Author: Cynthia Hopkins

President’s Blog

On Wednesday, August 2, the Board, our Congregational Administrator, along with representatives from Worship, and Family Ministry met with Rev. Robin for a 4-hour retreat. We all introduced ourselves and updated everyone on the status of activities of the congregation. We also came away with a long to-do list! Rev. Robin has already recommended a … Continue reading President’s Blog

President’s Blog

Eastrose is community; it is fellowship. Eastrose is us! We just finished our annual canvass to raise money for staffing, daily operations and maintenance. Thank you all for your generosity. It also takes people contributing their time and talent for Eastrose to provide all the things we want and need from our church. Thank you … Continue reading President’s Blog

May, 2023

I quit going to the gym when it was first shutdown during COVID and I haven’t been back since. It’s so easy to stop and very hard to resume. The spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak. It’s the same with attending church on Sunday morning. Although Eastrose didn’t skip a beat providing … Continue reading May, 2023

April, 2023

It’s easy to become dispirited lately. Winter clings despite our fervent desire for Spring. The national news is bleak: innocent children once again gunned down in their schoolrooms; a former president is indicted for multiple felonies; horrific weather events devastate people all over the country; and so many are homeless. In times like these, many … Continue reading April, 2023

Springtime

Looking out my window right now, I feel like winter plans to be with us for a while yet; however, my calendar says Spring is only a couple of weeks away. Daylight savings time will occur on March 12. Spring bulbs are above ground and growing. Grocery store entryways are a riot of blooming daffodils … Continue reading Springtime

December, 2022

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” as the song goes. So many celebrations of cultural holidays occur in December, including the most ancient of all—the Winter Solstice celebration of the returning of the light. With the start of a new year, many of us, me included, contemplate the past twelve months and what … Continue reading December, 2022

Giving Thanks

I love Thanksgiving–this holiday focused on family, food and gratitude. One of the things for which I am truly grateful is our church community. This has been true since I found Eastrose. My husband and I moved to Gresham 15 years ago upon our retirements from government service. We loved the Pacific Northwest and wanted … Continue reading Giving Thanks

October Update

On September 11, I gave a reflection entitled Letting Go of That Which No Longer Serves You. I want to flip that around and ask each of you to answer two questions: QUESTION:  How does Eastrose serve you? Please, take some time and think about all you receive from Eastrose: Spiritual guidance and comfort, fellowship, … Continue reading October Update

Update from the Board

Last Saturday, the Eastrose board held a very successful half-day planning session to discuss and prioritize actions for the coming year ahead. There is a lot on the horizon for us all. Stay tuned to Petals for announcements! On Wednesday evening, the board, church staff, worship team, and others in leadership positions received an extremely … Continue reading Update from the Board

Moving Forward

This past month has been a whirlwind as we interviewed our ministerial candidate, checked his references, arranged for him to deliver a sermon and, finally held a congregational vote. All was going well, including initial contract negotiations. Then we received the news that he was withdrawing his application to Eastrose and taking another offer. This … Continue reading Moving Forward