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Oregon Synod E-news

God's Work. Our Hands.

01.16.08
Around the synod

January 20
Companion Synod Sunday
On January 20th the Oregon Synod will be celebrating our partnership with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Evangelical Augsburg Church of Poland. We strive to know each other through communication and visits. We uplift each other’s ministries and visions. We pray for each other and the challenges we each face. We celebrate our relationship annually and jointly in each other’s synod. learn more>

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.”

Moses Movers - Looking For More People
Moses Movers provides a ministry of help to persons whose treasured keepsakes and possessions, need to be moved. Their primary purpose is to be prepared to assist those who are impacted by a disaster. Please contact Norene Goplen, Lutheran Disaster Response-Northwest if you are interested in assisting in this ministry. Cell: 503-502-6211 LutheranAdvocate@aol.com (preferred) or Office:503-731-9519

download PDF brochure

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.

Contact: Norene Goplen, Lutheran Disaster Response-Northwest
Cell: 503-502-6211 LutheranAdvocate@aol.com (preferred) or Office:503-731-9519
Please keep those traveling to Biloxi, Mississippi, in your prayers this week. 
They include 7 members from Christ the Good Shepherd, Salem; 5 members from Immanual, Silverton; 1 member from St. Mark's, Portland; 1 member from Redeemer (LCMS);
and 1 member from the YMCA.
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
The Poverty of Climate Change: Climate Change and Poverty Earth Day Resource 2008!
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 3
Souper Bowl Sunday
Participation in the Souper Bowl of Caring is easy! Simply grab a soup pot and collect donations, report your collection amount to souperbowl.org, and send 100% of your donations to the charity of your choice. It's that easy!
more information>

February 24
Women of the ELCA to Celebrate Second Annual Bold Women’s Day
Please visit: www.womenoftheelca.org
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 22
PBS FRONTLINE airs new series: "Growing Up Online".
How today's youth use the Internet is explored.
9:00 pm

Mark your calendar for January 22 at 9pm EST (check local listings). That is the national airtime for a new PBS FRONTLINE project, "Growing Up Online", exploring the teen cyber-world of You Tube, MySpace and other social networking sites. Self-expression takes on a whole new meaning in the world of teens and the Internet. What are the issues, from cyber-bullying to Internet predators that today's teens must grapple with? This is another chance for parents to get insight into a teen world that parents know exist but often view from across a cyber divide.
January 27
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday Service
Mission of the Atonement Church, 7400 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Beaverton, OR 97008
7:00 pm

January 31
Climbing the Mountain with Matthew
7:00 pm -8:00 pm
This class will be a one hour overview of the Gospel of Matthew. Special emphasis will be given to Matthew's unique perspectives on faith and life. How did Matthew speak to his day and age? How does he speak to ours?

Class outline:
1. Liturgy and Lectionary - Why Matthew?
2. The Four Gospels - Diversity and Duplicity
3. Climbing the Mountain with Matthew (Looking at the Gospel.)
4. A View of the Cascades (What does this mean?)

My goal is that participants will gain new insights into the first Gospel; have a framework to consider this year's sermons based on Matthew; and join with me as we think together about our Christian calling here in Oregon.

(There is no cost charge for this class. However audio is provided through a long distance phone call which is at your expense.)

Register now by clicking the link below:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/655044568

I hope you'll join me for the following web class on Matthew's Gospel Thursday, January 31. Don't pass up great events going on in your own congregation, but if you'd like to share in this synod effort sign up today. - Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke

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.
Register Now For 2008 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
March 7-10
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel , 5000 Seminary Road , Alexandria, VA 22311
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
Download PDF brochure
2008 ELCA Global Lenten Series: *Global Companions: Who is My Neighbor?*
Want ideas for Lenten midweek or Sunday services with a global focus? The ELCA Global Mission Web page (www.elca.org/globalmission/lent) offers everything you need for eight Lenten services (Ash Wednesday through Good Friday): downloadable worship outlines and liturgies, sermons, bulletin covers, Powerpoint-ready images, even recipes for global suppers! New this year is an Easter service from Jerusalem with a sermon by the ELCA pastor serving the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem.

This year's series explores the theme, "Global Companions: Who is My Neighbor?* Stories and sermons lift up the work of ELCA missionaries in Madagascar, Senegal, Peru, Costa Rica, Japan, Egypt, Lithuania, and Palestine. "We were able to be in touch with the Lutheran Church around the world through this series," says a pastor who has used the series. "It made us proud to be members of the ELCA. Members thoroughly enjoyed this Lenten series!"

Download elements from www.elca.org/globalmission/lent

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

Fundraiser Successful
Thanks again to all who donated to Camp Lutherwood Ministries over the holiday season! They have raised enough money to keep this ministry alive and move forward with their vision.

Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries
Everyone A Health Minister
Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries is happy to announce that their new website is now up and running.
In the coming weeks, they will be adding copy, links, and begin to organize the forums.
Please note that you will be able to download forms, newsletters, and brochures. In addition, visitors to the webpage can contact them through their website. Visit them at. www.parishnurseministry.org

Wheatridge "Seeding Health and Hope" Newsletter
Wheatridge "Seeding Health and Hope" Newsletter is now available online. In this month's edition, "If You Thought Concussions Were No Laughing Matter, You Hit it on the Head," you'll find information regarding concussions.
Word format     or      PDF format

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 20
Human Rights Event Concert- African Gospel Acappella
St. Stephen, 290 SW Gloucester St., Gladstone
3:00 pm
Download flyer. More information can be found on their website at www.africangospel.org.

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

Option One
January 22-23
Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 1535 NE 17th Ave, Portland, Oregon
Register online at grace@grace-memorial.org.
For more information call 503-287-0418. Registration is $35 by January 18, 2008.

Option Two
January 22-23
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Register now for this event!

January 28
PLTS Alumni "Good News From Campus Party"
Kennedy School, Portland
6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
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.

January 31
 The Oregon Center for Christian Values & Powell's Books Present:
Jim Wallis, Author of God's Politics & Editor of Sojourners Magazine
McMenamins Bagdad Theater, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland, OR 97214
7:00 pm
In The Great Awakening, Jim Wallis reinvigorates America's hope, offering a roadmap to rediscover the nation's moral center and providing the inspiration and a concrete plan to change today's politics.
Tickets: $25.99 - Includes a copy of The Great Awakening Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster, or in person at McMenamins' Crystal Ballroom. WWW.OCCV.ORG 503.222.2072 info@occv.org

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 13
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.

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 20
Community Against Domestic Violence Clergy Training
Daniel's Memorial Church (COGIC), 1234 NE Killingsworth St. Portland, OR 97211
9:00am-3:30pm
All are invited and there is no charge.
Download PDF flyer or Download PDF Workshop Schedule of Preventing & Addressing Discord in the Home,

  • This workshop will introduce you to:
     The basics of Domestic Violence
     Legal Issues in Domestic Violence
     How to help victims through
    o Spiritual and emotional support
    o Providing resources to other agencies
     Developing spiritual support for families
     Developing a ministry for families and survivors
     Addressing sexual assault in the congregation

For more information or to pre-register contact: Dr. Josie Carter-Holmes at 503-309-0632 or Ron Clark, Community Against Domestic Violence (CADV) rclark@agapecoc.com. To learn more visit http://www.communityagainstdv.org/

March 6-9
Reconciling In Christ Training , designed specifically for Lutherans.
Central, Portland
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.