Parkrose Community
An Open and Affirming Church
United Church of Christ
FOLLOW US ON:
WHO WE ARE
Parkrose Community UCC is an energetic congregation in the Parkrose neighborhood on the east side of Portland. Established in 1913, we are a vibrant community where service, learning, hospitality and worship are central. The still-speaking God is active in our lives and we are serious when we proclaim, “Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!” We are an open and affirming community that are serious about loving all of our neighbors, including those who are black, brown, white, rich, poor, religious, atheist, documented, and undocumented.
“I am proud to live in a neighborhood where the local church walks its talk.”
-WeShine volunteer & and Russell Neighborhood member.
STAFF
PASTOR GIUSEPPE AMATO
Pastor Giuseppe Amato views the work of ministry as engaging and supporting connections of all sorts—connection with God, with one another, with neighbors, with the spiritual inheritance we receive from our ancestors, and with the world we leave behind for those who come after us.He views the Christian life primarily as growing in the Greatest Commandment: loving God and others as we love ourselves. He is working towards a future where all who embrace Christ’s call to love will be celebrated, supported, and empowered to do the work of community together. He is also committed to pursuing a future of greater justice and equity—to live into the world God desires “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Giuseppe has previously served as the pastor of Centennial Christian Church. He was also an associate pastor at Cedar Hills UCC, assisting minister/intern at Waverly UCC, and intern with Christ Church. He earned a Master of Divinity through Claremont School of Theology and was ordained through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2019. He has been married to his co-adventurer and best friend, Stephanie, since September 18, 2010. Their biggest adventure so far has been parenting their two children who fill their lives with excitement and joy.
PASTOR OFFICE HOURS:
(please call ahead)
CHURCH: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday — 9:00am - 2:00pm
HOME: Tuesday — 9:00am - 2:00pm
COMMUNITY LIFE AND YOUTH DIRECTOR ERICA MARTIN
The role of the Community Life & Youth Ministries Leader involves adapting to the challenges brought on by the pandemic and finding innovative ways for the church to connect and support our community.
We are pleased to have collaborated with partners such as WeShine PDX, Union Gospel Mission, Cultivate Initiatives, Portland Rescue Mission, Concordia Nursing students, and Hairstylists for Humanity to provide essential services. The primary focus of the Community Life & Youth Ministries leader is to engage and organize faith-building events, fun activities, and service projects for the youth while also fostering connections within the community.
Overall, Parkrose Community UCC strives to create a welcoming and safe environment for everyone, with the following goals:
-
Supporting and walking alongside our youth, congregation, and community
-
Encouraging opportunities for meaningful connections with others
-
Establishing meaningful connections with local churches and the community through service activities
The relationships formed here, and the essential programs offered by our community partners enrich the ministry of Parkrose Community UCC, leading to greater collaboration and impact for the greater good.
Erica has held this position since February 2018 and has cherished the opportunity to build strong relationships with the families, children, and partners of our church and community.
COMMUNITY LIFE OFFICE HOURS:
(please call ahead)
CHURCH: Sunday, Wednesday — 11:00am - 3:00pm
MODERATOR CLAY OSBURN
"I grew up in Portland and attended grade school, junior high and high school at Parkrose. I have attended Parkrose community UCC for over thirty years and have held many different positions in those years. My wife Tanya has always been part of the children/ youth education program. My two children were in the youth choir and were regulars and the church camp.
I am committed to serving the Community here at Parkrose."
MUSIC DIRECTOR
As music director Niki works with Pastor Guiseppe to provide appropriate music for Sunday services and events: Leading hymns, special music, and coordinating volunteers. It's nebulous at the moment, reviving music post-covid. Currently there is no choir, but a smattering of folks and guitar friends play twice a month. She'd love to hear from you if you have any requests, suggestions, or feedback, especially if you'd like to play or sing. You can catch her after a service or via email (though she says she's a little slow to respond to the latter).
Niki is a multi-instrumentalist, grew up cantoring at St John the Baptist in Milwaukie, Oregon, and performing musical theater. While pursuing vocal studies in college, she was called to one role after another as piano
accompanist, and has played for churches of various faiths ever since. She's also often recognized for her artwork. Later in life was drawn to dance and yoga, particularly Odissi, an ancient form of Indian classical temple dance. Other passions: Astrology, sacred geometry, working at Powell's Books.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
.jpg)
Your office/tech administrator provides administrative and technology assistance to all staff and ministry teams. Duties include database management, communications, financial record keeping, and general administration.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS:
Monday — Friday, 9:00am - 2:00pm
Our Ministry Teams
Christian Ed Ministry Team
The Christian Ed Ministry Team provides spiritual formation and fellowship for our children and youth. The team coordinates full-time nursery care, Sunday School, holiday activities (Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas pageant), youth confirmation classes (with the Pastor), and camperships (scholarships) for summer camp at Camp Adams.
Contact: cedirector@parkroseucc.org
Community Life Ministry Team
The Community Life Ministry is an integral part of the church’s main vision, providing direction and guide spiritual growth, mission, recreation, and participation in the church’s total life, partnership ministries and the community beyond. Its goals are to appreciate people where they are in their journey, to promote development of faith formation and spiritual life, to encourage service and mission to the local church, community, and the larger world, and to serve as a point of contact and liaison for community partners for the campus ministry partner organizations, such as WeShine, Providence Behavioral Health, and Union Gospel Mission.
If you would like to collaborate with organizations that will benefit WeShine and Campus ministries, and you have an interest in referring, empowering, and connecting people to engage in community services, join Community Life now .
Contact: cedirector@parkroseucc.org
Parish Life Ministry Team
Do you enjoy fostering friendships and planning festivities? The parish Life Team needs your help. The mission of the Parish Life Ministry Team is to nurture and sustain our Christian Community by engaging in worship, fellowship and care for one another as Christ cared for us. This includes the social media and other outreach to the wider community.
We are responsible for assisting in worship, such as decorating the church for the different seasons. We nurture fellowship and hospitality within and beyond our community by organizing Coffee Times, potlucks and community events.
Contact: parishlife@parkroseucc.org
Restorative Justice Ministry Team
The Restorative Justice Ministry Team is a group of concerned citizens who want to make a difference in our community. Their mission is to educate and advocate for systemic change to promote peace and social justice. Members work locally to promote measures that help people and the environment, show up for community events to stand up for fairness in our society, and learn through reading about current issues and sharing with each other. Each member is free to follow their passion to help others.
Contact: office@parkroseucc.org
Finance Ministry Team
Do you have a head for numbers and organization? The Finance Ministry needs you. The Finance Ministry team oversees church finance through putting into place safeguards of our organization by separation of duties, and making sure the church legal responsibilities are met. This involves processes set in place for accounting, payroll, and review of contracts. Ensuring documents such as insurance, financial records and personnel records are protected, preserved, and stored. The ministry team is also responsible for Stewardship and preparing the annual budget.
Contact: treasurer@parkroseucc.org
Trustees Ministry Team
The building needs your help too, in whatever ways you can give, The mission of the Trustees is to provide a safe, secure, and sustainable facility. We maintain, repair and upgrade the interior and exterior of the church. From cleaning the roof all the way down to repairing the drains, we do our best to keep the church running smoothly.
Contact: trustees@parkroseucc.org
There is a place for YOU here!
UCC
Central Pacific Conference UCC: www.cpcucc.org
The Central Pacific Conference is the intentional creation of covenanted Christians under God’s guidance demonstrated by Christian commitment, openness, theological growth, steadfast hope for the future and the welcoming of all people.
United Church of Christ: www.ucc.org
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church to join faith and action. With more than 5,100 churches and 1.1 million members across the U.S., the UCC serves God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world. The UCC is a church of firsts, a church of extravagant welcome, and a church where "…they may all be one" (John 17:21).
Open and Affirming Coalition: https://openandaffirming.org/
The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in the UCC, and equips UCC congregations to become effective witnesses to Christ’s extravagant welcome. Founded in 1972, the Coalition has helped the UCC reach each of its milestones on the journey towards acceptance and justice for its LGBT and same-gender-loving (SGL)* members.