The Nutshell  -  July 2008

From Pastor Michael

I was just reading about a Portland elementary school principal who got into trouble for substituting the Preamble to the Constitution for the Pledge of Allegiance at the opening of the school day.  Her reason was that the pledge includes the words “under God” and she felt some children whose families were not religious would feel left out.  From my perspective, the ironic thing about this incident is that as those who follow the lead of Jesus in how we organize our political and social life we are much more in sync with the language of the Preamble than the Pledge.

 

Consider the preamble:  “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity…”  A more perfect union, that is a healthier, more supportive community, isn’t that what we are struggling to create in our congregation, a place where those who are part of the community feel supported and enabled to go out and do the rest of the preamble, that is:  establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and even provide for the common defense, which in the way of Jesus, would be such things as loving our enemies.  In fact, the more I look at it those words of the preamble they are an excellent summary of the tasks we set before ourselves as those faithful to the God Jesus revealed.

 

Not to say, that as followers of Jesus, our first allegiance is to the God of our ancestors, and that it goes without saying that our nation is “under God” at least in the sense that God is first and all else is second, including, but not limited to, our nation.  We are indeed fortunate to live under a constitution which has the audacity to declare its purposes so strongly (so strongly that the pledge seems redundant and narrow) in favor of the people and their well being, and we are called by our own faith to further these purposes in our nation, our congregation, our local community and, indeed, the world.  May we be so courageous and aware in our life together that we are successful seekers of this vision of the common good.

 

Best, Michael

503-730-0619 (call any time for an appointment or just to talk)

 

FINANCE

Peggy Kessinger, Chair 503-645-9561

 

Summertime has Finally Arrived!!

 

It has been so nice to see some sun for an extended period of time after so much rain and cloud cover in May.  What a wonderful summer kick-off with the Merrilee Gordon Memorial Sunday on June 8^th.  It was a testament to her and to the awesome musical talent we have in our midst.  Our efforts to “sell the 88 piano keys” are off to a great start.  So far, we’ve sold 34 keys for a total donation to date to paying off the piano is $2550.  If you are interested in participating in getting the piano paid off early, feel free to donate any amount to this program as we are simply acknowledging the names of donors regardless of their gift.   At $75 per key, if we “sell” all 88 keys, we will have the piano paid off this year and be debt free.

 

Our congregation is so generous that we gave over $2250 to the Philippine Mission trip that is led by Jocelyn Agpalo, Victorino Menguita’s daughter.  The purpose of this trip is for Jocelyn to do training for local church pastors and she also lined up some medical and dental support for the small town as well as some shoes for the children.  Please keep Jocelyn and the Philippine Mission team in your prayers as they are away.

 

Our pledged giving remains on track at the same time as we have been so generous with these various special offerings.  So, thank you for your continued commitment to Aloha UMC.

 

We do have a concern that we are not meeting our commitment to the larger United Methodist community.  This has been an ongoing issue for our church that I personally feel we need to address.  We are part of a conference and a world community that we need to support.  Currently, we have not even been able to pay our budgeted amount to shared ministries because of the rental issues of the spring.  And our budgeted amount doesn’t even come close to our “fair share”.  The only money currently being paid to shared ministries is designated funds and we’ve paid only 3% TOTAL year to date.  We encourage you to consider shared ministries as a worthwhile and important extra giving area that not only supports Aloha UMC, but the wider church community as well. 

 

Another area that is of immediate concern is that we need to paint the church and the rental house.    We don’t have all the specifics on what this will take, but it will be several thousand dollars.  If someone has a passion for this, please let us know as one of the other churches that we rent to has offered to do a large portion of the work.

 

With all that said, I just want to again affirm ALL that we are doing and how much we are making a difference.  The Lords Cupboard continues to be self-sustaining and is making a real difference especially as food prices are rising.  We are actively participating in the Cooperative Youth Ministry with Westside and Christ UMC and the youth are meeting at our location on Wednesday evenings all summer long.  The Vacation Bible School Rainforest Theme at Westside was another cooperative ministry we are doing with the wider Methodist Community of Westside and Christ UMC.  It was a huge success with participation from all three church’s’ children and youth helping.  Big thanks to Christy Dirren to help us in these connectional ministries.

 

There are always many opportunities for giving of our time, talents and gifts.  Even as we ask for specific ideas and continued monetary support, I want to remember that this is really about God’s work and listening to how God is calling you to best support that work.  Remember it is summer, take the time to slow down and enjoy all that God offers in the world.  I have committed to swinging on swings or lying in the grass to look at the sky each day this summer.  It is amazing how God creeps in when I take the time for those simple things in life.  How is God calling to you?

 

There are always many opportunities for giving of our time, talents and gifts.  Even as we ask for specific ideas and continued monetary support, I want to remember that this is really about God’s work and listening to how God is calling you to best support that work.  Remember it is summer, take the time to slow down and enjoy all that God offers in the world.  I have committed to swinging on swings or lying in the grass to look at the sky each day this summer.  It is amazing how God creeps in when I take the time for those simple things in life.  How is God calling to you?

 

The Lord’s Cupboard                                                                                                     

Linda Smith, Coordinator  503-649-8977                                                                                                                 

Thank you for all you have given and continue to give to this local mission.  Continue to take the sticky notes, and bring in your food items the next time you are at the church.

 

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Michael Cowan, 503.9649-9133

 

From Jim Kessinger:

 

A variety of influences lead me to resign my position of Leadership Team leader.  My reasons for this are:  needing to dedicate time for family issues, a busy farm schedule, feeling like I cannot put in the time and energy needed to be effective as leadership leader, and simply feeling that a change of leadership team leader might be healthy for the church at this time.

 

Over the last two and a half years the Leadership Team has guided the church through a series of changes including a polarized atmosphere, resignation of a pastor, an interim pastor, and finally welcoming our pastor, Michael Cowan.  We have defined who we are through a visioning process.  During this time of change, we have met our financial needs, supported our outreach ministries, music program, supported a variety of groups using our building, improved our educational offerings, and launched better care of our congregation.  The thing that occurs to me is how empowered the congregation is to make these programs happen s as God calls these strong individuals and teams.

 

Looking forward, the congregation is in a good position to do some exciting work.  Momentum is growing to do some needed maintenance work soon and define some longer term vision for how we can best use our resources at our facility.  I look forward to seeing and helping this vision become a reality.  We have an effective Pastor and effective team of leaders to lead us forward.  Please support Michael and the Leadership Team as they select a new Leadership Team chair.

 

And the adventure continues! 

Regards,

Jim Kessinger

 

Next Leadership Team Meeting, August 11, 7:30 p.m.

 

 

PRAYER CONCERNS

Please pray for: Aaron; Bill;  the Boitz family; Cassie & Jeff; Florence Cartwright; Derek; Bob Detrick.; Doug; Cheryl Flora; Chris Flora; folks fighting fires; Frank; Wes & Marie Harter; Jamie & family; Jason; Jean; Joanne; Jocelyn’s family; John P.; Jamie; the Haverty family;   Johnson & family; Sarah & Brian Kennedy; the Kessingers; Linda; Lonnie; Joel; Jon Phillips; Ken; Mary Ann & Charlie; Mary Jo; people in Burma & Asia; people in transition; people of Midwest flood plains; Louise Petrillo; the Philippine Christian Mission, 2008; prayers for healing; Janet Reiter; Sally; Audrey Schiefelbein; Scott Bennett’s parents; Ralph Smith; Larry Smuin; Roberta Thomas; travelers; Ellen Wilson.

 Long warm days . . .

The pace of life slows . . .

A time for picnics and rest in the shade . . .

 

Lord,

Help us to rest awhile in the cooling shade of your presence.   Slow down our restless hearts and fill us with gentle compassion for all your people.  We lift these prayer concerns to you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

ALOHA’S UNITED METHODIST MEN

Contact: Bob Detrick, 503-640-9465

 

There will be a summer break for July and August.

 

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME! 

Sunday, August 24  - Portland Beavers vs  Tacoma Whomevers

 

It’s summertime, and is there any better way to spend a Sunday afternoon (after church) than cheering for the Portland Beavers baseball team?  The Aloha UMC Men’s Group will be having their annual outing to a Beavers game at PGE Park on Sunday, August 24.  The game begins at 2:05pm, and many of us arrive by Light Rail at the station next to the stadium.  So mark your calendar, and contact Dick Stouffer at 503-642-0208 or stouffri@ohsu.edu, or on Sunday to order tickets.   We will get a group rate for tickets. All are invited, and if you don’t know the words to the song “Take me out to the ballgame” -  here’s your chance during the 7^th inning stretch

 

Garage Sale

Faith Bennett contact, 503-690-0534
  

We will be having the annual garage sale Sept 6.  It will be combined with “Weekend of Welcome” and held outdoors,  With all of our renters it became necessary to come up with a new plan. You may  begin bringing in your sale items and placing them in room 5 (back in the corner room).

 

Weekend of Welcome, Sept. 6 & 7

Sarah Kennedy, contact,   503-372-5958

 

I am excited that the third annual Weekend of Welcome’s Street Fair will be held on the same day as our annual Garage Sale.  This will hopefully increase attendance at both of these events and be a new opportunity to involve our community with AUMC’s outreach programs and help raise extra funds for AUMC’s expenses.  Last year people from the community saw our displays on our various ministries (The Lord’s Cupboard, Family Bridge, etc.), drank our coffee/ate our pastries provided by UMMen and made donations to AUMC’s ministries.  Let’s do it again and celebrate our music, youth program, Sophia’s Circle, etc. in a bigger way than last year!  Vendors will bring their goods on Saturday from 10-2pm to sell for a mere $15 donation to our church.  Invite your crafty and artistic friends and neighbors to sell their items at our event.  The vendor booths will be on the front lawn to allow more parking for Garage Sale shoppers and be more visible to 198^th traffic.  We will have music, activities for children and an ice cream social at 1pm.  On Sunday we will have our worship service outdoors (weather permitting).  Invite your friends to our Weekend of Welcome!  Volunteers to help make this weekend happen are welcome too.  For more information or to volunteer, call Sarah Kennedy.

 

MUSIC

Steve Harter, Director  503-591-8387

 

Summer Music Fellowship  -  Our summer music fellowship meets to sing Christian music of a more contemporary style.  If you want to give it a try, join us on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Sanctuary.  See Steve or Carolyn Harter for more information.

Summer Special Music Sign Up  -  There is still time to sign up to sing or play special music for our service during the summer months.  Please see Steve if you would like to share your special musical gifts with our congregation.

RESTAURANTOURING GROUP  Gwen Stouffer, Coordinator  503-642-0208

On summer hiatus June through August.

                                                                                 FLOWERS                                                                                                                                                                                      Roberta Roberta Thomas, Contact   503-591-7434

Many thanks to everyone who has brought flowers for Sunday morning worship.  Roses from gardens and other beautiful flowers have enhanced the worship experience.  It is always a pleasure to see what will be on the altar each Sunday.  If you have garden flowers, or if you would like to purchase flowers in memory or in honor of someone, please sign up during coffee hour.  The sign-up sheet is on the door to coffee time treats.  “For everything there is a season,” Eccelesiastes 3 says.  This is the season for flowers from God’s great garden

 

PRAYER SHAWL CIRCLE                                     

Contact: Faith Bennett  503-690-0554

                            

The group meets on the 4th Monday of the month. 

@ 7:00 p.m. at the church. 

 

SOPHIA CIRCLE  

Contact: Jeri Silfies  503-639-6479

 

August 12, 7:00 p.m.

 

The August read is The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood.  In the spirit of How to Make an American Quilt and The Joy Luck Club, The Knitting Circle is a novel about friendship and redemption.  After the sudden loss of her only child, Stella, Mary Baxter joins a knitting circle in Providence, Rhode Island, as a way to fill the empty hours and lonely days, not knowing that it will change her life. Alice, Scarlet, Lulu, Beth, Harriet, and Ellen welcome Mary into their circle despite her reluctance to open her heart to them. Each woman teaches Mary a new knitting technique, and, as they do, they reveal to her their own personal stories of loss, love, and hope. Eventually, through the hours they spend knitting and talking together, Mary is finally able to tell her own story of grief, and in so doing reclaims her love for her husband, faces the hard truths about her relationship with her mother, and finds the spark of life again. By an “engrossing storyteller,” this new novel once again “works its magic” (Review by Sue Monk Kidd).

 

 

INNERFIRE COOPERATIVE YOUTH GROUP

Christy Dirren, Youth Pastor christydirren@gmail.com

 

Time for some Fun in the Son!

 

Summer youth group is off to a great start!  Our new 6^th graders were welcomed with a “surprise” bowling party on June 14^th.  They were officially welcomed into youth group with 60+ people on the 18^th at our kick off BBQ.  Youth, parents, volunteers, and family members met at Aloha UMC to break bread (buns), play some games and get ready for the summer.

 

18 people attended the Jars of Clay concert and overnighter in Salem June 21 – 22.  It ROCKED!  At the time this is being written, we are ½ way through VBS 2008.  The youth are making a big impact on the success of the event, as they did last year!

 

Coming up are some favorite activities and events.  We look forward to a fun, safe and faith-filled summer.  The summer calendar grid was sent via mail early June. If you need an additional copy, check your local church. Online you can check out www.cumcpdx.org for a calendar as well.

 

See you when you are around!!

 

Christy

 

TRUSTEES

Faith Bennett, Chair 503-690-0554

If you would like to volunteer for a project at the church, contact Faith!  Watch for work parties through the year.

 

AUMC PRAYER STUDY GROUP

John Dawson, 503-259-0637           

 

This group meets at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays in the Library.  New comers are cordially invited to join the group at any time.  The group will meet through June, and maybe continue through the summer.

 

JAM (Jesus and Me)

Holly Haber Contact  503-466-0048

 

Jam is our children’s Sunday School time, meeting during the worship hour each Sunday.  The children learn Bible stories in a variety of formats, from cooking to drama.

 

JAM will be taking a break for the summer. 

 

 

WORSHIP SCRIPTURES (For July/August)

Pastor Michael Cowan, contact 503-730-0619

 

Are you one of those people who likes to read ahead.  Do you enjoy doing research on the current Bible readings.  Do you like to know the theme for any given week.  Following is the list of the June readings and themes.

 

July 6  -  Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67;   Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

July 13  -  Genesis 25:19-34;  Matthew: 13:1-9, 18-23

July 20  -  Genesis 28:10-19;  Matthew: 13:24-30, 36-43

July 27  -  Genesis 29:15-28;   Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

August 3  -  Genesis 32:22-31; Matthew 14:13-21

August 10  -  Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Matthew 14:22-33

August 17  -  Genesis 45:1-15; Matthew 15:21-28

August 24  -  Exodus 1:8-2:10;  Matthew 16:13-20

August 31  -  Exodus 3:1-15; Matthew 16:21-28 

 

FAMILY BRIDGE

Pat Newbrough, AUMC Coordinator

                                                                                                                                

The next hosting begins on August 10th at Aloha UMC.  Overnight and dinner hosts are needed for   that week.   Annie Heart, Family Bridge Director, wants there to be two overnight volunteers, and if there is a single mother unit, she does not want a man to be the lone overnight volunteer.  That presents a problem for us at Aloha.  Walt Silfies and John Dawson are always willing to help out as overnight hosts.  If a woman volunteer cannot be found to be here also, then Pat Newbrough has to stay overnight as well.  She can do this on Friday or Saturday night, but not the rest of the week.   If you can volunteer as an overnight host, or dinner host, please contact Pat at the above number.

 

NEWSPAPER RECYCLING FUNDRAISER

Harvey Thomas, Coordinator  503-642-2905

 

An on-going recycling project.  Bring in your bagged or bundled newspapers and place in blue dumpster in the parking lot.

 

Aloha Says Thanks:

to the Whitlatches for  the fridge;  to Angela Pratt and Dorothy Eby for filing in for Josh; to Brooke and Katie for singing; to Georgia Frazier for singing; to Dick Stouffer for organizing the CAT walk and baseball game; to the Bennetts for new office furniture for Sherrell’s office; to Dave and Janet Reiter for organizing weed pulling; to Donna Detrick for yard and library work; to the meal providers for the Kessingers and the Thomas’s; to Megan, Maddie, Jessica & Peter for filling in the at the nursery; to Gordon Frost, for manning the sound board on Music Sunday & the Benefit Concert; to Brian Hanes, for moving the choir risers and setting up for Music Sunday and the Benefit concert; to the youth, Tempo and choir for their participation in Music Sunday; to all those who donated to Josh’s scholarship fund; to all those who have purchased piano keys toward funding the grand piano; to Stever Harter for planning the special music Sunday; to Roberta Thomas for organizing dinners for the Kessinger family; to Cheryl Dawson for the Father’s Day flowers; to Sarah Kennedy, Sherrell Davis, Christy Dirren, Josh Kessinger, & Deb Churchill for their participation in Rainforest Adventure VBS