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Oregon Synod E-news

God's Work. Our Hands.

01.31.08
Around the synod

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


Greetings to the Lutheran community in the Oregon Synod.

LDR-NW is actively participating in the Recovery Phase of the Disaster Response. 
We have declarations in six counties.  The number of households impacted as of this date, are as follows:  Clatsop County 1644; Columbia County 776; Polk County 86; Tillamook county 426; Yamhill County 75 and Washington County 36.

To help these communities and families, we are reaching out to you for your help.

1.  Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRC) are being formed in each county.  We need a Lutheran representative at each of these LTRCs.  If interested, contact Norene Goplen at LutheranAdvocate@aol.com or 503-502-6211.

2.  Rebuilding and Cleanup Crews are needed through the Spring and Summer.  Would your congregation like to sponsor a crew?  Do you have skilled crew leaders in your church?

3.  To help families we have started a Pantry Starter Project.  Download PDF Pantry Starter Information

4.   To support the work of the Rebuilding and Cleanup Crews we have purchased a Tool Trailer.  We now need to fill it with tools.  Download PDF Tool Trailer Information

Already several congregations and many Lutherans have been involved in helping those who experienced the disastrous windstorms and flooding of December 2007.  Let us know if you would like to join their efforts.

Norene Goplen, LutheranAdvocate@aol.com

From the Oregon Synod Communication Coordinator
The Communication Coordinator, Julie Mankin will be taking a short leave for several weeks, beginning February 6, 2008. The weekly e-news will be posted in a shortened format during this time. Due to this short leave the March Update will not be published. If you have any questions please call the synod office at 503.413.4191.

Board of Pensions
The Board of Pensions will give a 2% discount on 2008 health plan contributions to ELCA organizations and sponsoring employers within a synod when at least 75% of plan member employees and spouses in that organization or synod take the Mayo Clinic Health Risk Assessment. As of January 29, 31.4% of the Oregon Synod plan member employees and spouses have taken the assessment. We need 84 more members to complete this task. Are you one of those members?
Take the assessment>
Oregon Synod Global Mission Event
February 2, 2008

Zoar Lutheran Church
Canby, Oregon
9:00 am -3:30 pm
Download PDF Flyer

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: 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

February 3
Souper Bowl Sunday

This national event, held every year on the same Sunday as the NFL's Super Bowl, is traditionally led by youth who stand at sanctuary exits following worship services on that Sunday and collect $1 and/or one can of food from each parishioner.  The money and food collected supports local, national, and international anti-hunger efforts.  The amount each congregation collects is reported that day to the national Souper Bowl office by phone or online, and the national total is posted online as it grows.

Tell us how you were "Souper Heroes" for the big day! What did you do? How much money was raised? How much food was collected? How many service hours were donated?

Send an e-mail after the big day to us at hunger@elca.org and at juliemankin@qwest.net.

Be sure to include the name, city, and state of your congregation, and the name and contact info of the coordinator.  Also, remember to report your totals to soup@souperbowl.org.

February 7-11
ELCA Youth Ministry Network
Extravaganza 2008

Hyatt Hotel - Anaheim, California
Intensive Care Courses Feb. 7-8; Main event Feb. 8-11
February 17
Installation Service of Pastor Jana Deiss as Lead Pastor

Klamath, 1175 Crescent Avenue, Klamath Falls
4:00 pm
February 24
Installation Service of Pastor Karl Hester as Associate Pastor

Resurrection, 1700 NE 132nd Avenue, Portland
4:00 pm
Pastor Susan Kintner, Assistant to the Bishop of the Oregon Synod will officiate and Pastor Jeff Kallevig, of Christ the King Tigard will preach.
Download PDF invitation
Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process to celebrate Karl's installation as Associate Pastor. Color of the day is purple.

March 8
Living the Vision

Our Savior's, 1770 Baxter Road SE, Salem
9:30 pm-2:30 pm
Register by phone or email. $15 per congregation with no limit on the number from any one church.For questions call Patricia J. Larsen at 503/244-4102 or email Blessed2Give@cs.com .

Download PDF Registration Form

A seminar for congregations that are growing in their knowledge and ability in funding God’s mission through whole life stewardship. Seminar offerings include assessing your stewardship ministry, starting and/or growing your mission endowment, and information on missions that are part of the work in the Oregon Synod and the ELCA.

What is the Purpose?
To learn and sharpen skills that will strengthen your leadership, deepen your faith, and extend the mission of your congregation. A special session is included to help pastors learn how to talk to members about gifting to the congregation at end of life.

Who Should Attend?
A team of leaders from your congregation, especially present and potential members of the stewardship and endowment committees as well as the pastor and treasurer. Remember that funding God’s mission in your congregation involves your whole leadership team so bring all interested leadership.

There will be a special workshop for treasurers as well as workshops on growing endowments, the ELCA Mission Investment Fund, and stewardship ideas.

April 12-13
Middle School Gathering

Theme: "Not Just A Survivor"
"...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."- John 10:10
First, 725 33rd St., Astoria
Please contact Lisa Gray at zoaryouth@canby.com or at 503-266-4061.
Download PDF Postcard
Register by April 1st. Cost $25.

May 4
Children's Advocacy Day

“For Every Child A Better World”
Pioneer Court House Square, Portland
May 12-15
The Lutheran Staff Association (LSA) of the NW

Holden Village, Chelan, WA
Theme: Surrounded by God - Empowered to Serve

Bishop David Brauer-Rieke will be the keynote speaker. The LSA conference invites all lay staff who serve in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaha, and Montana. Act now to get this into your continuing education budget. Cost is $250 for early registration. For more information please contact Cathy Steiner at 509-838-9871.
May 30 - June 1
2008 Oregon Synod Assembly

God's Work. Our Hands.
Red Lion on the River, Jantzen Beach, Portland
Quilters are invited by the Oregon Synod to create a special quilt for a silent auction at synod assembly. Bring your quilt to the registration area at assembly on May 30th, 2008. Proceeds from the auction go to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. In lieu of a quilt, you are invited to bring an offering.

for more information >

SAVE THE DATE!
June 10-12

Region 1 First Call Theological Education Annual Event
Palisades, Federal Way, Washington
Begining at 1:00 pm on the 10th and ending at noon on the 12th

July 10-13
Women of the ELCA
Salt Lake City, Utah

www.womenoftheelca.org/tg08/ Registration is open through the gathering; however, the discounted registration fee ends January 31.

Engaging the Aging Winter Edition Now Available
Wheat Ridge Ministries is pleased to make available the winter edition of Lutheran Senior Services’ Engaging the Aging, a quarterly newsletter targeted toward pastors and older adult ministry in their congregations. Read Engaging the Aging...

Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty 
This year, Lent begins early, on February 6. Don’t forget to order Lenten devotionals for you or your congregation. This year’s Lenten devotional theme is “Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty.”

Devotionals are $14 per 25 and will be filled as supplies last. To place an order, call the Luther Seminary Bookstore at 651-641-3440, toll free at 800-541-4187 or e-mail bookstore@luthersem.edu.

For a single complimentary copy, call 651-641-3399 or email lmandery@luthersem.edu. You can also sign up to receive daily Lenten devotionals via e-mail, at www.luthersem.edu/lent.

“Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty” is produced by Luther Seminary and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Alternative to the Eco-Palms
African Palms are made in the USA. These palm crosses are ordered in lots of 50 @ $20.00 per one hundred crosses.  Proceeds from the sales go for educational, medical, social services and food for the people of East Africa.   Can be ordered at African Palms; P.O. Box 575; Olney, MD 20830-0575 or by phone at 301---774-2832 or by email at africanpalms@stjohnolney.org.

Forty Days of Fasting for the Environment: A Lenten Journey
Lent is a season of fasting from the actions, objects, or attitudes in our life that separate us from God.In recognition that what often separates us from God is also incredibly harmful to the environment,Earth Ministry invites you to join us in fasting from environmentally-destructive actions for Lent.

Earth Ministry is officially launching our new blog to encourage dialogue and reflection as well as action. Each day between now and Ash Wednesday (Feb 6), each staff member will introduce their Lenten practice and their reasons for choosing it. Throughout the forty days well post daily thoughts about our experiences on the journey, and we encourage you to check the blog often for updates.

Comments on our postings are welcome we invite you to join us in community by reading our Lenten blog and telling us about what you will be giving up to honor the Creator and all of creation.

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

January 28
America: A Country of Greed or Greatness

First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Avenue, Portland, Oregon
7:30 pm
Andy Stern, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) will be in Portland as part of the Sidney Lezak Lecture Series. His unconventional approach to labor organizing has led to the unprecedented growth of SEIU against a backdrop of great labor union declines. Unafraid of change and undaunted by challenge, Stern’s broad thinking has put him at the forefront of public policy debate. Join us for his lecture. Cost: Tickets are $5.15 (Federal Minimum Wage for a Decade) or free with your Union Card, Student ID or Non-profit business card.
Download PDF Flyer

Last Sunday of Each Month

Alternative Worship with an Informal Setting
Emmaus Lutheran Church, 1250 W. 18th Ave., Eugene
5:45 pm
Come alone or bring a friend! This is an interactive service with guitars and drums.
Download PDF flyer

Holden May Youth Weekends
Registration for the 2008 Holden Youth Weekends begins February 1st.
Sponsored by Trinity Lutheran College and Holden Village.
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 5
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Feed

Atonement Lutheran Church, 2315 N. Coast Highway, Newport
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Atonement Lutheran Church is cooperating with St. Stephens Episcopal Church again this year by hosting the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Feed. The Feed is open to the public. Proceeds will be split between the Samaritan House Family Shelter and the Stone Soup Monday night free dinner held at St. Stephens. The Feed will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, link sausage, and fresh fruit. The cost will be $5.00 per adult, $3.00 per child, and $12.00 per family.

February 7, 21, March 6, 20
40: A Journey through Lent
Thursdays during Lent
Soul Café, 1102 12th Street, Hood River
5:30 pm Potluck Meal with Global Mission Food Theme
6:00 pm- 7:00 pm Reflection in Community
Global Mission Food Themes: February 7: Peru; February 21: Senegal; March 6: Costa Rica; March 20: Egypt

In the Christian tradition, the season of Lent lasts 40 days. It is a time for spiritual reflection and discipline leading up to the great Easter celebration. Far from being an exercise in individual “self-help,” Lent calls us to gather as a community, to reflect together, to learn from and support one another in our spiritual disciplines.

One of the spiritual disciplines that we’ll practice together is lectio divina, the art of holy reading. In this practice, small passages from scripture or other holy readings are reflected upon. A slow, reflective process, it will take us down below the preoccupations of the moment and the distractions of the day to a place where the soul holds the residue of life. Through this practice, we learn what we bring to the holy reading, and we are comforted and confronted with what the holy reading brings to us. E-mail me Pastor Jill E. Rowland at soulcaferev@charter.net for more information.

February 15 - 17

Contemplative Practices from the Christian and Sufi Traditions
Alton Collins Retreat Center, 32867 SE Highway 211, Eagle Creek
Offered by the Center for Spiritual Development
For more information and to register call The Center at 503.478.1218 or online: www.center-for-spiritual-development.org.

February 22
Advances in Global Health by Non-Governmental Organizations

Pacific Lutheran University's Third International Symposium
No registration. Free and open to the public. For more information: http://www.plu.edu/wangcenter/global-health/

March 7-9
Faith Renewal Weekend

United Lutheran Church, 2230 Washington St., Eugene; 541-342-5808
Please mark your calendars for the second weekend in March!  Dr. Barbara Rossing, Professor of New Testament at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago will be speaking on the topic of,”The Rapture Exposed: the Message of Hope in Revelation". 

  • March 7
    6:30 pm - 7:00 .m Gathering and fellowship
    7:00 pm - 8:30 pm"Exposing the Rapture: Prophecy, Not Prediction"
  • March 8
    10:00 am - 11:30 am "A Violent Jesus?  Ecological Armageddon?"
    5:30 pm- 6:15 pm Potluck supper
    6:15 pm- 7:45 pm"Hope for the Middle East, Hope for Our Future"
  • March 9
    8:30 am and 11:00 am Dr. Rossing preaching
    9:45 am Dr. Rossing leading the adult forum
October 16-18
Living Liturgy Event at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9706 N. Division, Spokane, WA.
Early Registration by 7/15/08: Individual $125 each; Cost per congregation (up to 4 participants): $100 each.
Register after 7/15/08:  Individual $150 each; Congregation per congregation: $115 each
Please make checks payable to St. Luke Lutheran Church PO Box 28948, Spokane, WA  99228
For accommodations call the Ramada Limited Suites at 1800-272-6232 or Quality Inn Oakwood at 1877-424-6423 and mention the Living Liturgy workshop at St. Luke.  Call ASAP as there are other events that weekend in Spokane.

Traveling this Summer? Check out these events.

June 14 – July 6
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
's
Serving Christ in the World
program

Youth must apply by February 20th.
High school sophomores and juniors come to Youth in Mission’s Serving Christ in the World program each summer expecting to grow in faith and to be challenged to explore what God is calling them to do in the world. They leave transformed by the stories of others and the witness of faith they experience among their peers and among those they learn from in Chicago and Mexico City.

Youth in our synod can be part of this life-changing three-week exploration of vocation and living out their faith in the world. LSTC’s Youth in Mission program is accepting participant applications for its Serving Christ in the World Program until February 20th.

Pastors and youth directors should encourage current sophomore, junior, and senior youth to apply as soon as possible for this three-week immersion experience from June 14 – July 6, 2008.  Admittance priority will be given to sophomores and juniors.Youth who attend will experience a cross cultural/ministry immersion that includes time in the classroom and in local communities in Chicago, Mexico City, and Texas. 

Applications and more information are available on the Youth in Mission web sitewww.lstc.edu/yim. Please contact the YIM Program Coordinator at 800.635.1116 Ext. 754 or email youthinmission@lstc.edu with any questions or if you are interested in applying for the program. Application information is attached.


June 8 - 28 and July 6 - 26
Summer Seminary Sampler

ELCA’s Trinity Lutheran Seminary
Columbus, Ohio
Summer Seminary Sampler is a three week residential program offered by the ELCA’s Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. Through service projects, workshops, and seminary courses, high school aged youth learn to explore, grow, and live in their faith. The Christ-centered nature of the program and a variety of recreational activities makes for an experience of a lifetime! For more information visit the program web site at http://Sampler.TrinityLutheranSeminary.edu or call Ruth Fortis at 614-235-4136, ext. 4619. Make this summer a Sampler summer for a teen near you!

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

Receptionist/Publications
St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201, 503- 227-2439
www.stjamespdx.org
Large mainline denomination downtown church has immediate opening for receptionist/publications person.  Part-time 30 hours/week, $10/hour.  Telephones, filing, mail, data entry, worship bulletins, newsletter, e-news, web-site.  Office and publications experience preferred.  Knowledge of Christian liturgy a plus.  Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel) a must.  Send resume, references, and any work samples to: parishadmin@stjamespdx.org.

Looking to Ride (Encouraging the wellness of our rostered leaders wellness)
The American Diabetes Association fundraiser holds a ride from Mt. Hood to Hood River. Sometimes co-workers form teams. Are there any rostered leaders in the synod who would like to form a team? There are different starting points depending on how difficult a ride a person is up to.  Another possibility is to form an affinity group for exercise or a bi-monthly hiking or biking outing.  Pastor Carl Hansen would be willing to organize or convene such a group. If you are interested contact Carl at kristycarl@opusnet.com.