2011 Synod Assembly registration is now available on-line: www.oregonsynod.org
The May and June editions of “The Parish Paper” newsletter are available by contacting the synod office (503) 413-4191 or office@oregonsynod.org
Take the ELCA Board of Pensions Health Assessment at https://www.elcabop.org/RedirectorMayo.aspx to earn discounts as well as personal credits. Deadline is April 30!
The Oregon Synod Council has designated May 1 as Luther House Sunday when congregations give thanks to God for this vibrant ministry and encourage
financial gifts that will support outreach to students long into the future. This ministry is possible only because we are supported by the ELCA, the synods of Region 1, and individuals and congregations like you. Thank you for your partnership! We can do even more than we already do to extend our reach, provide pastoral care, offer Christian hospitality, teach leadership skills, engage ecumenical and interfaith neighbors, be a catalyst for Christian formation, and offer meaningful worship. New financial gifts from you will help us expand our outreach and provide for the spiritual needs of students and others in the generations to come. To make a gift today visit www.luther-house.org/donate or send a check to Luther House, 211 NW 23rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97330, 541.753.5213, www.luther-house.org, info@luther-house.org
The ELCA Board of Pensions invites you to attend an important webinar on April 19. In response to questions we’ve recently received, this webinar will explain the opportunity for congregations and other church employers to potentially save money through the new Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. Up to a 25% payroll tax credit may be available to your congregation or church employer. Joining us will be nationally recognized benefits attorney Danny Miller, who will provide insights about the tax credit and answer questions that can help you determine your next steps in pursuing this money-saving opportunity for your congregation or church employer. Mr. Miller has advised numerous church denominational benefit plans and is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Connor & Winters, an Oklahoma-based law firm with a full-service practice. Don’t miss this opportunity. Also, feel free to share this invitation with other congregations and church employers who may find it useful. Space is limited to the first 200 attendees. If you are unable to attend, the webinar will be recorded and made available on our website at www.elcabop.org. If you have any questions about this webinar, please contact Emily Zellner at the Board of Pensions, at ezellner@elcabop.org or (800) 352-2876 ext. 4136.
EVENTS:
April 16
Spring Work Day
Camp Lutherwood, Cheshire, OR
www.lutherwood.org for more information
April 16
Lenten Retreat: Mary: Witness & Response
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Franciscan Spiritual Center, Milwaukie
$60/person; bring a sack lunch. To register visit www.francisspctr.org
April 22
3:15 – 6:00 p.m.
Join EcoFaith Recovery and the Wilderness Way Community us on Good Friday (which falls on Earth Day this year) for a time of ritual and reflection as we walk the perimeter of the University of Portland Campus, hearing the story, the cries and the prayers of the Willamette River, and daring to ponder how it is that we have come to crucify Christ anew in the devastation of the waters of life here in the Willamette and in rivers and oceans the world over. We will gather at the Pilot House at 3:15 with the walk beginning at 3:30 p.m. We will conclude with a circle in which we can share our reflections on the experience. Please register and find additional directions, information, and photos from the last River walk at http://www.ecofaithrecovery.org/table-talks/ or by emailing Pastor Robyn Hartwig at PastorRobyn@ecofaithrecovery.org.
April 27
Public Open House – Lutheran Community Services NW new Seattle offices
4:00 – 6:00 p.m., 115 NE 100th St, Ste, 200, Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 694-5700
April 28
Dining Out for Life
Dine out at participating restaurants and 20-30% of your bill will be donated to Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s HIV Day Center and the Partnership Project to support people living with HIV/AIDS in the Portland area. Find a partidipating restaurant near you at www.diningoutforlife.com/portland
April 30
Organizing for Mission
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Central Lutheran Church, Portland
A day-long gathering of congregational leaders that sense a call to mission! If you’re a pastor, a lay leader or just someone who is interested in building the church, come and experience the practices and tools of organizing and learn how they can empower your congregation to better be a part of what God is up to in the world. In this hands-on workshop you will learn: How to deepen relational connections within your congregation and beyond, How to equip leaders to put mission and faith into action, Ways to explore new connections and mission possibilities in your community, How the ELCA is tapping into the arts and practices of organizing for strengthening mission in congregations and synods.
We encourage teams of (at least) three from congregations – both clergy and lay leaders! If clergy can’t make it, lay leaders should show up anyway!
To register, contact Rev. Terry Moe at (503) 702-5453 or e-mail TMoeX@yahoo.com
Presented by: The Oregon Synod in partnership with the ELCA
Special Guests: Bishop Brauer-Reike of the Oregon Synod and The Rev. Susan Engh, ELCA Director for Congregation-Based Organizing
Cost: Just a donation for lunch
April 30 – May 2
Holden Youth Weekend
$160/person includes round trip boat fare, lodging and meals, a t-shirt and program supplies.
Get leader packet and registration materials at www.tlc.edu/holden
May 1
Luther House 85th Anniversary Celebration
At its February meeting, the Oregon Synod Council adopted a resolution that says, “The Oregon Synod supports May 1, 2011 as a day of prayer and recognition for Luther House on its 85th anniversary. The Synod Council encourages each congregation to collect an offering in honor of the 85th anniversary of Luther House.” Please join friends and alums of Lutheran Campus Ministry for worship at 8:30 or 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Corvallis on Sunday, May 1. A reception will follow. The Synod Council has set a challenge to the congregations of the Oregon Synod to receive a special offering which will help enhance programming, improve our campus ministry center, and offer more student service/learning opportunities in the coming years. A special litany of thanks is being written and will be sent to your congregation for use that day also.
May 2-6
Emotional Intelligence & Human Relations (EQ-HR) Workshop
Vallombrosa Conference Center, Menlo Park, CA
Tuition is $595 plus $182 for the cost of the 360 EQ assessment. Food and lodging costs are $492 for a single and $428 for a double. Register online at www.eqhrcenter.org or send check to the Center for EQ- HR Skills, 19806 Mill Point Road, Boonsboro, MD 21713, Attention: Barbara Holder. For additional information contact Barbara Holder, eq-hrctr@myactv.net, or call 301-432-8933.
May 3-6
Lutheran Services in America Annual Conference
Hyatt Regency, Milwaukee, WI
www.lutheranservices.org for more information
May 6
Lutheran World Relief Ingathering
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 2201 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland
For information about Kit Donations & Changes please visit www.lwr.org
May 7
Lutheran World Relief Ingathering
9:00 a.m. – noon
Peace Lutheran Church, 2201 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland
For information about Kit Donations & Changes please visit www.lwr.org
May 7
Spring Work Day
Camp Lutherwood, Cheshire, OR
www.lutherwood.org for more information
May 8
Jazz Vespers
5:00 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SW Park Ave, Portland
May 9
Open House for Pastors
2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Menucha Retreat & Conference Center, 38711 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, OR 97019
(503) 695-2243, lauren@menucha.org, www.menucha.org
May 11
Project Believe! team meeting
3:00 p.m., Synod offices
May 12
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s (EMO) Annual Community Awards & Celebration Dinner
5:00 p.m. Reception & silent auction, 6:30 p.m. Dinner & awards celebration
Hilton Hotel, 921 SW 6th Ave, Portland
$60 per person (includes dinner) or $600 for table for 10. For more information or to register, please visit www.emoregon.org or call (503) 221-1054.
Award recipients include: The Rev. Alcena Boozer, rector emerita at St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, “Ecumenist of the Year”; The Honorable Dave Hunt, Oregon House of Representatives, “Louise Hunderup Religious Education Award”; Salma Ahmad, president, Islamic Society of Greater Portland, “Two Pauls Award”; Northwest Portland Ministries, “Ecumenical Service Award”; and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corvallis, “Ecumenical Service Award.”
May 14
Care for Creation Training
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 210 NW 9th St, Pendleton
Oregon is one of the five ELCA synods chosen to take part in a pilot project by Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC) which will train congregations to integrate Care for Creation into all aspects of their ministries. This Biblically grounded, grace-filled approach will equip a group of 3-8 people from your congregation in a positive process that will enable your larger congregational membership to incorporate creation care into worship, education, building/grounds, home/work, and public ministry. Your group will leave the training with an action plan to implement in your congregation. Register by Sunday, May 1 at www.ecofaithrecovery.org/lrc-training/ where you can also learn more about the training. If you prefer, you may contact Pastor Robyn Hartwig at (503) 646-0629, x211 or pastorrobyn@ecofaithrecovery.org. Any congregation registering by May 1st and checking the “energy audit” box on the registration form will receive from Mr. Doug Boleyn a back-of-the-envelope, 30 minute energy audit at the training if you bring in your congregation’s most recent electric, gas, and oil (if used) bill, and a drawing or picture of the church showing its layout and rooms!
May 14
Climate Ethics & Equity Forum
9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson St, Portland
Keynote speaker is Kathleen Dean Moore, author of “Moral Ground: Ethical Action for a Planet in Peril” and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and University Writer Laureate at Oregon State University, where she teaches environmental ethics and moral reasoning. A panel on regional equity and global equity issues follows the keynote, and the event concludes with breakout sessions on various climate equity topics. The forum is free, but donations to match OIPL’s challenge grant are welcome. Lunch may be ordered for $10 per person. To register securely online, go to www.emoregon.org/emo_events.php. For more information or to register by phone, call (503) 221-1054.
May 14
John Nilsen In Concert
7:00 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3880 SE Brooklyn St, Portland
$15 in advance or at the door benefit St. Paul’s Roof Fund
(503) 236-2389, www.stpaulportland.org
May 14 – 16
Holden Youth Weekend
$160/person includes round trip boat fare, lodging and meals, a t-shirt and program supplies.
Get leader packet and registration materials at www.tlc.edu/holden
May 15
Talent Show & Silent Auction
5:30 p.m., Milwaukie Lutheran Church
Proceeds benefit Youth Mission Trip to Belize
(503) 653-0250 for more information.
May 15-21
Katrina Rebuild Trip
Work will be done in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Quarters will be in the small town of Port Sulfur at the Southern tip of Louisiana. Reports are that the place looks untouched since the hurricane. This is a rebuilding mission – there is no clinic. We will work for Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, the same outfit many of us worked for in Mississippi.
For more information or questions contact The Rev. John Maas at jsmaas@yahoo.com or 503 378-1956.
May 20
“The Cosmic Story” (Table Talk #4 for Lay and Ordained Leaders)
1:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Redeemer Lutheran Church at 5431 NE 20th (at Killingsworth), Portland
This experiential activity and time of shared reflection will be facilitated by Dr. Ruth Nickodemus of the EcoFaith Leaders Core Team. She writes, “As we face the ecological crisis of our time, we need a new story to hold this reality and the deep faith tradition that is our heritage. The story that will be offered opens us to the unfolding story of our origins in the 13.7 billion year Cosmic Story. The ancient themes of birth, death, and resurrection; chaos and order; compassion and cooperation; hope and love; unfold in this Great Story. Join us for the sharing of this awesome Mystery and revelation of Divine Love.” Please RSVP and obtain important additional information at www.ecofaithrecovery.org/table-talks/ Additional questions may be directed to Pastor Robyn Hartwig at 503-627-0237 x 211.
May 20-21
Ethnic Ministries Symposium
Concordia University, Portland
Visit http://www.nowlcms.org/Events/EthnicMinSymp.aspx for more information and to register.
May 21 – 23
Holden Youth Weekend
$160/person includes round trip boat fare, lodging and meals, a t-shirt and program supplies.
Get leader packet and registration materials at www.tlc.edu/holden
June 3-5
Synod Assembly
Eugene Hilton Hotel & Conference Center
June 3-5
High School Convo
Eugene Hilton Hotel & Conference Center
June 8
Project Believe! team meeting
3:00 p.m., Synod offices
June 10-12
Fire Up Your Educational Program with a weekend retreat at MacKenzie River Mountain resort. Guest Presenters Nancy Gaston and Deb Mantey, in cooperation with Pastor Barbara Punch, are putting together a weekend for Congregational teachers and Education committees. Workshop sessions will include: What makes an Effective Teacher? and Teaching for Multiple Intelligences. (Cost for 2 night, meals and program under $100!) Plan to spend this Pentecost weekend adding a SPARK to your program. Contact Barbara at oursaviorsprineville@gmail.com for more information.
June 10-12
Mission of the Atonement Anniversary Celebration
Friday, June 10 – Dinner Celebration; Saturday June 11 – Reception and dance; Sunday, June 12 Festival Worship
(503) 646-1344 or info@motaspirit.org for more information and ticket prices.
June 12
Jazz Vespers
5:00 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SW Park Ave, Portland
June 18
Bible Study Event – To Lead and to Serve: The Gospel of Mark by Reverend Patricia Lull.
9:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, Hillsboro
The registration fee is $15.00 per person and includes lunch. Leaders Guides and Companion Bibles can also be ordered in advance when you register. Contact Marcia McClanahan at 503-659-3440 or mcclanahan001@comcast.net
June 20-22
Pacific Lutheran University Summer Conference on Pastoral Theology – The Spiritual Formation of the Congregation
Drawing on the ancient wisdom of Christian practice and the insights of contemporary organizational development, congregational leaders will explore a focused yet flexible model of congregational life – one which cultivates the spiritual formation of the community of faith. In a highly interactive and group-focused process, lay and ordained leaders will compose a workable vision of spiritual formation for their congregations. Keynote Speaker, The Rev. Melissa Skelton is the Director of the College for Congregational Development and rector/pastor of St. Paul Episcopal Church, Seattle, WA.
Conference Fees: $350 with housing, $265 without housing, $175 retired with housing, $100 retired without housing.
http://www.plu.edu/congregations Rev. G. Lee Kluth, 253-535-7423, crel@plu.edu
June 20-24
PLTS Week of Renewal
You are invited to a Week of Renewal at PLTS, with classes, worship, and stimulating conversation and restorative time in the company of old and new colleagues. The week offers daily worship, morning and afternoon classes, room and board, a daily case conference on difficult pastoral situation, and all the benefits of San Francisco by BART. For more information and to register, please visit www.plts.edu/summer_session.ntml
June 22-24
Leadership Training School, Menucha (Columbia River Gorge)
Those going into 9th-12th grade who aspire to be leaders should contact Lisa Gray at zoaryouth@canby.com. Congregations are encouraged to help identify and support high schoolers for this amazing program!
June 23 – July 4
Pilgrimage to France. Enjoy seeing sites like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Mont St. Michel and Loire Valley. We will also visit the sacred sites of Taizé Community, Lisieux, and the Chartres Cathedral. Led by Pastor Charles Mantey of St. Mark Church in Salem. For more information contact Franciscan Spiritual Center, 503-794-8542, www.FrancisSpCtr.com
July 10
Jazz Vespers
5:00 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SW Park Ave, Portland
July 11-22
Native Ministries Consortium Summer School
Vancouver (B.C.) School of Theology, www.vst.edu
July 13
Project Believe! team meeting
3:00 p.m., Synod offices
July 14-17
WELCA Eighth Triennial Gathering “Renew, Respond, Rejoice!”
Spokane, Washington
This is the closest it will be for many years so start thinking about this opportunity. The convention portion will be a couple days prior to that (12-14). Motivational speakers, beautiful surroundings, wonderful people. You will want to attend. Set aside this date and start saving now. Contact Gloria McCuchen, PO Box 23352, Eugene, OR 97402, 541-515-9175, oregontgp@yahoo.com
July 18-22
Film & Faith for High School students aspiring to develop skills in video production. Gary Eppelsheimer, film teacher from West Linn, in cooperation with Pastor John Reutter-Harrah, Deb Mantey, and others are creating a week-long program to combine film, storytelling, personal faith development and tons of fun! Help us identify those youth in your congregation for whom this would be a great way to spend a creative and productive week this summer. More information coming!
July 31 – August 3
Association of Lutheran Church Musicians
Seattle University
Registration is open to the public: www.alcm.org, (800) 624-2526
August 6-13
HOLDEN VILLAGE ABRIENDO CAMINOS (OPENING PATHWAYS)
An annual week of Spanish programing for the Latino community and congregations in Latino outreach. To register or seek further information, contact Registrar, Holden Village, HCO Box 2, Chelan, WA 98816-9769, email registrar@holdenvillage.org. Bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteers may contact staffing@holdenvillage.org.
August 10
Project Believe! team meeting
3:00 p.m., Synod offices
August 14
Jazz Vespers
5:00 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SW Park Ave, Portland
September 11
Jazz Vespers
5:00 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SW Park Ave, Portland
September 13
Wellness Day
Sponsored by Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries. For more information watch this space or visit www.npnm.org
September 14
Project Believe! team meeting
3:00 p.m., Synod offices
September 30 – October 2
Oregon Synodical Women’s Organization convention
Newport, Oregon, Best Western Agate Beach Inn
The board is working on hard to put on an informative, and spirit led program that we hope will be intriguing and meaningful to all participants. Watch the April Grapevine for more information about speakers and programs, as well as registration forms and information for delegates.
October 9
Jazz Vespers
5:00 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SW Park Ave, Portland
October 12
Project Believe! team meeting
3:00 p.m., Synod offices
October 15
Church Money 102
St. Mark, Portland
October 16-26
Children, Family, and Faith: a 10-day learning community
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, CO
A Partnership for Education And Knowledge between Wartburg Theological Seminary, Rocky Mountain Synod, and RainbowTrail Lutheran Camp. This course is an opportunity to be immersed in a 10-day learning community to develop a deeper understanding of children’s faith development. Led by faculty from Wartburg Theological Seminary this course may be taken for academic credit or continuing education. For more information visit www.rmselca.org or contact Ben Larson ben@rainbowtrail.org or 719-431-0050.
November 9
Project Believe! team meeting
3:00 p.m., Synod offices
November 11
Jazz Vespers
5:00 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SW Park Ave, Portland
November 11-13
Youth Gathering
December 11
Jazz Vespers
5:00 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 1315 SW Park Ave, Portland
December 14
Project Believe! team meeting
3:00 p.m., Synod offices
POSITION OPENINGS:
Part-time keyboardist, Community of Hope Lutheran Church, Wilsonville
Minimum 2 Sunday a.m. services + 1 rehearsal per week. Enjoy a flexible genre including traditional & contemporary music. Ability to lead and encourage others to worship through effective interpretation and music sensitivity. Work with worship team and Praise Team Leader. Contact BJ Shrock bjshrock@gmail.com
Teacher & Assistant teacher
Noah’s Ark Preschool, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Silverton
Contact brenden.jessica@gmail.com for job description & application information.
Organist & choir accompanist.
Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Salem.
This is a paid, part-time position. Applicants must have knowledge of pipe organ and piano, and must be able to play hymns, Lutheran liturgy and accompany choral anthems. Must work with pastors and choir director. Position could be split, if desired. Please submit your resume to Tanya at theelias3@hughes.net
Youth Leader Opportunity
Joyful Servant Lutheran Church, Newberg
The Youth Leader provides primary leadership for developing and implementing youth ministry. Responsibilities include teaching high school Sunday School, organizing and leading weekly Bible Study/faith based fun activities and some weekend events. The part time position is 10 hours/week. Please send letter and/or resume to: Joyful Servant Lutheran Church, 1716 North Villa Road, Newberg, OR 97132 or call 503-538-0475, or e-mail joyfulservant@frontier.com.
Applications for summer 2011 employment at Camp Lutherwood are available now at www.lutherwood.org. Must be 18 or older and able to serve for 9-10 weeks. Room & board provided.
Organist & Choir Accompanist
Grace Lutheran Church, Corvallis
Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. E-mail resumes to office@grace97330.org, or call 541-757-1600
