Let's Celebrate! November Birthdays. November Baptisms. November Anniversaries. Pastor's Message. God's Blessing to you as you celebrate...

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1 Let's Celebrate! God's Blessing to you as you celebrate... November Birthdays 1 Bobbe Backman 16 Larry Schmitz 1 Diane Verdoorn 16 Kurt Wubbenhorst 3 Mildred Erickson 19 Dan Peterson 6 Deana Freauff 19 Martin Schmidt 9 Ruth Hesseltine 21 Owen Lundgren 11 Gayle Watson 21 Don Trotter 12 Debbi Estes 23 Eric Leibner 12 Judy Kuhns 29 Jackie Schei November Baptisms 1 Adonica DeVault 14 Leland Hess 8 Samantha Noble 21 Owen Lundgren 10 Darleen Lewis 25 Laura Verdoorn 12 Mason Lommen November Anniversaries 2 Darlene & Mike Foley If we miss YOUR special day, PLEASE let the church office know, we might not have the information. THANKS! Dear Friends, Pastor's Message This month I made it a point to attend the Spirits and Theology discussion, at Round Table Pizza on McLoughlin. Spirits and Theology is where we sit around eating pizza and drinking beer or soda and discuss a spiritual question. Lots of different people attend and often invite friends to join in. I came to hear what people have to say about this topic: The Relevance of the Church. This is a big question and one that is important to me and should be for all of us. What difference does the church make in your life? What does it matter in the larger world? How could it be more relevant to people who don t come to church or only come occasionally? We all agreed that it has meaning for those of us who go to church. Some said it gives encouragement, others challenge, and others meaning and purpose. But all of us know people who were once faithful church-goers, but who now don t find meaning in it, or at least not enough to attract them. People have had a great many bad experiences in churches, or don t understand the Lutheran way of doing church. There are language barriers and words that we assume everyone knows, but not everyone does. One comment was made, There needs to be less me and more we. This was a remark about how we get stuck in what I want. We have our preferences. We like things the way they are. But we aren t called to think of ourselves first. Instead we re called by God to put our neighbor s needs before our own. Our food pantry is one way we ve responded to the needs in the neighborhood. There is the need for food, the need for dignity, and the need to volunteer. People come from all over the area to get those needs met Continued on next page

2 Pastor's Message continued Grandparents Sunday is another way we are trying to meet the needs of kids in the church to connect with each other and learn about God s love. To go from me to we is one step. The challenge is the ever-widening circle of we. There is the we of our families, the we of our church. Expand that to people on fringes of church. I challenge you this month to call at least one person that you haven t seen around much lately. Let them know you care. Tell them Pastor made you do it if that helps. Expand the circle of we. The circle goes out to the neighborhood. Say hello to your neighbors. Do something nice for them. Expand the circle of we. And the circle gets bigger: We are the people of Milwaukie, Clackamas County, Oregon, the United States, North America, the Earth, the Universe. Take a step to expand the circle a little more. Do something that makes a difference, that makes a connection, not to change others to be more like us, but to open our hearts to all God s people. This month we are expanding the circle of we in our Thanksgiving Eve worship service. It will be held on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, November 24, to give people more time to travel and prepare before the holiday. We ll meet at 7 pm at Oak Hills Presbyterian Church just up the street from King of Kings. There will be at least five churches participating. It is a wonderful way to connect with our neighbors and expand the circle of we. -Continued on next page P r a y e r s & T h a n k s g i v i n g s... Family & Friends of Jerry Tindall Larry & Donna Schmitz s friend; at his death Vicki Shupe Darleen Foley s daughter; for good results of biopsy Marian Pederson John s mother; hospice care & pneumonia Ken Huddle Kerin Lommen s brother; melanoma Kevin Davies Friend of La Verne Moore; recovering from heart by-pass surgery Betsy Belles Recovering from surgery; Bill Stoughton Friend of Dina Black; hospitalized on a ventilator John Baglien Recovering back at home after a fall Wilma Raymond Cracked hip and torn shoulder ligament from a fall. Leona Huffman Larry Schmitz s aunt; in adult foster care Pat Butler Larry Schmitz s cousin s husband; dementia, fall Margaret Wittrich Treatment for macular degeneration Jerry Overen Pneumonia Terry Davis Diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia Diane Johnson Friend of Leibner s; battling breast cancer Vicki Garrison Charlotte Cunningham s daughter; for strength & support Gloria Valesano Kristin Leibner s grandmother; cancer Ella Trotter Don s mother; in hospice care Jimmy Roe Patty Hess nephew; deployed to Iraq Prayers will be left on our prayer list for two weeks unless otherwise requested. Please notify Pastor Aimee if prayers are needed for a longer period. Remember we have a prayer chain at King of Kings. Prayer requests can be called from 9am-9pm to: Marjie Brock,

3 W o r s h i p L e a d e r s NOVEMBER 15, 2009 Assisting Minister: Patty Hess Caller: Graham Backman Children's Message: Kerin Lommen Coffee Hour: Lisa Hiller Communion Assistant: Charlotte Cunningham Flowers: Patty Hess Greeters: Darleen Lewis Lector: Lisa Hiller Ushers: Gary Noble NOVEMBER 22, 2009 Assisting Minister: Kerin Lommen Caller: Wilma Raymond Children's Message: Lynda McDowell Coffee Hour: Peggy & Winston Kurth Communion Assistant: Doug & Lynda McDowell Flowers: Betsy Belles Greeters: Peggy & Winston Kurth Lector: Penny Charman Ushers: Bob & Marlene Seymour NOVEMBER 29, 2009 Assisting Minister: Jeanie DuPere Caller: Sioux Smith Children's Message: Donna Merseth Coffee Hour: Donna & Gordon Merseth Communion Assistant: Peggy & Winston Kurth Flowers: Donna & Gordon Merseth Greeters: Bob & Marlene Seymour Lector: Betsy Belles Ushers: Harry & Sharon Konsa -18- Pastor's Message continued There was one who came to expand the circle of we. He expanded it to include the poor when he was born in a stable. He expanded it to include the children when he said, Let the little children come to me. He expanded it to include prostitutes and tax collectors when he befriended Mary Magdalene and Zacchaeus. He expanded it to include the sick when he touched the lepers. He expanded it to include adulterers, when he said, Let the one without sin cast the first stone. He expanded it to include criminals when he became one himself. He expanded it to include the dead when he conquered death. He expanded it to include you and me and he asked us to expand it for our own good and for the good of the world. Finally he expanded it to the whole world, saying, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believed in him would not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 Evening Praise Mondays November 8 th and 22 nd at 7 pm in the Social Hall Evening Praise Worship is for you if any of the following are true: You enjoy a small, intimate group to explore God s word with You are interested in Bible Study of the Sunday readings You want to start your week out right by letting go of past regrets and setting your intention for the week You are unable to attend the Sunday morning service or could use an extra boost for the week You appreciate informal worship in which everyone can participate -3-

4 ~ CELEBRATING OUR MINISTRY TO OTHERS ~ Jesus teaches us in the second commandment: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39) This commandment is about community. It s responding to God s gifts to us by returning to Him a portion of those gifts, loving our neighbor as ourselves. This love is shown through our ministries to others. Commitment Sunday, October 4, was the culmination of our focus on how the King of Kings community shows our love for our neighbors. Know that many people s lives were touched through your offerings this year, showing your love for your neighbor! THANK YOU! As of October 26 th, a total of 41 giving units have estimated their support for 2010 to be $112,352. THANK YOU to all who have turned in your Estimate of Giving cards! If you have not had the opportunity to do so, extra cards are on the table in the entryway. Please fill yours out, seal it in an envelope and put it in Financial Secretary Kerin Lommen s mailbox. Worship Leaders REMEMBER, if you cannot serve on your scheduled date to check with the person(s) in the weeks before or after to see if you can make a switch. Please be sure to update the master list on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall. THANKS!! November Altar Guild: Lou Freauff December Altar Guild: ALL NOVEMBER 1, 2009 Assisting Minister: Larry Schmitz Caller: Darleen Lewis Children's Message: Pastor Aimee Coffee Hour: Mary Cromer Communion Assistant: Larry Schmitz Flowers: Bobbe & Graham Backman Greeters: Bobbe Backman & Gary Noble Lector: Susan Carder Ushers: Bob & Marlene Seymour to SAC (The Stewardship Action Core): Bobbe & Graham Backman, Winston & Peggy Kurth, Doug & Lynda McDowell, Gary & Margaret Noble, and Bob & Marlene Seymour for planning and organizing the Celebrating our Ministries to Others fall program. NOVEMBER 8, 2009 Assisting Minister: Lynda McDowell Caller: Marian Ahlberg Children's Message Jeanie DuPere Coffee Hour: Susan Carder Communion Assistant Penny Charman Flowers: Susan Carder Greeters Lou Freauff Lector Susan Carder Ushers Doug & Lynda McDowell

5 Thanksgiving Eve Worship Tuesday, November 7 pm at Oak Hills Presbyterian Church 5101 SE Thiessen Road Dessert Social following We gather to give thanks to God, to count our blessings, and to celebrate our unity in Christ with other neighborhood churches. Come sing and praise God with our neighbors! Blessing of the Animals a Woofing Success There was lots of excitement (and special sound effects) at King of Kings on October 11, the 9 th Annual Blessing of the Animals. A total of 9 dogs were special guests. Each pet received a blessing from Pastor Aimee and an St Francis of Assisi medal. Donations were collected during October for the Oregon Humane Society. SPIRITS & THEOLOGY Time: Monday, November 6 pm NOTE NEW PLACE: Place: Round Table Pizza, SE McLoughlin Blvd. Discussion question: November: Intercessory Prayer December: Original Sin/Corporate Sin. Enjoy an opportunity for fellowship and the exchange of ideas about spiritual matters in an informal and public setting. Come when you can. Bring friends. All are welcome. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Hiller or Sue Trotter K i n g o f K i n g s R e a c h e s O u t King s Cupboard Pantry Update It s Fundraising Time! As most of you know, King s Cupboard is busy fundraising to help create the financial foundation upon which we build the 2010 pantry service year. A strong financial foundation helps buffer and smooth pantry needs, supplementing donations of food and funds from partner congregations and the community. So far, in 2009 we ve spent over $7,800 on food and other items for distribution to serve 817 families or 2893 people. In addition, we ve distributed over 52,000 pounds of food received from Oregon Food Bank, Safeway, partner congregations, businesses, individuals and home gardens. The pantry is an all-volunteer organization, supported by time, talents and donations of many kinds; in 2009 our administrative expenses are less than 1% of funds raised. How you can help: 1. Attend the Harvest Dinner and Auction, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 14 at Milwaukie Lutheran Church. Tickets are $15 each (suggested donation). It s going to be a great event! 2. Support the pantry by giving food or funds, as you are able. 3. Volunteer to help with pantry tasks. Come share the work required to keep the pantry running, to serve some of the neediest members of our community. Volunteer side by side with members of partner congregations and others. It s a delight to share this experience with volunteers of diverse backgrounds and experience. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Sarah Beyers, , sarahpetebeyers@hotmail.com. -5-

6 King of Kings Reaches Out Don t Miss It! King s Cupboard Celebration Dinner The Event 2009 Harvest Dinner and Auction Saturday, November 14, 6 p.m. Milwaukie Lutheran Church Event tickets: $15/person suggested donation Auction. Marlene Seymour and others are working hard to put together a fun and interesting silent and oral auction. Please let Marlene know if you have (or will have) auction items to include. Beach house?? Wine Tour?? Tickets to special events?? The goal is to have an interesting array of items ranging from inexpensive to higher value. Contacts: Overall event: Debbi Estes, King of Kings, Auction: Marlene Seymour, King of Kings, King of Kings Reaches Out Gathering WARM items for JOIN Knitters, crocheters, bargain shoppers and all concerned: this is an early reminder that are collecting warm hats, scarves, gloves and socks for JOIN homeless clients again. As temperatures cool, remember those who live and sleep outside. We will close our collection Sunday, December 6 to give us time to get items to JOIN

7 K i n g o f K i n g s R e a c h e s O u t News from Sewing for Others We are having a great time putting together quilts and reading the lessons for the coming Sunday. If you can cut on the line, tie a square knot or sew a straight seam we can use your help. Join us Tuesdays at 9:30 am for conversation, fellowship, and quilting. WANTED: Quilt filler. We have decided to do some recycling. If you have worn blankets made of cotton or synthetics, we can use them as filler for our quilts. To be big enough they need to be double bed size or larger. If you have any questions, please talk to Margaret Noble or Kerin Lommen. S A V E T H E D A T E GRAHAM CRACKER HOUSES December 6, 1-3 pm Assembly of the Graham Cracker Houses Adults and Teens are invited to come and learn how to put the houses together. Come for the fun and help prepare for the Super Saturday on December 13. Tools to bring: Pastry bag and a broad tip, such as a star tip Cookie sheets or trays Super Saturday for December December 13, 1-3 pm, Decoration of the Graham Cracker Houses Kids of all ages are invited to come and decorate their own special house for Christmas. All supplies will be provided. All are welcome

8 Council Highlights Donna Merseth opened devotions with a reading from Life Is A Verb; regarding what would you do if you had 37 days to live. We should be willing to accept help offered to us as well as helping others. Finances: September brought in $1,047 more than budgeted. We currently have $8,389 available in the bank, but with a minus $4,990 in total giving we are actually down to $3,399. Christian Education Dale Jamtgaard s Circle of Hope is ongoing along with Pastor Aimee s examination of our ELCA s sexuality statement during the Adult Education hour. There were 8 children who participated on Grandparents Day. October 31 st from 6 8pm will be a Halloween Party at the church. All are welcome. Mission Endowment Fun raiser is set for October 25 th after church during the Fellowship time. The theme is Death by Chocolate. Property: New carpeting was installed last Saturday in the Social Hall. It looks fabulous. Thank you to all who worked so hard at removing the old one and moving off and replacing again all the items on top. Saturday, October 24 th will be the annual church cleanup inside and out. Radical Hospitality: November 14 th is the Harvest Dinner fundraiser for the King s Cupboard to be held at Milwaukie Lutheran Church. All participating churches will be helping. Worship: Thanksgiving service this year will be held Tuesday November 24 th at Oak Hills Presbyterian church. It will be combined with St Paul United Methodist, Clackamas UCC, Kryos UCC, and King of Kings. For Advent we will be using the Holden Vesper Services. Services will be combined with St. Stephen in Gladstone and Prince of Life in Oregon City, alternating weeks. Respectfully submitted, Charlotte Cunningham Council Secretary -8- Advent Services Come join us for our mid-week Advent Services Soup & Bread 6:00-6:45 pm at KOK Worship 7:00 pm at the locations below: December King of Kings December St. Stephen Lutheran 290 W Gloucester St. Gladstone December Prince of Life S Meyers Rd. Oregon City This year we are celebrating Advent with St. Stephen and Prince of Life Lutheran. You might want to carpool, especially those coming back to KOK for choir practice at 7:30 p.m. Please sign up to bring soup & bread on the sign up sheet on the Social Hall doors Advent Services -13-

9 CAMP LUTHERWOOD November 8 Discussion about the future of Camp Lutherwood with its Strategic Planning Task Force 3:00 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1910 SE 34th Ave, Albany. The Task Force was asked to define Camp Lutherwood's mission, develop an updated mission statement, and created an organizational ministry plan for the next one to three years. The Task Force is finalizing it work and it is time to share it with you. We need you to be there and to help us create the future for the camp. Contact Richard Bemrose, President, Lutherwood Board of Directors at bemrose@earthlink.net for more information Camp Lutherwood is in dire financial straits and may soon be foreclosed on. If church camp has meant something to you over the years, please come to this meeting to help decide the future of our camp. Grandparents Sunday Bring those grandchildren and greatgrandchildren for fun and faith at King of Kings on the last Sunday of every month! November 29 9 am: Sunday School 10 am: Church 11:15 am: Songs, snacks, games, a special activity, and practice for the Christmas program Friends are always welcome! Children s Sunday School Offered on the 2 nd and last Sunday of the month at 9 am Come learn about God s love in Sunday School. Learning about Jesus is so much fun through stories, songs, and crafts! Adult Sunday Morning Study Circle of Hope/Adult Forum Are you interested in growing in faith? Then join us on Sunday Mornings at 9 am in the Social Hall, coffee provided Sundays November 1, 15, and 22 we will wrestle with the question: How do we receive the presence and power of God? Sundays November 8 and 29 we will be looking at the social statement recently adopted by our Church Wide Assembly, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Contemplative Gathering Contemplative a person devoted to contemplation; one who is thoughtful, reflective, meditative. Gathering a group of persons together in one place. We gather on Sunday evenings at the home of Mike and Patty Hess as a group of people on a spiritual journey to thoughtfully reflect on the meaning of God in our lives. Generally we are led through a meditation, we journal, we share our reflections, we support one another, we pray. Most of all we provide an opportunity for members of KOK to feel a connection to God through the intimacy of our connection with one another. All are welcome to join us although you should know ahead of time that this will become your favorite part of the week. On All Saint s Sunday, November 1 st, we are each bringing a picture and story of a Saint in our lives. Please join us at Mike & Patty s, 7968 SE Brentwood Ct., Milwaukie. We begin at 6 PM and end (mostly promptly) at 7:30 PM. -12-

10 -9- We have new carpet in the Social Hall. Thank you for all your hard work! Jory & Kerin Lommen More of the carpet crew Jory Lommen, Gary Noble, Kerin Lommen, Pastor Aimee, Margaret Noble, Bob Seymour, Bobbe Backman Chris Schmidt, Mike Hess, Don Trotter Bob Seymour & Jory Lommen Bobby Cunningham, Bob Seymour, Gary Noble,

11 In addition to the crew photos above and left, Ricky Jamtgaard, Donna & Gordon Merseth, Greer Bruhlman, Susan Carder & Marlene Seymour worked on the carpet project.