May 6 Communion Children s Musical Scout Troop Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m. New Member Inquiry Lunch, 7:30 a.m noon

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1 May 2012 Worship Schedule Worship Schedule Informal Service 8:30 a.m. Early Bird Coffee in Library 9:30 a.m. Traditional Service 10 a.m. Nursery care 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children s Sunday School 10 a.m. Fellowship and Coffee after Worship May 6 Communion Children s Musical Scout Troop Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m. New Member Inquiry Lunch, 7:30 a.m noon 13 Mothers Day Congregational Meeting after 10 a.m. Worship Session meeting with new members, 11:15 a.m. 20 Graduation Sunday New officer training 12 noon 27 Pentecost Sunday Reception for George Schweser, 11:15 a.m. June 3 Communion Reception planned for Pastor René Minshew June 10 Valley members and friends will have an opportunity to say farewell and best wishes to René and Ellen Minshew following 10 a.m. worship on Sunday, June 10. The Minshews plan to move to the Seattle area to be near family members following Renés retirement. Plan to be at the reception on June 10. Children s musical May 6 includes food collection Bring items for food to be collected during the musical The King s Kids present the musical, Acorns to Oaks on Sunday, May 6, during the 10 a.m. worship service. As part of the musical, the King s Kids will take a collection of items for the food pantry at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Below is a list of the most needed items. If possible, bring one or more items to church with you on May 6! Items needed are: Breakfast cereal, dry milk packets, fruit juice, canned fruit, canned vegetables (except corn), chili, canned beans (pinto, kidney, pork & beans, etc.), tuna, baking mix, jam, jelly or syrup, macaroni and cheese, vegetable oil and soups. Cash or check donations to purchase chicken, eggs, margarine and other perishable items are always needed, too. Graduate Recognition Sunday May 20 A day of joyous festivity! All our High School Seniors will be recognized during 10 a.m. worship on Sunday, May 20. The celebration will continue during coffee fellowship, and we will have an opportunity to congratulate these fine young people as they prepare to graduate from high school. Congregational Meeting Sunday, May 13 following 10 a.m. Worship Election of church officers Dissolution of relationship with the Rev. M. René Minshew as of July 31, Awakening Souls, Sharing Joy, Serving God in Christ - TRANSFORMING LIVES

2 Pastor s column The transition to retirement is far different than the transition from one congregation to another, from a call to be Pastor René Minshew pastor to dissolution of the pastoral relationship which becomes the last call of one s professional pastoral life. That is where I find myself. I have written here before about the emotional process that church members go through when a pastor leaves. (Someone was overheard saying, This is the first normal transition at Valley in the past 25 years, which makes the emotional process even more challenging.) It is similarly challenging for the pastor who is leaving, especially to retirement. I have had many cups of coffee, many breakfasts and a few lunches with those who want to meet one last time. It has been rewarding and valuable for me. They are in some ways individual exit interviews with the pastor. What has THE MESSENGER VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR FAX mail@valleycommunity.org PASTORS RENÉ MINSHEW BEN PAROULEK REBECCA CHANCELLOR NEWSLETTER STAFF: SHIRLEY HERCHER AND ANGELA GRAHAM PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES VIA BY MAY 15 FOR THE JUNE ISSUE: messenger@valleycommunity.org THE NEWSLETTER STAFF RETAINS PERMISSION TO MODIFY SUBMISSIONS FOR CLARITY, SPACE, CONTENT AND STYLE. gone well? What were the greatest challenges? What would you have done differently? What would you recommend for Valley going forward? I have asked for time on the Session Docket in May to conduct a more formal exit interview to address some of the above questions. Some new questions will come from active elders. I will have observations, questions and comments of my own. As part of leaving Valley, the Presbytery Committee on Ministry will schedule a time for an exit interview to discover how they could have been more helpful to the church and me during my stay here but also concerned about my views concerning the needs of Valley in the future. (Presbytery wants to be helpful to congregations in any way they can. The presbytery has many resources that can benefit a congregation at many stages of its life and ministry.) A lot of soul searching and conversation is part of the retirement process for a Presbyterian minister. It has been part of my process for the past few months. There are formal actions that must be taken. The session has already agreed on a time line for my leaving and my retirement date of July 31. The congregation must act to dissolve the pastoral relationship at a called congregational meeting scheduled for May 13, immediately following the 10 a.m. worship service. Yes, that is Mother s Day. But the meeting should be about five minutes long. Discussion should be minimal, if at all. Then the presbytery has to release me and to declare me honorably retired. (Retired Presbyterian ministers are commonly referred to as HR). After all those formalities, my last Sunday of preaching will be June 10. All ministers need to adhere to the issue of separation ethics. These are written instructions and guidelines about what a former minister is allowed or not allowed to do in his or her former congregation. These actions and behaviors are monitored by the same Committee on Ministry of the presbytery. It is for the protection of congregation and pastor that all contact with a former congregation be transparent. I continue to have mixed emotions about my leave-taking. But it is something that must be done at some time or another. And now is the time. I have enjoyed my time at Valley. It has been rewarding and challenging. It has been an education about how church is done in yet another part of this large and diverse country of ours. Thank you for welcoming me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for responding to my particular gifts for ministry. I will miss being part of our life together. You will soon be in the exclusive hands of Ben and Rebecca s strong and capable leadership after I leave. Shalom, Page 2 Valley Messenger May 2012

3 Finance Report Session Highlights The regular meeting of Valley Session was held April 10: Session approved a balanced 2012 budget for Valley in early April. The budget is comprised of further cuts given a lower amount of expected adult giving this year based on pledges so far received. For the year to date end of March, Valley has accumulated a net deficit of $25,400, about $5,000 worse than expected. Expenses are more than $7,000 lower than expected, but giving is $14,000 below the expected amount as of the end of March. While the adult giving area is behind, income from rental properties has improved since last year and overall Valley finished March about $10,000 better than at the same time in Again, we prayerfully request that you remember Valley in your financial planning, and thank everyone for his or her continued support of the mission of Valley. Lyle Chadwick, Treasurer Eben Jenkins, Finance Committee Elder Gamble Library Book Discussion Group May 25 The book discussed in May is Caleb s Crossing, by Geraldine Brooks. Set in Colonial times, it is a story based on sketchy knowledge of the first Native American to graduate from Harvard and the cultural differences he must face. The group will meet on Friday, May 25, at 10 a.m. in the Fireside Room. All are welcome. Library news Did you know our Valley Church library contains many books of a nonreligious nature including fiction, biography, ecology, and other topics? We also have a large collection of children s books. Stop in and see if there is something of interest for you. Session called a Congregational Meeting following the 10 a.m. service on May 13, 2012 for the purpose of 1) electing church officers, and 2) dissolving the pastoral relationship with the Rev. René Minshew effective July 31, 2012 on his retirement. New Member Inquiry Luncheon will be held on May 6. Elders will host tables and help with information. Session approved a joint motion by the Youth and Worship & Music committees that will add a variety of music and instruments to 10 a.m. Sunday worship services through September 2. A new Music Selection Team will be formed to implement this program and will include the pastors, music staff, and additional members from the congregation. Facilities Committee is authorized to submit a grant application to the Presbytery of the Cascades Opening Doors Task Force on Disabilities, and is also authorized to create a targeted fundraising campaign to raise additional funds. The project would install a wheelchair lift in place of the current ramp at the east end of the Sanctuary. Worship opportunity at Valley by Kristina Kurtz Psalm 9:1 says I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart. There are countless ways we praise God here at Valley -- there s evidence in every working group, every gathering, and in every warm greeting. One way I experience praise is with Valley s Worship and Music Committee, where we seek to support our pastors by exploring, enhancing, and growing our collective worship experience. As a member of the committee, I was recently given the opportunity to participate in and support our Lenten worship series. I was part of a shortterm worship team with fellow committee member Bill Rea. Our appreciation for the work our pastors do in preparation for each Sunday service was richly renewed, as we were exposed to the deep consideration given the many elements within our worship services. During Lent, we experimented with a few of the worship elements to refresh how we, together, praise the Lord. It was a unique and valuable experience to discuss and guide what s important in a worship service then see the changes unfold on Sunday. The Worship and Music Committee seeks to build two more short-term worship teams, one team each to plan our July and August worship services. If you would like to make an impact on how our worship services are run (with a Pastoral safety net to guide you), this is a terrific opportunity to offer praise in a new way. It s easy to participate, as there will be just two or three meetings with pastors during May, and maybe June. The pastors lead the meetings, but want your participation. No previous experience is necessary, just an interest in our worship here at Valley. Will you prayerfully consider if this is a way you can praise God at Valley? Please contact one of our pastors, or me at kurtztk@comcast.net, or leave a message in the church office for either of the Worship and Music Committee co-chairs, Carol Powers or David Marquis. Thank you! May 2012 Valley Messenger Page 3

4 Presbyterian Women hear about U.N. Women from around the Presbytery of the Cascades gathered at First Presbyterian in McMinnville on April 14 for fellowship, worship, some great music, and an introduction to the Horizons Bible study by Rev. Rebecca Chancellor. Marsha Landrith, from Lakeview, Oregon, received a scholarship from Churchwide Presbyterian Women to attend and participate in the annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She deals with the issues faced by rural women in her role with the local Domestic Violence hotline and as the wife of Lakeview s Presbyterian pastor. Marsha is a past moderator of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of the Cascades. She presented an interesting picture of the breadth of issues addressed by the Commission at the meeting in New York City. Presbyterian Women focus on Bible study, mission, and fellowship. Anyone at Valley who is interested in PW is invited to contact Connie Brenner. Remember, If you re a Presbyterian and a woman, you re a Presbyterian Woman. Celebrate George May 27 Everyone is invited to the reception for George Schweser after 10 a.m. worship on Sunday, May 27 to celebrate George s retirement as Valley s Building Superintendent. Best wishes, George, and thank you! News from Bolivia All are invited to the Pancake Breakfast Sunday, May 6 7:30 a.m. to noon Boy Scout Troop 592, sponsored by Valley, hosts the breakfast. The $5 per person suggested donations help our Scouts with camping fees, replacing old equipment, merit badge books, and much more. Celebrate Scouting training tomorrow s leaders today. Chenoa Stock, the Presbyterian Church (USA) Mission Co-Worker and Companionship Facilitator in Bolivia, sends a newsletter with news of the Joining Hands project and a recent visit from a joint delegation from Cascades and San Francisco presbyteries. As many will remember, Valley Church is one of the sponsoring churches in the Presbytery of the Cascades with a strong interest in sharing communication with churches and committees in Bolivia. Several Valley members have been part of delegations visiting La Paz and other parts of Bolivia and exchanging information with citizens there. Contact Connie Brenner for more information. Families creating a scene from the Last Supper using egg crates during Sunday School. Page 4 Valley Messenger May 2012

5 Children s Ministries Artwork provided by two of our elementary students sharing their personal examples of Good Stewardship. Children are encouraged to give their time, talent and treasure each week in their offering envelopes. Searching for Easter Eggs at the Children s Easter Egg Hunt on the church grounds. Children of all ages were invited to participate. Vacation Bible School July 9-13 Son Rock Kids Camp Register soon! Registration closes on June 8, and we re expecting 150 kids again this year. Classes are filling fast. Campers must be 4 years old by September 1 through entering 5th Grade. VBS registration forms are available now at at the front desk counter in the church s main office or Preschool area. Each fun-filled morning 9 a.m. to 12 noon the kids will enjoy activities with a camping theme when they gather for Sanctuary time, music, arts/crafts, Bible story time, games in the front lawn and science in the courtyard. How to volunteer and help Vacation Bible School There are many volunteer positions still available for VBS week. The number of students eligible for enrollment is dependent on the number of adult volunteers. We don t want to be forced to turn kids away from this great experience. Donate funds. As we have a very limited budget this year, your money will go towards scholarships, crafts supplies or purchasing snacks for the kids. Snack donation tags from the palm tree in the church office suggest a needed snack and when to drop it off in the kitchen during VBS week. Awnings are needed for VBS Week and our All-Church Picnic on July 15. Please clearly label your awnings so that we can return them to the rightful owners. Contact kay@valleycommunity.org or slblairrn@yahoo.com. May 2012 Valley Messenger Page 5

6 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday May 2012 L.I.F.E. - Living in Faith Everyday (Middle School) 1 10:30a Women s Bible Study 1:00p Prayer Shawl Ministry 7:00p Prayer Shawl Ministry 2 12:00p Wednesday Adult Education 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids Choir 7:00p Liturgical Arts Comm. 3 1:15p Pastors Meeting 6:00p Worship and Music Committee 4 2:30p Camp Fire Mtg. 5 9:00a Children s Musical Rehearsal 6 7:30a Scout Troop Breakfast 8:30a Worship 9:30a Early Bird Coffee 10:00a Worship 10:25a Children s Sunday School 11:15a Coffee Fellowship 12:00p New Member Inquiry Luncheon 5:00p Youth Choir 6:00p Youth Bell Choir 6:30p High School FAMILY 7 6:30p Girl Scout Troop :30p Portland Highland Games Association 8 7:00p Session 9 12:00p Wednesday Adult Education 3:30p Girl Scout Troop :15p Pastors Meeting 5:30p Preschool Board Mtg :30p Starfish Mariner Meeting 13 Mother s Day 8:30a Worship 9:00a Sunday School Teacher Training 9:30a Early Bird Coffee 10:00a Worship 10:25a Children s Sunday School 11:15a Coffee Fellowship 11:15a Finance Committee Mtg. 11:15a Session Meeting with New Members 2:00p Camp Fire Meeting 5:00p Youth Choir 6:00p Youth Bell Choir 6:30p High School FAMILY 14 12:00p Facilities Committee 7:30p Scout Troop Valley Messenger Articles Due 6:00p Mission Committee 7:00p Deacons Ministry 16 12:00p Wednesday Adult Education 6:30p Wolf Scouts 17 8:00a Soup Kitchen 1:15p Pastors Meeting 18 Middle School Service Project Weekend 2:30p Camp Fire Mtg. 19 Middle School Service Project Weekend 12:00p Campfire Council End of Year Award Ceremony 20 Middle School Service Project Weekend 8:30a Worship 9:30a Early Bird Coffee 10:00a Worship 10:25a Children s Sunday School 11:15a Coffee Fellowship 12:00p Church Officer Training 2:30p Cub Scout Den :30p Girl Scout Troop :00p Personnel Comm. 7:30p Scout Troop :00p Children s Ministry 6:30p Youth Ministry 23 12:00p Senior Adult Luncheon 3:30p Girl Scout Troop :15p Pastors Meeting 4:00p Membership Comm :00a Library Book Club - Fourth Friday Features Pentecost Sunday 8:30a Worship 9:30a Early Bird Coffee 10:00a Worship 10:25a Children s Sunday School 11:15a Coffee Fellowship and Reception for George Schweser :15p Pastors Meeting 6:00p Cub Scout Pack 592 6:00p Youth and Worship Committees

7 Valley Notes Opportunities Senior Lunch May 23. The month of May brings to a close our year for Senior Luncheons. On May 23 at noon, we will celebrate with a Hawaiian Luau theme. Maybe it will bring the sunshine our way. Wendy Jenkins from Valley will bring a hula group, Kaleinani o ke Kukui to perform for us. Please come and join us for a $4 lunch and some Aloha! Graduations - Please send names and schools of graduates in your family for the next issues of The Messenger church newsletter. Thank you! meeting is Sunday, May 13. You are also invited to a New Member Inquiry Luncheon on Sunday, May 6, at noon in the Fireside Room. The luncheon will be a good time to get to know the pastors and elders of the church, to learn more about our ministries, and to ask any questions you may have. Scrip fundraiser for youth mission will be available during coffee hour on Sundays. The youth will sell gift cards to places you may already shop and will receive money back for every card sold. Plan to buy all of your gift cards from the Valley Youth. If you have questions, talk to Mary Collins or Pastor Rebecca Chancellor. Prayers We pray for those celebrating birthdays: Verna Peterson, 100 years old on April 19. We pray for those with health concerns: Evelyn Page, Scott Foster, and Rose Marie Marsh (Barb Bootsma s mother). Food collections for food programs. Valley s children are collecting food for the food pantry at near-by St. Matthew Lutheran Church during the Children s Musical May 6 and also during Vacation Bible School, July Everyone is invited to bring food for those collections. But food items continue to be needed for the Luke Dorf bin, too, so please don t stop bringing those as well. Now that we have a group of Valley volunteers helping St. Matthew to open their food pantry to hungry families on the last two Wednesday evenings of each month, we want to support their efforts to keep a supply of food adequate to serve their clients, too. The children, youth and adult choir sung together at a recent worship service. Knit for Kids - Knitting sweaters for children all over the world can bring joy to your heart. The pattern is easy, and the need is great. If you are interested, check with Jan Falconer for the pattern. Interested in church membership? Every second Sunday of the month, the pastors and elders meet in the Fireside Room, following 10 a.m. worship, to receive new members. All are welcome to inquire or join. The next Pastor Rebecca tells the children about lighting candles on Palm Sunday. May 2012 Valley Messenger Page 7

8 All are invited to the Pancake Breakfast Sunday, May 6 7:30 a.m. to noon Boy Scout Troop 592, sponsored by Valley, hosts the breakfast. $5 suggested donation Join us for a reception to bid farewell to Pastor René Minshew as he retires. Sunday, June 10 following 10 a.m. worship. Come celebrate George Schweser s retirement as Valley s Building Superintendent Sunday, May 27 following 10 a.m. worship. All are invited! THE MESSENGER Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 219 VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL