Dear “Virtual” Southminster Members,

Historically, Southminster has been a place where people have a variety of views on God but we are all connected by our commitment to social justice, peace-making, and “mission.” In my sermon last week I talked about “Missio Dei” (God’s Mission).  When we understand “mission” as our calling not to just give “handouts” but to partner with those in our community and the world and to be humbled by the work toward providing equity for all, we are participating in God’s mission.

One of the pearls of our church is the Southminster Foundation which contributes monetarily to many organizations in our local community on a yearly basis. Today is Foundation Sunday. Janet Cruz and others will be sharing with you about their (indeed “our”) great work. I do hope that you can take the time to thoughtfully read through the website and attached brochure (both within the virtual worship) and listen to Janet as you consider ways to give to this on-going “mission” arm of our church.

I will be finishing my week of Study Leave on Sunday and will be back in full swing and raring to go on Monday. And as always, give me a call if you need anything from me or the community. I can be reached at 503.819.2442 or ludwigpdx@gmail.com. 

Virtual Pastor Don

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Dear “Virtual” Southminster Members,

We continue to explore our spiritual theme of mission and the great “commissions” of the old and new testaments today.  It is my view that these “commissions” have been sorely misunderstood by christians and the Church and is the reason we have floundered in our purpose and mission to the world.  I have lots more to say in my sermon today.

I invite you to participate in the ZOOM Congregational Fellowship Hour today from 11:00-12:00 p.m. We will celebrate our “Ubuntu” — our  partnership with each other and organizations that are serving our community.  Here is the Zoom link.

Zoom Meeting: Southminster Congregational Fellowship Meeting: June 21: 11-12 p.m.

https://zoom.us/j/95348078357?pwd=dlhHTXRGb2Q2L0dsdkRkbVZ0L2NpUT09

General Structure to the Fellowship Hour:

• Welcome, Introductions and Short “Ubuntu” Devotion
  • Fun Icebreaker Activity for the whole family
  • Break Out Small groups with guided questions
  • Popcorn “Sharing” and Announcements
  • Virtual Dance Party (or enjoy watching and listening)

My hope is that as you worship and take time to care for your spirit, the Great Spirit will fill you with hope and resilience. As always, give me a call if you need anything from me or the community.  I can be reached at 503.819.2442 or ludwigpdx@gmail.com.

Virtual Pastor Don

👨🏼👨🏻👨🏽👨🏿 Fathers Day Pajamas & Faith at 9:30am
We are planning another Pajamas and Faith activity Sunday morning!! Please join us, in your Jammies, with some paper and markers or crayons! We are going to write down or draw pictures of Dad, as we think about 5 reasons (or more!) why he is The Best Dad in the World! 

Topic: Children’s Pajama and Faith Party
Time: Jun 21, 2020 09:30 AM Pacific Time
https://zoom.us/j/99842064230?pwd=YjM1QVdsbU1PK1dFeDZneVk1TUVmQT09

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Dear “Virtual” Southminster Members,

Welcome to this Sunday edition of Virtual worship! My hope is that as you worship and take time to care for your spirit, the Great Spirit and Southminster will fill you with hope and comfort and resilience.

Ibram X. Kendi, an American author and historian who teaches at American University, recently wrote a best selling book entitled How to Be an Antiracist. I highly recommend it. It is a powerful read. In an article in The Atlantic, Kendi writes: “Black Americans are constantly stepping into the souls of the dead. Because they know that it could have been them; they are them. Because they know it is dangerous to be African in America, because racist Americans see blacks as dangerous.”

Today, I invited you to a Zoom Sunday Starter (Adult Discussion Group): Sunday, June 14 – 9:00-10:00 a.m. — “Black Lives Matter.” We will view a short video on the history of “Black Lives Matter” (15 minutes) before discussing our own knowledge of systemic racism and what can be done at Southminster to support the current uprising that calls for change. Here is the zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98045819725?pwd=SGFmU0RreXhLZzdPMklRT1JxazI4UT09

The virtual worship and my sermon will also explore the topic of racism and our missional response. As always, give me a call if you need anything from me or the community. I can be reached at 503.819.2442 or ludwigpdx@gmail.com.

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Dear “Virtual” Southminster Members,

Welcome to this first Sunday in June as we begin a new focus on the spiritual theme “Mission.” In light of the ever-increasing social realities and needs around us, I look forward to exploring just how we can better equip ourselves to make a difference. Today, Craig Butler kicks off this mission exploration with a sermon entitled “Time to Get Personal?” 

In addition to our virtual worship service, I want to especially invite you to participate in our ZOOM worship and fellowship today from 11:00-12:00 p.m. I invite you to prepare by securing a plate of “bread” and a cup of “juice” and having it by your computer as we celebrate our first Zoom communion. Here is the link: https://zoom.us/j/99668593630?pwd=eVQva3VLK1hNTjlNbnRIdzAxdU94Zz09

General Structure to today’s LIVE Zoom Worship and Fellowship Hour (11:00-12:00 p.m.):

• Welcome and Call to Worship and Special Music (Koeman Family)
• Graduation Video and Recognition of Southminster Graduates: Natalie and Tyler Greenwood, Brennen James, and Calvin Butler
• Ordination and Installation of Officers and Celebration of Holy Communion
• Fellowship Small Groups and Large Group Sharing
• Benediction & Virtual Dance Party (or enjoy watching and listening)

And as always, give me a call if you need anything from me or the community. I can be reached at 503.819.2442 or ludwigpdx@gmail.com. If you are unable to access ZOOM for whatever reason, you can call Michel on his cell phone (503.523.7878) and he will help you get into today’s worship.

Virtual Pastor Don

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Dear “Virtual” Southminster Members,

Welcome to Pentecost Sunday! This is the day that Jesus told his followers it was better for them if he were to go away. Think about that for a moment. Jesus is the one who healed the sick, fed the multitudes, calmed the storm, made the blind see and the lame walk, and even raised the dead. And now he is going away? How is it that a good thing?

At Pentecost, Jesus goes away but the promise of Spirit is given to each of us. Yet, instead of the Spirit coming upon us, as was custom throughout the new testament, the Spirit now comes to dwell within us. Instead of the Spirit being at work for a specific time and function, now, the Spirit is as “rivers of living water flowing from your innermost being.” In other words, the Spirit that we celebrate at Pentecost is not merely an external support but an internal presence of transformation.

My sermon today focuses on the struggles that we all face. It is easy to give up. Too many of us feel all alone. We are frustrated on so many levels. But in walks… the spirit of gentleness — offering us strength and courage and even joy amidst the struggle itself. My hope is that as you worship today on this day of Pentecost, the Spirit that is within you will add light to your life. And as always, give me a call if you need anything from me or the community. I can be reached at 503.819.2442 or ludwigpdx@gmail.com. 

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Dear “Virtual” Southminster Members,

Welcome to this Sunday edition of Virtual worship!  

As we move forward as a congregation, we are increasingly learning new ways to thrive in our new environment. This Sunday, we will have our first congregational meeting to elect new officers. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful and talented folk among us and those who have stepped up to the call of leadership even in the midst of uncertainties. I hope you can join us in our Congregational Zoom Fellowship and Meeting on today from 11:00-12:15 p.m. Click here to see full agenda and explanation of the congregational meeting.