Dear “Virtual” Southminster Members,

Welcome to our third week of live streamed worship. Our spiritual theme for the month of August is “Becoming a Matthew 25 Congregation”. Our congregation is one of 588 congregations who has accepted the invitation to follow Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 25:31–46 by becoming active disciples and making a difference in our community and the world.

Each Sunday in August, we will explore Matthew 25 and each of these areas. I do hope that each of you makes time to participate in weekly “Zoom” worship services at 10 a.m. on Sundays. This Sunday, we will celebrate communion together — please prepare for worship by having a candle and bread/grape juice readily available.

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 the worship service. 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

Dear “Virtual” Southminster Members,

Welcome to our second week of live-streamed worship.  We have tried to simplify things a bit this week and encourage you to participate with the community.  In our worship, may we find the space between fear and hope.  I am encouraging everyone who joins to find a candle and we will light our candles together at the beginning of every worship service. I look forward to seeing you at 10:00 a.m.

The sermon and the recording of today’s service will always be posted on the Southminster Website on Sundays. 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 Sunday’s worship.

Virtual Pastor Don

Dear “Virtual” Southminster Members,

Welcome to the start of a new beginning at Southminster. This Sunday (July 19) marks the beginning of our weekly streamed worship services via Zoom at 10:00 a.m.. We hope to see you whenever you are able. Sunday is also the day that we elect our new Pastor Nominating Committee after the worship service. This is an exciting time for us as a community — in the midst of ever-increasing social realities and needs around us, we are poised to vision a path forward and make decisions on how Southminster can better serve and meet those needs. My short sermon today will focus on how we are forging a way forward that is truly “unclouded by fear and hope.”

I want to say a few words about our weekly zoom worship services. While most have appreciated the virtual worship services sent out in an email, many have felt that they were missing a sense of “community.” Our new format will provide an opportunity for us to connect spiritually and relationally as we experience “community” on a weekly basis. Even more, when we are given the go-ahead to allow small groups to meet in the Sanctuary by the Southminster Reopening Task Force, we will continue to provide a Hybrid model of worship (for example: 25-50 people in Sanctuary and LIVE Zoom worship). Note: We are not expecting this Hybrid worship model to happen until sometime in the Fall.

General Structure to Sunday’s LIVE Zoom Worship (10:00-11:00 a.m.):

• Welcome and Call to Worship and Opening Hymn
• Reception of New Member and Children’s time
• Theme Music Video: Be Not Afraid!
• Short Sermon (10-12 min): “Unclouded by Fear and Hope”, Rev. Don Ludwig
• Sharing the Peace and Break Out Groups (10-12 min)
• Time for Meditation, Sharing Joys and Concerns, and Prayer
• Announcements, Closing Hymn, and Benediction
• Congregational Meeting to elect Pastor Nominating Committee (11:00-11:20 a.m.)

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 Sunday’s worship.

Virtual Pastor Don

View the Worship Guide PDF >>

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.

One of the hallmarks of being a “Presbyterian” is that we are a connectional church.  The connections we have to one another span the globe and give us strength and hope and grace to move forward even in such a time as this.

Today, Mark Hernandez-Mullins (who has also been at Southminster for 14 years) will be sharing the sermon with you.  Mark has been a support to Southminster in so many ways throughout the years and I know that you do not want to miss his reflections on why and how he became a presbyterian.

I do encourage you to take part in this week’s Sunday Starter with Kathy Huddleston at 9 AM. The topic for today is the history of Mt. Rushmore and commemorative statuary. We’ll discuss recent actions to remove or move statues. What makes a statue or site historically significant and worthy of preservation? Come listen and share your thoughts.

Sunday Starter Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 933 0441 3416 Password: 473387
https://zoom.us/j/93304413416?pwd=UHFoRTlwYkNqb0k2ODRjdEluY2FXZz09

I will be back in the office on Monday, July 13.  Feel free to 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

View this week’s Worship Guide >>

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.

The spiritual theme this month is “Presbyterian.” That may seem odd for a spiritual theme, yet as we move toward electing a Pastor Nominating Committee and as we begin to deeply reflect on our mission as a Church—our past, present, and future—I think it will be helpful for all of us to consider what kind of Christian we are and what does it mean to be a “progressive” Presbyterian. I encourage you to especially take a look at the theme video in the virtual worship today where Diane Moffit, President and Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency shares about the plethora of ways that we are “called” as Presbyterians.

Today, I invite you to a Congregational Zoom Hour: Sunday, July 5 – 11:00-12:00 p.m.

Zoom link:  https://zoom.us/j/93583786506?pwd=NXhWdUFZQldtcmp5RnJaOHh4WW1UQT09

General Structure to the Fellowship Hour:

• Welcome, Introductions and Short Devotion
• Fun Icebreaker Activity for the whole family
• Check-in with youth and families on the beach clean up in Seaside
• Break Out Small groups with guided questions
• Popcorn “Sharing” and Announcements

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

View this week’s Worship Guide >>

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

View this week’s Worship Guide >>

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

View this week’s Worship Guide >>

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.

View this week’s Worship Guide >>

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

View this week’s Worship Guide >>

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. 

View this week’s Worship Guide >>