The Herald RLC ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY!!! Friday, October 6:30pm DONT MISS THE SPOOKY GOOD TIME.. DETAILS INSIDE!

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1 Resurrection 1700 NE 132 nd Ave Portland OR The Herald Sunday Worship: Contemporary 9:15am; Traditional 11:15am Education & Fellowship 10:30am Wonderful Wednesdays: Noon Lunch Bunch, Supper 5:45pm, Parenting Group 6:00pm, Worship 6:15pm & Study Groups 6:30pm Holy Communion is Celebrated at all Worship Offerings Ministers: All the People of Resurrection Pastors: The Rev. Michael O Berg, The Rev. Roger Fuchs Visitation Pastor: Gordon Pritchard Minister of Youth and Family Discipleship: Troy Lutz Children s Minister: Kari Jubb Parish Administrator: Kym Tangen facebook: facebook.com/resurrecitonpdx; youtube: youtube.com/resurrectionpdx October 2015, vol. 33 no Published Monthly by Resurrection Lutheran Church 2015 RLC ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY!!! Friday, October 6:30pm DONT MISS THE SPOOKY GOOD TIME.. DETAILS INSIDE! C & M Publications is the printer of the Herald. The business relationship is very simple and convenient. The Herald is prepared as we always have. However, after our final proof is confirmed our print file is sent electronically to C & M for printing. The Herald will be returned ready for mailing with mailing labels 48 hours later. All at no cost to Resurrection Church, made possible through the support of our local sponsors found on page eleven. We encourage you to read the businesses listed and use them for your personal needs whenever possible. Let them know where you saw their ad. Should you have a business and desire to reach your congregation with your ad message, please call Chris McAdams directly at: Thank you.

2 A number of weeks ago I talked with you during the Sunday morning worship about an ongoing conversation that the leadership of RLC is having. This conversation is centered around prayerfully discerning what God would have us do as a family of faith. Naturally this kind of conversation touches every aspect of every Today - I want to invite you to think about the ministries that orbit the first word of the RLC cheer - Rejoice! When I think about Rejoice! my mind immediately goes to thoughts of worship. I know that I can (and frequently do) rejoice in other areas of my life as a Jesus follower. Quiet, solitary meditation can be just as much rejoicing a playing my guitar in the band, listening to a sermon, praying the confession. But for the sake of the conversation - I would like to consider the worship as the area of emphasis when we speak about Rejoice! Pastor Mike s Musings Currently - we have three expressions of worship. 9:15am and 11:15am and Wednesdays at 6:15pm. In a typical week (that is, not during the summer) we have about folks in our worshipping community. That puts Resurrection at the larger side of the spectrum in terms of ELCA congregations. There are only about 5% of the ELCA congregations that are our size or larger and we are larger in terms of worshipping attendance than 95% of the ELCA. Learning lessons from those who study the Church and what works best, we might want to consider offering more. Statistically, the are far more folks in our neighborhoods that are not currently connected with a worshipping community than are. Many times the reason people don t worship is that Sunday is not as reserved as it used to be. What might we do to position ourselves in the best possible posture to be open to these folks? Naturally, just offering another worship opportunity or a new style of worship is NOT going to cause the fold gates to open and all these people who have been dying to attend RLC to beat a pathway to our door - we are eventually going to need to engage the community around us with ACTIVE invitations to see what God is doing here. However, in the mean time - the question remains - what can we be doing now? No decisions have been made, there is no hidden agenda. I personally and your Church Council collectively want to engage the width and breadth of the RLC congregation in a mutual conversation about what we might all do together. What we do feel is that we need to be moving forward with momentum and not just inertia. Some suggestions that might spur some conversation below - I get these from from conversations with my pastoral colleagues, journal articles to which I subscribe, and experts that I frequently listen to, read and converse with. Remember - these are only suggestions for addressing the needs of our current community AND those we are trying to reach with the saving message of Jesus Christ - I hope that we can struggle and journey together - I know that when we are ready - God will mightily bless us! Some Topics of Conversation Should Sunday service styles be swapped so the contemporary, seeker service is later in the morning and traditional is earlier? Should we add another worship service later in the evening on Sunday or Saturday? Should we investigate developing another worship site to the east of RLC(the two campus one church model)? These are deep questions looking into the future of RLC - pray with me that God will guide our vision and our conversations. Peace PM rlcpdx.org

3 ADULT BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES! Everyone is welcome to join us for any of the following Bible Studies that we currently offer here at RLC. If you have any questions about any of these Bible Studies, please contact Kym in the office at or Men s Monday Morning Manna Meets October 5, 12, 19 & 7:00am in the Luther Lodge Tuesday Morning Bible Study Meets October 6, 13, 20 & 9:45am in the RLC Library Wonderful Wednesdays!!! October 7, 14, 21 & 28: Noon - Lunch Bunch Study in the Fellowship Hall 5:30pm - Supper served - 6:00pm - Parenting Group 6:15pm - Worship & Eucharist - 6:30pm - Small Groups Fall Adult Class - The Lutheran Course The Fundamentals of Lutheranism Joy Circle (Women of RLC) Women s Ministry of Fellowship, Service & Study Open to all Women of RLC & their Friends!!! We meet every 3rd Wednesday in the Luther Lodge. This month on October 10:00am Study Leader: Orpha Neils Devotions: Annetta Anderson Hostess: Jean Battig The study for this month is: MAKE HASTE, O LORD: A study on Slow Faith.Theme Verse: "My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors" Psalm 31:15 Joy Circle uses the Gather Magazine as the study guide for our Bible Study COME JOIN US!!

4 meets every 4th Thursday of the month!! This month - October 7:00pm Join us for Good food, Good Drink and Good Conversation Theology on Tap is an opportunity to gather in a public space around food and drink, to discuss a wide range of topics relating to faith, spirituality, theology and daily life. All are Welcome! One need not be a member of RLC, you need not drink beer, and there are no strings attached to attending an RLC TOT...No RSVP necessary! To get on the mailing list, get information and be the first to know where we are meeting - sign up each month at the info Center in the Fellowship Hall! Worship Texts and Themes for October October 4 Moses and God s Name Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost READ Exodus 1:8-14 [15 2:10]; 3:1-15 THEME: Israel is in slavery and calls for help. God calls Moses to bring release (related Gospel Reading Mark 12:26-27a) October 11 Hear O Israel Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost READ: Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 6:4-9 THEME: Ten Commandments Love the LORD your God with all your heart and soul and might (Related Gospel Reading: Mark 12:28-31 ) October 18 Ruth Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost READ Ruth 1:1-17 THEME Ruth is a foreigner who finds belonging among God s people. Where you go I will go, your people will be my people, your God will be my God. (Related Gospel Reading Mark 3:33-35) October 25 REFORMATION SUNDAY - ONE WORSHIP 10:30 AM Come and share the Rite of Affirmation of Faith with our Confirmands! This is a wonderful time to celebrate with these fine young men and women as they take a larger role in the life of our Family of faith. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm This faith-based grief recovery support group is open to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. The 13 week GRIEF SHARE program is designed to help participants process and heal the deep hurt of loss. Each session will utilize a video presentation, discussion, and workbook exercises. You are welcome to begin attending at any point. Each session is self contained so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will be able to pick up any sessions you missed in the next 13 week cycle. There is a $15 fee for the workbook. If you are interested in learning more about this support group, please contact the cofacilitators, Leslie Sawyer, sawyerle@aol.com or Judy Yudt, judy.yudt@gmail.com.

5 A Note From Sue.Your Council President Last month I reminded you what a busy summer we had at RLC. Fall is here now and things are ramping up even more. The Rally Sunday celebration kicked off on September 13th with one service followed by a potluck lunch and fun activities for the kids. As I write this, the fall schedule will be in full swing on September 20 th with our regular worship service times (9:15am & 11:15am) resuming and Sunday school between the services. If you haven t had a chance to visit the education meeting rooms on the east side of the building, take a field trip some time. The staff, especially Troy and Kari, have been very busy this past summer organizing and decorating areas to make our facility more inviting. They have done an excellent job cleaning and organizing especially the storage room, fellowship hall, nursery, tree room, youth rooms and education rooms. They are ready. Bring on the kids and activities! So take a look at their handiwork when you get a chance. I think you will be impressed. Thanks to all the staff but especially to Troy and Kari! Now for some Council news. You will notice as of last month, instead of giving you all of the Council meeting minutes in the Newsletter, Sally is giving you a brief synopsis in the Newsletter to save room for all the news of activities going on at RLC. There is still a full copy of the meeting minutes along with the regular monthly committee reports available by the mailboxes. Mark your calendar. We have set the date for the next annual congregational meeting. The date is January 17, At that meeting, we will be voting on our 2016 budget, elect new council members (we need 5), voting on some by-law changes and handling whatever other church business needs to be addressed. I can use your help in a couple of areas. In order for elect new council members for 2016, we need a nominating committee. If you would like to volunteer to serve on this committee or if you are interested in serving on Council, please let me know. Also, as I stated in last month s newsletter, if you have any input for the 2016 budget process, please talk to me or any member of the finance committee. The work on the budget is taking place now. Another date to remember is the Synod Assembly which is scheduled for April 29-May 1, If you have any interest in attending this meeting to represent RLC, please talk to me. Lastly, I encourage you to get started with participating in a group at RLC whether that be a Bible study, Wonderful Wednesday, Sunday school or any committee of interest. Fall is a great time to get started with a new activity that will help you work on the renew part of Rejoice, Renew and Reach Out! Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 Sue Hiersche RLC Council President

6 AUGUST COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS July ended with income of $33,432.42, short of expenses by $3,674.16, but reflecting an increase of $3, over June income. The usual impact of summer activities affecting attendance and record high temperatures have contributed to a decrease in income A special bequest of $21, from the estate of Richard Swee has been received. Mr. Swee asked that the funds be added to the general fund. The Finance Committee recommends that 10% of the bequest be tithed to the Synod, $5,000 be repaid to the R4 fund and the balance left in the general fund. A January council retreat will be held, to work on a vision, plan and goals. The Finance Committee will include the intern program in next year's budget. They are gathering information to work on next year's budget. When Pastor O'Berg is on vacation, supply pastors will be paid at the suggested synod rate. Staff, council members and others will assist Pastor O'Berg with services. Kari Jubb discussed the growing children's programs and the need for more childcare. Copies of the full minutes are available on the counter by the mailboxes. Sally Ritchie Church Council Secretary

7 RLC OUTREACH/FELLOWSHIP Are you interested in Outreach & Fellowship events? If so, please attend our next meeting on Tuesday, October 6:00pm Operation Christmas Child Thank You to all who signed out a box (or two)!! Because of you every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! YOUR BOXES ARE DUE BACK ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST Sorry No Late Boxes Can Be Accepted RLC ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY Friday, October 30 6:30pm Wear your costume and have some fun!! The Party will included games, a pumpkin giveaway, trunk-or-treat, snacks & The traditional Haunted Lodge! DONATIONS OF WRAPPED CANDY AND PUMPKINS ARE NEEDED! Please see Jerry Sharpe if you can help out!

8 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION!! Scholarships, Outreach to the Community, or Missions of The Lutheran Church Please Fill out an application by October 18th Applications are located in a mail slot by the Church Office or ask any staff member for assistance. For more information please refer to the September 2015 Herald. Your Living Memorial Fund Committee $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ FROM YOUR LIBRARY COMMITTEE Our library has a number of outstanding novels and true stories dealing with the ongoing political tragedies of Afghanistan and recently we have received a very moving biography on this subject which was published in This new acquisition is THE DRESSMAKER OF KHAIR KHANA by Gayle Lemmon which specifically reveals the extreme hardships and turmoils endured by Afghan women as the political landscape of their country radically changed after the departure of the Soviet occupation, followed by harsh and unstable governing. Lemmon, a Fellow and Deputy Director of Women and Foreign Policy Program at the Council of Foreign Relations, writes a true account of a young, well-educated Afghan woman, Kamila Sidiqi, who was forced to find ways to support her large family under the overwhelming restrictions of the Taliban in the early 1990s. As was the case of many families in Kabal, the men of Kamila s family were driven to escape from the country with their lives, leaving their women and young sons behind to fend for themselves. Banned from school, confined to her home, and armed only with determination, (Kamila) picks up a needle and thread to create a thriving (sewing) business that saved lives. This riveting and informative biography can be found in the biography section of our library. Quoting Angelina Jolie, THE DRESSMAKER OF KHAIR KHANA gives voice to many of our world s unsung heroines. Against all odds, these young women (Kamila and her sisters and neighbors) created hope and community, and they never gave up. This book is guaranteed to move you and to show you a side of Afghanistan few ever see. Check It Out In Your RLC Library!

9 Find RLC on the Webpage: : : October 2015 Mission of the Month Lutheran Community Services Northwest is a non-profit human services agency serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. They provide a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools, businesses, congregations, neighborhoods and communities. They touch the lives of people of all ages, cultures and faiths. Thank you for your continued support of the RLC Mission of the Month We are making a difference!

10 OCTOBER FAIR TRADE COFFEE NEWS! ONE CUP AT A TIME The first Sunday of each month you can now purchase Organic Breakfast Blend and Organic French Roast in single serving K-cups made from recyclable plastic and aluminum with a compostable filter. These are environmentally responsible and provide income for small coffee farmers. If you are a fan of single serve coffee, we are happy to provide these for you in addition to our other fine coffees. We will look for you on October 4 th in the Fellowship Hall between and after services. Thank you for your continued support! Trust Walk --by Pastor Roger for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 The Mayor of Clay Street died last month. It was very likely a heart attack. He nearly died on the street a number of years ago, but a homeless man named Wayne got somebody to call 911. The EMT s arrived just in time to whisk him up to OHSU. Larry wasn t an official mayor of anything. Somebody coined the title seeing how Larry looked out for people around Grace Bible Church (SW 12th & Clay) and St. Stephens Church (SW13th & Clay). Larry had problems with alcohol which led to job and marriage problems. On the streets of Portland, Larry eventually found help and sobriety. Still, the streets had aged him by at least 10 years, if not 20. Larry remained a man of faith and never forgot where he had been. He never forgot the people still out there. Larry even gave tours to students and people from the area who wanted to know how life on the street works. He amazed his groups by relating all the things he had to re-learn once he got back into housing. Such as doing laundry again instead of throwing away clothes too filthy to wear. Larry was my partner on the first Operation Nightwatch Spiritual Retreat I ever attended. Back then, our final event was always the mandatory trust walk. One person wore a blindfold, the other would lead. I led Larry; he led me. On that walk, I learned that Larry was originally an Iowa Hawkeye. He was leading me, a blind former Nebraska Cornhusker. We talked about baling hay, family, our daughters. We talked about faith and life. One evening after Operation Nightwatch worship last winter, Larry came up the stairs hauling huge bags of sleeping bags, backpacks and jackets. Then he went back to his apartment and got more. Then still more. He d put out the word at Grace Bible Church and they d filled his apartment. The Mayor of Clay Street had come through again. Jesus has come through for the Mayor. Now he walks by sight. Thanks be to God!

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12 Resurrection 1700 NE 132 nd Ave Portland OR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 585 PORTLAND, OR OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS! 1 Kelsey Cobb Jessica Colombini 3 Jennifer Dolton Mike Ritch ie Elizabeth Weinbe rg e r 4 Timothy Cobb Er ic Wittren Joan Wussow 5 Sarah Mohr Geo rg e War n eke 6 Mary Ellen Summer 9 Karen Baker Carlotta Flink Sandy Petersen James Upton 11 Charlie Akovenko Trevor Tangen 13 Hilary Fuchs Ralph Neils Cheryl Nelson 14 Lorna Kershaw Gordon Peterson 16 Justin Weinberger 17 Travis Warneke 18 Kathy Brose 19 Terry Armstrong 20 Melanie Beltane 23 William Leonard 24 Judy Crook Linda Holub 27 Christopher Chapelle Isaac Chapelle Ainsley Dolton Diane Kern Roy Leslie Sawyer 29 Marshall Grose David Piel 31 Ruth Porter Chelsea Roy