The

Messenger

From the Pastor’s Desk… Hospitality—a word we’ve been using around Canby UMC more frequently these days—is defined as “the relationship between the guest and the host, or the act and practice of being hospitable.” What strikes me first is the word “relationship.” It’s intentional, it’s something that builds and grows over time, and it’s a process that takes energy and involvement from both the guest and the host. According to Henry Brinton, author of the Welcoming Congregation, the roots of hospitality are welcoming sites, worship, meals and small groups. These elements are absolutely critical in developing meaningful relationships with those who begin as strangers to us and end up as friends. These intentional places to extend hospitality create a community of reconciliation, a practice of outreach and an attitude of welcome where people can come and grow as disciples of Jesus. The “act and practice of being hospitable”—hopefully it’s not an act in the sense of pretending, but an act in the sense of taking action. Hospitality goes beyond being welcoming and friendly. Those are good first steps, but hospitality goes further to a depth of giving that is far beyond oneself, given completely to bless the “other.” Not only is it action, but it is about practice—doing it over and over again so that it becomes a natural part of life. Brinton expresses that the fruits of hospitality are reconciliation, outreach, and new perceptions of God’s outrageous love for the world. This makes sense that the act and practice of thinking completely about the

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors The People of the United Methodist Church

Monthly Publication

Canby United Methodist Church April 2014

Pastor Karen Shimer Office: 503-263-6419 kshimer@canby.com

“other” would help a community reach out in healing and reconciliation. We cannot just expect the fruits of hospitality without working intentionally at developing the roots: welcoming sites, worship, meals together, and small groups. It’s funny—we can’t practice hospitality alone. We need to be in community to practice kindness, forgiveness, giving, loving. Easter is at the heart of God’s kingdom message: Jesus’ resurrection to new life is an invitation for all to embrace the ways in which God is bringing new life in us and through us. Building relationships with guests and strangers, thinking fully of the “other” are ways of living the resurrection daily. The conversation about hospitality will continue. But more than just talking about hospitality, our actions and practices need to deepen and grow so that we will live more fully the resurrection life of a community called to love, reconcile, and welcome the guests God sends as gifts among us. May we all continue to grow in our understanding and practice of God’s love as we reach out to those among us and around us, Pastor Karen

Scriptures and Sermons for April 2014

April 6, 2014 Fifth Sunday in Lent Simple (But not Easy): Being Alive Ezekiel 37:1–14 Psalm 130

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Romans 8:6–11 John 11:1–45 April 13, 2014 Palm/Passion Sunday Simple (But not Easy): Recognizing A King Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Philippians 2:5–11 Matthew 26:14–27:66 (27:11-54)    

April 20, 2014 Easter Sunday He is Risen! Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24 Colossians 3:1–4 John 20:1–18 or Matthew 28:1–10

April 27, 2014 Second Sunday of Easter  Life – Giving Hospitality  Acts 2:14a, 22–32 Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3–9 John 20:19–31  

The Benefits of Pruning

Thoughts from the District Superintendent

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.”

John  15:  1-­‐3    

My rose bushes have been mocking me. Every time I left the house, they waved their too long branches at me. In recent weeks, they’ve added flutters of red-green leaves, just to make their point. “Unpruned! Unpruned!”

We are nearing the end of the season of pruning--rose bushes, fruit trees, grape vines. It’s the time of removing the dead wood,

trimming out the crossed branches, cutting back to the essential good wood. Pruning strengthens the root stock, and opens the crown to air and light. Sharp pruning now, in the winter, brings good fruit in the summer.

This winter, I’ve been privileged to be in conversation with several churches and pastors about their present and future lives. In every case, we eventually talk about pruning. Congregations (and church buildings) tend to accumulate clutter. We do something once, and--tada!--it’s a tradition. And every year, with events or practices, we add and add to “the tradition” until we are stuck. Because nothing is ever pruned away, we lose sight of our mission. We can’t see our way forward. And we certainly don’t bear fruit.

Maybe it’s time for pruning in your church. What is the shape your ministry needs--one that’s clean-lined and beautiful? What has to go because it’s at cross-purposes to God’s purpose in you? What fruit do you want to encourage to grow for your congregation and your community?

My rose bushes have been mocking me. So this weekend, I broke out the pruners, a little late but still in time.

With blessings in this season of Lent, and pruning.

Peg Lofsvold, lofsvold@mac.com

Finance

In regard to March finances, we will have enough income to cover our bills and to pay some toward apportionments. The parking lot project is underway but will not be completed until summer when the weather is better. Additional contributions for this project are welcome.

First quarter giving statements will be sent by email in early April. Please check the church mail if you do not have email. We will send

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yours to you if we don't see you by later in April.

Mark Oldenkamp

Trustees

It must be spring because our busy Trustees have a long list of “to do’s” for the spring and summer seasons.

• The Trustees approved a request by the preschool for them to build a playhouse which will meet all safety and code requirements in the area they use as a playground

• The repaving of the parking lot has begun. • The team is currently researching costs and

products for replacing broken FH tables. • The sanctuary sound system is under

discussion concerning repair/replacement. • Organ maintenance is due on our organ. • Yard cleanup day is scheduled for April 12. • Community Garden schedule and price list

is published.

Del Hildreth and Michael Silberstein are coordinating our Community Garden this year. Plot sizes and pricing remains the same for 2014 as last year. Sign-ups began on March 16 with the congregation and last year’s gardeners having first choices of lots. On April 12 open registration begins, and on April 19, the garden is open for planting. Once again the church provides an information and registration packet. You may pick one up in the narthex.

The Trustees’ next meeting is Monday, April 14, at 7:00 pm.

UMW

Dates to Remember:

April 3 UMW General Meeting, 10:00 am Hostesses: Wesleyan Circle Program: Speaker, Sue Chambers, a District officer, will

speak on School of Missions

April 7-9 Setup for the Rummage Sale April 9 Neighborly Lamplighters will meet at church to set up for the Rummage Sale, time TBA. April 10-11

Janie Byrnes will meet at church

to help with the Rummage Sale on April 10. April 15 Wesleyan’s will meet at Mary Ashton’s, 7:00 pm April 20 Easter Coming up in May: May 1 YNW program, Resurrection Joy May 10 Mother’s Day Luncheon, 11 am This will be the 2nd annual youth hosted Mother’s Day event sponsored by the UMW. We are looking for youth who would like to host tables and possibly provide entertainment—playing an instrument, singing a song, reciting a poem, performing a dance, etc. For more information

contact Stephanie Laitinen at 503-956-6731.

A Fair Question…

The church council has approved the fair project for 2014. However, the contract has not been signed yet. The fair committee would like to know what the workers think.

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We had a hard time getting drivers last year. That's a really important job as the driver brings pies and workers to the fair booth. We can't operate without pies or people to sell them. Let Bobbie Knapp at 503-266-3600 know if you can drive. We can't operate without the pies that are prepared in the kitchen. We need workers for the two shifts in the kitchen. Let Sheila Brown know if you can bake again this year. Financially, we do need to do the booth this year. I know the people attending the fair would really miss us if we weren't there. We all have changes in our lives and we can't always do what we used to. We'd like to know your feelings and ideas on how we can operate the fair booth this year. Bobbie Knapp

HELPING EXCEL IN EDUCATION “Before their help my test would not go well. With their help I am now passing,” explained Natanael. Natanael and his sister, Rosa, receive tutoring from two TCC volunteer tutors, Earl Swigert and Norm Church. Every Tuesday and Thursday you find them diligently working on their homework. When asked about her tutors Rosa said, “They are real cool, smart, and quickly added funny.” Earl said of Rosa, “She is very curious and so we have lots of discussions about our families and what kind of things we like. She likes to keep up on what my children and grandchildren are doing.” The one guaranteed thing every session is lots of laughter. What has blossomed is a friendship that goes beyond homework. The changes being made are noticed by their teachers. “My teacher asked the other day

how it feels to be passing the tests, “explained Natanael. Fostering relationships like these are one way The Canby Center is helping at-risk students in Canby overcome barriers in their lives. Ways TCC Helps Students ◦ Computer access for homework ◦ Mentoring at-risk students in school setting ◦ Backpack Buddies Food Packs ◦ School Supplies ◦ After-school recreation room Would you financially support our programs for students? You can mail in a donation or via credit card online at www.thecanbycenter.org/donate. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES --- Clothing Exchange – sort and hang clothes. Assist clients to find appropriate clothing for their needs. Basic data entry skills required. Substitutes are also needed in this area. Monday-Thursday 11:30—3:30 (1-3 hour shifts) Front Desk Volunteer – greet people who come to the Center, answer phones, check people into the clothing exchange, and provide basic direction for people who come in need of help. Monday – Thursday 11:00 – 5:00 (2-3 hour shifts available) Mentoring – Mentor at-risk students in a school setting. Mentoring opportunities vary, but may include academic, hobbies, or life mentoring. Areas of immediate need are economics, math tutoring, reading tutoring, art, and cooking. Flexible opportunities during the school day Clothing Sorter – Help sort clothing in the warehouse for the clothing exchange. Light physical work with lots of standing on your feet. Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, evenings available for groups

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Hours are flexible for many opportunities. For more information www.thecanbycenter.org/Volunteer or call Kelley VanAcker at 503.266.2920 X 224. SUPPLY NEEDS FOR TCC ◦ Socks and Undergarments ◦ Shoes for all ages ◦ Girls clothing size 7/8 ◦ Lawn Mower - Push or Riding ◦ Gas Powered Blower ◦ Weed Eater ◦ Propane Heater for garage ◦ Plastic Folding Tables

Preschool Plans Annual Auction

Hello from the Preschool, We would like to invite anyone who might be interested in coming to our annual auction on April 12th at the Canby Event Center. If you would like to join us for dinner and the auction we still have seats available. Come down to the classrooms and we can give you a form. Dinner tickets are $30 and the silent auction will start at 4:30 pm. This month we will turn the dramatic playroom into a campground! We will be talking about forests and what animals we might find in the forest. The tree lady will come to our school and we will learn about trees and making paper. She is from the organization Talk About Trees. We will have Grandparents day on April 4th. The children are able to invite their Grandparents to school. We will feature the book Pickin Peas, and the children will have a short performance for their Grandparents. At the end of the month we will explore the Molalla River State Park and turn the park into our classroom for a day. We will learn about birds, plant life and ponds. It is an exciting opportunity to learn about nature first hand.

We hope you all have a wonderful month as you watch and enjoy spring. Warmly, Andy and Anne

Mission Team Celebrates Another Successful Trip

We are on the road home now after another successful mission trip to Mexico. Projects are completed as much as we could do. Truck and vans were loaded for a 6 am departure Friday morning where tamales will be purchased at the border crossing. Tamale purchases will happen then. Our final event on Thursday night was a talent show. We will stop at Davis, CA Friday night; home Saturday evening. VBS served at least 300 kids during the three days. The children's sincere plea to “Please don't go. Please come back tomorrow,” was the best testimony to the impact that the team made. I treasure the hugs from several of the kids as their special way of saying “thank you.” We worked at Aqua Viva, the church where the Molina’s now serve. Sunday morning had at least fifty people present. We did several repair projects including light plumbing, painting inside and outside, and installing a Newby electrical circuit to allow for two projectors to display onto the new walls that we made for that purpose. The church we stayed at this year had LOTS of work to do in the parsonage…lots of interior painting, replacing a

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roof over the outside entry, new door, new light fixtures and a special touch with draperies and bed linens.

Robin Kirkwood, a driver and a MT member

We miss you Robin! Thanks again for the support of those back home. We could not do all we do without your financial support, the Agape notes, and especially your prayers. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday morning. Mark and the CUMC Mission Team

Bits & Pieces

Reminder this Sunday March 30th we will be having our Friends and Family Choir sing during worship. Then following worship will be our 5th Sunday Potluck! All are welcome to participate, see you Sunday!

Something new......

You are invited to visit and/or follow Pastor Karen’s blog Come. Rest. Ask. Grow. Walk. The web address is: kshimer.wordpress.com

Also please feel free to access the internet while you are in the building. Our guest wireless network is ASUS_Guest1.

Greeters for April

April 6 Laura & Mark Oldenkamp April 13 Audrey Graham Becky Gutierrez April 20 Bob Cambra Del Hildreth April 27 Brett & Andrew McCormick

Coffee Hour for April April 6 Andrew, Brett, & Taryn

McCormick April 13 Sid & Sheila Brown Ron & Shelly Parsons April 20 Dwight & Bobbie Knapp Becky Gutierrez Beth Sheller April 27 Bob & Shirley Peebles Phil & Sarah Seale

April Birthdays

2nd Geneva Cook 26th Mike Laitinen 17th Eric Laitinen 30th Scot Agnew 19th Geni Pittelkau

Canby United Methodist Church 1520 N Holly St., Canby, OR 97013

503-263-6419, canbyumc@canby.com Web site: www.canby.com/canbyumc

Pastor – Karen Shimer Secretary – Rena Marcus Choir Director – Jill Taylor Organist/Accompanists – Geneva Cook, Stephanie Cook Custodian – Roy Morales

April 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 1 2 3 4 5

Friends & Family Choir Rehearsal 9:03 am 5th Sunday Potluck

UMW Gen. Mtg. 10 am Simply Prayer 5;45-6:30 pm

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 GR: M. & L. Oldenkamp CH: McCormick Family

Trustees 7 Rummage Sale Setup

SPRC 7 pm Finance 7 pm Lamplighters, 7 pm

Rummage Sale Janie Byrnes @ Rummage Sale Simply Prayer 5;45-6:30 pm

Clean Up Day, 9 am- 12 pm CLD Team @ Keizer, 10 am- 3 pm

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 GR: A. Graham, B. Gutierrez CH: S. & S. Brown, R. & S. Parsons

Wesleyan’s @ M. Ashton’s 7 pm

Maundy Thursday, 6:30 pm Soup Supper & Scripture

Holy Saturday Worship 7 pm

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Easter Breakfast 8:30-9:45 am GR: B. Cambra, D. Hildreth CH: D. & B. Knapp, B. Gutierrez, B. Sheller Special Easter offering

Care Comm. 2 pm Karen on vacation

UMW Board Mtg. 11 am

27 28 29 30 Newsletter

Deadline

 Canby F.O.T.S. AA Meetings, M-F, 5:30 pm Stepping Up Al-Anon Meetings, Wednesdays, 1-3 pm Co-Dependency Group Meeting, Wednesdays, 7 pm Girl Scouts, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 5:30-6:45 pm Prayer Meeting @ Amy Ackerman’s, Tues.1 pm Boy Scouts, Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm Venture Crew, Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Youth Rm