United Voice United Lutheran Church December 2017 A Reconciling in Christ Congregation 2230 Washington Street, Eugene, OR (541)

Transcription

1 United Voice United Lutheran Church December 2017 A Reconciling in Christ Congregation 2230 Washington Street, Eugene, OR (541) unluthch@efn.org Worship Services: Sundays, 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.; Summer: 9:45 a.m Education Hour: 9:45 a.m., School Year Only When I ran across an article talking about Jesus as the Prince of Peace, my mind started playing with the image. We confess Jesus as the Prince of Peace but not the Dispenser of Denial. We say that he is the Prince of Peace but not the Earl of Ease. We look to him as the Prince of Peace but not the Patron of Permissiveness. We talk about him as the Prince of Peace but not the Agent of Appeasement. Please allow me to elaborate a bit. He brings peace but not by denying all of those things which cause pain and trouble in our world. Stopping our ears and hoping all that which is bad will somehow go away may lead to temporary relief but I do not think that peace is finally found there. As for the next contrast, when we are at ease, life can feel good and the journey pleasant. But, usually such times do not last and we will find ourselves once again in the challenges life brings our way. Though pleasant, I do not think that this is what Jesus had in mind when he came into the world and called people to follow. In a related way, the peace Jesus brings is not rooted in a permissiveness which seeks to keep everyone happy be saying, It s OK. Good ahead and do whatever makes you happy. This style might lead to temporary pleasure but all too soon, life can go sideways. Sometimes, we need to be told, That really is not a good idea. And lastly, I do not think that Jesus makes peace by trying to appease us so that we do not get angry and throw a spiritual temper tantrum when we do not get our way. It seems to me that this is less peace and more like being spiritually spoiled. I do not think that Jesus as Prince of Peace is like any of these. Instead, I think that he is such a giver of peace because he is the Lord of Love. It is Isaiah 9:6 where the image of the Prince of Peace is found. The Hebrew word for peace which is used there is shalom. This is a rich word with multiple meanings. They include peace, welfare, happiness, health, and wholeness. The only action which, I think, addresses all of these is that of unconditional love. It is only in such a gift that as we experience it, we are held together even when everything else may be falling apart. In such a love, we are the recipients of the peace which passes all understanding. So, how is Jesus Prince of Peace? It is through loving us without condition and without end. It is that love which leads him both to hold us close and to tell us when we need to change our ways. I pray that this gift will be real for us day after day, in good times and in hard times, in the month of December as we approach the celebration of the birth of this Holy Child whose love can make us whole and throughout the year. In the name of the Prince of Peace, Tom Dodd, pastor SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 2:00-5:00 P.M. Pastor Tom Dodd and Gay Kramer-Dodd invite you to an Advent/Christmas Open House at their home in the Santa Clara area of Eugene. United Voice December 2017 Page 1

2 Dear United Lutheran Community, Thank you for your continued support for me as your intern. I (and sometimes Marie) have enjoyed some home visits and meals with some of you, and I (we) are planning to continue those throughout this year. I ve enjoyed the opportunities I ve had to preach at United. I ve received lots of helpful feedback on my preaching, which I greatly appreciate. I look forward to continued preaching, learning, and dialogue. I ve also really enjoyed being part of the Good Samaritan Eugene Village community. Julie and Ron Coffman are now in California, but I really appreciated their regular support at our Wednesday worship services. I ve also enjoyed seeing Kim Weiherman and Dorothea Brauer there quite frequently. And of course we couldn t have the worship we do without Betty Fuller s dependable piano leadership. I encourage anyone who is interested and available to come join us on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. It is a blessing and honor for me to preside at those services, as well as to lead Bible study and Agape sing-along at Good Sam. I continue to be pleasantly surprised by the variety and creativity of ministries happening at United, such as the newly forming children s choir led by Jeanne Fast, the liturgical arts team led by Molly Phelps, the Reformation celebrations, the humble, behind-the-scenes work of the Altar Guild, the Lutheran World Relief fall school kit supplies project, the noisy offering and the sock collection. Pastor Tom and I attended the fall intern retreat at Menucha outside of Corbett, OR, near the Columbia River Gorge. That was a good opportunity to meet other nearby interns from Region One (including the other three interns in Oregon) and hear their experiences, which ranged widely. It has been a blessing to be part of United this fall, and I m looking forward to more ministry opportunities, relationship-building, and festivities as we approach Advent and Christmas season. Once again, thanks for your support and prayers. Blessings, Josh Q: What is the only Jewish holiday not actually mentioned in the Jewish Bible? Answer on page 3. CELEBRATE ADVENT & CHRISTMAS AT UNITED ADVENT WEDNESDAY DINNERS ARE AT 6:00 P.M. Midweek Advent Vespers Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20, at 7:00 p.m. This lovely evening service features Marty Haugen s service of Holden Evening Prayer, and a different faith speaker from the congregation each week: December 6, Kristin Landon December 13, Karen Heinicke Motsch December 20, Pastor Tom Dodd Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24 Holy Eucharist 4 th Sunday of Advent, 10:00 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship, 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight, Celebrating Jesus Birth THREE ONE-SERVICE SUNDAYS Sunday, December 10 9:00 a.m., Sunday School 10:00 a.m, Worship & Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 24, 10:00 a.m.* Sunday, December 31, 10:00 a.m.* *No Sunday School Classes on those dates. FOR ADULTS ONLY: WHITE ELEPHANT PARTY Bob and Peggy Johnson invite United s adults to the annual White Elephant party at their home on Saturday, December 9. The potluck dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. All are asked to bring a dish to share. We will have a signup sheet at worship on Sundays so we can get an idea of the number attending and the dish you will bring. Please bring a wrapped gift of the White Elephant variety for each person in your party who will be attending. Drinks will be provided. United Voice December 2017 Page 2

3 DECEMBER 10 TH IS A SPECIAL SUNDAY 10:00 A.M., CHRISTMAS PAGEANT AT WORSHIP (One Service Only that day!) The 2017 Christmas play will begin the Sunday worship service on December 10. All Children and Youth are invited to participate. Rehearsal will be during the Sunday School hour on December 3. A big Thank You goes to Randy Sullivan for once again writing a spectacular play, Get on the Bus. 11:00 A.M. ADVENT FAIRE FUN FOR ALL AGES! Following the one service on Sunday, December 10, go into the fellowship hall for United s annual Advent Faire, a time for crafts and caring, Meegan Ward has once again stepped forward to organize the event THANK YOU! Please contact Meegan if you would like to help. BOOK GROUP WILL MEET JANUARY 7 Geraldine Brooks acclaimed novel, People of the Book, is the Book Group selection for Sunday, January 7. The novel is inspired by a true story, a sweeping tale covering centuries of history and intimate emotional intensity. It traces the harrowing journey of the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, a beautifully illuminated Hebrew manuscript created in fifteenth-century Spain. Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, is asked to conserve this priceless work, and the series of tiny artifacts she discovers in its ancient begin to unlock its deep mysteries, unexpectedly plunging Hanna into the intrigues of fine art forgers and ultra-nationalist fanatics. People of the Book is available in paperback and e- book. The Eugene Public library has three print copies (one being large print) and one electronic copy available. The group will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 7 in the community room. Coming in February: Eugene s Big Read. WE ARE SPONSORING A FAMILY AGAIN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Please choose an item or two from the display in the narthex and return the item to the church by December 17. You will be able to choose from gift and food items. Please wrap your gift item if possible and return all items with their tags. Gifts and food boxes will be delivered later that week. If you wish to help with the delivery, please speak with Crystal. CHRISTMAS POTLUCK ON DECEMBER 17 Bring a favorite Christmas dish to church for a Christmas potluck. Besides eating wonderful food, we will sing carols and celebrate Christmas many blessings. If you are interested in helping, please let Crystal know. And if you want to decorate the fellowship hall, that will happen on December 16 at 2:00 p.m. All helpers welcome! FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE: YEAR END GIVING December is a time for giving, including thinking about gifts to United. Whether you might be catching up on your pledge, putting something in your designated "Christmas" offering envelope, or making a special year-end contribution, be assured that your generosity helps further the work of our church, both locally and through ELCA programs around the world. Since December 31 falls on a Sunday this year, all contributions either received in the office by Friday the 29th or placed in the offering plate that New Year's Eve Sunday will be credited by Karen Drouet as 2017 giving. If you have any questions about this, talk with either Pastor Tom or Karen. A: Hanukkah. United Voice December 2017 Page 3

4 DONATE POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS You are invited to donate for Christmas poinsettias, $12 each, which will decorate the church for Christmas. Donations may be made in memory of or in honor of loved ones or special occasions. Forms will be available in the Sunday bulletins. Write your check to the church with Poinsettias in the memo line. You may take the poinsettia home on December 31. BIRTHDAYS 2 - Jim Barta 3 - Denise Wendt 9 - Lee Langdon 17 - Rebecca Whittaker 19 - Doris Helikson 21 - Harry Jahnke 24 - Karen Drouet 26 - Jordan Pickrel 27 - Camille Haakanson 30 - Dan Diffendaffer, Laina Ward 31 - Wendy Stoner ANNIVERSARIES 20 - Gay Kramer-Dodd & Tom Dodd 21 - Jennifer & Gary Haliski 28 - Kim Weiherman & Lloyd Helikson Carol & Bernhard Kube BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES 1 - Charissa (Newell) Callison Damon Vold 2 - Jim Barta 4 - Julia Bryce 5 - Gay Kramer-Dodd 9 - Philip Bayles 21 - Elizabeth Gustafson, Brent Whittaker Hope Whittaker, Jackson Whittaker 23 - Cara Haakanson 24 - Candy Snook 25 - Jerome Hirsch YOUR UNITED VOICE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Pamela Krause, and Bob and Sherlene Schmidt helped get your November United Voice ready to mail. Thank you so much! The January issue mail prep will be on Friday, December 15, at 2:30 p.m. in the community room. United is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. We are a congregation united in our desire to provide a hospitable and welcoming environment for ALL people to join us in worship. United Voice December 2017 Page 4

5 MARY MAGDALENE CIRCLE The Mary Magdalene Circle will meet on Tuesday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m., in the home of Susan Lunas. Lee Langdon will lead the Bible Study. CHURCH WOMEN UNITED Five people joined United on Sunday, November 12. They are: Area church women will gather at the Wesley Center, 2520 Harris St., at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 1, for Church Women United s Annual Meeting. Ryan Kounovsky, from the Yes on 101" campaign, will be the guest speaker. A Yes on 101" will secure every Oregon child access to health care and keep 350,000 Oregonians on the Oregon Health Plan. This meeting is also the time to affirm the organization s budget, applaud its officers, and look ahead to All women are invited. A CALL TO MINISTRY FOR LAURA STEPHENSON Laura Stephenson, who served United and Good Samaritan as the 28 th intern, has been called to serve St. Matthew s Episcopal Church in Junction City, Colorado, as associate pastor. She will begin her service in January 2018, being ordained in late December. Congratulations, Laura! HAND-CRAFT GROUP WILL CONTINUE TO MEET IN ADVENT The hand-crafting group will continue to meet on the Wednesdays in Advent. Come at 5:30 with your project to knit, crochet, etc. until dinner at 6:00, and/or fill the time between dinner and Vespers (7:00 p.m.) Questions? Talk to Gay Kramer-Dodd Q: What type of birds make nests that can be up to nine feet long and weigh up to three tons? Answer on page 7. John Barnum John is the Director of Finance for Mobility International USA. His hobbies include electronics, home repairs, bicycling, and cooking. Pr. Stan Berntson and Sharon Geldaker Stan is a retired ELCA pastor who served most of his ministry in Alaska. Most recently, he was the Interim Pastor at Central Lutheran, Eugene. Sharon is a registered nurse who works in Labor and Delivery at Riverbend Hospital. Her hobbies include reading, camping, and calligraphy. His hobbies include farm work, hunting, reading, fishing, and walking. Andrea Scofield Andrea serves as Executive Director of Camp Lutherwood Oregon. Her hobbies include walking, hiking, most things outside, running, laughing, reading, and playing games. Andrea is transferring her membership from Prince of Life Lutheran, Oregon City. Jody Taylor Jody enjoys volunteering at Adams Elementary School. Her hobbies include hand work crafts such as knitting and crocheting, coloring, working with kids, and helping with LWR school and hygiene kits. Jody is transferring her membership from Springfield Lutheran Church. We rejoice that these individuals have joined our fellowship in the Gospel! We pray that they and we will be blessed, and that together, we will all be blessings to others. United Voice December 2017 Page 5

6 AN INVITATION FROM EMMAUS The Ever-Young Seniors at Emmaus invite seniors at United to join them at their annual Holiday Luncheon on Friday, December 15. Come for cider and fellowship at 11:30, with lunch at noon. Turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy and dessert will be provided. Please bring your favorite holiday side dish to share. Brent Anderson will provide musical entertainment and lead us in a holiday sing-a-long. In order to know how many to plan for, please call Emmaus office at by Monday, December 11. From The ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response October 23, 2017 Dear United Lutheran Church, Thank you for your gift of $75 to Lutheran Disaster Response. With this gift you are providing emotional and spiritual care, supplying emergency relief, and addressing long-term recovery... Thank you for living into God s words of justice and mercy and for joining with the whole church to love and serve one another. In God s grace, The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER! Camp Lutherwood Oregon s 2018 Summer Schedule is now out and registration opens on December 1. Camps for all ages are offered, beginning June 24 and ending with Family Camp August Call for information or office@lutherwoodoregon.org. You may view the schedule and register online at lutherwoodoregon.org. EARTHKEEPERS NEWS IN BRIEF: CARBON FOOTPRINTS Copies of a document regarding local partnerships for addressing your carbon footprint and contributing to local restoration projects will be posted on the Earthkeepers Bulletin Board. If you are interested, contact Eunice Kjaer at From Pacific Lutheran University November 7, 2017 Thank you for your gift of $ for 2017 to the PLU Fund. From Lutheran World Relief November 8, 2017 Thank you for supporting the work of Lutheran World Relief with your gift of $18 given through the Oregon Synod of the ELCA... [Gifts to LWR] change lives around the world!... Visit our website, lwr.org for updates. Warm regards, Daniel V. Speckhard President and CEO Reprinted by Permission of Christianity Today. GET YOUR JANUARY ARTICLES IN EARLY! The deadline for articles for the January issue of The United Voice is Tuesday, December 12, by 2:00 p.m. Please get your articles in by then. Thanks! A: Bald eagles. They sometimes use their nests year after year, allowing them to get bigger and bigger. United Voice December 2017 Page 6

7 UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH 2230 WASHINGTON ST EUGENE OR RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG U. S. POSTAGE PAID EUGENE, OREGON PERMIT NO 119 Merry Christmas to: December 3 Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37 December 10 Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8 December 17 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, December 24, AM 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38 December 24, PM Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-10 December 25 Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-12; John 1:1-14 December 31 Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40 United Voice is published monthly by United Lutheran Church Editor: Gay Kramer-Dodd Publication Deadline: The 17 th of the month Pastor: Thomas Dodd Director of Music: Philip Bayles Intern: Josh Stromberg-Wojcik Congregational Ministry Assistant: Crystal Miller Secretary: Linda Anderson Mid-Week Meal Cook: Diane Masson Child Care: Jessica Graham Council: Carolee Horning, Pres., Bob Johnson, V. P., Sally Krueger, Sec., Sue Bowers, Treas., Becci Buenau, Paul Greene, Kristin Landon, Mark Raney, Marc Spence,