Lents Church in Portland, Ore., is working to actively engage principles of health and healing with its community as it continues to plan participation at neighborhood events. The city of Portland held a community biking event on May 10 at east Portland parks. A route was designated between six parks, with events and booths at all of them. The Lents Church and Carl Parker, from People to People Ministries, arranged for booths where bottled water was distributed to bike riders.
During the Lents Founders Day Parade on July 26, members of the church participated by highlighting the Portland Adventist Community Services COW (Commodities on Wheels) trailer, which rolled along the route. Personnel from the COW gave out flyers advertising the mobile food pantry’s once-a-month Lents visit. Lents Church Vacation Bible School and health ministry personnel also participated.
By handing out brochures during this parade, church participants promoted an upcoming free health seminar and health expo planned for September. Lents Church members welcome these opportunities to connect to their community to help demonstrate the love of Christ in many ways.