Pastor’s Corner
Hello dear Members and Friends of St. Paul’s UMC,
I hope this note finds you all doing well. St. Paul’s family, let me just say, you have set a high bar
for Oregonian hospitality! Thank you for the warm welcome and continued expressions of
kindness. Thank you for treating me to office visits and cups of coffee and espresso milk shakes.
Thank you for the invitations to lunch, and for bags and bags of fresh vegetables and fruits from
your thriving gardens. Thank you for your continued prayers and extensions of grace for my
learning curves as a new pastor. Thank you for your recommendations for places to do and
things to see – and for even taking me to places like Multnomah Falls and a Portland Broadway
series musical! What a wonderful first month it has been as your new pastor! My heart is full, and
I am so grateful.
My list of favorite things about Portland is growing longer each day, but one thing that has
remained close to the top of that list has been the availability of fresh, homegrown produce. I
was excited to discover that my new rental home features a small, backyard garden that my
landlord works hard to grow and maintain. I don’t know a lot about gardening, but I am doing my
best to learn. This morning, as I spent a few minutes picking fresh tomatoes from their vines, I
found myself reflecting on the connection between the practice of gardening and the
discernment of spiritual gifts and ministries in the church.
It is an exciting time to be a part of St. Paul’s UMC, as we work to discern our next steps forward
with the affordable housing project, and as we discover and hone our individual and collective
spiritual gifts and interests. It is my hope that you find this analogy both enlightening and
encouraging as we strive to grow together in our service to God and one another. (continue)
According to an online article from Garden Design, “gardening is about finding the right
combination of sunlight, fertile soil, and water to make your plants thrive. It’s also about
fulfilling your passion, so select plants you love” (https://www.gardendesign.com/how-to/).
Similarly, discerning our spiritual gifts involves a thoughtful process of understanding and
nurturing the unique abilities that God has given to each of us.
Consider for a moment the gardener’s task. When planting a garden, one must first prepare the
soil, ensuring it is rich and fertile. This preparation involves removing weeds, tilling the ground,
and providing the right nutrients. Likewise, in our spiritual lives, preparing our hearts and minds
is crucial. We must be willing to clear away the distractions and obstacles that hinder our
spiritual growth, allowing God’s love and guidance to strengthen and enrich us.
Once the soil is ready, the gardener chooses the right seeds or plants for the environment. Each
plant has its own needs and potential, and the gardener’s role is to match the plant with the
right conditions. In the same way, discerning our spiritual gifts requires us to recognize and
understand the unique ways in which God has equipped us. Just as different plants flourish in
different environments, our spiritual gifts will thrive in the settings where God has placed us—
whether it be in teaching, service, encouragement, or another area.
As the garden grows, the gardener must continually tend to it. This involves watering, pruning,
and sometimes protecting the plants from pests. It is a process of ongoing care and adjustment.
Similarly, our spiritual gifts require nurturing and development. We must actively seek ways to
use our gifts for the benefit of the church and the world, while also being open to growth and
change. This might involve stepping out of our comfort zones, engaging in new ministries, or
supporting others in their spiritual journeys.
Moreover, just as a garden thrives from the diversity of plants—each contributing to the beauty
and health of the whole—our church community flourishes when we each contribute our unique
gifts. Every role is vital, and together we create a vibrant and thriving community that reflects
the body of Christ in its fullness.
Isaiah 58:11 says,
“The Lord will guide you continually and
satisfy your needs in parched places and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a
watered garden, like a spring of water those waters never fail.”
We must trust in God’s timing and be patient as God works through us.
As we continue to explore and develop our spiritual gifts, let us approach this journey
with the same dedication and love that a gardener brings to their garden. Let us prepare
our hearts, understand our unique callings, nurture our gifts, and support one another
as we grow together in faith and service.
In Christ,
Pastor Kamron
Pastor’s Corner
Greetings Members and Friends of St. Paul’s UMC!
What a gift it was to worship with you for the first time on Sunday, August 4 th as your
new pastor! To those of you that I have met, I has truly been a pleasure. To those I’ve
not met yet, I look forward to meeting each of you very soon.
As I said on Sunday morning, I have moved across the country – from Birmingham,
Alabama to Portland, Oregon – in obedience to God’s call to walk alongside you in
ministry and in service. I do not know what the future holds for us just yet, but I am
excited for what is to come, and I am committed to loving you well as your pastor.
Please feel free to email me at kamronfurlow@gmail.com or text me at 205-587-1225,
with any questions or concerns, or prayer requests, or just to introduce yourself and
say hello. I am happy to meet for lunch or coffee, or to set a time for a visit in the
church office. When you get in touch with me, please also share your favorite
Portland-area restaurants, coffee shops, scenic points of interest, etc. I am counting
on each of you to help me get to know the area!
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Pastor Kamron
Meet Pastor Kamron
Dear members and friends of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church,
Hello from Birmingham, Alabama! Or perhaps I should say, “Hi, y’all”! My name is Kamron
Furlow. As you are reading this, I am packing my things, saying my farewells, and getting ready to
move to Milwaukie. I am honored to be appointed as your next pastor. I look forward to joining
you on August 1st. For now, I’d like to take this opportunity to share a little bit about myself.
I am a recent graduate of Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. I completed three
internships while at seminary – one at a non-profit that provides services for unhoused persons,
one as a church-based pastoral resident for adult discipleship, and another as a pastoral resident. I
am from Alabama, but graduated from high school in Hawaii, and have lived in eight states and
two countries. My pronouns are they/them and I identify as nonbinary transmasculine. While my
gender identity is certainly not the most exciting thing about me, it is important for me to share
because I feel like queer, Christian representation matters. I am a “second career” pastor, and some
of my previous work experience includes the fields of education, real estate sales and property
management, and fundraising and development for a non-profit organization. I enjoy traveling,
writing, visiting museums and botanical gardens, enjoying time in nature, and time spent with
family and friends. I am excited to explore all the natural wonders Oregon has to offer! I would
love any recommendations from you all for your favorite PDX points of interest!
Will you please pray for me during this time? I will certainly be praying for all of you. I am looking
forward to meeting and getting to know each one of you. I am excited about walking alongside
each of you in community and in ministry, and I am excited about what God has in store for St.
Paul’s United Methodist Church
In Christ
Pastor Kamron
Dear beloveds of St. Paul’s UMC,
This will be my last article to you as we prepare for yet more transition. I know that you have been through so
much transition already and I am truly grateful for your support as I announced yet more. Here is what I know
about St. Paul’s as I say goodbye…
This is a healing place. My family and I arrived just a year ago and I was apprehensive. I had had some
pretty traumatic experiences in church before moving to Berlin. I was cautiously optimistic about this
new pastoral appointment but again, cautiously. You all embraced my family and me completely. This
place has been just the place for me in this journey back to ministry.
This place is extremely hospitable and it is truly a gift. I am continuously amazed at the welcome given
to each person who walks through the door. You all know that hospitality is not just about food and
coffee but it is about taking away anxiety of someone who walks through the door. People know they
are welcome here.
This place has a call. You all worked through discernment, research and compassionate conversations
this year to come to a vote to move forward together in looking at affordable housing on the land. I am
excited to see what happens.
This place has deep history but is looking ahead too.
This place has had a past and is willing to try to move forward while learning lessons.
This place is full of people that have awesome stories and are just wonderful God filled people.
From my family, thank you so very much for being exactly who you are. I know that you will welcome the next
pastor with open arms and with the same love you have given us. We love you and we will miss you deeply!
One other note, you all have been through this before but after Aug. 1, I am no longer your pastor. There will
be plenty of information about who you call when and how that happens but even though I love you, I
cannot be your pastor. We can talk about being friends and what that looks like if you are interested.
Until we meet again,
Pastor Courtney
Worldwide Choir Offers Easter Hymn
A new video features the voices of hundreds of Christians singing Charles Wesley’s beloved Easter hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.” Churches can use it on Easter Sunday and throughout the Easter season. Individuals and families can view and share it as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at home.
The piece is a gift to the world from The United Methodist Church to allow all people to hear and sing along as they celebrate Easter in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 300 Christians from across the globe, including the United States, Singapore, and the Philippines as well as from countries in Africa and Eastern Europe submitted videos of themselves singing the hymn. One sang in American Sign Language.
Congregations can use the video produced by Discipleship Ministries and United Methodist Communications as part of their online Easter celebrations or stream it before or after their service. They might also feature it on their websites as a gift to the community.
A Special Easter Offering
A Special Offering Provides Easter Hope
As we celebrated Palm Sunday, we are reminded that “Jesus followers joined the many pilgrims who had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the great feast commemorating God’s deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. On Sunday, crowds lined the streets of Jerusalem as Jesus, mounted on a donkey, made a triumphal entry into the city. For those who knew the Jewish scriptures, this was a much hoped for and welcomed sign. Through this single prophetic action—riding a donkey from the Mt. of Olives into Jerusalem—Jesus announced he was the expected Messiah, come to save Israel, fulfilling the words of the prophet (Zechariah 9:9).” By this simple act of riding a donkey, here was the Hope for which the Jewish people, had been waiting. However, it was not the kind of Hope they were anticipating.
Within a few days, the sign of Hope for the Jews and the followers of Jesus comes to an end as we are reminded of Jesus torture and his death on a cross. For the Jews and Jesus followers, all Hope was gone.
Almost two (2) months ago, as people in Turkey and Syria were retiring for the evening, but, like us, mentally making plans very possibly filled with Hope for the next day. On Monday, February 6, 2023, at 4:17 am a 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred. Their Hope and plans for this Monday, were shattered. For some their Hope was they were alive and had their family. For others, they asked the question; Was their Hope for the future?
We can say “Yes” because we know Christ is the Hope of the World. We know that three (3) days after Jesus’ death, Mary and Martha met the resurrected living Christ and ran to share the good news of Hope for the future. Likewise in Turkey and Syria, Hope was there as people were found alive two weeks later buried under the rubble.
As Members and Friends of St. Paul’s, I invite you to play a part in providing a financial means of Hope to the people in Turkey and Syria as we give a special Easter Sunday Offering on April 9. This special gift of Hope will go to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) who will distribute our gift through the appropriate channels for the renewing of lives and the rebuilding of communities in Turkey and Syria. As we give, may we remember that…
Jesus Christ is the Hope of the World.
Please make your check and/or electronic gift payable to St. Paul’s UMC and designate your gift for the Easter Offering. Thank You.
Barbara Maxwell, Finance Chair
Susan Robb: Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross.
Let’s Talk – 3PM Sunday Nov. 13 on ZOOM
A Heart-to-Heart conversation about the State of our Church — sponsored by SP UMC Nominations
Committee & facilitated by Ervin Miller.
Want to know what’s going on at St. Paul’s? This “Kitchen Table Conversation” will be held primarily online on Zoom. If you or someone you know has difficulty connecting online, please let Pastor Marshall or the Church Office know, and we will try to “Buddy Up” those who need help connecting and/or have a “Listening Post” set up at the Church if needed.
The topics at hand will also be previewed during SP’s Governance Board Mtg. on Tues. Nov. 8, all are welcome to join in that preview.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://greaternw.zoom.us/j/97191463889 OR dial from any phone: +1 669 900 6833 OR +1 253 215 8782 When Prompted Enter: Meeting ID: 971 9146 3889 #
This mtg on Nov 13 will be in preparation for St. Paul’s Annual Church Conference at 3PM on Sunday Nov. 20, which will be offered both in person and on ZOOM.
Annual Church Meeting
Don’t Miss Our
Annual Church Meeting!
Sunday, November 20th at 3pm.
During our discussions last summer, we committed to practicing non-judgmental acceptance toward
others and care-full consideration for the health of all people, regardless of their vaccine or immunity
status. We seek to be especially attentive to those who are more vulnerable or at greater risk. To that end both our meeting Sunday Nov. 13 and our Annual Meeting Nov. 20th will be available on Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://greaternw.zoom.us/j/98898342226 OR dial from any phone: +1 669 900 6833 OR +1 253 215 8782 When Prompted Enter: Meeting ID: : 988 9834 2226
Quilts to Clackamas Women’s Center
Kids drop off quilts made by St Paul’s Prayers and Squares to the Clackamas Women’s Center. https://www.cwsor.org
Cup of Cold Water Ministries Benefits Backpack Buddies
Cup of Cold Water Ministries collected over $250 in change in September and then went shopping for food for the Backpack Buddies Program. This is only part of their contribution!