This event has been cancelled. We encourage you to attend our Brave Conversations gathering this Sunday after second service.

The current state of our world, and country in particular, is rousing many feelings and much grief. This offering exists to make space for us to name our grief. We’ll also take time to consider integrated strategies that allow our grief to metabolize and pass through. Finally, we’ll consider some ways in which honoring our grief frees us to creatively imagine practical steps forward. 

"Contemplative Experiences" are an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and pay attention. In a variety of embodied and spiritual practices, we are creating space for encountering Divine Love in our most ordinary, daily experiences. We aim to offer these about monthly during the school year.

This month, our practice is Centering Prayer. This very simple practice invites us to sit quietly and say “yes” to the presence of Divine Love. Developed by Father Thomas Keating, Centering Prayer has become a widely know Christian approach to mindfulness. We will introduce the practice for beginners, and then have ample space to practice, reflect and converse about the experience.

Questions? Contact Ben Conachan.

Church Office

Are you new to Pearl Church? Join with Pastor Mike for a brief conversation about all things Pearl! We’ll discuss Pearl’s rhythms and values, as well as any questions or interests that you have. Questions? Please contact Pastor Mike.

The second Sunday of each month is Community Sunday. You’re invited to stay a bit after first service, or come early for second service (around 10am), for a chance to connect with others at Pearl who attend the other service! Coffee and treats will be provided.

Come join others at Pearl for an evening of conversation, connection and whiskey tasting! Dan and Cheri Gilbert are opening their home and sharing whiskeys and their knowledge about the history and varieties of whiskeys. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of your favorite Bourbon, Scotch Irish or blended whiskey to share tastes, if you like (you’ll take home your bottle at the end of the night); you also can simply show up! Dan and Cheri will provide nibbles to go with the whiskey. This event will be limited to 16 people; please sign up to get the address.

If you're new(er) to Pearl, you're invited to a casual reception following Sunday’s service where you'll have an opportunity to meet some of Pearl’s core members, ministry leaders, home group leaders, oversight team, and staff. We would love to meet and warmly welcome you to our Pearl community. You’re invited to pop in between our two services (starting about 10:00) for light refreshments and casual conversation.

Our LGBTQIA+ community is invited for another fun game night at Tym and Drew Andrew's home! This time you're also invited to bring along some favorite fall bakes (home-made or store-bought) to share—think pumpkin, maple, apples, or whatever says "autumn" to you! If you do bring something to share, please bring serving utensils if needed. We'll enjoy yummy treats, play board games and get to know each other! Newcomers are warmly welcomed.

Please RSVP to get the address. Questions? Contact Ben Conachan.

The Way of Balance: Benedictine Spirituality for Postmoderns

Faciliated by Pastor Ben Conachan.
Over the past thirty years, there has been a growing interest in monastic spirituality and the wisdom it holds for everyday lives. In this seminar, we’ll explore how the key teachings of the Rule of Benedict, written in the early sixth century, are surprisingly relevant to postmodern lives. Rhythm, stability, humility, hospitality, attention, and transformation—these Benedictine hallmarks are guideposts for us all, single or married, in all our stages of life.
Questions? Please contact Ben Conachan.

The second Sunday of each month is Community Sunday. You’re invited to stay a bit after first service, or come early for second service (around 10am), for a chance to connect with others at Pearl who attend the other service! Coffee and treats will be provided.

Everyone is welcome to join us for a morning hike exploring Powell Butte in East Portland! This extinct volcanic formation has trails that loop through open grassland with views of Portland and Mount Hood, old fruit orchards, and thick woodland stands of Douglas fir, red cedar, alder and maples. We’ll be taking a 3.5 mile loop that explores the diversity of this open space.

The hike will be moderate, with some elevation gain, but accessible to most hikers. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. If you have questions, please contact Ben Conachan.

"Contemplative Experiences" are an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and pay attention. In a variety of embodied and spiritual practices, we are creating space for encountering Divine Love in our most ordinary, daily experiences. We aim to offer these about monthly during the school year.

This month, our practice is "Lectio Divina"—an ancient method of reading a text slowly, chewing it and savoring its words as an invitation into the heart. Rather than reading for information, this is reading for communion—connecting to self, Divine, the world. While Lectio is usually practiced on Biblical texts, it can be hard to shake out of old patterns of Bible reading. So we'll instead be engaging poetry. Everyone is welcome to bring a poem they love and would like to sit with, or we will have options available. After quiet time of individual reflection, we'll share our poems and how they spoke to us.

Questions? Contact Ben Conachan.

Membership is for those who appreciate Pearl’s work and desire to more deeply participate. The purpose of membership is to encourage an active engagement between Pearl Church and those who call Pearl “Home.” Membership benefits include an Annual Members’ Meeting, Monthly Updates from the Oversight Team, and intentional engagement regarding the direction of the church. Whether or not you’re interested in membership, the Membership Class is an opportunity to meet with a pastor to hear all about the ins and outs of Pearl Church. Ever wonder about Pearl’s story? Curious about our values? Interested in learning about our dreams for the future? Consider attending the upcoming Membership Class to hear more and to ask any questions that you may have.

We are happy to arrange childcare for this event, with at least three day's notice. You can request childcare while registering.

Questions? Contact Pastor Mike.

Church Office

Are you new to Pearl Church? Join with Pastor Mike for a brief conversation about all things Pearl! We’ll discuss Pearl’s rhythms and values, as well as any questions or interests that you have. Questions? Please contact Pastor Mike.

It’s an annual tradition at Pearl to take an early Sunday in September to cast vision for the year ahead. On this special day we’ll begin in Ecotrust’s conference room at our usual Sunday service time, 10am. However, rather than offering our usual service, our ministry leaders and pastors will share vision for the year ahead, and how you can get connected as part of the Pearl family. Everyone will have a chance to visit tables to learn more about our ministry offerings and sign up to get involved.

After this we’ll head up to the rooftop terrace for a yummy potluck lunch, with tamales from local eatery Tamale Boy as the main course! Please consider contributing a side dish, salad, or dessert (please, no Crock-Pots or other plug-in needs for food containers).

Questions? Contact Pastor Ben by email.

All our LGBTQIA+ family is invited to join us for a Cookout and Backyard Hang at the Marble’s home in Forest Grove! Food will be provided (both vegan and gluten-free options included), just bring yourself, a bevvie (for yourself and/or to share), and a camp chair or picnic blanket to sit on. If you plan on coming, please RSVP to get the address and so we know how many to prep for!

Join us for a casual hike through Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. The first wildlife refuge establish in Portland, this important marshland provides shelter for many local animal and plan populations, along the Willamette River below East Moreland/Sellwood. This hike will be about 3.5 miles along mostly level terrain, and is kid and dog-friendly! (Dogs must be on leashes.)

We will meet up at Sellwood Park, hike north and then loop back using the Springwater Corridor.

If you plan to join us, please RSVP so we know to look for you!

Membership is for those who appreciate Pearl’s work and desire to more deeply participate. The purpose of membership is to encourage an active engagement between Pearl Church and those who call Pearl “Home.” Membership benefits include an Annual Members’ Meeting, Monthly Updates from the Oversight Team, and intentional engagement regarding the direction of the church. Whether or not you’re interested in membership, the Membership Class is an opportunity to meet with a pastor to hear all about the ins and outs of Pearl

Church. Ever wonder about Pearl’s story? Curious about our values? Interested in learning about our dreams for the future? Consider attending the upcoming Membership Class to hear more and to ask any questions that you may have.

We are happy to arrange childcare for this event, with at least three day's notice. You can request childcare while registering.

Questions? Contact Pastor Mike.

Come join us as we march in the Portland Pride Parade! All are welcome, both our LGBTQIA+ family and straight allies. Whether you want to march with us, or watch along the parade route, everyone is welcome as we celebrate that every part of us is welcome at our Common Table. Being a Christian community walking in Pride is a beautiful and important demonstration of inclusive love. We heard from many people last year how significant it was to see us there, and several people found our community that way as well!

The parade runs from 11am-2pm. We are about halfway through the lineup - so there will be plenty of time to attend church and head over afterward.

***T-shirt sales are now closed. If you ordered a Pride T-shirt by July 1, we will have it available for pickup at church by the day of the parade.***

Many newcomers have found Pearl over the past several months and we’d like to say, “Hello” and “Welcome!” If you're new(er) to Pearl, you're invited to a casual reception at Irving Park, where you'll have an opportunity to meet members of our pastoral staff, oversight team, and leadership team. We would love to meet and warmly welcome you to our Pearl community.

We will be at Picnic Area A, close to NE 7th and by the tennis courts. You’re invited to drop by anytime between 6:00 and 8:00pm for drinks, refreshments and casual conversation. Please RSVP if you plan to join us! Questions? Contact Pastor Ben.

Everyone is welcome to join us for a morning hike exploring Tryon Creek in West Portland! This 654-acre state park is a forested gem with more than 14 miles of interconnecting trails, with the picturesque creek wandering through its heart. Our path will takes us past red cedar, Douglas fir and big leaf maple trees as we criss-cross the creek.

The hike will be moderate, with some elevation gain, but accessible to most hikers. If you have questions, please contact Ben Conachan. Please RSVP if you plan to join us!

Our kids and youth have worked hard and completed another year of school—time to celebrate! During the service we’ll get a chance to cheer for our kids and celebrate their milestones, and afterward there will be a party on the third floor terrace with frozen treats and snacks for all! Everyone is welcome to join us.

All our Pearl LGBTQIA+ community is invited to this evening of sharing stories and getting to know each other! We’ll be meeting at Steeplejack Brewing on NE Broadway, and Pearl member Gary Conachan will help facilitate us as we share stories from our lives, using prompts from the popular Moth podcast—funny moments, meaningful experiences—as a way to connect more deeply as a community. If you are newer at Pearl, you are warmly encouraged to join.

Please RSVP if you plan to join us!

Please join us for this monthly opportunity to engage with the Christian contemplative tradition. We will engage in a variety of practices, including Lectio Divina, Ignatian meditation, and other guided mediations as a means of centering our hearts in Divine Love. If you are new to contemplation or mediation, you are very welcome to join us—we will provide an orientation to our practice.

We will meet at the Ecotrust building, in the Church Office, at 7:00pm.

If you plan to join us for our May meeting, please RSVP.

The second Sunday of each month is Community Sunday. You’re invited to stay a bit after first service, or come early for second service, for a chance to connect with others at Pearl who attend the other service! Coffee and treats will be provided.

Membership is for those who appreciate Pearl’s work and desire to more deeply participate. The purpose of membership is to encourage an active engagement between Pearl Church and those who call Pearl “Home.” Membership benefits include an Annual Members’ Meeting, Monthly Updates from the Oversight Team, and intentional engagement regarding the direction of the church. Whether or not you’re interested in membership, the Membership Class is an opportunity to meet with a pastor to hear all about the ins and outs of Pearl Church. Ever wonder about Pearl’s story? Curious about our values? Interested in learning about our dreams for the future? Consider attending the upcoming Membership Class to hear more and to ask any questions that you may have.

We are happy to arrange childcare for this event, with at least three day's notice. You can request childcare while registering.

Questions? Contact Pastor Mike.

This event is cancelled due to illness—please join us next month!

Please join us for this monthly opportunity to engage with the Christian contemplative tradition. We will engage in a variety of practices, including Lectio Divina, Ignatian meditation, and other guided mediations as a means of centering our hearts in Divine Love. If you are new to contemplation or mediation, you are very welcome to join us—we will provide an orientation to our practice.

We will meet at the Ecotrust building, in the Church Office, at 7:00pm.

Do you enjoy singing? Come lend your voice in our Easter Choir. No audition necessary. All are welcome to join. Rehearsals will be held April 6 and April 13 from 11:45 - 1:00. Attendance at both rehearsals is strongly encouraged; attendance at one rehearsal is required. The choir will be singing on Sunday morning, April 20th at both the 9:00am and 10:30am Easter Services. To sign up, please contact Brian Cheney at brianc@pearlchurch.org.

The second Sunday of each month is Community Sunday. You’re invited to stay a bit after first service, or come early for second service, for a chance to connect with others at Pearl who attend the other service! Coffee and treats will be provided.

Beth Fry’s Home, NE Portland

Join us for an evening of getting to know one another better through our favorite poems. Everyone is invited to bring a beloved short poem or two (song lyrics and short, beautiful prose excerpts are welcome as well), to share their poem and to explain why it is meaningful to them. We’ll share as many poems as we can, and have a little time for discussion of each poem, as well. Drinks and light snacks provided.

If you’re interested in joining, please RSVP to get the address. Space will be limited to 12 participants.

Do you enjoy singing? Come lend your voice in our Easter Choir. No audition necessary. All are welcome to join. Rehearsals will be held April 6 and April 13 from 11:45 - 1:00. Attendance at both rehearsals is strongly encouraged; attendance at one rehearsal is required. The choir will be singing on Sunday morning, April 20th at both the 9:00am and 10:30am Easter Services. To sign up, please contact Brian Cheney at brianc@pearlchurch.org.