Christian Principles
At the root of our 150 year old organization is our mission statement to put the Christian principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. These values are reflected in our programs, activities and staff.
These values are also reflected in the colors in our web site. Red, yellow, blue, green and black are the colors of our values. Red represents love, as in a "red heart." Yellow represents respect as in the "golden rule." Blue represents honesty, as in "true blue." Green represents responsibility, as in our environment. And, black represents service.
In 2005 the YMCA created the Chaplain's Office to strengthen, encourage and comfort YMCA staff, members and volunteers as they put Christian principles into practice.
Bob Reichen joined the Y in 2007 in the capacity of VP of Mission Advancement and Chaplain, the second individual to be in this position for more than 50 years.
Chaplain Reichen provides Christian principles training for all staff and offers inspirational thoughts at events as well as one-on-one with staff.
The Chaplain's Office is supported by the Christian Principles Committee, which is composed of trustees, branch board members and volunteers. The committee focuses on assisting the YMCA in the fulfillment of our mission. The committee does this in a variety of ways including reaching out to the faith-based community to build relationships and by raising funds to sustain ministry activities.
How You Can Support the Ministry
- Volunteer to serve
- Support the Chaplain's Office financially
Christian Principles and Ethics in Business and Religion
Our annual fundraising dinner, which brings together business and religious leaders in the community at a dinner to introduce the YMCA, discuss Christian principles and ethics in business and religion and raise funds to support the Y ministry was held October 24, 2007 at the Governor Hotel. Keynote speakers were Ruth Bennett, Chief Operations Officer at BPA and Neil Nedeliksy, Developer. For more information for future events, contact Chris Stubblefield at cstubblefield@ymca-portland.org or 503.221.5335. To read more about the event visit Y Introduces New Chaplain.
Christian Leadership Conference
This spring the YMCA of Columbia Willamette and the Walker Foundation are hosting a Christian leadership conference at Camp Collins in Gresham, Oregon on May 16 – May 18, 2008. For moe information visit Christian Leadership Conference or contact Willard Burks at wburks@ymca-portland.org or 503.663.7966.
Contact Information
For more information or to support the YMCA Chaplain's Office, please contact Bob Reichen at breichen@ymca-portland.org or 503.221.5336.
