The United Church of Raymond Home Page

            The United Church of Raymond has combined Presbyterian and Methodist worship communities over many years since the church was established in the early 1900's.  At times the church was served by Presbyterian clergy.  At other times a United Methodist Pastor was assigned by the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church.  The Presbyterian connection was completed this June 2011 by official decision of the Presbytery in this state.  Representatives from the Presbytery visited the church on June 19, 2011 and wished the Raymond Church well as she continues in service to the community.   I was present during that worship service as a visitor and witnessed the official closure of the connection with the Presbyterian Church.  It felt like a transition to a new era for me as an observer.  The Raymond Church is wholly connected to the United Methodist Church at this time.  I am presently appointed to the church as a part-time Licensed Local Pastor and have been celebrating worship at Raymond since July 3, 2011. 

The present brick building in the town of Raymond was built in 1926 according to local legend and the memories of members who recall their grandparents attending this church.  The church building is constructed on "pilings," since this entire timberland community was on pilings during its early years.  The church sits across the street from the Raymond Timberland Library building and just down the street from a popular public pool where school children and their parents play all summer.  Raymond is an interesting place to live and a wonderful place of service in ministry.  An interesting point concerning the surrounding community of Raymond involves the children, who are at the pool in the summer and in the library after school during the school year.  There are therefore possibilities for an after school or after pool play ministry for children and their families.  The Church of Raymond is considering an afternoon children's cooking class ministry.

            The kitchen attached to the Fellowship Hall is really quite sophisticated and has modern commercial food service equipment.  The congregation offers this kitchen and hall on the third Tuesday each month for a free soup service to the local community.   All are invited, and up to ten people join the folks for soup and fellowship around the dinner table.  Breaking bread together is a church tradition for both Presbyterians and Methodists so this service to the surrounding community is most appropriate.  It is also quite rewarding for us to serve God's church in a region of green forests, beautiful landscapes with people who are dedicated to the missions of their historic church.

            This summer we are working with the Vancouver District Task Force to strengthen our church.  Our feeling about ministry at the Church of Raymond is that God may have more work for this church to do.  Our planning for renewed mission outreach includes invitations to local Raymond residents to join the congregation for after-school cooking classes.  We continue to be positive and optimistic.  With the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, this vibrant church hopes to touch the lives of many in this timberland community of the Willapa Harbor.

 Community Activities at our Church happen almost every day!

• Low Impact Exercise for Seniors - Mon,Wed, Fri - 8-9:45am
• TOPS - Tuesdays - 9:30 - 11:00am
• Caregiver's Support - 2nd and 4th Tuesday - 11:00-12:30pm
• Duplicate Bridge - Wednesdays - 6:30-9:00pm
• Pinocle - Saturdays - 6:00-9:00pm
• Horse 4-H on Sundays

Raymond Church Council meets on the 3rd  Monday at 1:00pm.

We celebrate community with a Soup and Bread Supper on the 3rd Tuesday from 5:00-7:00pm; open to one and all who are hungry in body or spirit.

Raymond MP Women meet twice a month on the first and fourth Wednesday. On the first Wednesday, our meeting is held at the church with a potluck. Our fourth Wednesday meeting is held at Alderhouse in South Bend.

So much going on at our Church in Raymond. Soon we'll have news and definite times and dates for a four week Monday afternoon children's cooking class.