November 2014 NEWSLETTER. Page 1

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1 NEWSLETTER November 2014 Dear East Woods Friends and Family~ November is the month of Thanksgiving, and this time of the year always inspires me to reflect on things I m thankful for. Recently, one of the great sources of gratitude in my life and ministry has been our developing partnership with Mill Plain Elementary School. During the past few Sundays, I ve invited our congregation into that partnership through opportunities to serve as Lunch Buddies and Shoe Sponsors. The response has been wonderful and inspiring, well beyond what the Mill Plain administrators said would be a divine miracle. We prayed for the miracle of ten Lunch Buddies, and fifteen stepped forward. We prayed for the miracle of about ten Shoe Sponsors, and an overwhelming twenty-four of you signed up! Praise the Lord! This congregation is overflowing with the fruit of the Spirit. This experience has reinforced for me the power of prayer, specifically the kind of prayer that matches the will and priorities of God. Unfortunately, this week, I was also reminded of the powers that work against our prayers and our efforts to love those Jesus called the least of these. Peggy Konzek, our great Mission Elder, returned from a meeting with one of our Mill Plain contacts and reported that the funding for the Lunch Buddies program through Big Brothers/Big Sisters has been cut, which feels like a disappointing deathblow to the momentum we ve recently established. Rather than letting that stop us, I think it s a perfect time to call again upon God s power in prayer and to be reminded of one of the great stories of healing and prayer in Jesus ministry. When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again! After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could we not cast it out? He said to them, This kind can come out only through prayer. " Mark 9:25-29 God has a special love for children, and the forces that oppose God are always at work trying to bring kids down. But, the Lord has the power to bring raise up and give life to anything and anyone that seems dead. And, prayer is the activity Jesus puts before us. So, let s join together in praying for the chance to partner as Lunch Buddies with kids at Mill Plain. Though the program seems dead, even temporarily, there s nothing and no one the Lord can t raise to new life. And, while we re at it, let s join together in continuing to pray for God s will to be done in and through East Woods. This is a great congregation, and we serve a great God. That s a combination I ll be giving thanks for before stuffing my face with turkey later in the month. With love and thanksgiving~ Bill Page 1

2 CHILDREN & FAMILY In recent years an East Woods Advent highlight has been the elementary/ preschool children s presentation of LESSONS AND CAROLS. Tradition calls for choral music interspersed with Old and New Testament scripture readings concerning Jesus birth. This year Lessons and Carols will be different in one important respect. Grade 3-5 students will chose one of the Bible readings and learn the story sufficiently well that they are able to step into the role of storyteller and relate the narrative in their own words. After the students do some practicing, we will make individual audio recordings of them telling their story. It will be easy to pause and re-record until students are comfortable with their presentation. The Bible stories are as follows: --The Angel s Annunciation to Zechariah (father of John the Baptist) --The Angel s Annunciation to Mary --The Angel s Annunciation to Joseph --The Journey to Bethlehem --The Angel s Annunciation to the Shepherds --The Journey of the Magi (i.e., wise men ) Elder Tim Martinez and I will lead the class through each of these stories. The students will get some face time with Hope Martinez, a very experienced thespian. Mark your calendars and join us Sunday, December 21, to witness Lessons and Carols. To help our elementary students and youth get better acquainted, we have reprised the SECRET PALS program in October and November. We hope these new friendships will continue through the Christmas season and beyond. We look forward to the reveal party on November 16. Elder Tim Martinez invites interested parties to join the CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMISSION. We will meet every two-three months to share ideas for supporting East Woods families and welcoming new neighbors. If you would like to know more, please see Tim or Roberta! We invite parents to join one of the ADVENT CONSPIRACY small groups that will meet in November (Sundays Nov 2 23, 7 PM; Wednesdays, 10 AM and 7 PM. The Churches in Partnership Joint Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service will be Wednesday, November 26 at 7 pm at Cascades Presbyterian Church, 9503 NE 86th St., Vancouver, Blessings Roberta Schlechter, Director, Children & Family Ministry Page 2

3 EAST WOODS SUNDAY SCHOOL MOMENTS Children & Families Ministry Elder Tim Martinez explains the Secret Pals program to help elementary kids and youth get better acquainted. Photos by Roberta Schlechter Page 3

4 YOUTH GROUP I think the theme of October was PARTY! Our movie night was a big hit. We then talked about Mrs. Doubtfire the rest of the month discussing the funny parts, the goofy parts, and the parts that made us think about family. On October 18th we jumped, jumped and jumped the day at G6 Airpark. It was a huge blast. (I got super sore.) And we ended things with a lock-in. We got lost in a corn maze, played crazy games all night long, didn t sleep at all. Well, maybe a wink or two. Hopefully, November finds you and your family calming down. Sports have finished up, the rain is keeping us indoors, and turkey is coming soon! In youth group we will be looking at music and how it often affects us without us even knowing it. This will lead nicely into the Winter Jam concert on Sunday Nov 16. In Sunday school we will be doing the Advent Conspiracy as we approach the Christmas season. It is a good time for us to take a step back and remember what it is all about. The High School group has their fall retreat the 21 st - 23 rd. Should be a fantastic month! Signing off, faithful readers UPCOMING DATES Nov. 16 Nov In Him, Chase Van Epps Winter JAM Cascades Presbytery Youth Assembly Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Philippians 4:6 Fun at the Lock-In on October 18 Page 4

5 THE 5TH ANNUAL EWPC ANIMAL BLESSING ON OCTOBER 5 was a great success! We hosted 42 humans, a gaggle of dogs and cats, a chicken and a duck, guinea pigs and a large tortoise. In support of our less fortunate animal friends, we were able to collect 14 cans/bags of food and treats, 10 collars/harnesses, 6 toys, 8 towels/bed spreads, and $50. The Humane Society staff was thrilled when I brought in all our donated goodies. Thanks to everyone participating. We are a generous congregation! Carol Domench, Worship Elder Page 5

6 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS OCTOBER Session approved the Annual Potato Sale and Fundraiser, coordinated by Jim Bangert, Elder of Finance. Idaho potatoes will be sold in the East Woods parking lot and in Evergreen Hall on the weekend of November Price will be $1 per pound, and proceeds will support East Woods mission and ministries. Peggy Konzek, Elder of Mission, reported on her meeting with a contact at Mill Plain Elementary School. East Woods currently has 15 prospective Lunch Buddies signed up and 24 prospective Shoe Sponsors. Peggy reported that the Lunch Buddies program, coordinated through Big Brothers/Big Sisters, has lost its major source of funding. That program is currently on hold. Session approved the proposal by Touch of Class Chorale to have a portion of the proceeds from the December concert donated to the Mill Plain Partnership Program. Session discussed the 2015 budget and worked toward a budget that met the Finance Committee s suggested bottom line of $210K. Line items for various ministries and for some staff positions are being adjusted and will be discussed at an upcoming Congregational Meeting. The date for that meeting is not yet determined. December Newsletter Deadline November 18 ALTERNATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING For those interested in investment-related ways to support East Woods mission and ministries, the Finance Committee would be happy to speak with you about the following options: Appreciated Stock Donations: Stock can be directly transferred from an investment account to East Woods investment account and then sold by East Woods. The donor avoids capital gains tax, has a tax deduction of the appreciated amount, and East Woods benefits from the gift. For additional information, contact Elizabeth Markels at For Seniors with a traditional IRA and lump-sum end-of-year RMD: You can possibly reduce your income tax without itemizing deductions and also help East Woods if you have a directed donation to East Woods as part of your annual required minimum distribution (RMD). For additional information, contact Elizabeth Markels at Thank you for your generosity and consideration. Page 6

7 CHURCHES IN PARTNERSHIP UPDATE FROM ELDER LYNN HELMKE: When the group met in January of this year, we expressed some concerns about how we would be able to build a Habitat home and maintain the community garden at Heritage Farm. Well, we should have never worried...we should have remembered Matthew 19:26 "...with God all things are possible"! As you know, the West family moved into their home in August and I am very pleased to announce that we set a new record for the amount of vegetables that we grew & harvested at the farm. We were able to donate a total of 25.7 tons to the Clark County Food Bank. On behalf of all of us involved with Churches in Partnership, we thank you for your prayers & support. We look forward to seeing you "down on the farm" next spring. Please join us at the Joint Thanksgiving Eve Service, Wednesday, November 26th, 7 PM at Cascades Presbyterian Church, 9503 NE 86th St., Vancouver, FRIENDS OF THE CARPENTER SALE: Be sure to visit the FOC Sale in Evergreen Hall (Narthex) on two Sundays, November 2nd and 9th, for lovely gift ideas and a chance to help support their program. g{x XäxÜzÜxxÇ [tu àtà yéü [âåtç àç Çä àxá çéâ àé à{x jéåxç Uâ Äw gxt ftàâüwtç? WxvxÅuxÜ I DDMFC àé D Tà à{x TÜà ÄÄxÜç UtÜÜtv~á ICC Xtáà [tà{tãtç [ áàéü v YÉÜà itçvéâäxü Tickets $30 Please RSVP to For more information or to arrange to carpool, please contact Lynne Helmke or Peggy Konzek Page 7

8 MISSION Cold, wet weather is just around the corner. Do you have your Life Pax ready? Life Pax is a meal in a bag that you can keep in your car to give to someone in need on the street. There are complete Life Pax bags available in the Narthex we ask a donation of $2.25 for each one to cover the cost of the food. With fall weather, the Orchards Inn, Share House homeless facility fills up with families. The next time you are shopping, please pick up a few cans of fruit, vegetables or dry cereal to put in the Share House bin, located under the Information Table in the Narthex. OPERATION WRITE HOME CARD-MAKING OWH CARD MAKING IN NOVEMBER: November Card Making Parties will continue to spotlight Christmas cards for deployed heroes and hospitalized veterans. Monday, November 17 at East Woods, 1 PM Monday, November 24 at Emeritus, 1 PM For more information, contact Esther Ellis, THANKSGIVING FOOD BOXES This year we will be supporting six Habitat for Humanity families with Thanksgiving food boxes. We will deliver these boxes to the families on Saturday, November 22. How can you help? 1. Take a feather or two from the display on the Opportunity Table. Purchase the listed food item and return it to church. Perishable items will need to be delivered to East Woods between 8:00-9:00 AM on Nov Sign up to deliver a box of food. Note: In past years we have supported Share, but this year they were fortunate enough to get a corporate sponsor. POTATO SALE NEWS from Finance Elder Jim Bangert: We have new dates for the very popular fundraiser sale of Idaho potatoes, with 3500 pounds of them coming in time for the weekend of November They will again be priced at just $1/lb. and we can all join in prayers of thanks for the Reynolds family in Mt. Home, ID, whose generosity makes this sale possible. Jim is asking for assistance with sales on both Saturday and Sunday. If you can help, contact Jim at Page 8

9 FALL SEASON ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY Advent Conspiracy Small Group The Advent Conspiracy is back! During the first four weeks of November, you're invited to join a small group that will be discussing a worldwide movement called "The Advent Conspiracy," which encourages us to experience Christmas as God intended it. The themes are Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. Each small group session will last about an hour, and will meet Wednesday evenings at 7 PM (beginning November 5). If you'd like to host your own Advent Conspiracy small group at a day and time that's better for you, resources are available through Pastor Bill in the church office. A sign-up sheet is on the Information table, or contact Arla Olsen, Elder of Adult Ed, at mrswhooo@q.com. WE ARE FORMING A COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION led by Elder Gwen Wagner. We need all kinds of talent: idea people, writers, editors, photographers, videographers, creative types, practical people, go-getters, not-so-go-getters, visionaries, people living under a rock, shy people, or the outlandish. Help us communicate our East Woods story and significant new event items to our members and to folks outside our walls. If you are interested, please consider participating. Your level of commitment can be what you want it to be. Our first descriptive meeting is coming soon. Hope you can help! P.S. It will be fun, too! Please sign up at the Opportunity Table or contact Gwen at communications@eastwoods.org or call her at THE EAST WOODS HIKING GROUP has started off on the right foot! So far, we have enjoyed hikes along the Lewis River at Moulton Falls, and coming up on November 1, through the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, on the shore of the Columbia River near Washougal. This is a very informal group, with a laid-back hiking style. We intend to continue hiking through the winter on the last Saturday of each month. We will stay on wellmaintained trails so we don t get too muddy, but we will hike, rain or shine. (Although fierce weather might be reason to cancel). All ages and abilities are welcome; no special equipment is required. This is a great opportunity to fellowship, enjoy nature, take photos, and get a little fresh air. So dress for the weather, put on your walking shoes, bring some water, and join us! Watch the bulletin for specific hike details, or contact Jeff Kennedy if you would like to receive updates (which might come in handy if we ever have some of that fierce weather). In the Spring, we may get a little deeper into the woods or higher in the hills if there is interest. Our next hike this month will be Saturday, November 29. Watch the bulletin for details! Page 9

10 LOOKING FOR SOME GOOD READING? Here are a few book titles Pastor Bill has read and enjoyed recently. Finding Faith in the Dark: When the Story of Your Life Takes a Turn You Didn t Plan by Laurie Short This candid and personal book is part autobiography and part Christian guidebook. Laurie, a pastor in Santa Barbara, CA, reflects on some of her favorite biblical stories of God s providence in the context of sharing experiences and lessons learned in the lives of people she s gotten to know over the years, including herself. Four Gospels, One Jesus?: A Symbolic Reading by Richard Burridge Here is the brilliant book our East Woods Adult Ed class has been studying and discussing recently. Richard Burridge does an outstanding job presenting, in a very approachable way, the unique portraits of Jesus offered by the individual gospel writers and their accounts of Jesus life and ministry. To help define each gospel s personality, he uses the four symbolic creatures found in the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation: the lion, the teacher, the ox and the eagle. Grace Notes: Daily Reading With a Fellow Pilgrim by Philip Yancey I love Philip Yancey s writing, so I was all fired up when I discovered this book. This is a year-long devotional book that incorporates selected portions of some of Philip Yancey s best-known books, with an amazingly enriching and broad range of topics and insights. Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal and Delight in Our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller This outstanding book is immediately convicting, refreshing, insightful and practical. Muller writes from a Christian perspective, but he offers reflections on various practices of rest from many different faith traditions. I found myself not only learning a great deal but also inspired to put several of his suggestions into practice in my own life. The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp and Mark Reiter Here is a step-by-step guide for developing creativity from a woman who has proven its effectiveness through a successful career in dance and choreography. Tharp is relentless in her belief that creativity is something we can all demonstrate if we re willing to invest the time and effort to make it a habit. 52 Things Kids Need From a Dad: What Fathers Can Do To Make a Lifelong Difference by Jay Payleitner and Josh McDowell Jay and Josh have provided a great set of practical suggestions for dads, even if the kids involved are grandchildren. One topic per week for the whole year, with funny anecdotes and very approachable language. Dads, you can keep it near the toilet, by your bedside, on the coffee table, or in the passenger seat and read a chapter in less than 5 minutes. This is an engaging example of guys writing for guys, and everybody wins. Page 10

11 JOINT CHURCHES IN PARTNERSHIP THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE, 7 PM at Cascades Presbyterian Church 9503 NE 86th St., Vancouver, This includes the five Presbyterian Churches in the CIP group: East Woods, Cascades, Columbia, St. John s (Camas) and First (in downtown Vancouver). Once again, the service will include a combined choir of voices from all the participating churches. LEARN TO USE EAST WOODS' A.E.D. DEVICE! Molly Sperry will offer an hour-long training class for anyone interested in learning how to use the A.E.D. defibrillator mounted in the hallway near the coat and name tag racks. The class will be held on Sunday, November 16, from 12-1 PM. If interested, please sign up in Evergreen Hall or Molly at molly611@gmail.com. Office hours: Tuesday 10 AM-4 PM, Wednesday & Thursday 9AM - 3PM Church Phone: NE 20 th Street, Vancouver, WA Rev. Bill Sperry Roberta Schlechter Chase Van Epps Susie Freeman bill@eastwoodspres.org Children & Family Director, childrensdirector@eastwoodspres.org Youth Director, youthdirector@eastwoodspres.org Church Admin., susie@eastwoodspres.org Please visit our web site at Page 11

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