Youth Bowling has been rescheduled to April 28th from 11:30 to 2 at King Pins in Beaverton. Pearl will cover the cost of bowling but please send your youth with money for lunch (to be purchased there) and the arcade. Questions? Contact Kylie Marble.
Facilitated by Karl Coppock and Ben Conachan
Beth Fry’s Home, NE Portland
Join us for an evening of getting to know one another better through our favorite poems. Everyone is invited to bring a beloved short poem or two (song lyrics and short, beautiful prose excerpts are welcome as well), to share their poem and to explain why it is meaningful to them. We’ll share as many poems as we can, and have a little time for discussion of each poem, as well. Drinks and light snacks provided.
If you’re interested in joining, please RSVP with Pastor Ben to get the address. Space will be limited to 12 participants.
Join us for a contemplative space during this Easter Season. Many of us will be familiar with the Stations of the Cross, a tradition in many Catholic communities with meditative art following the story of the crucifixion. For this retreat, we’re participating in the Stations of the Resurrection, an art installation created by local artist Scott Erickson.
We will be at the Ecotrust building, second floor, with the space open between 9am-12pm. The Stations will be self-directed; you are invited to join at any point and stay for as long as you like. If you plan to come, please send a note to Pastor Ben so we can send additional details the week of the event.
The House of Belonging, by David Whyte
Church Office
As we enjoy the animation of life in spring, you’re invited to pause and ponder some of the ways that we experience a sense of home, here on earth. Whether you’re new to David Whyte or have read him for a long time, this book contains some of his most beloved poems, such as The Truelove, The Journey, and Sweet Darkness. Taken together, the collection illuminates the myriad ways we belong to others, to ourselves, and to the world. Questions? Contact Mike.
Have you been looking for a space to slow down and be still in the presence of God? Please join us for an opportunity to engage with the Christian contemplative practice of Centering Prayer. This method, developed by Fr. Thomas Keating, is “a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence … a prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.” We will begin with an introduction and orientation to the practice; if you are new to this practice you are very welcome to join.
We will meet at Pastor Ben Conachan’s home in SE Portland; space is limited to 8 attendees, please RSVP ahead of time for the address.
All our Pearl LGBTQIA+ community is invited to this evening of sharing stories and getting to know each other! We’ll be meeting at a local brewery or pub (location TBD, we’ll update soon), and Pearl member Gary Conachan will help facilitate us as we share stories from our lives—funny moments, meaningful experiences—as a way to connect more deeply as a community. If you are newer at Pearl, you are warmly encouraged to join.
Please RSPV with Ben Conachan if you plan to join us!
Viewing & Discussion on Christian Feasts & Cinematic Motifs
Sunday, May 19, 6-9pm, The Eliot Tower
In May, we’re offering a sermon series that aims to celebrate the feasts of Ascension Sunday and Pentecost through film that illuminates the eternality of love (Big Night, co-directed by Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci) and the goodness of inspiration (Amelie, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet). As a way to deepen into this celebration you are invited to view Big Night before arriving. We’ll begin with discussion on that film. We’ll then watch Amelie and discuss it afterward. Snack food and drinks provided. Show up between 5:30 and 6. We’ll begin at 6 sharp. Fascilitated by Brett Fischer and Mike Roth. Space limited. Please RSVP to reserve your spot and to receive directions.
Cheri & Dan Gilbert’s Home in NE Portland
Please contact Mike with questions or to RSVP
Our Educational Evenings are offered quarterly as opportunities for our community to deepen into content that is theological, biblical, or practical over the course of 90 minutes. Refreshments are provided and everyone is invited to hang out afterward for conversation and connection.
Depolarizing Ourselves
For people of faith, civil discourse begins in recognizing the image of God in our conversation partner. Since we are all children of God, our approach should involve mutual respect. Respect, not agreement, is an essential key for a healthy discussion. This workshop addresses how we may inadvertently be complicit in, or possibly even encourage, polarization. Led by Gary Conachan.
Reconciling Atonement
In the year 2024, many Christians are wondering how to make meaning of Jesus’ barbaric and unjust death on a cross as longstanding explanations for its meaning make less and less sense. In this workshop we’ll begin by overviewing the church’s wrestlings with atonement. We’ll then consider contemporary attempts at making meaning for an ancient crucifixion. Finally, we’ll conclude by considering how contemporary meaning for an ancient crucifixion is capable of much goodness, today. Led by Mike Roth.
Membership is for those who appreciate Pearl’s work and desire to more deeply participate. The purpose of membership is to encourage an active engagement between Pearl Church and those who call Pearl “Home.” Membership benefits include an Annual Members’ Meeting, Monthly Updates from the Oversight Team, and intentional engagement regarding the direction of the church. Whether or not you’re interested in membership, the Membership Class is an opportunity to meet with a pastor to hear all about the ins and outs of Pearl Church. Ever wonder about Pearl’s story? Curious about our values? Interested in learning about our dreams for the future? Consider attending the upcoming Membership Class to hear more and to ask any questions that you may have.
Come join us as we march in the Portland Pride Parade! All are welcome, both our LGBTQIA+ family and straight allies. Whether you want to march with us, or watch along the parade route, everyone is welcome as we celebrate that every part of us is welcome at our Common Table.
If you plan to march with us, please let us know by emailing Pastor Ben.
More details to come soon!
All our LGBTQIA+ community at Pearl Church is invited to this game night at Tym and Drew Andrew’s home in NE Portland! We’ll have snacks and beverages, and play some fun party games. If you’re newer at Pearl this is a great chance to get to know some of our queer community! If you plan to attend, please RSVP with Ben Conachan to get the directions.
Membership is for those who appreciate Pearl’s work and desire to more deeply participate. The purpose of membership is to encourage an active engagement between Pearl Church and those who call Pearl “Home.” Membership benefits include an Annual Members’ Meeting, Monthly Updates from the Oversight Team, and intentional engagement regarding the direction of the church. Whether or not you’re interested in membership, the Membership Class is an opportunity to meet with a pastor to hear all about the ins and outs of Pearl Church. Ever wonder about Pearl’s story? Curious about our values? Interested in learning about our dreams for the future? Consider attending the upcoming Membership Class to hear more and to ask any questions that you may have.
Have you been looking for a space to slow down and be still in the presence of God? Please join us for an opportunity to engage with the Christian contemplative practice of Centering Prayer. This method, developed by Fr. Thomas Keating, is “a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence … a prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.” We will begin with an introduction and orientation to the practice; if you are new to this practice you are very welcome to join.
We will meet at Pastor Ben Conachan’s home in SE Portland; space is limited to 8 attendees, please RSVP ahead of time for the address.
If you're new(er) to Pearl, you're invited to a casual reception following Sunday’s service where you'll have an opportunity to meet some of Pearl’s core members, ministry leaders, home group leaders, oversight team, and staff. We would love to meet and warmly welcome you to our Pearl community. You’re invited to pop in between our two services (starting about 10:20) for light refreshments and casual conversation. Please RSVP with Pastor Ben.
“Here comes Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail. Hippity Hoppity Easter’s on it way!” Join us Easter Sunday, March 31, at Pearl Church for an all-ages Easter egg hunt between the two services. We will begin as soon as the first service ends, around 10:20am. We’re so excited to have you join us for some Easter fun!
As you arrive for Easter on Sunday, March 31, there will be a flowering cross located outside the entrance doors on the west side of the building (next to Hot Lips). We invite you to bring freshly cut flowers to place on this cross but we’ll have extra flowers in case you’re unable. The contrast between the barren altar that you have observed throughout Lent and the living flowering cross that you will see as you enter into church for worship will be a welcome sight that helps to prepare our hearts for celebrating new and abundant life in Christ.
All are welcome to join us for services on Easter Sunday! Starting Easter, March 31, we will be offering two services at 9:15am and 10:45am. The two services will be identical, but kids and youth programs will be offered only at the 9:15am service.
We will continue on a two-service schedule through May 19, the weekend before Memorial Day.
Throughout the ages, mystics and theologians have pointed to the image of Christ crucified and declared: This is the image of God. The Divine suffering, the Divine broken, the Divine self-giving, the Divine with us in our deaths. You are invited to join us for this special service as we ponder this God who is known most truly in vulnerability and solidarity.
This special service will follow a tenebrae format, as we slowly extinguish candles while descending with Jesus into the darkness of Good Friday. Childcare will be offered for children through 5th grade; youth are encouraged to attend the service with their families.
Do you enjoy singing? Come lend your voice in our Easter Choir. No audition necessary. All are welcome to join. Rehearsals will be held Mar 17 and Mar 24 after the Sunday morning service. Attendance at both rehearsals is strongly encouraged; attendance at one rehearsal is required. The choir will be singing on Sunday Morning, March 31 at both the 9:15am and 10:45am Easter Services. To sign up, please contact Brian Cheney at brianc@pearlchurch.org.
Everyone is welcome to join for this casual evening as we visit one of Portland’s local breweries—Von Ebert, in the Pearl District. Come for drinks, food, and conversation with others at Pearl. This is a great opportunity for newcomers to get connected. Questions? Planning to join us? Contact Ben Conachan so we know to look for you.
Do you enjoy singing? Come lend your voice in our Easter Choir. No audition necessary. All are welcome to join. Rehearsals will be held Mar 17 and Mar 24 after the Sunday morning service. Attendance at both rehearsals is strongly encouraged; attendance at one rehearsal is required. The choir will be singing on Sunday Morning, March 31 at both the 9:15am and 10:45am Easter Services. To sign up, please contact Brian Cheney at brianc@pearlchurch.org.
This book explores the tough questions that many of us grapple with. How can we recapture the confidence we once had as we stumble through the dark times that seem increasingly bleak? As bad news piles up—from climate crises to daily assaults on civility—how can we cope? Where, she asks, “Do we start to get our world and joy and hope and our faith in life itself back...with our sore feet, hearing loss, stiff fingers, poor digestion, stunned minds, broken hearts?" We begin, Lamott says, by accepting our flaws and embracing our humanity. Drawing from her own experiences, this book shows us the intimate and human ways we can adopt to move through life’s dark places and toward the light of hope that still burns ahead for all of us.
Have you been looking for a space to slow down and be still in the presence of God? Please join us for an opportunity to engage with the Christian contemplative practice of Centering Prayer. This method, developed by Fr. Thomas Keating, is “a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence … a prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.” We will begin with an introduction and orientation to the practice; if you are new to this practice you are very welcome to join.
We will meet at Pastor Ben Conachan’s home in SE Portland; space is limited to 8 attendees, please RSVP ahead of time for the address.
Join with other youth from Pearl as we head to King Pins for bowling! Questions? Contact Kylie Marble.
Pearl Church Youth, mark your calendars for Broomball on Sunday, February 25th at 7 pm. We are combining with Cascade, Wayside Friends, and North Valley Friends churches for a giant game on the ice rink at the Lloyd Center. Cost is $20 per person. Questions? Contact Kylie Marble.
Wednesdays throughout Lent, 7-8:30pm
Catechesis is an old word that refers to an ancient idea: being shaped by religious instruction. Our hope for this class is to provide non-violent and non-dominion Christian instruction that’s accessible for both teenagers and adults. Furthermore, our hope for this class is to encourage a Christianity that’s capable of grounding us, inspiring us, and leading us more deeply into lives that flourish. Each class will cover relevant content and engaging practices that help to give Christian shape to our lives:
2/21, Living the Bible, Inspiration
2/28, Living Incarnation, Union
3/6, Living Atonement, Repair
3/13, Living Resurrection, Wholeness
3/20, Living Trinity, Community
3/27, Living the Way, Practices
Lent is a church season during which we’re invited to slow, to simplify, and to deepen. You’re warmly invited to join us for Catechesis During Lent. Interested, have questions, or want to RSVP? Please contact Pastor Ben.
Membership is for those who appreciate Pearl’s work and desire to more deeply participate. The purpose of membership is to encourage an active engagement between Pearl Church and those who call Pearl “Home.” Membership benefits include an Annual Members’ Meeting, Monthly Updates from the Oversight Team, and intentional engagement regarding the direction of the church. Whether or not you’re interested in membership, the Membership Class is an opportunity to meet with a pastor to hear all about the ins and outs of Pearl Church. Ever wonder about Pearl’s story? Curious about our values? Interested in learning about our dreams for the future? Consider attending the upcoming Membership Class to hear more and to ask any questions that you may have.
Lent is an ancient Christian tradition that observes with great devotion, the time of our Lord’s passion. In doing so, we journey on a divine path that invites us to open ourselves to the lessons of difficult human experiences such as struggle, muddle, suffering, and even death. As we walk this path we bear witness to many unexpected surprises. Chief among them all is this ancient Christian truth: difficulty and sorrow are not ways unto death, but rather, they are ways through death and into new life.
Everyone is invited to join us for a special Ash Wednesday service, which inaugurates the Season of Lent by the imposition of ashes, in the form of a cross.
Youth are invited to participate in the corporate service. Childcare will be available for children 1-11 years of age.
In the dark, cold days of winter, it’s time for another popular Pearl potluck! Join us on Sunday, February 11 following the service for a ‘February Feast of Family Favorites.’ Consider sharing that chili your grandpa always made, pick up mom‘s favorite salad from the deli, bring the cookies your aunt brought to every family reunion, or contribute any other food that represents good family memories to you. The opportunity to sign up will be coming soon.
Questions? Contact Beth Fry.
Have you been looking for a space to slow down and be still in the presence of God? Please join us for an opportunity to engage with the Christian contemplative practice of Centering Prayer. This method, developed by Fr. Thomas Keating, is “a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence … a prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.” We will begin with an introduction and orientation to the practice; if you are new to this practice you are very welcome to join.
We will meet at Pastor Ben Conachan’s home in SE Portland; space is limited to 8 attendees, please RSVP ahead of time for the address.
Pearl Kids and Families, come join us after church on February 4th for a Valentine’s Day party! We’ll have lots of crafty stuff on hand to make valentines and sweet treats to share too. We can’t wait to see you then!
This retreat is now full. If you’re interested in this content, we will be offering it again as a class in Fall 2024, and as a retreat again in early 2025.
Many people who find themselves at Pearl have either begun or are in the process of deconstructing harmful Christian faith. Yet, what is good Christian faith? To help thoughtfully answer this important question, you’re warmly invited to participate in a special weekend at the coast, filled with meaningful content and community engagement. To ensure that there’s space for dialogue, we’re capping this offering at eight people. Please RSVP with Pastor Mike no later than January 7 so that we can reserve an appropriate house based on sign ups.
By way of content, here are the topics we’ll cover:
Session One, Gospel as Good News
Session Two, Bible, Part I: Formation, Accommodation, & Inspiration
Session Three, Bible, Part II: Books, Section, & Trajectory
Session Four, Salvation & Atonement
Session Five, The Afterlife
Session Six, Being Christian
This event is rescheduled from January 14.
If you're new(er) to Pearl, you're invited to a casual reception following Sunday’s service where you'll have an opportunity to meet some of Pearl’s core members, ministry leaders, home group leaders, oversight team, and staff. We would love to meet and warmly welcome you to our Pearl community. You’re invited to pop in between 11 and 11:30am for light refreshments and casual conversation. Please RSVP with Pastor Ben.
Meeting at the Gilbert’s home in NE Portland
The New Year is a season during which many of us take time to rethink life rhythms and commit to new and healthier habits. With this in mind, our New Year’s Evening of Education will offer two workshops that intend to encourage fiscal health and thoughtful engagement with the Bible. Following the workshops, we’ll gather over snacks and drinks to connect. Questions? Contact Mike. Planning to attend? RSVP with Mike for directions.
Do's and Don'ts of Personal Finance
It’s a new year and that can mean new resolutions, including getting your finances in order! Dan Gilbert—Pearl’s Treasurer and a Certified Public Accountant—has lived and breathed everything finance for over 40 years. At this workshop Dan will discuss the Do's and Don'ts of personal finances by covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time. The plan is to discuss a broad swath of content, spanning biblical attitudes toward money to practical ways to save and invest. Come to learn and get your most pressing money questions answered.
Thoughtful Engagement with the Bible
During the New Year many of us commit to reading the Bible. However, this commitment quickly becomes problematic as we encounter passages that are violent, or bigoted, or in contradiction with today’s scientific and historical findings. This workshop will begin by exploring the Bible’s formation to establish an ancient interpretational lens that encourages the use of reason. It will then provide an overview of the books in the Bible to help us better understand their content and relationship to one another. Finally, it will trace the biblical story that encourages a perspective of trajectory toward ever-increasing love.
The New Year is a season during which many of us take time to rethink life rhythms and commit to new and healthier habits. With this in mind, our next Book Discussion will consider James Clear’s Atomic Habits. Clear—one of the world's leading experts on habit formation—reveals practical strategies that will teach you how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Questions? Contact Mike.
This event has been cancelled—we will postpone till our next date in February.
Have you been looking for a space to slow down and be still in the presence of God? Please join us for an opportunity to engage with the Christian contemplative practice of Centering Prayer. This method, developed by Fr. Thomas Keating, is “a receptive method of Christian silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God, the Indwelling Presence … a prayer in which we can experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself.” We will begin with an introduction and orientation to the practice; if you are new to this practice you are very welcome to join.
We will meet at Pastor Ben Conachan’s home in SE Portland; space is limited to 8 attendees, please RSVP ahead of time for the address.
If you're new(er) to Pearl, you're invited to a casual reception following Sunday’s service where you'll have an opportunity to meet some of Pearl’s core members, ministry leaders, home group leaders, oversight team, and staff. We would love to meet and warmly welcome you to our Pearl community. You’re invited to pop in between 11 and 11:30am for light refreshments and casual conversation. Please RSVP with Pastor Ben.
Two Services: 5:00 & 6:30pm
Everyone is invited to join in the celebration on Christmas Eve! We’ll sing Christmas songs and read Christmas stories and listen to a Christmas homily about Divine Light shining in the darkness. We’ll even light Christmas candles as a reminder that light truly does cast out all that is dark. Consider inviting family and friends to this special service. Please note: both services will be identical. The only difference is that the 5pm service will be the only service with toddler, preschool, and elementary offerings.
Note: there will not be a Sunday morning service on Christmas Eve, Sunday December 24.
With Christmas Eve falling on Sunday this year, everyone is invited to celebrate at one of our evening Christmas Eve services at 5pm and 6:30pm. Please note that there will not be a 10am service on December 24.
Do you enjoy singing? Come lend your voice in our Christmas Eve Choir. No audition necessary. All are welcome to join. Rehearsals will be held Dec 10 and Dec 17 after the Sunday morning service. Attendance at both rehearsals is strongly encouraged; attendance at one rehearsal is required. The choir will be singing on Sunday Evening, December 24 at both the 5:00pm and 6:30pm Christmas Eve Services. To sign up, please contact Brian Cheney at brianc@pearlchurch.org.
Email: info@pearlchurch.org | Phone: (503) 568-1012 | Mail: Pearl Church, 721 NW 9th Ave Ste 225, Portland, OR 97209 | Online Donations
©2022 Pearl Church
