Hearings on the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality The Oregon Synod, ELCA will be hosting hearings for members to comment on the text of the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality on the following dates:
1. September 20— 11:00 am — Peace, Pendleton
(please note change in date and time)
2. September 27 – 10:00 am — St. Paul, Portland
3. September 28 – 2:00 pm — United, Eugene

Journey Together Faithfully was an effort begun by the ELCA in 2001. The goal was a Social Statement on human sexuality, speaking to our church and the broader community from a Biblical/Lutheran perspective. more>
A Study Guide for the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality is now available online at www.elca.org/faithfuljourney.

November 6 and December 4
Join the Bishop for Cultural Competency Training for the Northwest with Eric H.F. Law
Does participation in your congregation reflect the diversity of the surrounding community? Have you wondered how to reach out to build relationships with your neighbors of diverse and cultural ethnic backgrounds? Most persons who live, minister or work in a climate of diversity encounter these questions. This workshop assists in building skills to effectively communicate with a diversity of people.

Join other lay and clergy leaders from the Oregon Synod on November 6 in Vancouver, WA or join Bishop Dave on December 4 at Kennewick, WA for an ecumenical workshop which assists in building skills to effectively communicate with a diversity of people, to initiate and deepen relationships across cultural, ethnic and racial difference.

The workshops will be held from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, group discounts, and web registration visit:www.pnwumc.org/cctn/index.html or call 206-870-6820.

January 19-21
Byberg Preaching Workshop 2009- Developing skills of ELCA preachers.
Preaching in a Time of Lament :
“How can attention to the painful side actually assist hope to gain a greater foothold?” —Kadi Billm
Cannon Beach, Oregon Coast
Download PDF postcard
How shall we preach in times of loss and grief? When lives and ministries end, people and nations are engulfed in tragedies and traumas, and the world is drowning, how might God’s people of faith give voice to despair, challenge, and hope? In this workshop we will explore multiple God-given resources for preaching in times of lament—Bible, liturgy, prayer and spirituality, and pastoral care.

Byberg 2009 speakers are:
> Kathleen D. (Kadi) Billman, LSTC Dean and VP of Academic Affairs, Professor of Pastoral Theology
> Ralph W. Klein, LSTC Old Testament professor emeritus
Watch for registration information next month.