2020 january immanuelite
TRANSCRIPT
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”
January 2020 published monthly Vol. 31 No. 1
Dear friends in Christ,
On January 1, we’ll welcome the start of a new year and a
new decade. What will it be like? Unfortunately, even
though the year will be 2020, my vision into the future isn’t
20/20. Instead, the new year is a mystery. Perhaps we can
guess at what might happen based on the events of past
years. But will it be better or worse? Only God knows! Here
are some of my guesses:
• I’m guessing that in the political world, we’ll witness
more partisan demagoguery and divisiveness. But I’m
hoping we’ll also see some rare displays of selflessness
and truth-telling.
• I’m guessing that in our society, race will continue to
be a potent source of confusion and grief. But I’m
hoping we’ll also see signs of courageous and
clearheaded rejection of racist ideas and values,
together with efforts to create connections and heal
our nation’s racial divide.
• I’m guessing that we’ll continue to see problems with
violence, poverty, homelessness, addiction and mental
illness. But I’m hoping we’ll also see leaders who are
willing to risk their popularity in order to try new
solutions to intractable problems.
• I’m guessing that the world will continue to struggle
with responding to the threat of global warming in a
serious and far-sighted way. But I’m hoping we’ll
continue to see more people who are leading the way
toward combatting the climate crisis.
For all of these reasons, what I do see clearly is this: I
am certain that Jesus’ way of compassion and forgiveness
is more important than ever, and that the witness of the
Church as the community that follows Jesus’ way of
compassion and forgiveness is more relevant than ever. I
am absolutely convinced that the way ahead, the way of
healing, the way toward a future of life and blessing, does
not lead through ignorance, arrogance, or fortifying
ourselves against “others” whom we demonize and
ostracize.
The gifts of life and blessing to be found in 2020 will
reveal themselves to those who practice Jesus’ way of
humility and compassion, which will allow the creation of
connections rather than fostering divisions. 2020 will be a
year of promise and positive change for those who practice
Jesus’ way of forgiveness, both for others and for
themselves, rather than being bound to the pain of the
past. 2020 will be a year when embracing Jesus’ way of
generosity and inclusive community will be a sign of hope
to those who are looking for a sense of community that is
not shaped by “us” vs. “them.”
Dear friends, I wish you a year of blessing, as you begin
the new year with the resolve to embody Jesus’ way of
love.
Happy New Year,
Pastor Aaron
Annual Meeting of
First Immanuel Congregation—
Sunday, January 26, 2020
after worship, in Fellowship Hall
New Forum Book Study begins Jan. 12—
Sundays at 9:45
“Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on
Water, and Loving the Bible Again”
by Rachel Held Evans
The Sunday morning Forum’s new book study will
help us understand the Bible by delving into its
stories—stories of origin, deliverance, war, wisdom,
resistance, and more. Class begins Jan. 12 with
books and schedules distributed, plus a video
introduction to the author, Rachel Held Evans.
Quite tragically, this gifted young leader died this
past year—but her work lives on and will definitely
enrich your faith. (Books are provided free through
an endowment grant, free- will donations always
welcome.)
More about “Inspired” by Rachel Held Evans:
If the Bible isn’t a science book, instruction manual,
or position paper, then what is it? NY Times
bestselling author Rachel Held Evans invites readers
on a journey of rediscovery as she explores the magic
of the Bible, engaging the old, familiar stories in new
ways that honor the past and enlighten the present.
Evans creatively retells our favorite Bible stories,
explaining their contexts and possible
interpretations. The Bible, she discovers, is not a
static work but is a living, breathing, captivating, and
confounding book that equips us for God’s loving,
redeeming work.
Thank you for pledging your financial support for
our shared ministry for 2020! So far we have
received 59 pledges totaling $183,034 and
approximately $15,000 in year-end gifts. We
continue to welcome pledges for 2020. When you
pledge, it is a huge help for your Council in
budgeting for the coming year.
―James Bash, Congregation President
FILC’s continuing journey toward racial
justice…read & reflect on
Waking Up White: and Finding Myself in the
Story of Race, by Debby Irving
Our Forum class is now
completed, but it’s not too late to
join groups discussing Waking Up
White by Debby Irving. It tells the
author’s personal story of coming
to understand what racism is, how
racism influences others, and her
own place in the American system
of race. The style is interesting,
accessible, and easy to relate to. These groups are
ready to welcome you!
1) Sunday School families are meeting in a home
on selected Sunday evenings. The next meeting is
Sunday, Jan. 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m., with dinner &
childcare provided. Contact Anna Wilde for more
information, [email protected].
2) After-Church lunch conversation will meet on
Jan. 19 in Sodergren Hall, 12:30-2 p.m. RSVP is
helpful for planning our meal,
Eco-friendly communion
cups at FILC!
When I was growing up, I
remember my mom and other
women of the church washing
communion cups after the worship service. Well, the
days of cleaning glass communion ware has gone
bye-bye. Our congregation uses communion cups
that are made from corn-based resin! It is actually a
biopolymer made from polylactide (PLA).
PLA is considered a bioplastic that naturally
degrades when exposed to the environment. If you
take one of the communion cups and toss it in your
garden at home, it will take about 180 days to
decompose. In a commercial composting facility, PLA
products may degrade in as few as 90 days.
In any case, after communion, you might see a
lot of communion cups being tossed in the trash.
Don’t worry! They will return to the earth. It is so
wonderful to see how technological advances help
us in our worship experience, and we no longer have
to spend a lot of time to clean things up! Hallelujah!
—James Bash, Worship & Music Committee
CELEBRATING TWO SHINING STARS!
Debbie Rehn and Bonny Groshong
January brings special events for two very special
staff members.
Debbie Rehn has been First
Immanuel’s Office Manager
for 20 years, as of Jan. 2,
2020. Hard to believe? Yes,
and even harder to imagine
how our day-to-day
operations would proceed
without Debbie’s capable and
compassionate presence. She is a gem and we are
blessed by her faithful work. We will specially honor
Debbie at coffee hour on Sunday, January 12—
please join us!
Bonny Groshong will be
retiring from her work as FILC’s
Volunteer Administrator, at
the start of January. That is,
she’ll be retiring again! When
Bonny officially retired from her
career at the American Cancer
Society, she was invited to step
in as Volunteer Administrator for First Immanuel.
That was the late 1990s—and since then Bonny has
done everything, including but not limited to:
managing FILC property, coordinating property use,
overseeing staff, ordering supplies, organizing
worship volunteers, and serving as liaison to multiple
community organizations. Bonny has done all of this
as an energetic and willing volunteer!—and now
she’s ready for the next stage of relaxation. We will
honor Bonny at our Annual Meeting on January
26—don’t miss this special opportunity to express
our most heartfelt thanks!
Endowment Workshop—Save the Date!
The First Immanuel
Endowment Committee
will host a Financial
Planning Workshop on
Sunday, February 16, at
12:30 p.m. We’ll begin with
lunch together, then learn
how to insure that our values are represented in the
decisions we make, especially in creating or updating
a will and dealing with guardianship for children. Call
the church office to reserve your spot!
FILC BOOK GROUP Sunday, January 12, 6:30 p.m.
at the home of Lynn & Mike Akerman (Beaverton)
Join us for a classic wintry novella (short but good!),
great conversation and tasty treats. For RSVP and
directions: 503-690-7643, [email protected]
January Selection: Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
First published in 1911, Ethan
Frome is widely regarded as
Edith Wharton's most revealing
novel and her finest
achievement in fiction. Set in the
bleak, barren winter landscape
of New England, it is the tragic
tale of a simple man, bound to
the demands of his farm and his
tyrannical, sickly wife, Zeena,
and driven by his star-crossed love for Zeena's young
cousin, Mattie Silver. An exemplary work of literary
realism in setting and character, Ethan Frome stands
as one of the great classics of twentieth-century
American literature.
Annual Meeting on January 26
Please mark your
calendars to attend our
congregational assembly
after worship on Sunday,
January 26. The Annual
Meeting is when we make
decisions about the kind of
ministry we will share in the coming year. Your
participation is important for making ministry plans
for our future. We will:
• Elect members to serve on Church Council, Audit
Committee, Nominating Committee and
Endowment Committee
• Elect our congregation president
• Approve a budget for 2020
• Receive reports from our pastors, committees,
officers and council
Annual Reports will be available for you to pick
up in late January.
We will share a potluck lunch. If your last name
begins with A-L, please bring a hot dish. If it begins
with M-Z, please bring a salad. Can you help with
setting up before the meeting, or cleaning up
afterward? Please contact the church office (503-
226-3659).
FOLLOW THE ELCA ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Do you follow the ELCA on social media? Keep
informed with church news, events, pictures and
videos across many platforms. Find us on:
Facebook: Facebook.com/Lutherans
Twitter: @ELCA on Twitter
Instagram: @ELCA on Instagram
YouTube: YouTube.com/ELCA
Join the online community of Lutherans!
Check out our new chart for Coffee Hour! Sign up to: bring goodies, serve goodies, or both
Everyone loves a snack and some
friendly conversation after worship on
Sunday. Now there’s a new way to keep
the friendship flowing. Some people
love to bake but are not able to serve in
the kitchen due to worship
responsibilities. Others enjoy being kitchen helpers
but do not wish to bake or shop. The new chart
makes room for both and all. Take a look next time
you’re in Fellowship Hall—and don’t forget to add
your name.
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS HEALTHY FOODS
Did you know that 30% of food
boxes are customized to meet
the dietary restrictions of
residents? Often these items are
scarce. Why not take this list of
most wanted items with you to the grocery store:
• Low sodium foods (soups, canned veggies,
prepared foods – under 140 mg sodium)
• Low/no sugar added foods (canned fruit,
breakfast items, snacks)
• Gluten-free foods (pasta, breakfast items,
snacks)
• Nut butters
• Canned tuna or meat
• Canned beans
• Brown rice and grains
• Cans or cartons of soup
• Breakfast items
• Cash donations are also welcome...$5 = 15
meals!
“Each of you should use
whatever gift you have
received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of
God’s grace in its various
forms.”
—1 Peter 4:10
As each new year begins,
we are motivated to
personally reflect on our purpose and how we’ll
spend time and energy in the year to come. As
Christians, we understand that everything in life is a
gift from God, meant to sustain us in our calling to
share compassion, courage, peace and justice with
all people in God’s name. Our sharing of time and
energy, along with our financial giving, are beautiful
expressions of thanks and care.
As your Council prepares the 2020 budget to
present at our Annual Meeting on Jan. 26, their
planning is greatly helped by receiving completed
pledge cards from all members. Thank you for your
prayerful consideration and generous response.
DECEMBER COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Actual pledge giving: Budgeted pledge giving:
November: $18,209 November: $23,203
2019 TOTAL: $200,383 2019 TOTAL: $255,233
Reporting and Discussion Items.
This month, Council discussed the progress of end-
of-year giving as we seek to make up the current
budget deficit. An update was provided about the
Property Development Task Force and its work with
other faith communities to provide housing
solutions. With Bonny’s upcoming retirement,
Council is working on the best ways to handle her
responsibilities next year. Council also reviewed the
updated 2020 budget.
—Dan Dietz, Secretary
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 emailed, usually on
Thursdays. Sign up at www.firstimmanuelluth.org, or
contact the church office.
Sunday School starts again on Jan. 12!
Our Sunday School is a
wonderful time for
singing, playing hand
chimes, hanging out with
friends, and learning
about God’s powerful
love. Sunday School will
resume after our Christmas break on January 12.
We begin every Sunday morning at 9:45 AM in
the Assembly Room to sing and make music with
Ralph Nelson. Then we’ll move to our classrooms to
learn about the amazing love of God in Jesus.
Nursery care for young children is available with Kim
Verser.
The Pre-K—Kindergarten class meets in the
Blue Room with teachers Nancy Matthias and Emily
Traetow. The Elementary class (1st through 5rd grade)
meets in the Green room with Pastor Aaron as
teacher.
Confirmation Classes The Confirmation process at
First Immanuel is designed
for middle school youth and
their parents, providing an
experience of Christian
community, together with
the chance to explore basic
resources for Christian faith
in an engaging and fun way. We enjoy good food,
new friendships, and lots of fun.
This year we’re learning what the Bible is all
about, using a book by Dan Erlander called Manna
and Mercy. We’ll meet a couple of times each month
on Sunday afternoons after worship. This month,
we’ll meet on Jan. 12 and 19. We gather at 1 p.m.,
share lunch together, and then explore how the
Bible can help us build a lively faith life. For more
details, talk to Pastor Aaron.
Upcoming Youth Activities
In January, First
Immanuel youth
are planning for a
behind-the-scenes
tour of the Oregon
Humane Society,
on Sunday, Jan. 19,
3-5 p.m. For more information, talk to Pastor Aaron.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our
Christmas program so much fun—children, parents,
and Sunday School teachers. “God’s Shaking It All
Up” was written by Pastor Aaron, with original
music by Ralph Nelson. Thank you to our readers
and narrators: Sean Belt, Cate Bikales, and Kanoa
Martin. Thank you to Ralph Nelson and all of the
parents who helped keep things organized, and to
all the children who helped share the Christmas
story!
Many thanks for your Christmas help!
Special thanks to everyone who helped decorate the
sanctuary, and especially to Jim Wick for donating
our magnificent tree. Poinsettia donors, bakers,
Sunday School kids and parents, Lucia participants,
Choir and all worship volunteers—you made FILC’s
Advent and Christmas beautiful through your gifts of
yourselves. New Year blessings to you all!
EMAIL PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer is a powerful gift
connecting us with God and one
another. We invite you to join
the Prayer Chain ministry,
either by sharing a concern or
making our weekly email requests a part of your
devotional life. If you have prayer requests or
updates, please send them to Suzanne Nelson at
[email protected] by Monday
evening each week. To join the group, also contact
Suzanne. Sincere thanks to ALL our members and
friends who share God’s love and healing strength
through this ministry!
1: Chris Akerman 24: Caden Bessette
Erik Akerman Patti Hart
2: Beverly Gottwig Zoe Spitzer
4: Dave Gross 25: Jordan Weber
7: Cate Bikales 26: Marja Selmann
9: Elaine Graves 27: George Granger
Nancy Matthias 30: Michelle Johnson
10: Steve Bailey 31: Mark Carlson
Pamela Porter Nicholas Knipe
13: Dan Dietz
15: Rebekka Rasmussen
17: Sue Nelson 1: Martha Driessnack &
18: Linda Langley George Noble
20: Joel VanDeGrift 15: John & Linda Thom
Don’t see your special day? Contact Debbie (503/226-
3659, [email protected]) with your details.
Thanks for Giving to the Giving Tree
First Immanuel members
have done it again! Thanks
to your generous response,
we provided each resident
of Gallagher Plaza with a
$15 gift card from Fred
Meyer. Thanks for helping
to make the holidays merry for our neighbors!
HOLIDAY WREATH REMINDER
Wasn’t the Advent Workshop
great? If you made your holiday
greenery using one of the wreath
forms that were provided, please
consider returning the form to
church so that it may be used by
someone again next year. Thanks!
FIRST IMMANUEL CORE VALUES
Spiritual Life � Friendly Community � Acceptance & Diversity � Tradition & Heritage �
Music & Worship � Growing in Faith � Family Focus � Serving & Volunteering
Plentiful Parking Options
FREE ON-STREET PARKING ON SUNDAYS
Meters do not operate
except during Timbers
home matches. (On these
rare Sundays, see usher
for parking pass or use
designated lots, being
sure to display church
sticker.) Also consider ZONE K, to the east of church,
where 2-hour parking is not metered.
PARKING LOTS AVAILABLE FOR CHURCH ACTIVITIES
• Main Church Lot, enter on 19th (limited, 7 spaces)
Available daily, reserved Sunday morning for those
with limited mobility
• Mesher Tools (17th & Johnson, keep doors clear)
Sunday morning, Thursday evening — display FILC
parking sticker
• Miller Paint (17th & Kearney) Sunday morning,
Thursday evening
• Chown Hardware employee lot (gravel lot behind
Mission Theater, enter from 17th south of
Glisan) Sunday morning
• Chown Hardware customer parking (front of
store, 16th & Flanders) Thursday evening only, 6-9
p.m.
• Kilmer Voorhees & Laurick Law Firm (19th &
Johnson) Sunday morning, limited mobility only —
requires FILC parking sticker
• Parking Maps are available in the church entrance
and from Parking Task Force members (Dan Dietz,
Bonny Groshong, Bill Stack, Linnea Zahradnik, Pr.
Melinda).
FILC PARKING STICKERS are
available from church office or
Parking Task Force members;
donations gladly accepted.
Displaying a sticker in your
back window reassures our
generous neighborhood
parking lot owners and helps preserve our privileges.
STILL MORE GREAT WAYS TO GET TO CHURCH
• STREETCAR: NW 18th & Lovejoy (closest stop). Visit
portlandstreetcar.org for schedules.
• BUS: New #24 runs on NW 18th & 19th. Bus #77
stops at NW 19th & Glisan. Visit trimet.org for
schedules.
• BIKE PARKING AVAILABLE TOO.
January 2020 at First Immanuel unday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
New Year Blessings— Office Closed
2 8:30 AM Showers
10 AM RH Knit
1 PM RH Bloom
4:30 PM Food Pantry
6 PM ACOA
3 8:30 AM Showers 10 AM RH Bingo 12 PM Food Pantry
4
5
11 AM Worship
12 PM Coffee Hr.
12:30 PM Cong. Life Committee
4:30 PM Waking Up White Family Group
8 PM AA
6 8:30 AM Showers
1 PM RH Bloom
7 8:30 AM Showers
9 AM Lift UP Dev. Committee
9 AM RH Beading
12 PM Pantry
1 PM Pastors Study Group
1 PM RH Bloom
2 PM RH Sewing
6 PM Executive Committee
8 8:30 AM Lift UP Harvest Share
10 AM PDTF
12:30 PM RH Showers
1:30 PM RH Yoga
9 8:30 AM Showers
10 AM RH Knit
1 PM RH Bloom
4:30 PM Food Pantry
6 PM ACOA
6 PM Bell Choir
7 PM Choir
10 8:30 AM Showers 10 AM RH Bingo
12 PM Food Pantry
11 3 PM Shabbat School
12 9:45 AM Ed. Hour
11 AM Worship
12 PM Coffee Hr.
12:30 PM Out-reach Tech Team
1 PM Confirma-tion Class
6:30 PM FILC Book Group
8 PM AA
13 8:30 AM Showers
1 PM RH Bloom
14 8:30 AM Showers
9 AM RH Beading
12 PM Pantry
1 PM Pastors Study Group
1 PM RH Bloom
2 PM RH Sewing
6 PM Council
15 12:30 PM RH Showers
1:30 PM RH Yoga
16 8:30 AM Showers
10 AM RH Knit
1 PM RH Bloom 4:30 PM Food Pantry
6 PM ACOA
6 PM Bell Choir
7 PM Choir
17 8:30 AM Showers 10 AM RH Bingo
12 PM Food Pantry
18
19 9:45 AM Ed. Hour
11 AM Worship
12 PM Coffee Hr.
12:30 PM Waking Up White Group
1 PM Confirma-tion Class
3 PM Youth Group
8 PM AA
20
Office Closed
21 8:30 AM Showers
9 AM RH Beading
12 PM Pantry
1 PM Pastors Study Group
1 PM RH Bloom
2 PM RH Sewing
6:30 PM Leaven Community Housing Meeting
22 12:30 PM RH Showers
1:30 PM RH Yoga
6 PM Worship & Music Committee
23 8:30 AM Showers
10 AM RH Knit
1 PM RH Bloom
4:30 PM Food Pantry
6 PM ACOA
24 8:30 AM Showers 10 AM RH Bingo
12 PM Food Pantry
25 3 PM Shabbat School
26 9:45 AM Ed. Hour
11 AM Worship
12 PM Annual Meeting & Potluck
8 PM AA
27 8:30 AM Showers
1 PM RH Bloom
28 8:30 AM Showers
12 PM Pantry
1 PM Pastors Study Group
1 PM RH Bloom 2 PM RH Sewing
29 12:30 PM RH Showers
1:30 PM RH Yoga
30 8:30 AM Showers
10 AM RH Knit
1 PM RH Bloom
4:30 PM Food Pantry 6 PM ACOA
31 8:30 AM Showers 10 AM RH Bingo 12 PM Food Pantry