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Clackam as U nited Church of Christ
A Just Peace Congregation
November 2014 Newsletter
hardy folks bundled up and showed up
to take care of the church grounds and
inside of the building. Jean Herrera,
Jim & Sandy Paulson, Mike Savin and
Charlie Hinkle – YOU ARE AMAZING!
* At the Art and Spirit Circle Retreat
In Rhododendron, I witnessed a mothat was more than a “Wow!” moment.
It was zen. Ten lively, active, verbal women worked in deep silence on their
art. They were so into it. Awesome!
Pastor’s Note
It truly is the season of
thanks giving, and we
have much to be thankful for at Clackamas
UCC. I am major involved in the daily business of running a church and caring for parishioners, but sometimes I get caught in a
“Wow!” moment, and it honestly stops me in
my tracks. There have been lots of “Wow!”
moments recently at our church, and in the
spirit of thanksgiving, I just have to share
them:
• Being struck by how wonderful the
church looks under a coat of a new
color. It’s lighter, brighter & cleaner. But the real “wow” comes from
knowing that the transformation
was the result of hard work by a
handful of folks who painted fast &
furiously before the rains hit. A
heartfelt thank you must be extended to Dave Frick Wright – who led
the process along and did most of
the painting and repair work. I know
that Rhonda Frick Wright, Jim Paulson and Bill Magorian helped, and
I’m sure there were others I was
unaware of. Bless you all.
The Sandy River during the
Art and Spirit Circle Retreat
*
The night before the All Church
work day it poured, and it was still
raining at 7:00 am on work day. I
think that most folks figured it was
not a good out door work day – so
they stayed snug at home. No one
blamed them, but the “Wow!” moment came when I heard that five
* Last – but far from least on the “Wow!”
meter - was an event that happened on
Sunday, October 26th. Our Clackamas
UCC choir performed a concert at Avamere Rehab Facility in honor of former
choir member, Angie Paul’s, 90th B’day.
All of the choir members participated
under the direction of Jean Herrera.
We sang for a dining room full of appreciative listeners – many who had
heard us sing a spirituals concert there
last year. Folks had varying degrees of
impairments, but all seemed to enjoy
the music. Nothing brings tears to my
eyes more than seeing others tearing
up over a beautiful tune or familiar melody. Wow! I don’t believe that there
was a more meaningful and touching
moment this fall. I am grateful for our
choirs devotion to music and to all
those for whom we sing.
Blessings to each and every one of you this
Thanksgiving season. I experience true gratitude for every day that we are in ministry
together. Wow!
Peace, Rev. Denise
_____________________________________________
Thanks to Rev. Gene Ross who covered the pulpit
on Oct. 5 & 12. He spoke on border issues & the
response of the United Church of Christ. If you
want to help, donations can be sent to the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ.
917 E Sheridan, Phoenix, AZ 85006. On the memo
line put “Immigrant Welcoming Fund.” Thanks!
Clackamas
A Just Peace Congregation
Clergy: Rev. Denise Andersen
(503) 653-3945 [email protected]
Cell Phone: 503-351-3615 (for emergencies)
Choir Director & Organist:
Jean Herrera (503) 654-2449
CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERS
Moderator: Jean Herrera (503) 654-2449
Vice Moderator:
Peggy Soliday (503) 305-8824
Clerk: Lori Prouty (503) 522-1034
Treasurer: Jeff Pratt (503) 658-2098
Financial Secretary:
Patti Hanson (503) 659-4991
Christian Education Chair:
Steve Andersen (5030 653-3945
Youth/Young Adults:
Rev. Denise Andersen (503) 653-3945
Trustee Chair:
Jim Paulson (503) 631-2765
Deacon’s Chair:
Cathy Cooper (503) 653-1298
Justice and Witness:
Bill Magorian (503) 653-2917
Staff Relations Chair:
Jean Herrera (503) 654-2449
Newsletter Submissions: The Clackamas United
Church of Christ Newsletter is open to submissions
from members and committees. We welcome information, poetry, photos and art for consideration in
this monthly publication. Also – we love to receive
member “News” so we can give the appropriate “pat
on the back.” Submissions to be considered can be
emailed to Denise Andersen at [email protected].
The next Newsletter deadline is November 16th
for the December Newsletter.
Web Sites to Check out:
Clackamas UCC at http://www.c-ucc.org/
UCC National Offices - www.ucc.org
Community of Welcoming Congregations
welcomingcongregations.org
Progressive Christianity http://www.tcpc.org
Joys & Concerns
Keep the following folks in your prayers! Denise Andersen’s sister – Lisa – recovering from hip
replacement surgery – second scheduled for December.
Art Buck – in assisted living and on hospice.
Amy Brinkley – For Continued Healing, and we share her
joy that she has completed treatment and is cancer free!
Elsie Burtard – in Adult Foster Care.
(Sandy Paulson’s mother.)
Glenn and Jean Camper – for healing and comfort.
Cathy Cooper’s Parents – who were both hospitalized in
October. They are home recuperating.
Patti Hanson’s Grandchildren: Prayers for Cam who is
suffering from depression & Emily who has medical issues.
June Kalb – in an Adult Foster Home with Alzheimer’s.
If visiting, do not bring sweets due to health issues.
And no visitors after 5:00 pm, please.
Angie Paul – At Avamere Rehab in Gladstone. The
Clackamas UCC Choir presented a concert at Avamere in
celebration of Angie’s 90th B’day.
Betty Pribil – at Princeton Village Assisted Living.
Dwight Richardson – Suffering from a back injury.
The Rev. Patricia Ross – Pat’s mother passed away
in October. Please keep her family in your prayers.
Millie Sandwick –Millie fractured her back & is recovering.
She thanks everyone for prayers & support.
Peggy Soliday’s step grandchild – Claira –
recovering from successful skull surgery.
Eldon Steiner – Severe back/leg pain issues.
Janice Straub – Who will have back surgery this month.
Brian Wilcox – recovering from melanoma surgery.
He reports that he is doing well in treatment.
Lewis-Wolfram Family – keep them in your prayers.
Phyllis Yambos – Prayer for healing.
Love to Sing?
The CUCC choir welcomes singers. We meet from
6:50 to 8:00 on Wednesday nights in the church sanctuary. If you can’t commit to singing regularly, folks
are invited to join us for the holidays. Please see Jean
Herrera for more information.
Just Peace Outreach
Always Collecting These Much Needed Items:
USED EYE GLASSES for the Lions Club
CELL PHONES for Clackamas Women’s Services.
Don’t forget to SIGN UP NOW!
Justice & Witness Ministries with the Central
Pacific & Pacific Northwest UCC Conferences invite you to a time of inspiring worship, preaching, &
training to fan the flames of justice in the Northwest. We seek hearts aglow with the fire of the
Holy Spirit! We come together to pray & proclaim,
to sing and rejoice, to receive an abundance of
grace in our lives, our ministries and our churches.
Like the disciples after Pentecost, we gather to be
re-inspired to be Christ’s Church in the world.
First Congregational UCC, Vancouver
1220 NE 68th, Vancouver, WA November 8, 2014 | 8:00 am - 3:30pm
Register now: http://www.cvent.com/d/w4q5yz
It’s that time of year when we collect winter coats and
blankets for the homeless and warming centers in the
greater Portland area. Check out your closets for spare
coats, sweaters, sweatshirts and blankets. Also – yoga
pads make a great buffer between a blanket and the
ground. Bring these to church any time. The youth will
sort them. We’ll deliver them where they are needed
most. Thank you!
Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program
You can help Clackamas UCC earn donations when
you Shop at Fred Meyer through their community
Rewards Program.
You will keep all of your reward & fuel points.
Simply link your existing Rewards Card to Clackamas
UCC at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards
by either searching for our name, or inserting our
NPO# 80815.
Then every time you shop and use your Rewards
Card, we will earn a donation. It's so simple! If you
don’t have a rewards card, you can sign up for one
at the Fred Meyer Customer Service Desk.
Fundraising Update . . . . . . . . . .
Because we did so well with our rummage
sale in September, we did not have an Octoberfest Lunch last month. Instead, we will
celebrate the season with a harvest potluck
on Sunday, November 2nd.
Help Needed for our Next
All Church Fundraiser:
Holiday Bazaar, Quilt Raffle and Bake Sale
Saturday, November 22nd
We need hand crafted items, 2nd best donations, and
baked goods. Together we create this wonderful event.
Jean Herrera is coordinating the luncheon. Joyce
Steiner & Jan Straub are handling the craft donations.
King’s Cupboard needs our constant
support. Their shelves need filling! Thanks for being
so good at keeping our food barrel full!! We need to
amp up our efforts for November & December. Also –
King’s Cupboard is in need of volunteers for the food
bank before and during distribution days. Please let
Patti Hanson know if you can donate just a couple of
hours a month. It would be a great help. The holidays
keep the food bank very busy.
GRANT RECEIVED FOR OUR HUNGER RELIEF EFFORTS
Rev. Denise Andersen applied for a grant from the CPC
of the UCC Wider Church Ministries on behalf of Clackamas UCC for support for our hunger relief efforts. The
proposal was accepted and we will receive $200 for
food storage and collection needs at church.
This year’s quilt for raffle (pictured above on the
bed) is beautiful and perfect for any Oregonian
home. The raffle tickets are just $1 and 6 for $5.
Buy many!!!
NOTE: Denominational UCC “All Read” Book is
November Calendar
Sundays at Clackamas UCC
Bible Study 9:20-10:10 in the Fellowship Hall
Worship - 10:30 in the Sanctuary
Hotdogs and Hamburgers: Unlocking Life’s Potential
by Inspiring Literacy at any Age by Rob Shindler.
Copies are available at the church. Church Discussion
on Literacy will take place Sunday, Jan. 18.
During Worship - Youth Are Dismissed for Activities
Wednesdays at Clackamas UCC
Women’s Circle – Wednesdays from 10:00 – 1:00ish
Choir – Wednesdays from 6:50 – 8:00
Saturday, November 22nd –
All Church Bazaar, Bake Sale & Luncheon.
Please see Joyce, Janice or Jean to sign up to help.
Needed: Crafts, Baked Goods, 2nd Best Items, Cooks,
Servers, and Day of Event Helpers.
DIa de los Muertos Service
Sunday, November 2nd at 10:30
Celebrate All Saints Day by bringing items
in memory of your loved ones for our altar.
Potluck After Worship
Tuesday, November 4 – Election Day. Your vote is
your voice – don't give it up!
Saturday, Nov. 8 – UCC Event in Vancouver, WA
Stoking the Fires of Justice: A Revival for Social Change
Rev. Denise Andersen will co-lead a workshop on Just
Peace Churches and Non-violence with national UCC
leaders. See this newsletter for details. Clackamas UCC
will cover the $25 registration fee for members attending.
Sunday, November 9th - The Calling and Caring
Committee will meet after worship in the Narthex.
Movie Club This Afternoon.
Tuesday, November 11th – Christian Ed Meeting
at 6:30 at Flying Pie Pizza.
JESUS SEMINAR ON THE ROAD
The Other Bible/ Early Christianity Beyond the Canon
NOVEMBER 14 & 15, 2014
At Southminster Presbyterian Church
12250 SW Denney Rd. Beaverton, OR 97008
For more information and to register, contact:
http://www.westarinstitute.org/events/beaverton
Sunday, November 16 – Council will meet after
worship. This is the last Council meeting of 2014.
Monday, November 17th – Art & Spirit Circle
7:00 pm at the church. Dessert Provided. $5/Supplies
Thursday, November 20th – Book Club will meet at
7:00pm at Andersen’s for general book discussion.
Book club will not meet in December.
Sunday, November 23rd Thanksgiving Service.
Soup Lunch after worship All proceeds support the
hungry in our community.
Tuesday, November 25th – Community Thanksgiving
Service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. 7pm.
Thursday, Nov. 27th –THANKSGIVING DAY!
Sunday, November 30th – ADVENT I - HOPE!
Theme: Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
Revs. Diane Dulin and Denise Andersen will lead a
worship service focused on peace efforts in Palestine.
Diane will share about her recent visits to Palestine
and lead a discussion after worship. Diane Dulin,
Steve and Denise Andersen are on the Wider Church
Ministries Board for the Central Pacific Conference of
the UCC. Don’t miss this meaningful and informative
start of the Advent season.
Advance Notice from EMO
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon invites you to attend
the 25th Anniversary Celebration luncheon of the HIV
Day Center . This is the only drop in center in the
greater Porland Area for our most vulnerable, low
income, HIV positive individuals.
December 3 – 12:30 to 1:30 at Concordia University
Second Floor Hagen Center 2811 NE Holman, Portland
The luncheon is free – but there will be an offering.
A Prayer Vigil precedes the event at Ainsworth UCC –
11:30 am - 2941 NE Ainsworth, Portland
Please RSVP by Nov. 26 to: [email protected]
Beware of Fake IRS Callers
by Lisa Lake - Consumer Ed. Specialist, FTC
Meet New Members: Bill & Lanie Magorian
After meeting at a church function in 1983, Bill and
Lanie were married the following year. They live in
Milwaukie with their son, Bryce. Lanie’s father was a
pastor for the Church of Christ and Bill and Lanie
spent many years in that denomination. Recently they
decided a change was needed and sought a church
that was more aligned with peace and justice issues.
That is what initially brought them to Clackamas UCC,
and they have now both become members. Lanie
works as a tech assistant/secretary for Alder Creek
Middle School, and Bill is retired from the Safeway
Distribution Center. They are a much welcome addition to CUCC. Bill is now the chair of our Justice and
Witness Committee. Say hello next time you see them!
The Treasury Inspector General for Taxpayer Administration (TIGTA) warns that crooks posing as Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) officials are contacting people claiming they
owe taxes. The caller demands a prepaid debit card, wire
transfer or a credit card number for payment. If the person
doesn’t comply, the caller threatens to arrest or deport the
target, or take away their driver’s license or business.
Thousands of victims have lost money to these tax scam
artists. Scams have recently been reported in the Clackamas County area. But there are ways to recognize them
and foil their attempts to steal your money.
These scammers often:
call you. But when the IRS contacts people about
unpaid taxes, they do it by postal mail, not by phone.
use common names and fake IRS badge numbers
know the last four digits of your Social Security number
demand payment via a prepaid debit card or wire
transfer. The IRS doesn’t ask for either of these
payment methods, nor will they ask for credit card
numbers.
rig caller ID information to appear as if the IRS really
is calling
send fake emails that look like legitimate IRS
correspondence
make a second call claiming to be the police or
department of motor vehicles, rigging the caller
ID information
To protect yourself from imposters who call,
claiming to be from the IRS:
Check out
NewFolkRadio.com, an online
Folk and Bluegrass Radio Station
John Hart is the husband of CUCC member
Joanna Hart, and also the founder of
NewFolkRadio.com, a 24/7 folk and bluegrass
online streaming radio station from Portland.
John is an avid folk, roots, and bluegrass music
enthusiast, and writes about current CD releases
for NewFolkRadio. "In today's marketplace, it's
frustrating to listen to folk, roots and bluegrass
music that I want to hear without paying a subscription fee, so I started NewFolkRadio, and it
will always be free," he said.
don’t provide any account or other personal
information. Hang up the phone.
never wire money to a person or company you
don’t know. Once you wire money, you can’t
get it back.
if you owe - or think you owe - federal taxes, call the
IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you
with your payment questions. You also can
visit the IRS website at irs.gov.
report the incident to TIGTA at 800-366-4484.
forward emails from the IRS to [email protected].
Don’t open any attachments or click on any
links in those emails.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
at ftc.gov/complaint. Include “IRS Telephone Scam"
In your complaint.
October Young at Hearts Octoberfest
Lunch at Gustav’s (Photos left, above and below)
and Charlie Steiner
They were married at the Elk’s Club in
Milwaukie on October 12th. Charlie is
the son of Joyce and Eldon Steiner
and the nephew of Jan Straub. Joyce
said that it was the most fun wedding
she’d ever been to – even if it was her
own son’s. Do you think she’s partial?
Young at Hearts is a group of active Clackamas
UCC folks who are aged 55 and above. They get
together every other month for lunch at an area
restaurant. Anyone is welcome to join them – and
they look the other way if you aren’t 55 yet. ☺
The more the merrier. And – friends are always
welcome. Just be sure to RSVP for restaurant
reservations. Next month, we’ll gather at Pronto
Pizzaria & Kitchen at 11:45 on Wednesday, December 10th for a holiday lunch. Mark it on your
calendars now & plan to join us!
Congratulations to the happy couple!
l
These photos are from the Art & Spirit Circle
Retreat to Rhododendron last month. The
theme of this year’s event was “Dreams.”
Ten women gathered at the Soliday cottage
for good food, creative art and wonderful
conversations. Oh – and there was some
competitive Mexican Train Dominos playing. Rev. Denise Andersen led the annual
retreat. Art & Spirit Circle meets monthly
for art sessions or field trips. They value
art as an aspect of spirituality and the
program is based on Julia Cameron’s “The
Artist’s Way.” We will meet next on Monday night, Nov. 17th at 7pm at the church.