1816 NW Irving Street, Portland, Oregon 97209and plans to gather more informally this summer. Please...
Transcript of 1816 NW Irving Street, Portland, Oregon 97209and plans to gather more informally this summer. Please...
T H E I M M A N U E L I T E
First Immanuel Lutheran Church 1816 NW Irving Street, Portland, Oregon 97209
“A Welcoming Community Centered in Christ’s Love,
Joyfully Reaching Out Together”
July 2017 published monthly Vol. 28 No. 7
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite secular celebrations of the year
is July 4th. It’s summer, it’s warm and the sun is
shining! We cook hamburgers and hot dogs on the
grill! When night falls, neighborhood children light
fireworks out in the street! What could be more fun?
I also appreciate our nation’s birthday for its
more serious side. As I think about it, it seems to me
that there are two primary things we celebrate on
the 4th of July. We give thanks for the freedoms that
our Constitution and Bill of Rights provide, and we
affirm the essential values we share as a nation.
Concerning our freedoms, as Americans, we give
thanks for the privilege, not enjoyed by
everyone in the world, of electing our own
representatives to attend to the affairs of
government. Regardless of how we feel
about any particular officeholder, we regard
it as a great privilege not to be ruled by a
king or dictator. Democracy may be a messy
form of government, but I am genuinely grateful for
the right to vote.
I am also thankful for the rights guaranteed by
the Bill of Rights—freedom of speech, freedom of
assembly, freedom of the press. I particularly prize
the freedom of religion. No governmental authority
can tell us (or anyone else) what to believe or how to
practice our faith. The United States has no “official”
religion and cannot require or prohibit any religious
participation. This separation of church and state is
entirely consistent with a Lutheran understanding.
260 years before our Bill of Rights was written, the
Augsburg Confession—one of the foundational
documents for the Lutheran movement—affirmed
that “the power of church and civil government must
not be mixed ... [while] both be held in honor and
acknowledged as a gift and blessing.” Viewed
theologically, these freedoms are consistent with
our conviction that every human being—regardless
of gender, religion, race or ethnic heritage—is made
in the image of God and possesses the dignity that
belongs to all of God’s children.
Concerning our values, we may wonder what can
hold us as a nation together in such divisive times. It
seems to me that the Declaration of Independence
expresses, perhaps better than anything else, the
longings that are at the heart of our shared values.
Thomas Jefferson’s description of a human being’s
“inalienable rights”—for life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness—offers a wonderful glimpse of the life
we desire, both for ourselves and for our
neighbors. We also believe in the rule of law,
with justice for all. We do not believe that
any person should be above the law. Our
legal system is certainly not perfect, and our
nation is responsible for many historical
injustices, but we aspire to justice. Justice is
also a core value for our faith. The Bible is
particularly concerned about justice for the poor. As
people of faith, we recognize that people of goodwill
may seek justice in a variety of ways. However, we
reject any claim to justice that results in hardship for
poor and marginalized people. Christian faith invites
us to always be seeking a greater and more inclusive
justice for all.
I pray regularly for our country and our leaders.
It seems that we are living through a particularly
difficult and challenging time, but I believe our faith
offers genuine wisdom for us as citizens.
Wishing you a happy 4th of July,
Pastor Aaron
Sunday Morning Adult Forum
is taking a break for summer
Thanks to everyone who made this
year’s adult forum a lively place!
Our classes were well attended
and we learned a lot from our
studies and each other. We’ll
return in the fall with some Reformation
Anniversary sessions and a series on “Sustainable
Living” from the Northwest Earth Institute. A special
thanks to Nancy Matthias, who offered an Earth-
Friendly Coffee Hour training in June.
– Pastor Melinda
Welcome to Our New Members
On Sunday, June 25, we were delighted to welcome
new members into the congregation: Sarah Dervan,
Martha Driessnack and George Noble, and
Jeannette O’Brien. Their contact information is
available through the church office. We look forward
to joining in ministry with you as we get to know you
even better. May God bless us for service, in the
unity of Christ’s Spirit.
The Gift of Holy BaptismThe Gift of Holy BaptismThe Gift of Holy BaptismThe Gift of Holy Baptism
We rejoice with Emily Emily Emily Emily Dervan OlsonDervan OlsonDervan OlsonDervan Olson and her family, as Emily received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on June 25. Emily’s parents are Sarah Dervan and Jeff Olson, and her baptismal sponsors are Emily and Ryan Traetow. Welcome to the Lord’s family, Emily! May you always remember this special sign of God’s love for you.
“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”
“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your
Word” (ELW 517) is one of the hymns
we’ll sing this summer. It was
published by Martin Luther in 1542,
with a subtitle: “A Children’s Hymn, to
be Sung Against the Two Archenemies
of Christ and His Holy Church, the
Pope and Turk.” It was written in
response to battles between the Holy
Roman Empire and the Ottoman
Empire. Who would have thought that a hymn would
have such political overtones?
The first verse is an appeal to God the Father to
preserve us by His Word, rather than by the force of
arms. The second verse emphasizes the ultimate
authority of Jesus Christ with the title “Lord of
lords.”
The final verse calls on the Holy Spirit to send unity
to the people of God.
We sing this hymn to its own tune, “Erhalt uns
Herr.” It can also be sung to the tune “Old 100th,”
which we know better as “Praise God, from Whom
All Blessings Flow.”
—Karl Jurisons, Organist
Prayer is a powerful tool that God wants us to use always. If you want to join First Immanuel’s e-mail prayer ministry, please send your e-mail address to Wanda Black ([email protected]). Each Wednesday, you’ll receive an updated list of who we are praying for. During the week, you’ll also receive additions and updates, so that those who need our prayers receive them as soon as possible. If you’d like to request prayer, simply note it on the back of your worship attendance card on Sunday, or contact a pastor (503/226-3659, [email protected]).
Reminder: Summer Worship is at 10 a.m.
in June, July and August. See you then!
FIRST IMMANUEL CORE VALUES
Spiritual Life � Friendly Community � Acceptance & Diversity � Tradition & Heritage �
Music & Worship � Growing in Faith � Family Focus � Serving & Volunteering
Goose Hollow Family Shelter― Help Serve
Dinner or Volunteer on August 7
First Immanuel invites you to
volunteer at Goose Hollow Family
Shelter (located at First United
Methodist Church, 1838 SW
Jefferson). Goose Hollow provides
temporary housing for up to 8
families. Every evening there are several volunteer
slots—making dinner, serving dinner, hosting kid
time activities, and laundry/organizing tasks. No
overnight stay is required. You can serve dinner with
no special training. If you’d like to take another slot,
the shelter requires that you attend a one-time
volunteer orientation which happens monthly; see
www.pdxhfs.org. We’re happy to announce that
FILC’s regular “First Monday” volunteer slot will
resume on Monday, August 7. If you’d like to help
out, please contact Maddie Wiens
([email protected]) or Ryan Traetow
FILC BOOK GROUP
Sunday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Risë Johnson in SW Portland
Join us for fellowship, conversation, and yummy dessert. Please call for directions and to let us know you’re coming
(Risë Johnson, [email protected], 503/228-1926).
Selection—The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner
Portland author Ruth Wariner grew up in a polygamist family on a farm in rural Mexico. In The Sound of Gravel, she offers an unforgettable portrait of the violence that threatened her community, her family’s fierce sense of loyalty, and her own unshakeable belief in the possibility of a better life. This true story is a fast-paced, sincere and gripping tale of triumph and courage.
20s and 30s Women’s Group
The 20s and 30s women’s group
has completed its study of Brené
Brown’s Self-Compassion course
and plans to gather more
informally this summer. Please contact Maddie
Wiens-Fry ([email protected]) if you’d like to
be included in informal summer meetings, and
watch for an announcement when a formal
class/bible study is planned for the fall.
Sign up now for…
CABIN CAMPING TRIP AT SILVER FALLS STATE PARK (near Silverton, Oregon)
August 23-27, 2017
Two-night and four-night options available— only two spots left!
Mark your calendars for a weekend of fun this summer. First Immanuel has reserved 8 cabins at beautiful Silver Falls State Park, near Silverton, Oregon, and you’re invited! The
dates are August 23-27. You can stay all four nights or just the weekend (Aug. 25-27). Silver Falls is the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, famous for its history and serene natural beauty, including spectacular waterfalls. Nestled in the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, about 90 minutes from Portland, it features the Trail of Ten Falls, a moderate trail which passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon, and descends to a winding creek at the forest floor. Learn more at http://oregonstateparks.org/ index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=151. We’ll be “camping lite” in a group of cabins similar to the yurts we have rented before. All cabins have electricity, heat, locking door, table and chairs. Each sleeps 4-5 people on some combination of bunk beds, futon couch or double bed. Also included are covered porch and bench, outdoor fire pit and picnic table. Families and individuals will bring their own food plus the usual camping necessities (bedding, dishes, etc.). See http://oregonstateparks.org/?do=reserve.dspcabinsyurts for more info. 2-Night Cabin Camping, Friday thru Sunday, Aug. 25-27: Cost for one cabin is $125 for two nights. This includes a group barbecue dinner on Saturday evening and s’mores. 4-Night Cabin Camping, Wednesday thru Sunday, Aug. 23-27: Cost for one cabin is $225 for four nights. This includes a group barbecue dinner on Saturday evening and s’mores. Full payment will assure your spot. Reservations are first-come, first-served. Tent camping is also available at a reduced price. Please contact one of the planners to make your reservation or with any questions: Tyrell Servo ([email protected]) Marja Selmann ([email protected]) Pastor Melinda ([email protected])
—FILC Congregational Life Committee
ABOUT THE LUTHERANS: CELEBRATING 500 YEARS OF
THE REFORMATION
Lutherans in the Caribbean
Lutheran churches have deep roots in northern Europe
and have large numbers in North America. Partner
churches are flourishing in the Middle East, southern
Africa, Australia, and Asia. But many Lutherans don’t
know that there have been Lutherans in some parts of
the Caribbean for almost four hundred years.
Historically, Lutheranism came to the Caribbean as
the religion of white Europeans and, later, American
settlers. But in time some of these churches opened their
doors to local inhabitants, Hispanics, African Americans,
and Native Americans. Some of these congregations have
become truly indigenous and multicultural ministries.
More recently, North Americans moved and settled in
some parts of the Caribbean, beginning other
congregations for expatriates and vacationers.
The oldest Lutheran congregation in the Caribbean
was founded in the Virgin Islands in 1666 by Danish
settlers on the island of
St. Thomas, the Frederick
congregation in Charlotte
Amalie. They later
founded other
congregations on the
islands of St. Croix, St.
John, and St. Thomas in the eighteenth century. Although
these congregations were originally intended for Danes,
by the 1750s they were ministering to the enslaved
Africans on the islands.
When Denmark sold these islands to the United
States in 1917, these congregations affiliated with
American Lutheran denominations. There are also several
congregations of Virgin Island Lutherans on the mainland
of the United States, most notably in New York City.
Similarly, Dutch Lutherans founded congregations in
the area of Guyana and Suriname in the eighteenth
century, as the Europeans planted colonies there.
Congregations generally consisted of white settlers and
their descendants until the middle of the nineteenth
century, when they began to reach out to other
populations. Guyana is especially racially diverse, and the
Lutheran congregations there include African Americans,
Native Americans, East Indians, and some Chinese.
Though it has a long history of European colonization,
Lutherans did not become established on Puerto Rico
until it became a part of the United States in 1898. In that
year a young student, Gustav Swenson, moved to Puerto
Rico and eventually started a Lutheran congregation
there. He was eventually followed by a number of
different pastors and missionaries from the United States,
who began to preach in Spanish to the local population.
“You can give without loving,
but you cannot love without
giving.”
—Amy Carmichael
Thank you for your generous
gifts of yourself, your time, your
energy and financial resources
to support God’s work through
our congregation. Every gift is
significant, and each makes it
possible to reach out in Christian love and service to our
neighborhood and beyond.
JUNE COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Actual pledge giving: Budgeted pledge giving: May: $14,349 May: $22,274 2017 TOTAL: $86,888 2017 TOTAL: $111,370
Synod Assembly, “Built on a Rock 500: Rooted—Reforming—Resilient.” Pastor Melinda shared information on the ELCA’s immigration policy as administered through an organization called AMMPARO and their Guardian Angels Program. Risë Johnson and Tyrell Servo also reported on their experiences at Synod Assembly, and thanked the Council and congregation for the opportunity to attend. Garbage Contract. The new contract with Arrow Sanitary Service is now in effect, with greatly reduced cost and improved service. Thanks to Debbie Rehn for the extensive time and effort she invested in securing the more favorable terms. Planned Giving. The Endowment Committee was given permission to resume work on a new planned giving vehicle for designated gifts to FILC’s two Endowment Funds.
Lynn Akerman, Secretary
Lutheran congregations can be found in some of the
other islands of the Caribbean. There is a small Lutheran
presence in Cuba. Antigua, Bermuda, and the Bahamas all
have Lutheran congregations affiliated with various
bodies. Even Haiti hosts a Lutheran enclave, connected
with the Church of the Lutheran Confession in Alsace and
Lorraine (France).
Although many of these Caribbean Lutheran
congregations were begun by Europeans or Americans,
either as settlers or missionaries, most of their members
are now predominantly local people—Virgin Islanders,
Guyanese and Surinamese, Puerto Ricans, and others.
They may be Hispanic, Native American, African
American, or other local populations, worshiping in
Spanish, English, French, or other local languages. These
congregations enrich the palate of world Lutheranism,
and help spread the gospel of Christ into every corner of
the world.
—Mark Granquist
Copyright ©2016 Augsburg Fortress. Permission is granted for congregations to
reproduce these pages provided copies are for local use only and this copyright
notice appears.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
How can we ever say “Thanks!” enough for the wonderful
gifts of love and time and care and service given by all of
those who helped make our Maker Fun Factory Vacation
Bible School happen? You gave a precious gift to help 31
children grow in faith and love, to learn about God and
about how to trust God’s goodness and love.
Thank you and congratulations to our VBS director,
Nancy MacDonald. Thank you to all of the group leaders
and everyone who helped with opening, skits, Bible
stories, games, crafts, and more: Catherine Bailey,
Skipper Bessette, Cate
Bikales, Greg Bruce, Linda
Rae Coon, Andrew and
Nathan Couch, Yuki
Furukawa, Lauren Kim,
Nicole Lagraff, Jack and
Nancy MacDonald, Jan,
Leigh and Sarah Nelson, Zoe Tomlinson, Emily Traetow,
Tammy and Tom VanDeGrift, and Pastor Melinda and
Pastor Aaron.
Thank you to everyone who helped provide dinner
each night: to Bonny Groshong and Nancy Matthias for
organizing the meals, to James Bash, Skipper Bessette,
Ann DeFord, Judi Drexler, Risë Johnson, Chris and John
Koonce, Jeff Olson, and Chia Stockwell, for preparing and
serving delicious, healthy meals each evening!
Thank you to everyone who
helped in every other way,
including pictures, decorating,
publicity, security, and
registration: James Bash, Karl
Jurisons, Mary Kate Otto, Debbie
Rehn, Eric Wierson, and Leslie and
Richard Wong.
And finally, special thanks to our
congregation of First Immanuel,
and our partners, Zion Lutheran and St. James Lutheran,
for supporting VBS, spreading the word about this lively
ministry, praying for the children, and for encouraging
this effort with such good spirit! Thank you, thank you,
thank you!!!
P.S. If we forgot to list your name, please forgive us.
Endowment News What dreams do you have for
First Immanuel’s compassionate
and outreaching work? The
Endowment Committee invites
you to prayerfully consider
applying for an endowment
grant to serve Christ’s work in
our neighborhood and our world. This fall we’ll be
awarding grants for a total of $10,850 to fund your
ideas for serving God and our neighbors. $6,200 will be
available from the FILC General Endowment Fund,
designated for Evangelism Outreach, Social Ministry
Outreach, and Building Improvements. $4,650 will be
available from the Doris Palmblad World Missions
Endowment Fund, designated for ministry and service
activities outside the United States.
We ask our members and ministry groups to
actively pray, plan ahead, and talk together about
creative and faithful ways to use these funds. One-page
grant applications and instructions are available in the
church office and on the FILC website. Please note that
applications must be presented to a First Immanuel
sponsoring committee by September 1 to be reviewed
and approved. The grant applications, ranging in size,
will be awarded in November.
Please speak with an Endowment Committee
member to learn more about the process.
—Your FILC Endowment Committee:
Jim Dunn, Emily Traetow, Judy Wick,
Chris Wiens, and Pastor Aaron Couch
Dear Pastor Melinda,
Thank you for First
Immanuel Lutheran
Church’s support of Lift
Urban Portland and for the donation of 158 lbs. of food
for our May 2017 Food Drive.
This food will be used for our food pantry, for
delivery of food boxes to folks who are unable to travel to
the food pantry, for supplying emergency food closets in
low-income buildings when residents experience a
sudden shortage, and for presentation of Healthy Eating
Workshops in those buildings. We are really excited to
expand services for the residents in Northwest and
Downtown Portland.
Thanks for all the support of your congregants! Thank
you for helping our community. We deeply appreciate
your support.
With great thanks,
Susan Milstein, Treasurer
Lift Urban Portland
3: Landon Harman 18: Tyrell Servo 4: Morgan Borwieck 19: Nick Truman 5: Catherine Bailey 24: James Bash Peter Traetow Chuck Bessette, Jr. 7: Cecelia Berg 28: Erica Nist-Lund Bonnie Borwieck 30: Stephanie Porter 8: Benjamin Quiring 31: Marlow Cochran 10: Anna Rogoway Gus Johnson 11: Lucy Rogoway 15: Sierra Peterson 5: David & Sierra Modro Elizabeth Schwartz 8: Chris & John Koonce 16: Waldo Johnson Bobbi & Don Varnes 17: Sharon Seafeldt 13: Les & Myrna Wierson
Don’t see your special day? Contact Debbie (503/226-3659, [email protected]) with details, and we’ll include you!
Sunday Parking Reminder Friendly reminder: on Sundays, we'd like to reserve our parking lot for those with mobility needs. The good news is that all street parking is free on Sundays, and we also have parking available at Mesher Tools and Miller Paint Co. Thanks for your consideration!
Parking Alert for Timbers Games Plan ahead for days when there are Timbers soccer games at Providence Park. Times and dates for upcoming home games include: Wednesday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Coffee Hour & Flower Volunteers Needed! Hosting Coffee Hour provides a great opportunity to welcome newcomers, and for fellowship. If you’re new to hosting, feel free to contact Chris and John Koonce, Craig and Linda Langley, or Bonny Groshong for help. To provide flowers for Sunday worship, just sign up on the flower chart in Fellowship Hall. Bring two
bouquets or potted plantssimple is fine. Vases are provided by the church or you can bring your own. Call the church office for flower “housekeeping” details. Thank you for helping!
Are you receiving our “Weekly
Word” E-News?
FILC’s “Weekly Word” e-news is a brief
message with updates, event reminders,
and a scriptural reflection for the upcoming Sunday. It’s
delivered by email, usually on Thursdays. If you’re not
already getting the Weekly Word, sign up on our website:
www.firstimmanuelluth.org, or contact the church office.
Exciting Property News
We are planning for two big
projects this summer at First
Immanuel. Perhaps you've
seen that construction has
begun on the bathrooms in
Fellowship Hall. It's exciting
to see work underway! While the bathrooms in
Fellowship Hall are being remodeled, the bathrooms
in Sodergren Hall will be available during worship.
Following the congregational meeting in May to
approve the contract and funding for the steeple
renovation, Property Committee leaders have been
in touch with RJR Construction to get our project on
the calendar this summer, and Council leaders have
been in touch with the Oregon Synod Endowment
Committee to make arrangements for the loan to
finance the project. We are currently waiting for
questions about the roofing contractor to be
resolved before we can schedule the beginning of
the steeple renovation.
News from Our Village Support Teams First Immanuel has two teams forming supportive relationships with families moving from shelters to permanent housing. During our 6-month relationship, we assist the families as they navigate goals and challenges
which they identify. Team #1 continues to build a supportive and friendly relationship with their family—mom Chelsea and young daughter Ellie. Challenges for the family include an unreliable car and rising rents which are making a desired move difficult. Each day brings small successes to celebrate. Team #2 is helping their family—mom Lizzy and teens Effie and Joy—to secure apartment furnishings and pursue goals related to stabilizing their living situation. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing housewarming gifts, and for your continued prayers. We are no longer receiving supervision from the New City organization that provided our initial training for this project. However, we are most grateful to the staff of Rose Haven, who have met with team members to help us better understand the needs of our families. What a valuable partnership we have with this great ministry! To learn more about Village Support, please contact our own Chris Wiens (785-633-4782, [email protected]).
Core Team Members: Chris & Maddie Wiens, Anna Wilde, Jack & Nancy MacDonald, Sue Sell, Ryan Traetow, Jeff Olson, Sarah Dervan, Pastor Melinda Wagner
July 2017 at First Immanuel
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2 10 AM Worship
11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA
3
4
Happy 4th! Office Closed
5
6 5:30 PM Food Pantry
6 PM ACOA
7 12 PM Food Pantry
8
9 10 AM Worship 11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA
10
11 12 PM Food Pantry
12 8 AM Lift UP Harvest Share
13 10:30 AM Esther Circle
5:30 PM Food Pantry
6 PM ACOA
14 12 PM Food Pantry
15
16
10 AM Worship 11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA
17 18 12 PM Food Pantry
19
20 5:30 PM Food Pantry
6 PM ACOA
21 12 PM Food Pantry
22
23
10 AM Worship 11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA
24
25
12 PM Food Pantry
26
27
5:30 PM Food Pantry
6 PM ACOA
28
12 PM Food Pantry
29
5 PM Council Dinner @ Bobbi & Don Varnes’ home
30
10 AM Worship
11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA
31