Mission-based Programming          
The "C" in YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association, or the YMCA, began with mission-based programming. We continue to promote that important part of our heritage and reach out to the faith-based community whenever we can.

Spirit, Mind, Body
In our earliest years in defining individual health, we considered the union of spirit, mind and body to be important in improving a person's quality of life. In all of our YMCA of Columbia-Willamette programming, we focus on nurturing all three elements in order to improve overall Health and Wellness.

Christian Principles in Child Care
Often we are asked, "What does the YMCA consider as 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. Each of these values we practice in our child care programs and activities.

Y Camp is Special ...
The YMCA was founded on Christian Principles in 1844, and the principles of Love, Respect, Honesty, Responsibility and Service are stressed in every activity at Camp Collins. Each day begins with a chapel that establishes the theme for the day. For example, Monday's theme is Love, Tuesday's is Respect, Wednesday's is Honesty, Thursday's is Responsibility and Friday's is Service. Each day ends in the cabin with a special time called "embers" where the counselor and campers reflect on the day and look forward to the rest of their camp experience.

Bible Study / Prayer Meeting Groups
Sherwood Regional Family YMCA Teen Center Weekly Bible Study
Keeping with our Christian foundation, we hold Bible studies throughout the week to help teens learn more about God's word and what it means to us today. We explore what the Bible says in both a past and present tense, adding some practical application to how it relates to us today.

6th grade Boys Bible Study: Wednesday 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Teen Bible Study: Friday 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Beaverton Hoop YMCA Prayer Meeting
Beaverton Hoop YMCA has a chapel where mission-based programming meets. The YMCA currently offers a prayer meeting every Friday at 3:00 p.m.  This is an open to anyone who wishes to join us for prayer.

Classes
The Reason for God
Ever wrestle with questions about the existence or goodness of God? Could you benefit from a safe place to discuss such questions? Then join a 6-week discussion of common objections to Christian faith and reasons for Christian faith. Facilitated by Rev. Len Tang and using a free study guide, we'll look at tough questions such as "Can One Religion be the Only Way?" and How Can a Loving God Allow Suffering?"  as well as reasons for God from science, human nature and the life of Jesus.

Cost: Free to everyone and there is a book available for $10.00
Location Offered: Sherwood Regional Family YMCA
When: Six sessions starting October 5th
Contact: Roger Button at rbutton@ymca-portland.org or 503.625.9622

Christianity Explored
Developed over 10 years, Christianity Explored is an informal course for people who'd like to investigate Christianity, or just brush up on the basics. It explores who Jesus was, what his aims were and what it means to follow him. You won't be asked to pray, sing or read aloud, and you can ask any questions you like. Or, if you prefer, you can just come along and listen. Christianity Explored has been around for over a decade now, and it's been designed to suit different age ranges and people. 

Christianity Explored is for anyone who wants to investigate Christianity informally with a group of other people. Whether you have previous experience of Church, Christians and the Bible, or none at all, this course is for you. Everyone is welcome – from the most sympathetic Sunday schooler to the convinced atheist. We will respect your background, culture and beliefs. Tell us as little or as much about yourself as you feel comfortable. The classes are facilitated by a ministry team from Countryside Church.

Cost: Free to everyone
Location Offered: Sherwood Regional Family YMCA
When: Six sessions starting October 14th
Time: Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Roger Button at rbutton@ymca-portland.org or 503.625.9622

Wrestling With Angels
This 6-week class offered by the Christian Principles division of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette tackles head on the kind of tough, real-life questions that can lead a person into a deeper understanding of God. Each week will feature ordinary people sharing their experiences of struggling with important life questions. Participants will meet and watch a 25 minute video about one of these ideas: Guidance, Prayer, Forgiving, Doubt, Why Me?, and Love. The group will then utilize the video’s message as a means to share and reflect on personal issues.

Cost: $10 for YMCA Members
Locations Offered: Beaverton Family YMCA, Clark County Family YMCA, Sherwood Regional Family YMCA
Contact: Bob Reichen at breichen@ymca-portland.org or 503.221.5336

Journey to Freedom
Be it fear, loneliness, shame, addiction, grief or the many other emotional or physical strong-holds life hits you with, Journey to Freedom has helped guide thousands of men, women and families to hope, healing and restoration. This 8-week course offered by the Christian Principles division of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is designed to offer inspiration and hope for those who want to improve spirit, mind and body. The class is provided with a Journey to Freedom book which is separated into 36 short explorations that are to be completed by participants once a day. The book is grouped in to short, daily reading prompts and reflection questions designed to strengthen a person’s understanding of their own goals and the role of Jesus Christ in helping them attain them. Each week, the group will meet to discuss the exercises and to support each other on their journey to personal growth

Cost: $15 for YMCA members, to cover the cost of the book you get to keep
Locations Offered: Sherwood Regional Family YMCA
Contact: Bob Reichen at breichen@ymca-portland.org or 503.221.5336

Contact Information
Would you like to hear more about the YMCA's mission-based programming? Got an idea for a class or need a place for your bible study to meet? Please contact Bob Reichen at breichen@ymca-portland.org or 503.221.5336 or Roger Button at rbutton@ymca-portland.org or 503.625.9622.