The Chronicle Ainsworth United Church of Christ - -April 2015 Women’s Rights and the Sepur Zarco Trial Join us for a special educational forum on Sunday, April 12th at 9AM in Cambric Parlor. Scott Pike and Pat Rumer are co-hosting our speaker, Gabriela Rivera, a Guatemalan human rights lawyer working to end all forms of violence against women. Gabriela’s speaking tour is sponsored by the Guatemalan Human Rights Commission/USA. She speaks English. There will be coffee, tea and some Mexican pastels/pastries for all. Please mark this date on your calendar for an interesting presentation that parallels the history of sexual violence against women in our own country. Gabriela will share about the important legal case that is in the Guatemalan courts presently – the Sepur Zarco trial. INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AS THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COURAGEOUS WORK IN GUATEMALA. BACKGROUND: The Alliance to End Silence and Impunity is a coalition of three feminist and human rights organizations in Guatemala. Founded in 2009, the alliance supports women who were victims of sexual violence during the internal armed conflict in their struggle for truth and justice. Its mission is to break the prevailing silence that has surrounded acts of sexual violence committed against women during Guatemala’s military dictatorships. The Alliance works to educate women about their rights, provide psychosocial assistance in coordination with local communities, document and denounce the sexual violence that occurred during the conflict, and to support the women in bringing cases before the national and international courts. The Sepur Zarco trial is a groundbreaking and historic case for Guatemala and the rest of the world. It is the first time that a trial for sexual slavery during an armed conflict has been presented in the country where the acts took place. For the women of Sepur Zarco the trial represents their long-awaited desire to break through the silence and end the impunity for crimes of sexual violence that has prevailed for far too long in Guatemala. Sepur Zarco is a community in the municipality of El Curtain in Izabal. There, a military detachment was built during the hardest years of war and genocide, in 1982 [1]. There, crimes against humanity were committed, rape and sexual slavery of about 20 women amongst them. Some of these women had their husbands and relatives killed or disappeared too. Women who dared not to allow these crimes to go unpunished, who dared to speak and go through a series of difficult moments and cumbersome procedures, encourage us to reflect and defend truth and memory. From the first hearing, the women covered themselves in colorful fabrics to face their perpetrators. They did not come alone, but accompanied by several people, by community women, by women’s organizations that make up the Alliance Breaking the Silence and Impunity. In the last three hearings only their representative arrived to court. --from Pat Rumer and the website: womenrightsandthemedia.wordpress.com Ainsworth United Church of Christ A Multiracial, Multicultural, Open and Affirming Community 2 AUCC Chronicle online at www.ainsworthucc.com Easter is coming! For pastors, that usually brings panic- Holy Week preparations, extra worship and expectations. For children it may bring excitement- yes, for Easter egg hunts and baskets, new clothes. But what does it mean for all of us? All who call ourselves disciples of Jesus, Christians, members of Ainsworth UCC and other Christian communities? No matter what one believes about the resurrection: whether it was bodily, spiritual or a myth, Easter and resurrection reminds us that there is new life, and that God has the last say. Spring makes new life very clear, very visible and beautiful. The part about “God has the last say” is probably tougher for all of us to grasp. I doubt I could even really explain it in a book or sermon. Who really knows and understands what that means? But to simply put it, I have to believe that it means no matter what evil pervades our lives, what suffering we might endure, that God’s promise of presence and of love can never be destroyed. God so loved the world that God gave the One Jesus to us. Jesus showed us that God’s love is unending, extravagant and unconditional. That even though someone makes bad choices, mistakes or worse, that God loves him or her. That means that God loves me and not just me, but my community, my church, my city and my/the world- all of us! It also means, and this is really important for me, that no matter how we suffer- sickness, tragedy, horrible circumstances, confronting evil, that God is with us. Somehow, some way, God will strengthen and uphold us. It is my prayer that we all feel God’s presence at Easter service and beyond. I pray that we all experience the gift of new life in the opportunities we have for change, growth, for experience. I pray that we can all rest in the understanding that God is holding us in God’s hands. We are claimed and loved by God. --Pastor Lynne April 2015 Pastor’s New Address Pastor Lynne & Rev. Hector López 905 N. Harbour Dr., #17 Portland, OR 97211 No more land line, so please use: Pastor’s cell503-358-5627; Héctor’s -503-705-1613. Bible Study for April 7th John 20:19-31 14th Luke 24:36b-48 21st John 20:11-18 28th John 15:1-8 We meet at Ainsworth for Bible Study at 10 am on Tuesdays, in Cambric Parlor. April Birthdays… 4 8 8 11 12 14 14 16 19 20 21 22 24 24 24 24 28 29 29 29 30 Grace Anderson Seth Rue Simone Parker-Dickerson Nathan Baker Julie Loveless Elana Brazile Jessica Thomas Summer Cogburn-Frary Brooks Nelson David Jacob Salome Chimuku Ashley Cooper George Hendrix Stephanie Taylor Grant Joseph Daniel Baker Linda Blair Robinann Cogburn Shawn Burchfield Angie Harris Jean Bucciarelli Have a birthday in April and it is not listed here? Let us know. Contact the church office by email or phone. * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 3 AUCC Chronicle April 2015 online at www.ainsworthucc.com April Sundays A P R Maundy Thursday Agape Meal And Tenebra Service. starts at 6:30 pm in Michel Hall “Hold in Prayer…” 2 A P R 5 A P R 12 A P R 19 A P R 26 Easter Sunday Choir Cantata: “Jesus Changed Everything” Scripture: Mark 16:1-8 Liturgist: Ushers: Eldon Potter, Don Parks, Adelina Taylor, Mabel Johnson Sermon: “Marks of Faith” Scripture: John 20:19-31 Liturgist: Margie Holmes en Español: Ines Campoverde Ushers: Nick Putnam, Bruce Poinsette, Willard Valentine, and Beverly Perttu Earth Sunday Environmental Justice Task Force to plan the service. Scripture: Liturgist: Nick Putnam Ushers: Judi Pitre, Pearl Wilson and Norma Godfrey Sermon: “Enfolded by Love” Scripture: John 10:11-18 Liturgist: En español: Nadia Gutierrez Ushers: Carolyn Hinton, Jean Scott, Nadia Gutierrez & Tim Loveless Quarterly Congregational Meeting Sunday, 26 April We will gather for our quarterly meeting on April 26th. Please, join us after worship that Sunday so we can take care of church business. Brian Crosby-Payne Susan Madison Joe Craig Leland Lundgren Elaine Ordal Verlin Byers Steve Beaman Elaine Bates Anita Chimuku Peter Chimuku Shelly Penix Lisa Gates Illeana Dorn Valeriana Bandwa Norma & Jessie Godfrey Marcy Ross Doug Trotter Arnold & Judi Pitre Michael Eagan Ellen Yarnell Tom West and the UCC, in all settings. If you want prayers said for yourself or others, feel free to call on the Prayer Chain members. E-mail Peggy West @ [email protected] or call her at 503-659-7922. Cynthia’s Ainsworth Choir blog: www.ainsworthucc.com/auccmusicblog Ainsworth Directory Updates Pastor Lynne & Rev. Hector 905 N. Harbour Dr., #17 Portland, OR 97211 Phone: 503-358-5627 (Pastor Lynne’s) 503-7o5-1613 (Héctor’s) If you have a change for the directory, such as a new home or email, let us know. Send a note to the church office, or call us. * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 4 AUCC Chronicle online at www.ainsworthucc.com Moderator Musings Spiritual Gifts Inventory… I want to begin with a huge thank you to all who filled out the Spiritual Gifts Inventory. Over 30 people have shared about their gifts and talents...what about you? There are paper copies available on the bulletin board in the hallway. Help us get to know you better! Ainsworth Church Leadership Retreat… Calling all leaders! Our Leadership Retreat will be on Saturday, April 25th from 9am-12pm in the fellowship hall. Members of commissions, church officers, and anyone who is interested in the work and life of AUCC is encouraged to attend. The Sacred Conversations on Racism team will help to facilitate small group conversations on how we can better live out the beloved community in our church life. Quarterly Congregational Meeting… Please mark your calendar for our spring congregational meeting on Sunday, April 26th following worship. We will be voting on a second round of proposed changes to the church bylaws in response to requests raised at the last congregational meeting to ensure that the work of the Church Council and Commissions upholds our mission statement of being a multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming congregation. We will also be discussing the 30th Anniversary Celebration on May 17th, the All Church Retreat, and Ainsworth in the City. This is a chance for you to be involved in the decisions of the church! Want to Help the Church? On a final note, we are still looking for folks to serve as the Clerk (secretary) and on the Justice, Nurture, Worship, Service and Ministry Commissions. Let me or Pastor Lynne know if you're interested. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact me at: [email protected] or 503.706.5424 April 2015 Cambric Scholarship Luncheon… We will have our annual Cambric Scholarship Fund Raising Luncheon on Sunday, April 19th. Please, come and see this year’s awardee(s) and enjoy a lovely meal. Special Thanks… I want to thank my Ainsworth church family for all the prayers and support during my four years at Virginia State University. I will be graduating on May 2nd this year, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Again, many thanks. -Monterae Hill (Norma Godfrey’s granddaughter) 28 to 29 May All Church Retreat at Camp Adams Are you . . . Looking for something fun to do for Memorial Day weekend? Hoping to experience fabulous fellowship? Wanting to spend an awesome time in nature? Seeking knowledge and wisdom about your personal role in supporting environmental justice? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then plan on attending the all church retreat at Camp Adams, May 22nd to May 23rd. --Elana Brazile 31 May (Sunday) Four Seasons Birthday Celebration… More information both these fun-filled and action-packed events will be coming soon. Watch for email from Ainsworth, or information in the Sunday bulletins and May Chronicle. * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 5 AUCC Chronicle online at www.ainsworthucc.com April 2015 Equal Exchange on 2nd Sundays Our Ainsworth Youth Group will continue to sell coffee, tea and assorted chocolates in Michel Hall during fellowship hour. Service Commission It’s that Time of the Year It is time to think about summer plans and camping opportunities. This summer, you and your family will have opportunities to participate in wonderful camping experiences at Camp Adams (near Molalla, Oregon). Full Family Camp (all ages): June 28-July 4 $183 youth/$220 adult (maximum $888 per family) Half-Session Family Camp July 1 – July 4 $83 youth/$111 adult (maximum $444 per family) Genesis/Seekers (2nd and 3rd graders) July 5 – July 11 $365 Taller & Smaller (K-1st grade, with Adult) July 8-11 $83 youth/$111adult Discoverers (4th and 5th graders) July 12 – July 18 $365 Sojourners (6th, 7th and 8th graders) July 19 – July 25 $365 Exodus (9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders) July 5 – July 11 $365 Camp registration is now open! Go to campadams.org and click on the red registration button on the home page. You may register without paying the whole amount. Financial assistance is available from Ainsworth and Camp Adams. Please fill out the attached scholarship forms and return them to me. The deadline for camper scholarship requests is June 1, 2015. Warm Clothing Still Needed… Ainsworth UCC is very involved with the NE “Food Bank.” There is a Blue box in the narthex for collections of food, paper and plastic bags, and even toiletry items. They especially need diapers and shampoo. The food items in most demand are canned tuna and peanut butter. Spring will bring warmer weather, but the need for warm clothing continues. Please, consider donating blankets, sheets, and towels. Questions? See Barbara Rogers (503.841.5895), or [email protected]. You can also talk to me about the details at church. --Service Commission. Rummage Sale Update… We are NOT accepting donations for the rummage sale until later in the spring. We will notify you when we begin taking any donations. Contact Joslyn Baker [email protected] or 503-799-4749 to inquire as to whether your items are a good match for our EBay sales. One Great Hour of Sharing… “Do not neglect to do good and share what you have.” --Hebrews13:16a On March 15th, we had a One Great Hour of Sharing. Boxes were given for the children. Please bring your child’s money box back to the church by mid-April. Through the offering of “One Great Hour of Sharing,” Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. –Rev. Cecil Prescod * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 6 AUCC Chronicle online at www.ainsworthucc.com Urban League Advocacy Day… You are invited to join the Urban League on April 29th to bring our voices and votes to boost the support of the Urban League's Legislative Advocacy Day. Note: an RSVP is required. If you are unable to attend, please consider filling out the Endorsement Form attached and return it to the Urban League. Please share widely! "The Urban League is hosting its fourth Legislative Action Day at the Capitol on April 29th. We are asking African American organizations, community members and supporters to come together for Our Voices United, a day to advocate for our community. This event will be an opportunity to share the concerns and priorities of the African American community, meet with your state representatives and senators, and make a strong presence in the Capitol. When: Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Where: Oregon State Capitol Building; 900 Court St. NE, Salem, OR. Carpools and/or buses will be available from Portland and Eugene. This event is free and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Urban League office at (503) 2802600, or visit www.ulpdx.org Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice: http://www.imirj.org …Because Love Has No Borders Jubilee Oregon http://jubileeoregon.org/ April 2015 Nuns on A Bus… You've seen her on 60 Minutes, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart as she travels across the country with "Nuns on a Bus" advocating for the least of these in society. The Pacific University Center for Peace and Spirituality is excited to announce that Sister Simone Campbell will be on Pacific's Forest Grove campus at the Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center on Monday, April 6, 2015 for a 7 pm public lecture. Her talk will focus on the role faith can play in promoting public policies that advance the common good. "It is an honor to host this nationally known advocate," said Rev. Chuck Currie, director of the Center for Peace and Spirituality and university chaplain at Pacific University. "Sister Simone is an inspiring leader in the effort to create a more just nation. More people would be living in poverty without her leadership." Sister Simone has served as Executive Director of NETWORK: A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby since 2004. She is a religious leader, attorney and poet with extensive experience in public policy and advocacy for systematic change. In Washington, she lobbies on issues of peace building, immigration reform, healthcare and economic justice. Around the country, she is a noted speaker and educator on these public policy issues. Her latest book is A Nun On the Bus. A ticket is required to attend. Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Get tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-nun-on-the-bussister-simone-campbell-at-pacific-universitytickets-16149877719 You can Contact Rev. Currie at 503-352-2032 or at [email protected] for more info. * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 7 AUCC Chronicle online at www.ainsworthucc.com * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities April 2015 8 AUCC Chronicle Ainsworth United Church of Christ 2941 NE Ainsworth St. Portland, OR 97211 503-284-8767 Church Business E-mail [email protected] Pastor Lynne Smouse López Minister of Faith Formation Rev. Cecil Prescod Office Administrator Shawn Burchfield online at www.ainsworthucc.com April 2015 The Chronicle is a publication of Ainsworth United Church of Christ, a multiracial, multicultural, open & affirming congregation. Mark your Calendars. Next Submission Deadline: Sunday, April 19 Submission is easy! Place in the Chronicle box in Gooding Library. e-mail to Clinton at: [email protected] Please include your name and phone number on all submissions. Remember to support Ainsworth in your will. Consider a bequest to ‘Ainsworth United Church of Christ.” Office Assistant Mary Conlow Minister of Music Cynthia Butts Accompanist Dan Gaynor Custodian Doug Trotter Ainsworth United Church of Christ …like us on facebook Also online at: www.ainsworthucc.com Ainsworth UCC is online, at www.ainsworthucc.com AUCC Webmaster Ellen Yarnell Chronicle Editor Clinton Rockey Health Ministries Coordinator Margaret-Ann Jones Ainsworth United Church of Christ 2941 NE Ainsworth St. Portland, OR 97211 Church Website www.ainsworthucc.com Requested in Home by: Apr 3 * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities
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