Rev. Eilidh is back for the first week of our new series, The Tension of Grace!

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and wow do I feel appreciated.  Every day cards would show up on my desk with lovely sentiments acknowledging my gifts or the ways we are together following God.  I got gift cards, candles, art work, and flowers.  A couple of folks took me for meals.  Many people shared that they were praying for me. Thank you!

I am so grateful to be able to have the work of pastor as my job.  I love serving God and you all in this way. All of your appreciations, prayers, and care renew my spirit for the wonderful and sometimes challenging role of spiritual leader.  I am so fortunate to be part of such a thoughtful and engaged group of faithful folk!

Blessings,

Pastor Eilidh

We invite you to read their obituary by clicking the link below, and find details regarding the upcoming service.

David Smith Obituary

Snacks avaliable for purchase!

Everyone is welcome to come join us, decorate their trunks, and provide the kids with a safe and organized place to trunk or treat!

An introduction to what dementia is, how it affects the brain and impacts the community.

Join us for lunch and a meeting with our new District Superintendent Rev. Katie Ladd.

We will have a light lunch at 11:15 while Rev. Ladd meets with SPRC.

Then at 12 we will meet as a church to vote on pastor’s compensation, review our membership rolls, and celebrate our leadership slate.

Help us welcome our new DS!

Please check your giving statement and make sure you are up to date on your pledges as you are able.  We understand life circumstances can change over a year.  We are signing contracts with Allegro and preparing for all of our year end expenses, so your planned gift is needed. Please reach out to our Financial Secretary, Sydney Bignell, if you have questions about your pledge for 2026 or your giving statement.

It's time for a new collection of photographs to be displayed on the walls of the Conrad room and hallway. Pastor Eilidh has been speaking to us about 'belonging' and what it means to belong. So, grab your camera and capture an image of what belonging looks like to you!

Please submit your photographs by sending them to Larry Irish via email - irish2219@gmail.com

For each photo, please include:

• The photographer's name
• A title for the photograph
• A short description of how this photo connects you to "Belonging"

The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 2nd. 

Need to downsize?  Have too many plants?  Trired of watering?  Share your indoor plants with us.  We are creating a legacy garden on the raised platform in the lobby.  Please contact Mary Lookingbill for details or to schedule your donation.

We have compost bins that are dishwasher-safe, so if you would like one for your kitchen, stop by the church during office hours or contact Sarah at cultivatorlb@gmail.com

Our church community values knowing one another. We show it by proudly wearing name tags when we are together. Anyone who wishes to be included is welcome. There is no charge, but donations are gladly accepted. To request yours, either make a note on your Sunday attendance sheet or call the church office. The office will keep a list of requests. When we receive at least ten requests, we will place an order.

Note: If you cannot wear a magnetic tag, let us know. Pin backs are an option.

John Wesley's three simple rules remind us that stewardship is about making the most of what we have and using it generously to share God's love.

At Vancouver First UMC, we're putting these principles into action! From our Dirt Devils caring for the grounds to volunteers sharing their talents, we're finding creative ways to reduce expenses while growing our ministries. We're being frugal not because we've lost our vision, but because we believe in it!

As United Methodists, we promise to support our church through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. This year's stewardship campaign invites us to renew all five commitments as we look toward 2027.

Please submit your 2027 pledge by November 22! Pledge cards are available at the church, or you can make your pledge online here

Every gift matters. Every person matters. Together, let's discover what God can do through us!