July Connection
Examining Beliefs: A Work in Progress
Kara Maurer, attends Newberg Friends and is a sophomore at George Fox University
As I sit here contemplating my faith, I grow a bit discouraged by my lack of answers. Then I am reminded that faith is a journey, which is great, because that means I don’t have to have any answers; I just have to be seeking the truth.
Expressing Faith Outwardly
Ken Magee, pictured here with his wife, Jo, travels the world doing medical relief work. 
Trying to be a Christ follower has led to many challenges, numerous adventures, and multiple “God sightings.” I can’t recommend a better life for anyone. Typically, these challenges and adventures have included other people. Let me tell you of one man I met following the 9.3 earthquake and devastating tsunami of 2004 that killed thousands.
>>read more and join the dialogue>>
Evangelism: Sharing with Sensitivity and Humility
Ken Redford, along with his wife, Tresa, and their children, live in Meidian, Idaho. He is pastor at Meridian Friends.
In God’s providence, our home was located four blocks from the largest building in Talent—the meetinghouse for Talent Friends Church. More important, as it turns out, God had located me directly in the path of people who would have a part in shining his light into my life. As I reflect on my own experiences of being drawn to Christ through NWYM people, I want to offer a few “points of light” to ponder.
>>read more and join the dialogue>>
Out of My Mind – Being Christian Quakers in the 21st Century
One of the encouraging signs of growth I have witnessed in the church over the past several decades has been a shift in the way many local churches and even denominations relate to one another. Rather than being so focused on competition there is a much greater spirit of cooperation, as we work together in Kingdom ministry. United in Christ and in our common commitment to the core gospel, the different tribes within Christianity are also finding something good and powerful about having their own unique expression of faith.
>>read more and join the dialogue>>
GFU Mission: May Serve
A George Fox University fundraising event, “Empty Bowls: A Night for Haiti,” raised more than $15,000 for victims still recovering from the January earthquake that devastated the island country.
Keeping Current with Local Outreach ~ Working Up to Servanthood
Gar Mickelson, here with his wife, Vicki, serves NWYM as associate superintendent of Local Outreach and Pastoral Care. They came to faith through the ministry of Hayden Lake Friends Church and have have two children and three grandchildren. Gar shares here about a personal challenge he received that has impacted his life.As I was growing up (spiritually speaking) my pastor would often use the phrase “We are working our way up to servanthood.” This saying had a tremendous impact on my life because it invited me to live life with a radically different perspective. Instead of a self-referenced perspective, this shifted my focus to those around me and challenged me to see myself as their servant.
>>read the rest of Gar's challenge>>
Keeping Current with Global Outreach - Effective Prayer
Shawn, pictured here in Turkey with his wife, Katrina, and two kids, Elsie and Jered, is the associate superintendent of Global Outreach and Pastoral Care. He shares about the impact of prayer.I get asked a lot: “How can I pray for our Friends Serving Abroad?” I appreciate this concern because it comes from people who are convinced it matters. I’m not sure I know anything new about prayer, but I am convinced that it makes a difference. So why, as our focusing query suggests, should we pray “for those who are engaged in spreading the gospel?”
>>read Shawn's reasons>>
Friends Leadership Program: Review
Jamie Johnson serves George Fox University and NWYM as the director for the Friends Leadership Program. After graduate school, Jamie returned to Newberg with his wife, Erin, and three children. They attend Newberg Friends.
By Jamie Johnson, GFU I began my position at George Fox University as director of the Friends Leadership Program on July 1, 2009—one year ago! As I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next, I want to share with you some of the highlights.
Announcements and Updates
- Pastoral Transitions
- Focus Conference
- Community Gardens
- Samuel School II Report
- Yearly Meeting Details
- Young Adult Camp
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