colorado Springs shooting. There are just no words anymore…” This was the text I received on Sunday Morning from our Mission Center President Kim Naten. You see, I was at the Beyond Horizons Retreat at Lewis River Campground where cell reception is spotty. So, I…

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Statement on the Club Q Shooting in Colorado Springs

Statement from Harmony released November 21, 2022. Click Here. Following Saturday’s deadly shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs that left at least five dead and 25 injured, the members of Harmony’s Board of Directors offer their deepest condolences to the families, chosen families, and friends of all those who were targeted. In the wake of yet…

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Proclamation of Joy

Mission Center President Kim NatenOpening Worship Address “Courage to Dance”Mission Center Conference 2022: Courage My comments this morning start with a story.  A Love story.  Near the beginning of the 3rd grade, a classmate of mine, Regina Hoag, and I began ballet classes together.  I have no recollection of how that came about, but her…

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Circles of Support

Spiritual Practice Presented at GPNW MC Conference 2022 Pastors and Staff Breakfast By Ashley Whitham This morning, I’ll invite you to sit comfortably with your feet on the floor, and preferably with support against your back. Close your eyes. In your mind, imagine yourself in a large circle. If there were a target on the…

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Movement of a Disciple’s Life

Spiritual Practice presented at GPNW Mission Center Conference 2022 during the Business Meeting By Ashley Whitham How had you moved through your life as a disciple? This weekend’s theme is courage, but they all have different actions paired with courage, because the courage of a disciple inspires us to move. So as we pause this…

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Prayer of Awareness

MC Conference 2022 Opening Worship Written by Carol West, Cowlitz Valley Pastor Team Member Father,We quiet our minds in this moment to let go of concerns, worries, stresses, pains and agendas. We seek Your wisdom and courage to see what you have laid before us as congregations, as Community of Christ, but also as disciples….

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Calling for a Rustic Re-do

As Community of Christ summer camps wind down for the year, let’s all take a moment to reminisce about sharing laughs with family and friends, singing songs at the campfire, delicious meals in the dining hall, and enjoying the nature of our beautiful campground. If you stayed in a rustic cabin, you may also remember…

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CALLED TO DO . . . . . SOMETHING

By Kim Naten It’s Friday morning . . .  and while the calendar says “late Spring” the sky reflects anything but that.  It is gray, chilly, momentarily dry, and an accurate reflection of my mood.  This has been a tough week.  Or rather, a tough several weeks.  Buffalo, Laguna Woods, now Uvalde.  On top of…

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