In December of 2020, as we approached a new year together, all of us wondered what that new year might bring. Most of us had high hopes that within a few months, we might be gathering again in our sacred spaces for worship, seeing friends face to face that we may not have seen in …
An Update from the Pastoral Team about Worship Development Read More »
Hello everyone, this is Rev. Jeff Lowery, Director of Youth Ministry for Open Door Churches. One of the ways that I live out my call is to write and record songs. Over the past 15 years I have had 3 collections of my original songs recorded, mixed, and manufactured into CD’s. The first project was …
Yesterday, my friend, Dr. Janet G, emailed me and said, “that may be we are free-er than we think we are.” She recalled the things she did this time in the past two years and found they are incomparable to the things she loves and enjoys doing now. She hardly feels restricted in one form …
“Basic religious faith is a vote for some coherence, purpose, benevolence, and direction in the universe. Unfortunately, the notion of faith that emerged in the West was much more a rational assent to the truth of certain mental beliefs rather than a calm and hopeful trust that God is inherent in all things, and that …
To care for the environment is an essential concept of life that I’ve always liked to learn, explore and support. My interest grew when I took my Senior Capstone project for my undergraduate degree in Environmental studies. Tryon Creek State Park offered this project. This state park is located within Portland metropolitan area close to …
Every morning I spend time in prayer and have a time of devotion to start my day. In November, during my morning time with God, I began reading a Psalm each day. I have been inspired, humbled, and comforted by the words of the Psalmists who are sharing their relationship with God and their journey …
My understanding of Jesus’ Birth story in Luke’s Gospel had changed over the years from when I was a child to now. When I was a small child, I remembered the Christmas season being one of my favorites. Not because it is Christmas Day, but I like the activities that surrounded Christmas Eve. On Christmas …
I just returned from a visit to Texas to spend Thanksgiving with my family. It was a difficult decision to travel in this season, as the pandemic surges and authorities I trust have asked us all to pull back from activities that bring us into close contact with others, especially travel. If it wasn’t for …
Recently, I have noticed there is a large focus in the media about what we can’t do. I find it really hard to continually hear what we can’t do especially during a season that has always been so focused on gathering together with one another. This week is Thanksgiving and normally I would be going …
As I completed filling up the baptism certificate for Everleigh Fennix Martin, I reflected at how important our name is. This baptism certificate will become an official document for baby Everleigh. It is initiated and endorsed by all the Open Door Churches pastors. Baby EverLeigh Fennix Martin is our very first Open Door Churches baptism …