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The Cascadia Connec on 1 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
The Cascadia ConnectionThe Cascadia Connection The newsletter of the Cascadia District The newsletter of the Cascadia District OregonOregon--Idaho Annual Conference, The United Methodist ChurchIdaho Annual Conference, The United Methodist Church October 2013, Vol 2, issue 8
Presiding Bishop Grant Hagiya Rev. Peg Lofsvold, District Superintendent
680 State St., Suite 200, Salem, OR 97301 Lisa Radford, District Lay Leader Voice: (503) 581-3969 Fax: (503) 480-7599 Linda Grund-Clampit, Administrative Assistant Office E-mail: [email protected] www.umoi.org/cascadia Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.—4 p.m., Monday—Thursday
Contents: Connec ons
2—Ready, Leap, Soar Picture Album! 13—Prayer Calendar
Mission 9 ‐ Kenya Trip 2014 9—Rag Dolls 2 Love 10 ‐ Genera on Transforma on 10 ‐ Connect with Campus Ministry 11—UMCOR in Colorado 12—ESL Classes 12—Serving Homeless Families
Events & Trainings 4—Safe Sanctuary Trainings 4—Shi Happens! 5 ‐ Social Media Training 5—Pre‐Re rement Seminar 6—Explora on 2013 6—Marriage Encounter 7—Classes for Caregivers 7—LARC: Worship Class at Collins 8—CDCES Annual Mee ng 8—How to Preach Jus ce
Resources 14—More Connec ons
Charge Conference Season Thoughts from the District Superintendent
It’s October! The mornings are nippy, the maples are turning, the rain (or snow) is falling. And in Methodist circles that can only mean‐‐it’s charge conference season. I hear the cheers welling up! Well, perhaps not. Sta s cs, reports, and lists are o en not our favorite things to do. We see the checklist, and the pile of forms, and at best, we sigh. I know some of us are tempted to other responses. But I’d like to share some ways our charge conference prepara on can be ministry, too. Start preparing as early as possible. Share the informa on gathering among the leadership team. Collect dra reports as soon as possible. And, as you search out the data needed, take note of how easy it was to find what you needed. Set in place now systems or procedures that make the data‐collec ng easier, for charge conference and for year‐end reports. Review the reports in appropriate commi ees or teams before the charge confer‐ence; use them as tools to evaluate your ministry. What do the numbers mean for your church and its ministries? Did something unexpected happen? Is a trend con‐firmed? What adjustments or changes are called for to reach your ministry goals? Leadership needs good informa on to set the course of min‐istry. Share widely the informa on and insights you gain. Talk about your ministry “numbers” in com‐mi ee mee ngs, Sunday school, even worship. Invite people into conversa on about their sig‐nificance. Let the discussion be celebra on and remembrance, a look back over the year, and a look forward to the future God has in store. When I receive each charge conference packet from you, I give thanks for the peo‐ple each represents, the leaders and ministries of each church, the hopes and pos‐sibili es in every se ng. Even though I may not be with you at your charge confer‐ence mee ng this year, know I li you up in prayer on that day and always.
Blessings,
If you need an update on the schedule, who will be your presiding elder, or the required reports, go to www.umoi.org/Cascadia and look for “Cascadia Fall Charge Conferences” in the le ‐hand menu. Or contact Linda in the District Office: 503‐581‐3969 or [email protected]
Contents: Connec ons
2—Ready, Leap, Soar Picture Album! 13—Prayer Calendar
Mission 9 ‐ Kenya Trip 2014 9—Rag Dolls 2 Love 10 ‐ Genera on Transforma on 10 ‐ Connect with Campus Ministry 11—UMCOR in Colorado 12—ESL Classes 12—Serving Homeless Families
Events & Trainings 4—Safe Sanctuary Trainings 4—Shi Happens! 5 ‐ Social Media Training 5—Pre‐Re rement Seminar 6—Explora on 2013 6—Marriage Encounter 7—Classes for Caregivers 7—LARC: Worship Class at Collins 8—CDCES Annual Mee ng 8—How to Preach Jus ce
Resources 14—More Connec ons
The Cascadia Connec on 2 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
Ready, Leap, Soar! Leadership That Works September 21, 2013 at Tigard UMC, with Bishop Hagiya
Innovative Ministries Back to Table of Contents
Com
pel
ling S
tori
es
We had a great me! So glad you could be with us! If you weren’t, be sure to ask someone from your church who did
go to share with you!
The Cascadia Connec on 3 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
Exci
ting
Wor
ship
Transforming Questions
150 people from 39 congrega ons enjoyed worship, Bishop Hagiya’s presenta on, lunch, and their
choice from six fantas c workshops. $783.22 was offered for UMCOR’s disaster relief in Colorado. Our
apprecia on goes out to the Cascadia District Leadership Team for the ini al plan, Tigard UMC for
hos ng us with amazing hospitality, Ginia Finch for lunch, the Tigard men's group for set‐up and clean‐
up, the Marimbas led by Jeff and Jill Naeve‐Powers, the leaders of workshops, and of course, the Bishop!
The Cascadia Connec on 4 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
EVENTS&TRAININGS
Opportuni es to learn new skills or gain new insights for living out our faith
Looking for ways to sa sfy the requirement for Safe Sanctuary training in your church? The Episcopal Diocese of Oregon’s SAFE Church Program is one way to get it. This is a great 4‐hour course with videos, workpages and discussion. They’ve been most gracious in having United Methodist guests par cipate. They are o en interested that we have sample policies (which they don’t offer) so it’s good if UM par cipants bring their Safe Sanctuary books and conference minimum requirements for local congrega on’s policy wri ng. Learn more about their program at h p://www.diocese‐oregon.org/about/trainings‐cer ficates/safe‐church/ The fall program will focus on the Safeguarding God’s Children por on of the training. Two other trainings will be scheduled a er the first of the year. Upcoming Safeguarding God’s Children trainings have been scheduled in the following North Coast and Willame e Val‐ley loca ons: Sunday, October 20 – Grace Episcopal Church, Astoria, 12:30 to 4:30pm Saturday, October 26 – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Salem, 1 to 5pm Sunday, October 27— St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oregon City, 12:30—4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 8 – Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, 1to 5pm For more informa on, contact Barbara Ross at 971‐204‐4111 or barbarar@diocese‐oregon.org
Training to Support Safe Sanctuary Practices Episcopal Church Trainings work for us!
Shift Happens: Hope in the Midst of Transition Conference Sponsored by General Board of Global Ministries meeting ins Houston, TX in January
A gathering of Urban and Rural Prac oners January 16 ‐ 18, 2014 ‐ Houston, Texas , the Shi Happens: Hope in the Midst of Transi on conference, promises that par cipants will take home insights from gi ed speakers & leaders, rele‐vant workshops, and best prac ces for leading renewal in today's challenging urban and rural context. Speakers and Workshops will cover such diverse topics as Congrega onal Renewal in both the rural and urban context, Grant Wri ng, Asset‐based Community Development, Circles out of Poverty, Effec ve comba ng of Racism, Cross‐Cultural Hospitality, Networking Theory and Prac ce, and much more. There will also be networking me to reinforce rela onships between and within jurisdic ons and agencies of the United Methodist Church and empower our work to expand the global nature of our networks. "Early bird" registra on fee of $155 per person from now through September 30, 2013. A er that date, the registra on fee will be $185 per person. A block of rooms is reserved at the Wes n Galleria in Houston at a conference rate of $119/night, reserva ons available through October 17th. For more informa on, click here. The event is sponsored by iRUN (The Interna onal Rural and Urban Network of the United Methodist Church), Church and Community Workers, and the General Board of Global Ministries (UMC).
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The Cascadia Connec on 5 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
This learning opportunity will be taught by Rev. Jeremy Smith (Minister of Discipleship at Portland First UMC) and friends. The seminars will include an introduc on to guiding elements about using social media, a look at various social media sites to consider using in ministry, informa on on boundaries and minefields, new ways to use social media in the local church, and how to be effec ve missionaries working in a social media culture. The 2‐hour seminars will be offered four mes in four different loca ons:
Wednesday, October 9: 7‐9 PM Portland First UMC
Saturday, October 12: 9:30‐11:30 AM Christ UMC, Beaverton
Wednesday, October 16: 2‐4PM The Dalles
Thursday, October 17: 7‐9PM Tabor Heights UMC, Portland
Learning Format: INTRO: Guiding elements GOOD NEWS: Learn TWO social media sites that can branch off. BAD NEWS: Social Media Boundaries & Minefields CREATIVE NEWS: What new ways might we use social media? CLOSING: Missionaries to an Embedded Culture
Fee: $15 per church group. Pay by check wri en to “Columbia District” in advance of event, sent to Columbia District office, 1505 SW 18th Ave., Portland, OR 97201. Register online at www.umoi.org/events/detail/2025
From Gutenberg to Google: Social Media in the Local Church Learn the Promise and Pitfalls of Social Media in Ministry
EVENTS&TRAININGS
Opportuni es to learn new skills or gain new insights for living out our faith
A pre‐re rement seminar for clergy members of the Annual Conference has been scheduled for November 11‐12 at Alton L. Collins Retreat Center. The event is for clergy and spouses who wish to learn about re rement op ons as they plan for the future. We would like to suggest that people come to at least two of these events before re rement. Par cipants can register online now. For more informa on, contact Lisa Pronovost at 503‐802‐9224 or [email protected]
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Pre-Retirement Seminar For clergy members considering retirement in the next few years
The Cascadia Connec on 6 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
EVENTS&TRAININGS
Opportuni es to learn new skills or gain new insights for living out our faith
It’s me to do it — registra on for Explora on 2013 is now open! The event will be Nov. 15‐17 in Denver, Colorado. Explora on is a three‐day event for young adults age 18‐26 to hear, discern, and respond to God's call to ordained ministry and to explore their gi s for service as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church. Explora on creates sacred space for young adults to be in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflec on, and prac cal workshops as they discern whether God’s call on their life is to ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church and what faithful steps they can take in response. Is God calling you? Do you see God calling a young adult you know? Explora on is on Facebook! Spread the word! Back to Table of Contents
Is God Calling You? Explora on 2013 to be held Nov. 15‐17 in Denver
Strong Marriages, Vital Churches Interfaith Marriage Encounter Weekend in Portland November 15-17, 2013
A Marriage Encounter Weekend will be offered in Portland Nov. 15‐17th. This is a weekend away for couples to: • Escape from their busy everyday life • Put God at the center of their marriage • Rediscover the one they love Marriage Encounter Weekends begin Friday evening and con nue through Sunday a ernoon, giving couples 44 hours to reconnect with their spouse and rekindle their romance. Weekend presenta ons include: • Exploring Our Personality Style • Communica ng Our Feelings • Dealing with the Stresses in the World Around Us • Learning What it Means to Really Listen • Understanding God’s Plan for Our Marriage • Keeping Our Rela onship a Priority • And More The focus is on each other as couples learn to let the rest of the world fade into the background. The local contact couple for the Portland ME weekend is: Dave & Pa Rose, Forest Grove, Oregon, 503‐357‐2596, ro‐[email protected]. Contact them for registra on informa on. Dr. Gary Chapman, author of "The Five Love Languages", has made a short video about Marriage Encounter: Worldwide Marriage Encounter Introduc on by Dr. Gary Chapman Back to Table of Contents
http://www.wwme.org/
The Cascadia Connec on 7 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
Providence Hospice Has Classes to Support Caregivers and Ministers Free Presenta ons Offered in North Valley and North Coast
EVENTS&TRAININGS
Opportuni es to learn new skills or gain new insights for living out our faith
Are there members of your congrega on who have suffered the loss of a loved one or who are caring for someone who is seriously ill? Providence Hospice would like to help. Our Community Care Program has been suppor ng faith commu‐ni es since 1996 by offering educa onal presenta ons free of charge. These presenta ons provide simple and effec ve tools for clergy, lay ministers, and parishioners who want to support someone going through a difficult me. Available seven days a week during the day or evening, we can offer any of the following presenta ons at your loca on (in the Portland metro area, over to Seaside and down as far as Mt. Angel):
• "I Don't Know What to Say: Prac cal Ideas for Suppor ng Someone Who Is Seriously Ill" • "Healing a Broken Heart: How to Help a Person Who Is Grieving" • "Help for Caregivers: How Rela ves, Friends and Neighbors Can Share the Care" • "Crea ng a Loving Legacy: How to Talk About End‐of‐Life Care"
In addi on, as the holiday season approaches, we offer a presenta on called “Get Me Through the Holidays" which is designed to address the feelings of sadness and isola on that can intensify over the holidays for those who have lost a loved one. It is intended for those who are grieving as well as those who want to offer their support. These are offered at Providence loca ons in November. See the flyer online for loca ons, dates, and mes. We are also available to come to your loca on (as above) if you would prefer to host a “Get Me Through the Holidays" presenta on. For more informa on about our program or to schedule a Community Care presenta on, please feel free to contact Anne Kister, Community Care Liaison. She can be reached by phone at 503.215.4636 or by email at [email protected]. Back to Table of Contents
The final LARC program in the 2013 series is Tuesday, October 29th, featuring Bishop Beverly Shamana for a full day of sessions covering topics that range from “Jammin’ with the Bible” (capturing the basic elements of jazz to bring the Bi‐ble to life in new ways) to “Waking Up with Paul” (exploring the playful side of Paul’s freeing word with congrega onal involvement). She will also share her wonderful gi of preaching at opening worship, and much more! There is also a free‐standing and free event the night before where you can get cra y with the Bishop. Visit the website for all the details: www. Collinsretreatcenter.org/LARC.html !
The Cascadia Connec on 8 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
Preaching Workshop Focused on Justice Offered in Portland A low cost, local(ish) opportunity with a renowned preacher!
You Are Invited to the CDCES Annual Meeting Learn about the work of the Extension Society and how it can benefit your congrega on
EVENTS&TRAININGS
Opportuni es to learn new skills or gain new insights for living out our faith
Please make plans to a end the Annual Mee ng of the Cascadia District Church Extension Society (CDCES). We are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at Morningside United Methodist Church, 3674 12th St SE, Sa‐lem, Oregon 97302 at 11:00 AM. The event will include worship and program as well as lunch! Every church in the Cascadia District belongs to the Extension Society. As a member church in this partnership one of your roles is to have your church representa ves a end the CDCES Annual Mee ng. The pastor, lay leader, & one oth‐er lay person are your church’s members of the Society. Other interested folks are also invited & encouraged to a end. Your presence is important to us! If you will not be able to a end, please make sure someone else in your con‐grega on is there. This year we are making our loca on more central geographically & using a weekday late morning mee ng with a lunch, so our members farther away have a good chance to a end. The goal of the CDCES is to partner with churches in the Cascadia District to develop a shared vision so that “dreams may become reality.” As partners in ministry we each have our role to fulfill. In this partnership, the role of the CDCES & the Board of Directors is to:
• Provide grants & loans for purposes including, emergencies, capital improvements, repairs & develop‐ment of new ministries, • Oversee & maximize investments to generate income, • Share consulta on resources with churches to support new ministries or programs.
We look forward to each of the District congrega ons being represented as we hear about the Society, celebrate this year’s ac vi es, & hear about future ministry opportuni es. Please watch for the le er invi ng you to this event com‐ing soon by regular mail. It includes a form to make your reserva ons with us. On behalf of the Cascadia District Church Extension Society Directors, I look forward to gree ng you at Morningside UMC on October 30th! By Grace Alone, Rev. Rand D. Sargent, CDCES President Back to Table of Contents
A Homile cs Workshop for ministers, pastors, and anyone who preaches will be offered, led by Rev. Dr. James Forbes, on Friday, Oct. 18 at 12:00 PM ‐ 2:30 PM, Highland Chris an Center, 7600 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR.
Rev. Forbes is senior minister emeritus of the Riverside Church in New York City. Before being called to Riverside's pul‐pit, Rev. Forbes spent 15 years as a professor of preaching at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
Par cipants will leave with helpful tools and techniques for preaching, as well as a renewed call to engage our congre‐ga ons to do jus ce, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Click here for addi onal informa on and to register online. Cost is $15 which includes lunch. This event is sponsored by Bread for the World, Ecumenical Ministries of Ore‐gon, The Oregon‐Idaho Conference of The United Methodist Church, Highland Chris an Center, and the Oregon Center for Chris an Voices.
The Cascadia Connec on 9 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
UMVIM Trip to Kenya Planned for July 2014 Serve at Maua Methodist Hospital and Meru Farm
Louise and Jamie Kienzle of Hermiston First UMC will be leading a Vol‐unteers in Mission team to Kenya July 3‐22, 2014. Work will begin in Maua with projects related to Maua Methodist Hospital and its out‐reach programs. A second week will be based at the Bio‐Intensive Farm in Meru with work at local schools and orphanages. This trip is a con nua on of the trips by Oregon‐Idaho United Methodists each summer since 2006. You can see this year’s brochure by clicking here. Or ask Linda in the district office (503‐581‐3969, [email protected]) to send you one! There is an introductory mee ng in October to give an overview of the trip covering costs, health, travel, possible projects, “why go?” and stories of lives touched:
Saturday, October 12; 10:30‐12:00; Albany UMC If you are interested and can join us for this mee ng, we would love to see you! If you can’t come to the mee ngs, but want to know more, please contact us at [email protected] or 541‐751‐0511.
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THEBODYOFCHRIST
Our church in mission
Opportunity to Share Rag Dolls 2 Love Lake Oswego UMC ministry is featured at Conference Office — Your congrega on’s ministry can be, too!
The Wednesday Morning Cra Group at Lake Oswego United Methodist Church has been making "Rag Dolls 2 Love" since 2004 and con nue to do so. We have sent over 5500 all over the World. Rag Dolls 2 Love, Inc was started to put a so cloth doll in the hands of children who live in countries ravaged by war, are or‐phaned or infected by HIV/ AIDS or trauma zed by natural disasters. You can learn more about the dolls at www.ragdolls2love.org We are pu ng the word out so when anyone or group is going somewhere they might consider taking Dolls with them. They can be distributed to Orphanages, Hospitals, War torn countries, or homeless children. If this interests you, please contact LOUMC at 503‐636‐8423 or Marilyn Zeigler at 503‐636‐7906.
The Rag Dolls 2 Love ministry is featured during October in a display at the UM Conference Center, 1505 SW 18th Ave., Portland. If you’re in the area — check it out! A ministry of your congrega on could be featured there, too. Click here for more informa on, or contact Sally Blanchard at [email protected]
The Cascadia Connec on 10 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
Mission Service Opportunities through Generation Transformation Young Adult Mission Opportuni es
THEBODYOFCHRIST
Our church in mission
The United Methodist Church General Board of Global Ministries is pleased to share with you launching of Genera on Transforma on, a new ini a ve that provides mission service opportuni es for young adults. The three programs that are available through Genera on Transforma on are the Global Mission Fellows ‐ our two year service program, the Global Jus ce Volunteers ‐ our ten week program, and the Individual Volunteers ‐ our 2 month to two year program. Please check out the Genera on Transforma on site at www.umcmission.org/gt for more informa on on each program! The applica ons for the programs are November 15th and January 1st. Please read through the press release by clicking here to learn more about the applica on process. Back to Table of Contents
Campus Ministry Connection Provides Opportunity Campus is a place of ministry, mission, and connec on
The roots of Methodism grew on a university campus — and campus ministry is s ll an essen al element of The United Methodist Church. We are called to share with our campuses the transforma onal nature of Christ in a way that rais‐es up a new genera on of though ul, ar culate Chris ans who care about making the world a be er place. While this calling looks and feels very different across our campuses, it is central to our iden ty and it compels us to provide in‐ten onal collegiate ministries that call out to this emerging genera on. In Oregon‐Idaho, we have campus ministry programs at Portland State University, Western Oregon University, Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Eastern Oregon University, Idaho State University and Boise State University. There are also United Methodist campus ministries at other colleges and universi es across the country. Our connec onal system provides an opportunity for you to par cipate in this exci ng ministry in two ways:
If your congrega on has young people who have “gone off to college” this fall, it would be great for you to let the campus ministry program at their college or university know that your student is there! That way they can reach out to your student personally. Campus Ministry provides both safety and challenge, fellowship and growth — and can be a wonderful “home away from home” for students. Offer this wonderful faith resource to your student by contac ng their campus ministry program. Your district office can help you find the informa on to contact the campus ministry on the campus in ques on. Contact Linda Grund‐Clampit at [email protected]
Support the campus ministry programs in our Annual Conference with your prayers, gi s (there is an asking in the Conference Budget which supports Campus Ministry — encourage your congrega on to pay their share), and pres‐ence. If you live near one of the campuses where we have a campus ministry, contact them to see how you can help!
The Cascadia Connec on 11 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
The United Methodist Commi ee on Relief (UMCOR) is the arm of The United Methodist Church dedicated to allevi‐a ng human suffering around the globe. UMCOR’s work reaches people in more than 80 countries, including the United States. They provide humanitarian relief when war, conflict, or natural disaster disrupt life to such an extent that communi es are unable to recover on their own.
UMCOR spends 100 percent of designated dona ons on the projects donors specify. UMCOR can guarantee this be‐cause all administra ve costs are covered by the One Great Hour of Sharing and other undesignated gi s. UMCOR receives no appor onment funding. When UMCOR donors give their me, money, and supplies, they join UMCOR as the hands and feet of Christ. Your prayer support is vital to all that UMCOR does. Learn more about UMCOR and its work around the world at www.umcor.org
Responding to the Floods in Colorado UMCOR Provides Several Ways to Help
THEBODYOFCHRIST
Our church in mission
Make a cash dona on to US Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670. This is the most effec ve and immediate way you can support relief and recovery efforts following a disaster. One hundred percent of your gi will support sur‐vivors of the Colorado floods and ensure UMCOR is prepared to respond whenever and wherever emergencies strike in the United States. Make a cash dona on to Material Resource Ministry, UMCOR Advance #901440. This will help replenish UMCOR re‐lief supplies and enable UMCOR to ship cleaning buckets, health kits, and other supplies to people in need. It is anoth‐er great way you can bring relief and comfort to families reeling from a devasta ng emergency. Assemble cleaning buckets and other relief kits. An emergency such as the flooding in Colorado underscores how vital these supplies are to people caught in a crisis. UMCOR stocks of these supplies are low. Please visit our Relief Supplies web page to learn how to assemble and ship kits to any of the depots in the Relief‐Supply Network.
Please do not self‐deploy to volunteer your services in the course of an emergency such as this one or immediately following it. Volunteers will be needed over the long road to recovery. Contact your United Methodist Volunteers in Mission jurisdic onal coordinator for more informa on.
UMCOR supplies disaster‐response training at every level of the church, from congrega ons to jurisdic ons. Get trained, and make sure your local church is ready to respond should disaster strike. In Colorado, the church’s readi‐ness is making a crucial difference to survivors.
Please con nue to be present to survivors in Colorado through the gi of your prayers. “We follow Jesus by caring for each other and the world through our prayers, gi s, and presence,” Honeycu said. Through your generosity, Colorado flood survivors will build a sense of hope. Please give to US Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670.
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The Cascadia Connec on 12 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
Excitement and Empathy as ESL Classes Begin Hispanic Community Developer Gonzalo Calderon Shares his Experience
The beginning of every new English as a Second Language Class (ESL) is always exci ng. New students register, new tutors want to share their talent and knowledge, new dreams and aspira ons become possibili es. The beginning of every semester has always cap vated me during the last 4 years of tutoring at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church. For me there is no greater pleasure than being able to transmit valuable language skills to students who really want to learn and adapt to their environment. The students learn to express themselves in English while looking for employ‐ment, accessing social services, and helping their children with school homework and projects.
For a dedicated tutor, every semester becomes an opportunity to improve the instruc on of the prior semester. A constant revising and course improvement is essen al to impart new learning in a more consistent and appropriate manner. The past four years of instruc on have been rewarding, since I have the opportunity to assist with the differ‐ent levels of instruc on that the program offers. There are four levels: starters, beginning, intermediate, and ad‐vanced. While any level of learning has its challenges, the beginning is perhaps the most rewarding for me. I s ll re‐member my first encounter with English as a Second Language about 15 years ago in California. My beginning was so humble that I was even challenged by the friendly gree ng of the instructor when he said “Hi! How are you?” My great frustra on came from the fact that I did not know even the English word “hi”, and the instructor did not know a word in Spanish either. The trial and error was amusing, but frustra ng for everyone. The frustra on generated help‐lessness, sleepiness, and being bored in the class. This dilemma kept bothering me un l I progressed with great toil to advance as a student in the language. Now, as a bilingual individual, I understand the struggles of beginning stu‐dents, and try to alleviate the new student’s frustra on as much as I can, while they are learning the difficult language of English. Back to Table of Contents
THEBODYOFCHRIST
Our church in mission
Churches Serve Homeless Families in Washington County Family Promise helps families bridge the gap while they look for housing
Family Promise — formerly known as Family Bridge — is a program for homeless families in the Washington County area.
Thirteen churches par cipate in the program by rota ng the families every week from church to church. Among the thirteen churches, there are four United Methodist Churches which take part in the rota on of services: Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Aloha, and Westside. During the day, the families spend their me at the day house in Hillsboro, but the evenings are spent in the local churches, where they receive dinner and a place to sleep. Volunteers from the churches prepare dinner and serve as overnight hosts.
This is a labor intense enterprise requiring many volunteers, but it is also a great opportunity to help our neighbors. As poverty in Washington County con nues to increase and housing becomes more expensive, more families are in need of this essen al social service.
For ques ons of comments about these ar cles, please contact:
Gonzalo Calderon, MS Hispanic/La no Resources: Community Developer h p://centrocultural.org [email protected] h p://www.virginiagarcia.org 503‐933‐8150 h p://www.adelantemujeres.org
The Cascadia Connec on 13 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
Prayer Calendar A resource to help us support each other in prayer
Please support one another as the family of God through intercessory prayer. A le er or a call can be a part of our prayers! It is also appropriate to li these folks up during wor‐ship.
For the week of: Pray for the people of : Pray for the Pastor Pray for the and family: Lay Leader Sept. 29—Oct. 5 Falls City UMC Dave Bean Kay Graven
Oct. 6—12 Forest Grove UMC Dan Thompson‐Aue Ann Ulum Laura Thompson‐Aue Philip, Ma Rhoda Pi man Markus Oct. 13‐19 Fossil UMC Pearl Whistler Jack Lorts Oct. 20‐26 Grand Ronde UMC Bob Ledden Lyn Holtz Barbara Ledden Oct. 27– Nov. 2 Hillsboro UMC Clay Andrew Kevin Proctor Jen Andrew Clare (2013) Nov. 3— 9 Jefferson UMC Karen Darling Tami Manning Judi Day (deaconess)
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First, I thank my God
through Jesus Christ for
you, because your faith is
proclaimed throughout
the world. For God . . . is
my witness that without
ceasing I remember you
in my prayers . . . For I am
longing to see you . . . so
that we may be mutually
encouraged by each
other’s faith, both yours
and mine.
—Romans 1:8‐9,12
abridged (NRSV)
CONNECTIONS
Rela onships of support and caring in the district and Annual Conference
Please also keep the following in your prayers:
Our District Lay Leader, Lisa Radford, as she ba les recurrence of her cancer.
Sally Jones, wife of Louie Jones, lay supply pastor at Clatskanie, as she recovers from hip replacement surgery,
Those beginning to recover from the floods in Colorado, and the families and friends grieving those who were lost.
The people of Kenya following the terrorist a ack in Nairobi.
The people of Syria as their civil war con nues.
If you are not already but would like to be on the district’s e‐mail prayer chain, please just contact
Linda in the district office: 503‐581‐3969 or [email protected]. The e‐mail prayer chain sends out district and conference‐wide prayer concerns as they occur.
The Cascadia Connec on 14 October 2013, Vol. 2, No. 8
CONNECTIONS
Where to go to find out more
Cascadia District website: www.umoi.org/Cascadia Office e‐mail: [email protected]
Office phone: 503‐581‐3969 Office fax: 503‐480‐7599
Cascadia District Church Extension
website: www.umoi.org/pages/detail/116
Oregon‐Idaho Annual Conference website: www.umoi.org
Office phone: 503‐226‐7931 or 1‐800‐593‐7539
Oregon‐Idaho Camps & Retreats Website: www.gocamping.org
Regional Media Center
E‐mail: [email protected] Office phone: 1‐800‐755‐7710, ext. 313
Cokesbury
Website: www.cokesbury.com Community Resource Consultant, Travas Dew and Cinda McCain
1‐800‐672‐1789, ext. 1208 or ext. 1144 [email protected] [email protected]
The United Methodist Church
website: www.umc.org
UMC Vital Church Project Website: www.umvitalcongrega ons.org
Infoserv (for all ques ons re: UMC)
www.infoserv.umc.org
United Methodist Commi ee on Relief website: www.umcor.org
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