April 2016 - St. James Lutheran Church

S t. J a m e s N e w s l e t t e r
St. James Lutheran Church
1315 SW Park Ave, Portland Or 97201
April 2016
F r o m t h e Pa s t o r ’s D e s k
St. James Lutheran Church finally has a name!
Many of our regulars have never considered how difficult it might be for newcomers to discern our various building access points. Most of us assume that
the conglomeration of structures (three sometimes
unhappily married buildings (Pioneer Chapel, main
sanctuary, church offices and classrooms)all belong
to one entity. But how and when to gain access can
be tricky.
Ours is the only downtown church office with direct
visible access at the street level, which makes for some interesting public
encounters. Try sitting at the reception desk some time and you’ll know
why!
But when we’ve had need of emergency vehicles or police assistance,
there have been issues. For many years, the church name and street
number address were painted on the large reception area window. If the
sun was shining brightly, the lettering wasn’t immediately visible – a problem for emergency services. The large window was replaced some
weeks back, which eliminated the painted lettering. Where is St. James
Lutheran Church, and how do you get into the building?
Larry Larsen solved that problem (as he patiently solves many other
property problems) by studying relevant signage on other churches. We
owe a debt of gratitude to First Immanuel for its inspired alphabet, which
is the source of our new lettering. Take a good look next time you come
into the church offices. On the wall next to my office window you will
see our congregational name and the street address, newly applied to the
stone veneer panels. Thank you, Larry!
This brings to mind a very “Easter” question: what name do we bear?
Where is it written? For those who attended the Easter Vigil liturgy last
week, you may have noticed that the three young women who were confirmed and anointed as new members of St. Michael’s were given names
of patron saints – some of them male names. Those patron names were
spoken as the candidates were signed with anointing oil. The baptism
which will be celebrated here at St. James in the next few weeks will
Cont’d. on page 7
Artist of the
Month:
Joel Nickel
“Anastasis"
Sunday April 17
Reception 6pm
Worship Schedule:
Worship w/Holy
Communion
Sunday
9:30 am
Mid-Week
Eucharist
Wednesdays
12:00 pm
Monthly
Jazz Vespers
Sunday, April 17
5pm
Lecture by
Dr. Matthew Becker
Friday, 7pm April 9
See page 7
WELCA
COFFEE SALE
SUN. APRIL 10
2
Council Highlights - March 2016
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING FOR MARCH 15, 2016
ATTENDANCE: The following persons were in attendance:
Councilpersons: Charlotte Cook, Becky Bolt, Larry Larsen, Karin Hatch,
Dennis Roggen, Dennis Andersen, Ralph Oyler
Those absent were: Scott Ellertson, Sylvia Lee, Kristine Almquist and Ian Garrett
Guests:
Keith Amundson, Willard Kniep
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by President Oyler, and Pastor Andersen offered an
opening prayer.
ACTIONS:
CDC Report: The report of Center Director Patrick Earnest was reviewed and, on motion of
Charlotte Cook and seconded by Dennis Roggen, was approved via unanimous voice vote.
Caring for Creation: Keith Amundson and Willard Kniep presented a report and urged council
to move forward in accordance with the directives of the Strategic Plan to create a committee.
February Meeting Minutes: The secretary was not able to be present and the approval of
minutes of the February meeting were postponed to April council meeting scheduled for
April 19, 2016.
Treasurer’s Report: The treasurer’s report was reviewed and, on motion of Larry Larsen and seconded by Becky Bolt, was approved via unanimous voice vote.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Andersen provided updates of roof refinancing progress, safety issues
associated with the operation of the CDC, reminded council of his anticipated absence, from
April 17 through May 3rd, and announced that Larry Larsen and his wife, Linda, will be attending Synod in Eugene on behalf of the congregation.
President’s Report: The following motions were presented by the president and, after discussion, were unanimously approved by council:
Motion to change the signatories on Saint James’ General Fund checking Account maintained by Key Bank to provide that the following signatories be, and hereby are removed:
Kathleen McDonald and
Matthew Schobert.
The following signatories be, and hereby are added:
Ralph Oyler and
Kristine Almquist.
The following existing signatories be, and here by are, confirmed:
Linda Rickert,
Scott Ellertson and
Gene Maier.
Cont’d. on page 14
Contact us at:
1315 SW Park Ave
Portland, Or 97201
503-227-2439
FAX 503-227-0856
Info725@stjamespdx.org
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Wo r s h i p a n d M u s i c
Jazz Vespers at St. James
Sunday April 17, 5pm
With John Nastos,
Jazz Vespers - Sunday, April 17 at 5pm will feature John Nastos
(saxophones and flute). John joins our house band of Mike
Horsfall (piano), Laurent Nickel (double bass), Dennis Elmer
(drums), and Valarie Brown
(vocalist). John is a native Portlander with a jazz performance
degree from New York City’s Manhattan School of Music. Since
returning to Portland, John has performed with the who’s who of
the Portland scene, including Mel Brown, the Bobby Torres
Ensemble, the Portland Soul All-Stars, the Third Angle New Music
Ensemble, Darrell Grant’s On the Territory, and the Damian
Erskine Project. He has recorded with the Chuck Israels Jazz
Orchestra, Intervision, Ben Darwish’s Commotion, Jessie
Marquez, and others. Recently, Nastos’s composition, arranging,
and compositional skills have been commissioned for
performances and recordings by Damian Erskine, the Bobby
Torres Ensemble, the Art Abrams Swing Machine, and Pink
Martini (for performances with the San Francisco Symphony and
other orchestras around the world). He has also been a part of Diane Schuur’s touring group,
playing performances around the world. Come with friends, family, neighbors.The
quality of the professional jazz musicians and the jazz liturgy at St. James is worth
sharing! Music of jazz standards begins at 4:50pm. Freewill offering.
What people are saying about St. James Jazz Vespers …
“Such a beautiful service - wonderful liturgy, musicians, sound in
the nave! Pastor Andersen's homilies are so great….”
EASTER IN MAY:
Bach’s Easter Cantata #31 “Heaven laughs, the earth
rejoices,” will be sung at the May 1 Bach Vesper at 5:00 pm.
This tour de force Easter cantata is one of only two extant
cantatas that Bach composed for Easter Day (Christ lag in
Todesbanden, # 4 is the other). The lavish orchestration of 3
trumpets, 3 oboes, tympani, strings, organ, SATB choir, and 3
soloists - soprano Christine Welch-Elder (left), tenor Brian
Tierney (lower left) and bass soloist, unconfirmed - will
raise the roof in celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Special
guest homilist is Matt Becker, who is faculty member of the
theology department faculty at Valparaiso University. Freewill
offering.
4
Child Development Center News
The play structure in the Courtyard at St. James is finally complete! Children
have been climbing the ladder, whisking down the slide (below), making beautiful
music with the chime wall, and pretending they are off on a new adventure with
the steering wheel. The attractive fall zone material was
the last component of this project, and was installed to
keep all of the users safe. We were delighted to see that
the flower beds were cleaned up, shrubs trimmed, and
new bark dust laid. The space looks beautiful, just in time for the outdoor
play season to commence. We would like to extend an enormous thank
you to all of those involved in making this dream a reality.
February was a busy month in the classrooms of the Child Development
Center. We were happy to host a group of Japanese
Exchange students attending PSU for an
afternoon. The college students came to learn
more about how American culture incorporates
childcare and early childhood education services. Exchange students
also wanted to share their cultural experiences with our children. Children
practiced using chopsticks, moving M&M candy from cup to cup (left); they
enjoyed creating origami cranes; and had a blast playing an Asian version of
pin the tale on the donkey. A fun time was had by all.
Last week, almost sixty of our children attended a performance at the nearby
Winningstad Theatre of favorite children’s book “Bad Kitty. “ The production brought the book to
life, reinforcing language skills in a fun and unique way. The infant classroom began to roll out of
their new curriculum system, incorporating family partnership elements with a take home project to
be completed as a family. There is a lot of love and learning in our little school.
The last week in February, the Preschool classrooms in the basement, and Toddler Two classrooms
were painted in our new neutral paint scheme. They join the Kindergarten, Toddler Three, basement
restrooms, and restroom hallway that were all painted recently. The plan is to have all of the CDC
spaces painted in a common neutral paint scheme in time for our 35th Anniversary Celebration,
coming up in November of this year. We are working on cleaning and organizing our spaces, so that
we have a fresh new look as we embark on this exciting phase of our journey.
Patrick Earnest
Director, CDC
Listening to stories is an
important part of language
learning and we are fortunate here to have our volunteer, Gerry Grover
(left), read to the students
once a week. Additionally,
the infant group (right)
loves to hear stories and
look at the pictures!
5
Planning Ahead April 2016
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
4
Centering
3
5
6
Centering
Prayer, 9am
Noon Eucharist
Bible Study, 1pm
10
11
12
17
18
19
Jazz Vespers,
5pm
Artist Reception
6pm
24
Finance 6pm
WELCA
10am-Noon
Council 7pm
25
26
13
Centering
Prayer, 9am
Noon Eucharist
Bible Study, 1pm
CC Film Series*
20
2
Contemplative
Prayer, 9:30am
8
9
14
15
16
21
22
23
29
30
“Reel vs Real”
Film, 7pm Oregon
Historical Society
See page 8
Panel Discussion/Scriptures,
7pm 1st Congregational Church, See
page 8
Contemplative
Prayer, 9:30am
Noon Eucharist
Bible Study, 1pm
27
Book Club, 7:10pm
Centering
Prayer, 9am
7
Saturday
Centering
Prayer, 9am
Noon Eucharist
Bible Study, 1pm
Goose Hollow
CC Film Series*
28
Matthew
Becker Lecture
7pm
ADULT EDUCATION
Open Space
Bible Study
April 3 Open
April 10 WELCA talks
April 17 Open
April 24 Open
Wednesdays
Pioneer Chapel 1-2pm
April Study:
Book of Exodus
*Caring for Creation Film Series “The Years of Living Dangerously” at First Christian Church, 7pm
April 13
April 27
May 11
May 25
See Page 12 for more details
P r aye r a t S t . J a m e s
Centering Prayer: Wednesdays, 8:30-9:00 am, Pioneer Chapel
Centering Prayer is an ancient tradition of mindful meditation and prayer that is
guaranteed to get your day started in a good mood. Coffee afterwards!
Contemplative Prayer: 1st & 3rd Saturday, 9:30am.
Anyone interested in contemplative listening to God is invited to join us. We
spend time in silence, in reading sacred texts, and praying for the world, each other and ourselves. Child Care available as needed and requested.
Contact Susan McBerry: mcberry@lclark.edu; 503-231-8576
6
Wednesday Eucharist Commemorations in April
April 6 Notker the Stammerer (+912)
Notker was born to a well-placed family about the year 840 in present-day Switzerland. He was educated at the monastery of St. Gall, famous for its library and scholarly tradition. He entered the Benedictine Order there and served as librarian,
teacher, writer and composer. Between 881 and 887 he collected a large group of
chant sequences which contributed to the spread of choral plainchant. He also collected and edited stories of saints, and a large group of anecdotes relating to the life
and career of Charlemagne, much of which is either apocryphal or satirical. A contemporary described Notker as “delicate of body but not of mind, stuttering of
tongue but not of intellect, pushing boldly forward in things Divine, a vessel of the Holy Spirit without equal in his time.” Notker died at St. Gall in 912.
April 13 Martin I, Bishop of Rome (+655)
Born between 590 and 600 in Umbria, he was elected Pope in 649. He served as
legate in Constantinople prior to that time, and was well-known for his learning
and ethical life. As pope, he convened the Lateran Council of 649 to deal with
emerging heresies. His opponents, however, had the support of Emperor Constans, who ordered Martin’s arrest on trumped-up grounds. He left Rome, was
imprisoned in Constantinople and ultimately banished to the Crimea. He died
there in 655.
April 20 Johannes Bugenhagen (+1558)
A native of Pomerania (present-day Poland), Bugenhagen was born in 1485. He
studied at the University of Greifswald, became rector of a Latin School and enjoyed a successful teaching career. His studies brought him into contact with humanistic literature and the school of Erasmus. His interest in historical and Biblical
sources echoed the work of Erasmus. He was ordained a priest in 1509 without
having studied theology. Initially outraged as he read Luther’s Babylonian Captivity of
the Church, he reconsidered his position and moved to Wittenberg to work in cooperation with Philipp Melanchthon. He married Walburga Rörer in 1522 and in
doing so, created the first Lutheran family parsonage. He worked as City Pastor of
Wittenberg. With Melanchthon he asserted Luther’s sacramental understandings in opposition to
those of Calvin and Zwingli. Bugenhagen preached at Luther’s funeral and cared for Luther’s widow
and family. His liturgical work included orders of service for almost all of northern Germany and
Scandinavia. He died in Wittenberg in 1558.
April 27 Walpurga (+779)
A native of Devonshire, England, Walpurga was born about 710 to an aristocratic family. Her father
and two of her brothers were later canonized as saints for their missionary work. Her mother was
the sister of St. Boniface. Walpurga was educated in a convent and lived in community for two and
one half decades before leaving with her two brothers to engage in missionary activity in what is
today southern Germany. She composed a biography of her brother Winibald – becoming the first
Cont’d. on the next page
7
Commemorations cont’d. from page 5
recognized female author in England and Germany. She died about 779 and was buried
at Heidenheim, a convent founded by her brother. Miracles were attributed to the
healing oils that mysteriously appeared near her grave marker. Walpurgis Night, the eve
of the traditional celebration of her feast day, was according to legend, the night on
which sorcerers and witches gathered.
Professor Matthew Becker to Speak at St. James
Dr. Matthew Becker (right), Professor of Christian Theology at Valparaiso University,Valparaiso, Indiana, will give a public lecture at St.
James at 7pm on Friday, April 29.
More than seventy years after its demise, Nazi Germany remains a topic of interest to both historians and the public at large. Of particular
concern are the actions of Christians in Germany during this period of
church history in which the Holocaust took place. Scholars continue to
study Protestant theologians who taught in German universities at this
time. Dr. Becker will explore the life and work of two such theologians,
Werner Elert (1885-1954), who taught Lutheran systematic theology at Erlangen University, and
Edmund Schlink (1903-1984), who was a Lutheran pastor and later professor at Heidelberg University. Dr. Becker will compare and contrast these two theologians and their respective positions
vis-à-vis the Nazi regime. Dr. Becker has written extensively about both of these individuals and
their theology. He is currently editing and translating the collected works of Dr. Schlink, who became a major figure in the ecumenical movement after the Second World War.
Dr. Becker will also deliver the homily at the St. James Bach Cantata on Sunday, May 1.
From the Pastor’s Desk cont’d. from Page 1
involve no new names, but names will be spoken as water is inscribed on the candidates’ foreheads.
64 ½ years ago, Pastor Julius Hansen did the same to me, and it is a sign I have borne since that time.
Truth be told, it wasn’t always a visible sign, or one with lived-out visibility. I’m no better than
anyone else, and I share with you the typical Lutheran “subtlety” of outreach and proclamation,
except when I’m wearing clerical attire. I don’t otherwise advertise myself.
As this congregation lives into its 126th Easter season, I’m glad it has found its name again; happier
still that it isn’t out there simply to assist emergency services personnel, but is a real proclamation
that this is one of those islands of active ministry in downtown. Eventually we’ll develop better
signage to help folks to know how to get into the building. But at least they’ll know we’re here in
the meantime!
Think about the name you have been given in this season of resurrection, and that great sign
inscribed on your forehead in water – how visible and tangible can that be for you? For Alleluia,
Christ is risen!
8
Two Special Events
Understanding Islam and Revealing Stereotypes
Reel Vs. Real: Muslim Media Stereotypes and Islamophobia
Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 7pm - Free
Oregon Historical Society,
1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97205
American media has a long history of using stereotypes to support foreign policy, military presence abroad, and domestic divides. From caricatures of the Japanese 'Yellow Threat' during the Second World War, to misrepresentations of Native Americans in America's Wild West, to the typecasting of Middle Eastern cultures as incubators of religious extremism, popular media often follows whichever current of fear grips with the largest fascination of the moment. Join us in conversation with community leaders as they respond after watching a documentary called "Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People," a companion film to Jack Shaheen's book of the same title.
Speakers will talk about how they deal with Islamophobia and "fear of the other" in their own
communities, and audience members will have the chance to ask questions about how to best confront Islamophobia when it presents itself. Panelists: Rabbi Michael Cahana, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beth Israel and Dr. Jamal Badawi, Professor Emeritus, St. Mary's University, Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Canada. This program was created in partnership between the Muslim Educational Trust and the Institute for Christian-Muslim Understanding.
Misunderstood Texts in Scriptures
Friday, April 8th, 2016 at 7pm
First Congregational United Church of Christ
1126 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
You are cordially invited to an engaging discussion about Misunderstood Texts in Scriptures, explaining the misconceptions, filling in context, and offering more accurate interpretations. Our Panelists are Dr. Jamal Badawi, Professor Emeritus, St. Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada;
and Dr. Jennifer Bird, Adjunct Professor, University of Portland.
This program was created in partnership between the Muslim Educational Trust, the
Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, the Oregon Historical
Society, and the World Affairs Council.
Meet the New Members
This January at the Annual Congregational Meeting four new members were elected to the St.
James Council. They are Scott Ellertson, Ian Garrett, Sylvia Lee and Ralph Oyler.
Scott Ellertson joined St. James two years ago with his wife, Mandy Ellertson. As a
child of a Lutheran minister/missionary to Africa, and a graduate of Pacific Lutheran
University, Scott is steeped in the Lutheran Tradition. Currently Scott works for the
City of Portland. He is the proud father of three children: Chelsea Kimmett, Charlie
and Robert, two of whom are married. Scott has served as St. James Treasurer for
Cont’d. on the next page
9
New Council Members cont’d. from page 8
the past year and was a non-voting member of Council. He was elected Treasurer again this year.
He has been an important facilitator, working with our Bookkeeper, Sharon Kurtz, and the Finance
Committee in implementing the recommendations made by the Finance Review Task Force.
Ian Garrett is a native Oregonian and was born in the small Central Oregon town of Madras. He was baptized at the Lutheran Church of the Good
Shepherd in Madras. He moved to Portland in 2004 to attend university at
Portland State were he earned a B.S. and then M.S. in Biology. Through this
connection with PSU he hopes to foster a stronger relationship with St.
James and the PSU community. Ian currently works for PSU and lives in the
South Burlingame Neighborhood of SW Portland. He is married to partner
Landon and has two "kids", Dawin the poodle and Lucy a black cat. Ian enjoys gardening, cooking, riding horses, vacationing in Hawaii ("the only place we ever go") and recently took up learning the piano. At St. James Ian has helped out with the community garden plot
and regularly volunteers as Crucifer.
Sylvia Lee has been a member at St. James since 2013. She presently serves
as
a member of the Altar Guild since 2013, as an usher and as a counter, both
since 2014. She also served as a member of the Core Planning Team
(Strategic Planning) 2013-2014. Sylvia grew up in a Lutheran Church, Missouri
Synod mission congregation and as an adult was a member of the Lutheran
Church in America (LCA), then ELCA. Sylvia grew up in New York City and
has lived in New York State (Seneca Falls & Jamestown), Hawaii (Honolulu)
and Oregon (Medford & Hillsboro) - somehow, she skipped the Midwest,
Mountain states and the South! She is a librarian and works for the Washington County Cooperative Library Services which provides support for the public libraries in the county. Her interests
include reading, listening to music and going to the beach. In her spare time she has also worked as
a tax preparer and youth soccer coordinator & referee.
Ralph Oyler received his law degree from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis
and Clark. A Pennsylvania native, he spent his entire legal career there, returning to
Oregon about three years ago. Ralph was a trial lawyer, with cases ranging from
felony homicide and capital murder to industrial accidents, auto accidents and
medical malpractice. He is married to Karen J. Clark, with whom he worked for
most of his career. They have two adult children. Ralph was raised in the Lutheran
Church but left if for awhile and attended a Quaker meeting for many years. He
returned to the Lutheran Church when he moved back to Oregon in 2013. Ralph
has been an active member at St. James, especially helping usher at services and
concerts. Ralph is also a weekly volunteer at both the Hoyt Arboretum and the Forest Park Conservancy. Ralph was elected President of St. James Council at the February meeting. Ralph will
maintain office hours at St. James1-5pm every Thursday. Feel free to contact him with
any questions concerning Council.
Members continuing on Council this year are: Kristine Almquist (Secretary), Becky Bolt, Charlotte
Cook, Karin Hatch, Larry Larsen and Dennis Roggen (Vice President).
10
St. James Ministries and Groups
St. James Artist of the month - April
Joel Nickel, “Anastasis”
Artist’s Reception: Sunday, April 17, 6pm
Pioneer Chapel Following Jazz Vespers
" Anastasis" is the New Testament Greek word for resurrection which is the theme that inspires the 9 pieces of artwork
from gouache paintings to wall sculptures to cloisonne
enamel ( glass on copper ) panels by Joel Nickel, which are
on display in the Pioneer Chapel Gallery from Easter, March
27 through April 30. The Artist's reception will be held on Sunday April 17, 6pm after the Jazz Vespers Service.
Resurrection is a mysterious event immediately witnessed by no one,
a parallel to the big bang that sets in motion a new creation. The image
of Jesus that is portrayed in the Gospels pictures a figure no longer
subject to the limitations of space and time, and as such is an open invitation to the imagination of an artist.
In Greek, "ana" is a preposition meaning "among, in the midst,” while
"stasis" means existence, continuance, standing. Jesus, standing again
among his disciples, transforms their faith and expectant hope. Picture
that!
A reception with the Artist's Talk will be held immediately following
the Jazz Vesper Service on April 17 at 6pm. Bring a friend!
Social Ministries
Box Cars are Coming!
Kit Assembly - 5:30pm Wednesday, May 4 (followed by pizza!)
Spring has arrived! We’ve got sun and flowers to look forward to. But what if all you had to look
forward to was uncertainty, and only a little hope. Refugees, displaced persons and victims of disasters only have that hope to cling to. But by partnering with Lutheran World Relief we can add
to that hope and deliver some comfort. This spring we will be collecting items for Health Kits.
For each kit we are collecting:
† 1 Bath-sized towel
† 2 Bath-sized bars of soap
† 1 Adult-sized toothbruch
† 1 Sturdy comb (no rat-tailed combs)
† 1 Metal nail clipper.
Each kit costs about $6.75. We are asked to contribute 21 cents per pound for shipping costs. If
you would like to contribute cash, make a check out to St. James Lutheran Church” and mark
“Boxcars” in the memo line.
If you have any questions, please contact Charlotte Cook: 503-286-8480.
11
Goose Hollow Family Shelter
Wednesday April 27, 6:30pm
“My favorite thing about Goose Hollow is eating the dinners. The volunteers
are so helpful and nice, and the food is so good…it’s so much so that I’ve even
put on weight! But it’s worth it ‘cause I feel supported here.”
Alea, Guest
St. James’ WELCA group and other member volunteers continue to support the Goose Hollow Family Shelter by providing
overnight hosts and a full meal one Wednesday night a month.
More volunteers are always needed. There is a sign-up sheet in
the hallway outside the Pioneer Chapel. As you can see from
the quote above our efforts are truly appreciated!
March Menu: Ham, AuGratin Potatoes, String Beans, Fruit Salad, Rolls, Apples
For more information contact Charlotte Cook, 503-286-8480
If you are interested in being one of the Overnight Hosts contact Linda Rickert at
503-224-9353.
FEET NEEDED!!
The St. James Foot Clinic is conducting a clinical trial for a safe solution to toe
nail fungus. Our clinic nurse, Sara Genta is testing a topical formula consisting
of essential oils. Participants would commit to a nail assessment and agree to
daily application of the formula for approximately three months. If you are interested, please contact Sara Genta RN. 503-358-4108/sara.genta@gmail.com
WELCA (Women of the ELCA)
Tuesday April 19
10am-Noon, Pioneer Chapel
Karin Hatch will join us, to talk about Adventures with Habitat for
Humanity, Past and Future. This will be our last regular meeting before the summer break, since we
plan to meet for lunch at Albertina Kerr for our May meeting.
In general news, the "Gogl Messe" (Tim Nickel's setting of Luther's Chorale Mass (partially commissioned by St. James' WELCA in memory of Lois Gogl) is complete and being rehearsed by the St.
James Choir and Handbell Choir. We have also initiated and partially funded a specially designed
processional cross in memory of Edie Pate, to be done by Joel Nickel (whose works are also featured this month in Pioneer Chapel by the St. James Artists Group).
There will be an OPEN SPACE after service on April 10, featuring WELCA and exploring other potential interests from the congregation. All women members of St. James are invited to the monthly
meeting. Bring a friend! For more information contact Linda Rickert at 503-244-9353 or Barbara Steege at 503-960-3619.
Note that WELCA's monthly 'Fair Trade Coffee/Chocolate' sale, normally the
first Sunday of the month, will also be that Sunday (April 10).
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Caring for Creation
Film Series “The Years of Living Dangerously”
The Caring for Creation committee at St. James enthusiastically invites
you to a viewing of THE YEARS OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY, James
Cameron’s Emmy Award-winning groundbreaking documentary event
series of 9 films that explore the human impact of climate change. The
films will be shown at the First Christian Church, 1314 SW Park Avenue, our neighbor across the
street, in one of their newer meeting rooms. We’re grateful for this opportunity to sponsor the
films and to collaborate with a neighboring, downtown church. The first showing will be on Wednesday night, April 13 at 7pm. The films will be shown on the following alternating Wednesdays: April
27, and May11 and May 25, and will resume in September. From the damage wrought by Hurricane
Sandy to the upheaval caused by drought in the Middle East, the films combine blockbuster storytelling with the reporting expertise of Hollywood’s brightest stars and today’s most respected journalists. The event series provides first-hand reports on those affected by, and seeking solutions to, climate change. The schedule is posted on our church bulletin boards. To learn more about the
showings, contact Doris Nielsen, 971-221-4738 or the St. James Church office, 503-2272439, or email Chelsea chelseas@stjamespdx.org.
Habitat for Humanity Mission Trip 2016: Junction City, OR
September 18-23.
Mark your calendar for the week of September 18-23. That's when the Habitat
Mission Team will be going to Junction City, OR (only a two hour drive south from
Portland) to work with the Junction City/Harrisburg/Monroe Habitat for Humanity and we want you to come with us. JCHMHFH has been serving these three
communities for more than 20 years and has built 18 homes. Partner families put 500 or more
hours of sweat equity. Habitat houses are sold to the family at no profit, with no interest charged.
Mortgage payments go to a revolving fund to finance additional homes. JCHMHFH is a volunteer
driven organization. Learn more at www.jchmhabitat.org JCHMHFH builds wood-frame
homes.Volunteers help in all aspects of new construction, including digging foundations, framing,
roofing, installing windows and doors, insulation, sheet rock, painting. All tools and construction site
materials will be provided. No special building skills are needed; there are jobs for everyone. Join
and be a part of a team that assists our NW neighbors.You will get to help build a safe, sustainable
home. No previous experience is needed. Bring willing hands and a willing heart. Our work will forever change the lives of a family. Space is limited. Registration is first-come, first-served.
To register, please follow these steps:
1. Send an email to 2016missiontrip@gmail.com. Include your name, address, phone, and email
address. A confirmation will be sent to you from the trip coordinator.
2. Within seven days of confirmation, send a $150 check payable to St. James Lutheran Church.
Write 2016 Mission Trip on the memo line.
3. Mail to: St. James Lutheran Church
1315 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97201
Registration Deadline: Monday, May 16, 2016
13
St. James Book Club
7pm Tuesday April 26, Library
St James Book Club meets Tuesday, April 26, 7:10pm in the church library. We'll talk about Winifred
Watson's “Miss Pettygrew Lives for a Day,” a 1938 tale about an out of work governess accidentally
sent to work for a glamorous night-club singer. (It might sound familiar from the 2008 movie with
Frances McDormand and Amy Adams.) This is a Pageturner selection, so there are more copies
available in the 'book club drawer' in the church office. For May, we'll look for our own copies
of “Still Life,” Book 1 in the Chief Inspector Gamache mysteries by Canadian author Louise Penny.
Everyone is welcome to join the St. James Book Club! For more information, contact
Linda Rickert: 503-224-9353.
Young Families Supper Club
On March 9th, the Schobert’s hosted the March Young Families Supper Club with a “Breakfast for
Dinner” theme. Two things made this month’s gathering an especially exciting (and daring) event. This
was the last supper club before Eric, Megan, and
Aila welcome a new member to the family. They
have a name picked out, but are keeping it under
wraps. At the next Young Families Supper Club, the
Myers clan will have grown to four (okay, five including Briley. Hey, for some of us our canine
friends are family)! Aila says she is ready and excited to be a big sister. Besides toasting the Myers’, the group welcomed Jason and Kathi Gifford. Jason
and Kathi moved to Portland from the Bay Area (hold the “anti-California” comments! Jason is actually a native Oregonian so welcome him home) and have made St. James their faith community.
Jason is a financial planner with Transamerica and Kathi is a physician at OHSU. Although Jason and
Kathi don’t have children, they agreed to join the group and, from all accounts, the joyful chaos of
four children – Emmett, Trey, Cece, and Aila – didn’t scare them away.Yeah!
The Almquist/Deitrick’s plan to host the April Supper Club; however, the date is TBD. The Young
Families’ Supper Club meets monthly and is hosted at the homes (or neighborhood parks) of participating families. If you have young children and would like to join the group, please contact Matthew (254-315-2109).
From the Endowment Board
At our last meeting, we had three applications presented for funding. The CDC requested $3,846 for new furniture and mats for the kids; one from Pastor Andersen for
sponsoring the Rev. Dr. Mathew Becker for a public lecture and to preach at the Bach
Cantata Vesper service and Sunday church service in May; the third from WELCA to
help fund new processional cross in honor of Edie Pate. The total of all three came to
$6,821.91.
We continue to welcome any and all sizes of gifts to honor our mission here at St.
James. We are also committed to the ongoing process of updating our policies and
procedures.
- Becky Bolt, Chair
14
Council Highlights cont’d. from Page 2
Motion to change the signatories on Saint James’ Foot Clinic Checking Account maintained by Key Bank to provide that the following signatories are removed:
Kathleen McDonald,
Matthew Schobert and
Gene Maier.
The following signatories be, and hereby are, added:
Ralph Oyler,
Kristine Almquist and
Scott Ellertson.
Motion to authorize Key Bank to provide information regarding the General Fund Account and Foot clinic Account to Sharon Kurtz and to authorize appropriate parties
to execute a letter to the Bank so stating.
Motion to authorize the President to execute the “Terrorism Risk Insurance Disclosure
Notice” rejecting the offer of terrorism coverage in exchange for a premium reduction of $208.00.
The following additional items were discussed:
After discussion the annual council retreat was scheduled for May 14, 2016 form 9:30am to
2:30pm. The retreat is tentatively scheduled to occur at the St. James’ Apartments common area. Pastor Dennis to find out if said space is available.
Implementation of the directives of the Strategic Plan were discussed and President Oyler announced his intention to focus on said Plan at the retreat urging all in attendance to review same in preparation therefor.
Easter Sunday coffee hour was discussed and council in attendance signed up to bring items. Absent councilpersons will be approached individually by President Oyler.
Committee Reports: Reports were provided by the following committees: Property, Finance,
Social Ministry, Hospitality, and Endowment. The following motion moved by Charlotte
Cook and seconded by Karin Hatch were unanimously adopted by council:
Motion to approve the payment of the following sums to the parties indicated via the
endowment fund:
For the speaker scheduled for April 29, 2016-$1,375.00
For a new processional cross-$500.00
For the CDC for a play station and reading space-$3,846.96
Adjournment: Pastor offered a closing prayer and the meeting was concluded at 8:30 p.m.
SUNDAY ALTAR FLOWERS BY JUDITH
Do you have 10 green thumbs but no hands for flower arranging? You can still
contribute to the weekly altar flower arrangements. You provide the flowers
or cash and Judith Smith will make it happen. An expert arranger, Judith’s gorgeous arrangements have bedecked the altar for years. And she won’t even
tell people that you didn’t do it yourself. See the sign-up sheet on hallway bulletin board.
Contact Judith Smith for help with flowers: 503-688-6827
15
16
Holy Week at St. James
St. James was a busy
week during Holy
Week, hosting services
with St. Michael’s and
serving members of
other downtown
churches. We are
blessed!
17
People in Our Prayers
.
For comfort, healing, and care . . . George Zoesch; Aurelia George; Beverly
Fuller; the family of Roy Bolt at the death of Roy’s sister, Helen Eaton; Linda
Bolt (Roy Bolt’s sister in law); Edward Koppel; family of Dora Birkeland; Debbie Marr; Taylor Horton; Loretta Slaughter; Edna Amundson; Jack and Dianne
Neubert; Lucy Knopf; Charles Grigsby-Lane; Brenda Otterson; Debbie Marr;
Ralph Erwin; Mary Fagan, sister of Shirley Roggen;Vera Mueller.
For healing from cancer… Walter Gaffney; Michelle Grimm; Robert Taylor; Jack Mongeon; Dale Jeffers; Tim Mongin; Kurt Strand; Marvin Knutson; Gloria Zoesch; Bob Wilson; Barry Swartz; Jean Tingley;
Karen Fissel; Suzan Sorenson.
For victims of war and terrorism; for safe harbor for refugees; for victims of storms and
earthquakes.
For our Bishops, ELCA Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, and Oregon Synod Bishop, David BrauerRieke.
For those serving their country… Pvt. Lucas Kniep, grandson of Willard Kniep; Daniel Kraft, nephew of Kay Betton; Donald Schaefer, son of Dorothy Cottingham; Major Katie Veseth, Air Force Pilot, sister of Paula Veseth; for President Barack Obama and all national and regional leadership.
The prayer list will be refreshed regularly. Contact David Zellmer at davidz@stjamespdx.org
April Birthdays & Anniversaries
Paula Carlson
Adam Smith
Vera and Dan Mueller
Eva Tormohlen
Gary Rodgers
Robert May and Margie Lee
4/3
4/4
4/8
4/10
4/16
4/16
Larry Martin, Jr.
Bill Arbaugh
Rocky Johnson
Sven Warner
Barbara Anderson
Mary Ellen Isensee
4/17
4/20
4/21
4/25
4/26
4/30
Sunday Refreshment Hosts and Altar Flower Sponsors
COFFEE HOUR: Lutherans love their coffee!!! Please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the
hallway. It’s easy and a fun way to get to know members. FLOWERS: Please add your name to the
sign-up sheet in the hallway.
COFFEE
April 3
FLOWERS
_Zellmer______
__Warren, Albert Hillary Cook
April 10
__Ellertson_____
______Linda Larsen_______
April 17
__Open________
______Open_____-______
April 24
_ _Open___ _____
______Open_________-__
18
1315 SW Park Ave
Portland, Or 97201
www.stjamespdx.org
Tel: 503.227.2439
Fax: 503.227.0856
E-mail: info725@stjamespdx.org
STAFF
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Dennis Andersen, Pastor
Pastor Dennis Andersen
Nancy Nickel, M.M., Minister of Music
Ralph Oyler, President
Sharon Kurtz, Bookkeeper
Dennis Roggen, Vice President
Chelsea Ellertson, Receptionist/Building Asst.
Kristine Almquist, Secretary
David Zellmer, Parish Administrator
Scott Ellertson, Treasurer
Patrick Earnest, Director, Child Dev. Center
Larry Larsen, Member-at-Large
George Zoesch, Sunday Hospitality
Nancy Cutler RN, & Sara Genta RN, Foot Care Clinic
St. James Lutheran Church
1315 SW Park Ave
Portland Or 97201