Simplicity and Love

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Simplicity is one of our Quaker testimonies. Meaning, we believe simplicity is a pathway to better loving God, others, and ourselves. It is also a practical expression of this Love. We wish to not only applaud simplicity but also live it.

When we practice simplicity, we might experience a number of things. Loss. Incompletion. Ridicule. Discomfort. Inconvenience. Disquieting vulnerability. But also, maybe, a deeper connection to others. A keener awareness of God's voice and guidance. The liberation of letting go (or being let go of). A healthier planet. More open, authentic communication. Better health. Better-defined personal boundaries. Fewer defensive "walls." Less anxiety. A greater awareness of the suffering of others and perhaps the will to do something about it. Less conflict over what does not matter. Greater collaboration on what does matter.

What would you add? What does it mean to you to practice simplicity? What positive effect might it have on you (and on others, through you)? How do you experience simplicity at Camas Friends Church? How could you imagine us growing in our practice of simplicity?

-Matt

THIS WEEK'S CONTENT

Simplicity and Love
Sunday Sermons

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Forward

Quarterly Meeting for Business
THIS SUNDAY: October 14

6pm in the sanctuary

CHILD CARE PROVIDED

Please join us for this important meeting! Meetings for Business at Camas Friends Church are a worshipful time of gathering to address a range of matters that impact the life of our congregation, from budgets to important discussions about who we are and what loving actions we feel called to take as a meeting. Please join us, especially if you've never attended a business meeting. Your presence and voice will be valued!

Text of the Week

Mark 10:17-25 (NRSV): The Rich Man
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” 20 He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

23 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Queries
What do you find compelling or relatable about the man who approaches Jesus?
What is noteworthy about how Jesus responds to this man?
What do you think might be Jesus's point about wealth?

Rachel Jordan: CFC Apprentice for Fall 2018

Please welcome Rachel Jordan as a ministry "apprentice" this Fall at Camas Friends!

As many of you know, Rachel has been attending CFC for several months now with her three boys. She is a Master of Divinity student at Portland Seminary (George Fox) with a concentration in Hospital Chaplaincy. In case you missed her message last month at CFC, here is a LINK to that.

Rachel is eager to learn more about the Quaker way while also growing her ministerial gifts. As a component of her seminary program, Rachel is encouraged to seek out an apprenticeship in a ministry context that can both benefit from her gifts and nurture them.

Rachel and Matt agreed that Camas Friends Church would be a good fit for this. Thus, you will see a bit more of Rachel this Fall, though some of her "training" will be more behind-the-scenes. That said, here are two upcoming gatherings to put on your radar:

Sunday, Oct 28, 10:45: Rachel will preach during our meeting for worship
Sunday, Oct 28, 12:20-1:50: Rachel will facilitate a brief domestic violence training session following worship. Snacks provided. More details forthcoming. Please mark your calendars for this date and consider staying after worship for this important dialogue!

Camas Wellness Festival: Oct 13

This all-day event is being organized by, among others, our own Kimberly Berry (founder of Being UnNormal) and Evolutions Preschool owner and director Aspen Tufares.

Kimberly will be hosting the Adolescent Mental Health Summit at the Camas Public Library. Click HERE (and scroll down) to learn more about the sessions offered at the Summit.

Aspen has invited Camas Friends Church to help facilitate this multi-site event. She is seeking volunteers to act as helpers and monitors in classrooms and to help direct guests to the right areas. If interested, please contact her at EvolutionsPreschool@outlook.com.

2018 Collins Summit “Human Migration: Claiming roots in an uprooted world”

When: November 1 @ 1:00 pm - 9:15 pm

Cost: $15 – $60

What: Registration is now open for EMO’s 2018 Collins Summit exploring the causes, challenges and opportunities of human migration in an increasingly global society. Join a diverse group of refugees, immigrants, advocates and scholars to develop an informed and compassionate approach to human migration both within and across borders.

LINK to website for more info

DIRECT LINK to registration

Let Matt know if you are interested in case it makes sense to carpool.

Office Hours

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
1pm-3:30pm

Sunday Sermons

Did you miss a Sunday? You can find messages from past weeks below.

Extended Open Worship
James 5:13-16

Spirit and Separation
Mark 10:2-14

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