With the economy in a downturn we are having a difficult time meeting all of our financial commitments. This primarily impacts our apportionment support. The Staff-Parish Relations (Personnel) Committee wants to inform you of an upcoming change. Starting November 1 our Office Manager Norma Tucker has reached the age at which she is eligible to receive both her social security retirement and church pension.

Last spring Norma offered to work a reduced schedule for less salary and begin receiving those retirement benefits. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee carefully considered Norma's proposal and decided to accept it.

So, starting November 1 the office will be open from 9 am to Noon and from 1 to 3 pm Monday through Thursday and closed on Friday. Norma will work 20 hours a week. If other staff are in the building at other times they will continue to answer the phone and the doors will be open at other times as much as possible. But, those are the times that Norma will be in the office.

This change will mean a savings of about $16,500 a year for the church. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee may reallocate some of that after the change takes effect if we need some more office coverage, but most of it will be a savings to the church.

At the same time that we are making this change it appears that we may not be able to perform the fall play this year because of a shortage of male actors for Shakespeare's "As You Like It." We had budgeted for net income of $12,000 from the play.

We may be considering other ways to raise money in the last quarter of the year and will let you know if they develop.

- Fred Kane

There's still time to sign-up for fellowship groups and/or dinner at Santorini Restaurant this Sunday, September 29. We'll meet at the church at 6 p.m. to carpool to the restaurant, 11525 SW Barnes Road, (503-646-6889). The restaurant will be giving 15% of the total bill back to the church as a way of saying thank you for your patronage. Sign up today as we have guaranteed 50 patrons for the night. Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors. Children and youth are welcome also. If you have questions call Linda Baker at 503-640-1775.

September 27 - "The Old Man and the Sea" (1958) Rated NR with Spencer Tracy as The Old Man

The 1958 version of Ernest Hemingway's novella directed by John Sturges (The Great Escape) -- is an effective and poignant starring vehicle for Spencer Tracy, then in the twilight of his illustrious film career. It's virtually a one-character piece, with Tracy turning in a masterful performance as an aged Cuban fisherman, weary of battling the sea and the elements but determined to win his grueling struggle with a huge marlin. Join us in the Youth Center Friday evening to view this classic. Meet in the Youth Center at 7 pm.

Anyone interested in helping to plan the Active Retiree calendar for the year is invited to attend a planning meeting on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 10 am. If you have ideas but can't attend the meeting please pass them on to Linda Baker at 503-640-1775 or email linda@hillsboroumc.org.

Our Church School classrooms are always looking for good used tape recorders. Do you have one at home that you no longer use and would like to donate? Drop is off at the church office and we'll see that it gets a new home.

A new Disciple 1 Bible Study Class has begun on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 pm. We currently have six students and there is space for more. It is still not too late to start! If you're interested, but not sure about it then come to the a session and decide if it is right for you. This 34-week study requires a commitment in terms of preparation, presence, and participation. Cost will be $30 for text. Please let us know as soon as possible if you plan to attend.

Recently our rocking chair in the children's church classroom became unusable. If you have one that you'd like to donate or find one in good condition at a garage sale. Tax donation slips are available. Please keep the church in mind. Call Linda Baker at 503-640-17875 if you have questions.

We would like to be more intentional this year about our Family Ministry Program at HUMC. We have a family movie scheduled for Friday. Oct. 4 with "Simon Birch." If you would like to be part of a planning team for this exciting ministry contact Connie Tripp at mcjj.tripp@verizon.net or Linda Baker at 503-640-1775.

Two "lay speaking" classes will be offered here on two consecutive Saturdays - Oct. 12 and 19 from 9 am to 3 pm. Bring a sack lunch.

The Basic Lay Speaking class is open to anyone and provides an introduction to various types of Christian ministry for lay people. This is not just for those who want to deliver sermons, nor are lay speakers expected to fill in for the pastor. Steve Frantz, Metro District Coordinator of Lay Speaking Ministries, will be leading the class. Cost is $20 including the workbook. Anyone who would like a scholarship for the class should let Fred Kane know and he will ensure that the cost is covered by the church.

The Advanced Lay Speaking Class called Spiritual Disciplines, will help lay people explore different avenues to deepen their personal spiritual walk. The class will be led by Reverend Barbara Schultz. The cost for this class is $29 including the workbook and text. A labyrinth will also be set up and available for the Oct. 12 meeting. Scholarships are available for this class as well

If you would like to register for either class or have questions, contact Steve Frantz at 503-777-7222 (day) or 503-556-2228 (evening) or email him at sfrantz@reed.edu. Email is preferred.

Known to be hospitalized MIRIAM MCDOWELL and BARBARA LOEGEL...Home from the hospital are DICK GATKE and BOB BEALL

Mark your calendar and plan to stop by after first service and pick up a new catalog for Rada Cutlery. They have arrived just in time for holiday shopping with many new gift items included. We have several new items you won't want to miss. "Gifts in a Jar" are again available with two added books: "Cocoas, Cappuccinos & Coffee" and one entitled "For Kids." These were very popular last year and many of you will want to add the new ones to your collection. Another new addition is a line of memory books designed for that special person (Mom, Dad, Grandmother or Grandfather) to create a new memory in the book on a day by day basis as a journal for loved ones to cherish. A great idea!

You can also obtain the catalogs by contacting Barbara Cleveland at 503-844-9975. As always the profit from the cutlery sales goes to the United Methodist Women mission giving, both locally and abroad

If you've been looking for a way to show appreciation for teachers of our children, youth and adults as well as staff members at HUMC, then the Secret Encourager program is for you. Encouragers secretly send cards, pray for, or even give gifts to their special person throughout the year. If you would like to participate in this nurturing ministry call Linda Baker at 503-640-1775 or email linda@hillsboroumc.org to reserve a name..

A new men's Bible Study starts Monday, September 23 at 78:30 pm at Larry Aldrich's home. All men and welcome to come and join us! If you have any questions give Larry a call at 503-648-9393. The group will meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month.

Every Friday evening at 7 pm it's show time in the Youth Center with a recent or classic film:

If you are interested in knowing more about this congregation of the United Methodist Church, the Discovery Class has begun. The class has three remaining sessions and meets at 9:45 am in the Chapel.

This 6-week session will cover Methodist History, United Methodist beliefs, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Being Good Stewards and give you the opportunity to meet those who lead special ministries at HUMC. At the end of the time together, if you choose to affiliate with this congregation we will be having a Membership Sunday on Oct. 20.

Please call Linda Baker or Fred Kane at 503-640-1775 if you have questions about membership in this congregation.

If you participate in this year's Intel Community Giving Campaign, every dollar you donate to any 501(3)c charitable organization in the US (including HUMC or any public schools) will be matched dollar for dollar by the Intel Foundation. The matching money will be given to the local United Way Community Impact Fund so it might be used for children's programs, the food bank, senior programs, or wherever the most need is. There are many ways you can donate, including payroll deduction, check, credit card, stock gifts and debit cards. You can also give it for this tax year or next tax year, whichever is best for you.

If you plan to pledge or give a donation to the church either this year or next, please consider giving it through the Community Giving Campaign, so that it can do twice as much good. For more information, contact either your local business group's representative on the campaign, or send email to Tim Heidenreich at timheidenreich@earthlink.net

We do a four person scramble format every year. There are prizes for lowest round, closest to the pin and longest drive, among others. It is Sunday, 6 Oct. starting at 4 pm. There is a $12 green fees (please pay in advance). Burgers/dogs to follow for a small charge -- bring your family. Sign up for tournament in the fellowship hall. Contact Ken Feldhaus at: day 466 3016 or evenings, 547 0969.

Our $crip sales got off to a great start on September 15th and was followed by a second good week on the 22nd. Thanks Shoppers!

Never tried $crip? This is how it works: Purchase $crip at church, use the merchant coupons same as you would cash or gift certificates, and Hillsboro UMC receives a small financial benefit that costs you nothing.

Please consider using the enclosed $crip order form. Members of the HUMC $crip Team will be happy to help you in the Fellowship Hall following worship services.

Appointments are now being taken for the Pictorial Directory Sept 24-28. If you are not available on photo dates, but would like to be included, we will be taking pictures during coffee hour on Sunday mornings near the stage. Call the church office today at 503-640-1775 to make and appointment. If you have questions please call Linda Baker or email at linda@hillsboroumc.org.

A class in Christian Mysticism with Barbara Schultz and Vivian Hiestand begins Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 to 9 pm. There will be three 8-week sessions. Cost is $80 plus book. Registration information is located on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall or call Barbara at 503-359-3597.