Having trouble reading this email? View it on our web site.

Oregon Synod E-news

God's Work. Our Hands.

01.10.08
Around the synod

The Oregon Synod Responded to the Storms that Hit Oregon and Washington
Director of Lutheran Disaster Response Northwest, Norene Goplen, stated “Lutheran Disaster Response is there until the job is done. This is just the beginning of the Lutheran response which will include hardship grants and volunteer teams for rebuilding, and assistance with long term recovery committees.”

Long Term Recovery Teams
Training for these teams will take place January 24th at St. Matthew Lutheran Church,  10390 SW Canyon Rd, Beaverton from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   All faith groups are welcome for the training.  The long term committees will be involved in the communities of Astoria, Clatskanie, Seaside, Sheridan, Tillamook, Vernonia, and all of the rural and coastal communities affected by the disaster.

We Still Need Your Help
To assist in with the long-term recovery process you are encouraged to send your donations to :
ELCA Disaster Response , P.O. Box 71764 , Chicago, IL 60694-1764
Make checks payable to: "ELCA Domestic Disaster Response." Please make sure to mark all donations: "For the Disaster Response in Oregon and/or Washington". More information can be found on the ELCA web site at www.elca.org/disaster. 

Funds can also be sent directly to:
Lutheran Disaster Response NW , 605 SE 39th Street, Portland OR  97214. 100% of donated money goes directly to service delivery to families and individuals.

For More Information Contact: Norene Goplen, Lutheran Disaster Response-Northwest
Cell:  503-502-6211 LutheranAdvocate@aol.com (preferred) or Office:503-731-9519
Catechumenate
The catechumenate is a flexible "ancient-postmodern" process for making disciples. Derived from the same root as catechism, the Catechumenate is a richly rewarding process that involves listening, stories, reflection and practice in Bible reading, prayer, worship and ministry in daily life. For either those new to the Christian faith or those coming back after an absence, the process connects congregation members with new folks in a deeply satisfying way.

January 18 to 20
A Catechumenate Training Event
Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, Seattle
For further info and details go to: http://catechumenate.org/section_9_detail.cfm?sid=9&cid=16

July 24 to 26
The North American Association Catechumenate Annual Gathering
Listening for the Spirit in a Post-Christian World
Dumas Bay, Federal Way Washington
For information and registration go to: http://catechumenate.org/main.cfm?sid=3
Coming Up on "Grace Matters" - January 13, 2008
Jim Autry - Rethinking Miracle Stories
To hear more about "Grace Matters" http://media.elca.org/gracematters/promo080113.mp3
The Poverty of Climate Change: Climate Change and Poverty Earth Day Resource 2008!
As people of faith, addressing climate change is a justice issue. Water scarcity, drought, crop failure, increased disease, and flooding are just a few of the impacts those living in poverty around the world are and will feel from global climate change. This Earth Day, the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Programs is marking Earth Day Sunday (the Sunday closest to Earth Day) by recognizing the interconnectedness of poverty and climate change and offering a resource for worship, adult study, and youth activities. Copies will be available February 1, 2008. To obtain a copy visit www.nccecojustice.org To pre-order a copy contact the Eco-Justice Program office at info@nccecojustice.org or 202-481-6943.

February 24
Women of the ELCA to Celebrate Second Annual Bold Women’s Day
Lutheran women who act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ are everywhere, and come from all walks of life. Have you been transformed by your faith in such a way that you feel called to speak and act boldly? If so, you are invited to celebrate Bold Women’s Day on February 24, 2008. Bold Women’s Day was created to celebrate all Lutheran women everywhere, and showcase the many and diverse ways in which we act boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ. A wealth of ideas and promotional materials pertaining to Bold Women’s Day 2008 are available now on the Women of the ELCA web site. Please visit: www.womenoftheelca.org


The January 2008 issue of the Oregon Synod Grapevine of the Oregon Synodical Women of Oregon is now available online at http://www.oregonsynod.org/about/women/January2008.pdf.

Register Now For 2008 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
March 7-10
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel , 5000 Seminary Road , Alexandria, VA 22311

What is Ecumenical Advocacy Days?
The 2008 Ecumenical Advocacy Days theme, "2008: Claiming A Vision of True Security" promises to inspire an expected gathering of over 1,000 religious advocates from a wide array of Christian communions. Experts will train participants how to do advocacy and inform them of U.S. domestic and international policies that focus on a movement toward a new vision of true human security - one which seeks not only the absence of tension, but the presence of justice (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). The 2008 Ecumenical Advocacy Days will culminate with lobby visits on Monday calling upon our government to conceive new visions of security in our homes, our neighborhoods and our world.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Lutheran World Relief are among the sponsors of this event.

Scholarships for young adults ( applications due Feb. 7): www.advocacydays.org/yadults/
Register now: www.advocacydays.org

April 13-15
ELCA "Churches Starting Churches" Conference
Tempe, Arizona
The conference is intended for congregations interested in, or actively involved in, mission expansion ministry. One of the major objectives of the conference is to facilitate "nuts and bolts" discussions related to churches starting churches. Therefore, we are encouraging congregations to bring clergy, staff and lay persons who are or will be actively involved in their mission outreach efforts.
Download PDF brochure

Request for college student contact information
Do you know a student who is attending college or university this spring? If so, you can help ensure he/she is welcomed into Lutheran Campus Ministry communities by sending complete local contact information (name/address/ phone/cell-phone number/e-mail address). For those attending Oregon State University, send information to: Luther House, 211 NW 23rd St., Corvallis, OR 97330 or Lhouse@peak.org. To send student referrals electronically to other Lutheran Campus Ministries
in the U.S., go to www.elca.org/campusministry/ and click “Refer a Student.”
Book of Faith Weekly Devotions
Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke is doing a regular devotion online. This resource is a “Bible study tickler."

To read the devotions online, please visit www.oregonsynod.org/bookoffaith/. At this site you may also sign up for the devotions to be sent to your e-mail address. The subscription link can be found on the right hand column of the web site.

You might check out the ELCA web site at http://www.elca.org/bookoffaith/ to find out more about “Book of Faith.”
Oregon Synod Staff Working Days
Starting on January 1, 2008, the Oregon Synod Office will be closed on Mondays.
You are encouraged to leave a message.

January 27
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday Service
Mission of the Atonement Church, 7400 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Beaverton, OR 97008
7:00 pm

Annually, the fourth Sunday in January is designated by the ecumenical welcoming community as Welcoming Sunday. On this day, you are encouraged to join other welcoming congregations from various denominations in celebrating the witness to God's love for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. RIC Sunday is a time for us to remember and renew Central’s mission to live a theology of reconciliation.

The Portland Metro Chapter of Lutherans Concerned/North America is sponsoring this year’s service at Mission of the Atonement, a joint Lutheran and Catholic parish which recently voted to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Pastor Ron Nitz of Mt. Carmel Lutheran church will preach, and Oregon Synod Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke will also take part in the service.

Each year more congregations become RIC. This year in Oregon, Redeemer Lutheran Church and Mission of the Atonement in Portland and United Lutheran in Eugene made this commitment.
 

Save the Date
January 31
Climbing the Mountain with Matthew
7:00 pm -8:00 pm
Did you miss the "Christmas Bowl" with Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke? The “Christmas Bowl” was an experiment in stretching beyond our congregational boundaries and being together as a synod.

It was relatively successful and has encouraged us to try this type of meeting one more time. Bishop Dave will be holding an on-line "Climbing the Mountain with Matthew" seminar on January 31st. This time audio will be included. Information on this event will be coming after the first of the year. Keep on the lookout.

SAVE THE DATE!
February 2
Oregon Synod Global Mission Event
Zoar Lutheran Church, Canby, Oregon
9:00 am -3:30 pm
Download PDF flyer

Speaker:
Bishop Victoria Cortez Rodriguez of the Nicaraguan Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) vice president for the Latin America and Caribbean region.
Contact: Delores Vilstrop, at 503-654-0037.

Other Highlights
To read the complete description of the event, please visit www.oregonsynod.org//publication/events.php

LUTHERWOOD
Fundraising Update Goal set for Raising Funds
Thank you to all of those who have already donated to Camp Lutherwood during this time of fundraising.

Up to this point, Camp Lutherwood has raised over $30,000 towards their goal. The response we have received up to this point is a great example of God's amazing power to work even through tough situations.

Please update your congregations on this achievement and remind them that they are still looking for $20,000 more. Please remind Thrivent members that their gift can be matched $1 for every $2 and that this is a great opportunity to begin giving in 2008.

Those who are able to donate any amount please contact Pastor Jeff Kalevig at 503-639-2789 or mail a check directly to Camp Lutherwood at: Camp Lutherwood, 22960 HWY 36, Cheshire, OR 97479.

Your prayers in this situation are essential and we thank you ahead of time for your continued support.


Sundays in Starting in January
“Light in Winter” Concert Series
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3880 SE Brooklyn Street, on SE 39th Avenue between SE Division & Powell Blvd.
4:00 pm on Sundays from January 6-February 3
For more information call: 503-236-2389. Admission Free (donations welcome)

January 13
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Augustana, 2710 NE 14th Ave., Portland, OR 97212
6:00 pm - Jazz Service
Visit www.augustana.org for more information.


January 20
Human Rights Event Concert- African Gospel Acappella
St. Stephen, 290 SW Gloucester St., Gladstone
3:00 pm
Download flyer.

This amazing group is comprised of six blind singers representing five different tribes in Nigeria and they are acclaimed for their energetic and inspired songs as well as their testimony to Christ's love in the midst of war and hardship. They came to the USA in 1998. They write and compose their own gospel songs. More information can be found on their website at www.africangospel.org.

Come hear them sing, learn about human rights violations happening today in Africa and stay for a reception. Pray with us for human rights and peace in Africa.

St. Stephen invites your congregation to attend this free concert as a part of the nation's yearly recognition of Martin Luther King Jr.

January 20
Annual Interfaith Service for Peace
Augustana, 2710 NE 14th Ave., Portland, OR 97212
4:00 pm
Visit www.augustana.org for more information.

January 17—February 21 (7-9 pm- evening courses)
February 9 & 23, 2008 (8 am—5:30 pm-all day courses)
Basic Preparation for Parish Nurses & Health Ministers
University of Portland, Franz Hall Room 214, 5000 North Willamette Blvd.
Download PDF brochure with registration form

January 26
Confronting Crises and Finding Inner Peace: A Writing Workshop with Nan Phifer
Shalom Prayer Center, 840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR
9:00 am - 3:30 pm
www.memoirworkshops.com.
Questions: call 503-845-6773 or e-mail shalom@mtangel.net. Register by January 23. 

January 22 – March 4
Sacred Dance as Meditation, Prayer, and Celebration: Reclaiming Our Heritage
Dances for Lent & Easter
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral – Kempton Hall, 147 NW 19th Avenue, Portland, OR
Tuesday Evenings, 7 – 9:00pm, $45
For more information and to register for this class contact The Center at 503-478-1218 or visit our web site:
www.center-for-spiritual-development.org.


January 22-23
Webcast and Local Discussion for Trinity Institute's 38th National Theological Conference, Religion and Violence: Untangling the Roots of Conflict
The conference combines an internationally webcast forum and special sessions for local discussion. The webcast portion of Religion & Violence: Untangling the Roots of Conflict will be simulcast from Trinity Church in New York City. Participants may attend in New York or participate via webcast at one of Trinity Institute's partners (this includes Luther Seminary and Grace Memorial Episcopal Church) sites throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Option One
January 22-23
Trinity Institute's 38th National Theological Conference, Religion and Violence: Untangling the Roots of Conflict
Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 1535 NE 17th Ave, Portland, Oregon
503-287-0418

A panel of prominent Christian, Jewish, and Muslim theologians will explore the deeply rooted, seemingly inexorable union of religion and violence, illuminating the resources within each tradition for living together in peace, without losing the unique identities of each faith.

Keynote speakers will include: James Carroll, James H. Cone, Susannah Heschel, and Tariq Ramadan.  Katherine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, will preach the opening Evensong.  Conference participation is open to clergy and laypersons of all faith traditions and can be attended at Grace Memorial through a high-speed video link.

In a combination of live and pre-recorded sessions, the telecast conference at Grace Memorial will include the keynote speakers, panel discussions, and facilitated break-out groups.

Register online at grace@grace-memorial.org - include your Title, Name/s, Affiliation, Address, City/State/Zip, Phone, Email. Also inlcude your order for the following lunch/es, available at the conference for an additional charge of $10 per lunch: * Tues, Jan 22   * Wed, Jan 23

For more information contact 503-287-0418

Registration is $35 by January 18, 2008. Please make checks payable to Grace Memorial with "Religion & Violence" in the memo line.

While people of faith raise prayers for peace, stories of religiously fueled violence fill the news. Critics question whether the world can afford to tolerate a force as destructive as religion.

The 39th Trinity Institute's National Theological Conference, Religion & Violence: Untangling the Roots of Conflict, will convene to address these questions and more:

  • Is violence an inescapable result of religious commitment, or is it a distortion, a human projection on a God in whom there is no violence?

  • Is it the sole province of extremists, or do the roots of conflict touch all persons of faith?
  • Do solutions to these seemingly intractable problems lie within the traditions themselves?

    Through keynote presentations and small group theological reflection, this interfaith gathering will provide opportunities to deepen understanding, build community, and explore how religion can be a powerful force for peace within ourselves, our families, our communities, and the world.

    Our distinguished keynote speakers and preacher are skilled theologians who are also prominent public intellectuals -- Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. They will:

    • explore how all three traditions become entangled with violence

    • illuminate the resources within various traditions for living together in peace, without losing our unique identities


Option Two
January 22-23
Interfaith Dialogue Religion & Violence: Untangling the Roots of Conflict
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota
Register now for this event!

January 28
Good News From Campus Party
Kennedy School, Portland
6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
PLTS Alumni and friends are invited to a "Good News From Campus" party with PLTS president Phyllis Anderson on Monday evening, January 28. The event is being held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Kennedy School in north Portland and will feature lots of good food and drink, a conversation with Phylllis and some exciting live entertainment.

Contributions at the door (suggested $20/person) are suggested to help offset the evening's costs. To ensure adequate food and space, RSVP is requested as soon as possible to Joel Wudel at the PLTS Development Office (jwudel@plts.edu). Alumni are encouraged to invite current and potential "Friends of PLTS" from their congregation.

Holden May Youth Weekends Registration Opens Soon
Registration for the 2008 Holden Youth Weekends opens February 1, 2008. The dates for the 2008 weekends are May 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, and 25-27.  More information is available at www.tlc.edu/cyfcenter or email holdenmyw@tlc.edu. 

February 2
Eighth Day Network Gathering
12:00 - 4:00 pm
Enterbeing , 1603 NE Alberta, Portland
Please RSVP for lunch to Mark Douglass at eighth.day@earthlink.net, or call 971-570-2118.

February 15-17
"Manna and Mercy: Traveling through the Bible with wit and whimsy."
Speaker: Pastor Dan Erlander
Atonement Lutheran, 2315 N Coast Hwy, Newport
Please contact Alice and Bruce McCain at amccain@newportnet.com if you have questions.

February 13, 2009
Consultation to Clergy 40th Anniversary
Future of Ministry: Adaptation or Extinction
Pacific Lutheran University
A symposium sponsored by Consultation to Clergy and Pacific Lutheran University
Guest speakers: Michael Kerr, director of the Bowen Center for Study of the Family
Professor John Haught, Theologian at Georgetown University.

March 6-9
Reconciling In Christ Training
Central, Portland
This training provides you with the opportunity to work with others across North America to foster the expansion of the welcoming church movement. The training is designed specifically for Lutherans.

We encourage you to prayerfully consider joining us in this training. Please visit http://lcna.org/rictraining.shtm and scroll down the page to the watch the RIC Leadership Training video for an idea of what this training entails. On the same web page, click on the Oregon Reconciling in Christ Leadership Training link for registration.

Position Openings
To view a complete listing of position opening around the synod visit: www.oregonsynod.org//congregations/positions.php.