03.05.08
Around the synod


Bishop Hanson's 2008 Easter Message
The direct link is http://www.elca.org/bishop/messages/m_easter2008.html 
(note the underscore between "m" and "easter")

EASTER  -  March 23, 2008
Have you  realized how early Easter is this year?
As you may have heard, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare. Here's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier!

Here are the facts: 
1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now).
The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now).
The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
March 13
Release of the ELCA Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality

The draft will be made available to the ELCA on March 13 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time at www.elca.org/faithfuljourney on the ELCA Web site. It will be mailed on March 13 to all rostered leaders and congregations.

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

April 12
Spring Stewardship Seminar
Creator, Clackamas
The synod stewardship committee is hosting its spring stewardship seminar at Creator Lutheran Church in Clackamas.  Michael Meier, the recently retired director of stewardship for the ELCA, will be the keynote speaker.  Michael is an entertaining speaker and his topics will include how we can improve our personal stewardship practices and our congregational stewardship practices.  The seminar will start at 9am with registration starting at 8:30am.  We will conclude by 3pm.  More details will be available in March.  Put the date on your calendar now!

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 | Download PDF Forms
Register by April 1st. Cost $25.

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, Idaho, 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.
New Book: Opening the Book of Faith
A helpful introduction to the Book of Faith initiative, Opening the Book of Faith explores Lutheran perspectives on Scripture and applies these insights in practical ways. Perfect for leaders, Bible study groups, and individuals who want to renew their relationship to God's Word.
It is due to be released on April 1, 2008.
Click here to pre-order.

Call on Congress to Measure Up and Cancel Debt
Debt cancellation for the world’s poorest countries is central to the fight against poverty and key to ensuring the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  Debt cancellation has proven to save lives and reduce poverty because it frees up critical financial resources that responsible governments can invest in the well-being of their people.

2008 is a leap year and a critical year for Congress to pass legislation that will help cancel the debt of all poor countries that otherwise will not achieve the MDGs. You are advised not to send letters to elected leaders in D.C. as it still takes about 6 weeks for them to receive those letters.  Instead, please send your letters to the local representative offices and e-mails.
To learn more see the ONE Lutheran Debt Fact Sheet 

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

'Unnatural Causes'
In March, OPB will be airing a seven part series titled 'Unnatural Causes' -- examining the root causes and socioeconomic, racial and ethnic inequities in health. We will be showing clips from the two of the programs at the meeting. Below is the link to the Unnatural Causes web site for your information. http://www.unnaturalcauses.org/

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.

March 8
Holden Gathering in Portland

Mission of the Atonement, 7400 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Beaverton
503-646-1344
7:00 pm
Are you missing Holden Village? Never been there, but you'd like to learn more?
Please join us, and invite a friend, for a Holden Evening Prayer,
ice cream and dessert social, and rich conversation with Carol and Paul Hinderlie, two of the directors of Holden Village. For more information contact Pastor Laurie Larson Caesar at 503-646-1344.
You are encouraged to use the bulletin insert and flyer provided to share this information with your congregation.

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 pm 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


March 9
“Visions of Peace” commemorates fifth anniversary of Iraq War
An Interfaith Service to remember those who have died in the war in Iraq and to share our hope for peace.
First Unitarian Church, 1011 SW 12th St., Portland
4:00 pm
This event is a part of the monthly series of interfaith services that celebrates the shared values of our faith traditions. The March service will include songs, reflections, prayers and a slide show. People of all faiths are welcome. A time of fellowship and tabling will follow the service.
Sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, the Interfaith Alliance, the Interfaith Council of Greater Portland, and the Inter-religious Action Network.



March 16
Bach Cantata Vespers

St. James, 1315 SW Park Ave. (corner of SW Park Blocks and Jefferson St.), Portland, Oregon 97201
5:00 pm
Bach Cantata Vespers on Sunday afternoon March 16 at 5 pm in downtown Portland’s historic St. James Lutheran Church will feature J.S. Bach’s Palm Sunday Cantata 182, “Himmelskonig, sei willkommen” (Welcome, King of Heaven). Joining the St. James Cantata Choir, conducted by Nancy Nickel, are vocal soloists Lisa Actor (alto), Les Green (tenor), and Nathaniel Loomis (bass). A new motet by Carl Schalk, commissioned for this occasion, will also be sung. A professional instrumental ensemble of strings, recorder, and continuo accompany the cantata. Freewill offering supports the Bach Vespers series in its third season at St. James.
Contact: Nancy Nickel at 503-227 2439.

March 30
Teacher Training Workshop
Working with Kids of All Abilities

Prince of Life, Oregon City
Download
JPG Flyer

April 12
Earth Day workshop on green building methods and renovations
will help congregations save money and care for the Earth

  “Green Building and Renovations”

Community Presbyterian Church, 529 NW 19th St., Redmond
11:00 am to 4:30 pm
 “Green Building and Renovations” is a practical workshop to help congregations save money and lighten their foot-print on God's Creation. Topics will include: principles of energy-efficient building; why energy is a spiritual issue; case studies; getting the results you want—how to work with contractors and architects and more. Call for a discount on large groups from the same congregation. Call (503) 221-1054, ext. 203, or e-mail jkam@emoregon.org to register. Pre-registration is requested by one week ahead, but registration will be accepted at the door. To download a brochure, go to www.emoregon.org.

April 18-19, 2008
The Journey continues at Northwest House of Theological Studies and the Salem Interfaith Forum
in cooperation with Office of the Chaplain at Willamette University as they present Roberta Bondi
Wisdom for 21st Century Pilgrims: Ancient Lessons for Contemporary Life
MICAH Worship Center, 680 State Street , Salem, Oregon, www.nhts.org
If you are searching for rich and meaningful ways to access a deeper spirituality, then join Roberta Bondi’s presentation which brings the ancient spiritual practices of the early church to contemporary pilgrims.
Download PDF Registration Brochure | PDF Poster |



April 24-27
Cursillo Retreat

Canby Grove Christian Camp and Conference Center, Canby Grove
“Cursillo” is a Spanish word (pronounced “coor-see-yo”) that means “a short course”. A Cursillo is a Spiritual Retreat, a short course in the basics of the Christian Faith. It’s a renewal movement that began in the Roman Catholic Church in Spain, but is now ecumenical and international.

For questions or for further information, contact Pastor Scott Dunfee, St Stephen Lutheran Church, Gladstone, Oregon (503.656-8194) or Pastor Janell Bethke, Oregon Synod Interim Ministry (503.667-7897), the Spiritual Directors for this Retreat
Download Brochure and Registration

June 21
2nd Annual Footsteps to Freedom World Refugee Day Walk

South Park Blocks, Portland
Sponsored by Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW), in partnership with Catholic Charities and Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR)
This event is designed to celebrate and honor the resilience and spirit of over 55,000 refugees that have made their home in Oregon, as well as raise funds for the Refugee Resettlement programs at each of the sponsoring organizations. The day’s events include a 5K walk, refugee speakers, ethnic food, music and crafts, and a community resource fair. For more information or to register, please contact Megan Schaefer, Volunteer Coordinator for LCSNW, at mschaefer@lcsnw.org or 503-731-9553.

July 24-26
2008 Gathering of the North American Association for the Catechumenate

Listening for the Spirit in a Post-Christian World

Dumas Bay in Federal Way, Washington.
The gathering will help us consider the challenges facing catechumenal ministers and Christian communities in an increasingly secularized society where an awareness of scripture and the sacramental tradition has diminished. How can we listen afresh to the stories of those who are seeking faith? How might the catechumenate offer a fresh approach to assimilating Christians in a culture at odds with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Through presentations and guided group work, we will reflect on catechumenal ministry in our postmodern world and the grace this offers those who serve as practitioners of the catechumenate.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Samuel Torvend, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Religion at Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington. For more information and registration forms, visit: http://catechumenate.org/main.cfm?sid=3

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; Cost 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.

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

Part-Time Preschool Director
Our Savior's Lutheran Church , 2000 Country Club Road , PO Box 159
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Description:

Unique opening for a part-time Preschool Director for a large (100+
student) Christian Preschool. Applicants must have experience teaching
and/or directing a Christian Preschool. Applicants also need to have,
or have the ability to obtain, all necessary Oregon state certification.
Interested parties please contact: Pastor Kelle Nelson-Bunkers, Associate Pastor of Youth & Family, Phone: 503.635.4563 , Fax: 503.635.9718 , Email: kellenb@oursaviors.net

Director of Faith Formation - Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Vancouver , WA
Position Purpose:
Direct and lead the Church’s Faith Formation and education for the entire congregation and with a major focus on programs for youth and families. The Director seeks to provide and foster the spiritual growth of adults and youth involved in all programs managed. The Director is responsible for planning, developing and administering programs, budget and space for all inter-generational education and enrichment activities. This is a dynamic position which will develop and grow as the church changes and expands. This is a full time position, offering salary and medical benefits.

Please send your resume to:
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 12513 SE Mill Plain Blvd. , Vancouver , WA 98683
Phone: 360.254.9243 Fax: 360.254-0115
Email: bslc@pacifier.com
Web: www.beautifulsaviorlutheran.com

Minister of Worship and Outreach - Messiah Lutheran Church, Vancouver, WA
Overview
Messiah Lutheran Church is seeking an entrepreneurial-minded and energetic person to join its ministerial team to help lead the development of a 2 nd site campus the congregation is planting in Ridgefield, WA. The position is full-time with health insurance and pension. Employment can begin immediately.

Job Components
Worship
Worship responsibilities will include launching and leading Sunday morning worship at the 2 nd site of the congregation slated for Sunday, September 7, 2008, and immediately assuming worship planning and primary leadership of an already-begun worship-band-led Saturday Evening Worship at Messiah’s Vancouver campus.

The worship experience is rooted in Word and Sacrament. Saturday evening and future 2 nd Site services are and will be intentionally casual and welcoming in atmosphere. Music is led with contemporary instruments and vocals . The role of this minister will be to invite and engage worshipers into prayer, praise and thanksgiving as the servant leader who facilitates the worship experience each week.

Outreach
The primary goal of Messiah’s multisite model for ministry is to grow Christ’s Church with new believers. Candidates for this position must have a heart for helping others come to a new or renewed personal and transformational relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church and have the people skills, determination, and organizational abilities to build and maintain relationships leading to this outcome. Weekday work will include church community building through: small group development; one-to-one visits with community members; and doing the myriad of leadership tasks associated with developing, coaching, and supporting the servant-teams necessary to successfully launch and grow a satellite church start.

Compensation and Benefits
Based on candidate’s experience and Southwestern Washington Synod (ELCA) guidelines.
Next Steps

  • Read and download the full job posting at www.messiahvancouver.org
  • Call to find out more. Contact Pastor Peter Braafladt at 360.574.7081

ELCA Employment Opportunities
Found on the ELCA Human Resource Web Page Notice: Ordained leaders and rostered lay leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America who apply for a position in the churchwide organization must request that the synod of roster forward the individual's mobility papers to the Office of the Presiding Bishop. Mobility papers can be found at: http://www.elca.org/synods/ordainedmobility.html
 

Previous entries

  • May 30 - June 1
    2008 Oregon Synod Assembly

    God's Work. Our Hands. Red Lion on the River, Jantzen Beach, Portland
    Registration information display table information will be coming in mid-March.
    for more information >
  • Postponed
    May 4 Children's Advocacy Day
  • June 10-12
    Region 1 First Call Theological Education
    Annual Event

    Palisades, Federal Way, Washington
    Beginning at 1:00 pm on the 10th
    and ending at noon on the 12th

About

Bishop's Report at the February Oregon Synod Council Meeting
The bishop's report was done as a PowerPoint. It was the goal of the bishop to give a summarization of his activities in the last seven months.  The report can be viewed at www.oregonsynod.org/council/022208
( about 25 minutes)

From the gallery