September is a month to celebrate community: Enjoy 3 city events
In Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, the Duke of Venice says to Portia, “You are welcome. Take your place” in defending the accused. Portia then proclaims, “The quality of mercy is not strain’d. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: it blesseth him that gives and him that takes. ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes the thronèd monarch better than his crown.”
Several September events extend a welcome for us to take our place.
Beaverton Celebration Parade is on September 6. This event began in 1957 and has become a community tradition. Among the 60+ entries will be local sports clubs, marching bands, dance groups, businesses, and non-profits. This year’s theme is Wild Wonders, showcasing the incredible flora and fauna in jungles, forests, oceans, and backyards that make our world unique. Come cheer on the 600+ youth marchers!
Beaverton 5k/10k/Half Marathon. Come find a place among fellow runners/walkers on September 13 at Portland Running Company. There’s time yet to continue training for the day of the big race. Register and you’ll get a race tee shirt, pint glass, commemorative race medal, and enjoy the post-race live music, food, beer garden, dancing, and random prizes!
Welcoming Week: In a year where inclusion and belonging are threatened nationally and globally, Beaverton’s Welcoming Week from September 12-21 invites immigrants, refugees, and U.S.-born residents to cultivate awareness and action around the need for belonging. 2025’s theme, “Stories We Share” celebrates differences while cultivating commonalities. Stories connect us and help shape our shared future. Building cross-cultural relationships helps all know they’re welcome and have a place here.
- Where have you received welcome…and extended welcome to others?
- What mercy have you received and shared?
- What do you celebrate in our community?
Rev. Dr. Sybrant serves at Murray Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more info, visit us at 15050 SW Weir Road, Beaverton. 503-524-5230 www.murrayhills.org
