Braided Rivers, One Source! Carmen Nagel, LWML Oregon District President

Transcription

1 Winter 2018 Braided Rivers, One Source! Carmen Nagel, LWML Oregon District President One of the most interesting river patterns is the braided rivers that are found in various areas of Alaska and other parts of the world. By definition, Braided Rivers exhibit numerous channels that split off and rejoin each other to give a braided appearance. They typically carry fairly coarse-grained sediment down a fairly steep gradient. As I walked through and around the Toklat River, which had its beginning from a glacier high in the peaks that surround this area of Denali National Park, the terrain was not what I expected by my view from the road. It appeared to be a smooth river bed, but it was rocky, with steep banks, and a thoroughfare for migrating animals. Every so often, a stunted fireweed was blooming and there was life struggling to survive. Table of Contents President s Message Christian Life Gospel Outreach Scholarship/Special Funds.. 3 Mustard Seed OR District Convention NEW VP of Communication. 3 Higher Power/Marianne Doslon. 4 Planning/Visioning ZipLine/Zone News..5-6 Retreat Summary. 5 Future Dates Officer Contact Information 7 Sr. Pastoral Counsel... 7 Convention Offering Request Officer Nominee Forms ,10,11 This braided Toklat river reminded me of the different lives each of us have teachers, pastors, nurses, mothers, fathers, career men and women, and the list goes on. We have all walked through various terrains in our life, taking so many different and unexpected channels. Wherever God has taken you, it is comforting to know that God is our source of life and has designed a braided path for us. The path may change taking us to opportunities of service that HE puts before our feet. It may be a small pebble or a significant size rock He will be there to guide us through. It is a JOY to know that when our channels of life do come together, we are united as one because of our Living Savior. As recorded in John 7:38: Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. May the rivers of living water continue to lead you through the braided channels of your life. Embrace a new path with a joy-filled heart. Winter 2018 Volume #16, Issue #4, Fall Oregon Leaguer is published quarterly by Lutheran Women in Mission (Oregon District), an auxiliary organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

2 Kneeling..posture of humility, sign of reverence, respect, submission A kneeling pad for garden work, kneeling to kiss a grandchild, kneeling to wipe up that spill, kneeling at the altar receiving His body and blood, kneeling in prayer. So how are your knees? Are they ready to join the shepherd kneeling round the manager? See Mary and Joseph with love-beaming eyes Are gazing upon the rude bed where He lies The Shepherds are kneeling with heart full of love, While angels sing loud hallelujahs above. Kneel down and adore Him with shepherds today- Lift up hands now and praise Him as they rejoice that a Savior from sin you can boast, and join in the song of the heavenly host. Verses 3 and 4 from Come Hither ye Children During this Christmas celebration kneel down Adore Worship Praise Thank Share Our precious Christ child!! Message from Gospel Outreach Serving is a gift! In 1 Peter 4:10 we read: As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God s varied grace: Thank you all for your mites and service to our Lord. It is truly a gift to be the messenger to inform you as to how the Lord is using our mites. Eleven of our fifteen Mission Grants have been funded this biennium for a total of $51,750. Thank you! Please keep the other four Mission Grants in your prayers, trusting in God s timing for all those we serve! One grant that was completed this Fall is: The Christ Connection A Prayer Book for Personal or Group Use By People of ALL Abilities. Bethesda Auxiliary thanks you for the funding of this grant. The prayer books are in use in all of Bethesda s homes and apartments in Oregon. The prayer books are filled with scripture and references on various topics, written to provide comfort and encouragement to the people Bethesda supports. Just look at the picture. The smiles truly share the blessings our Lord provides! Janet Schultz O, Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker Ps. 95:6 Anita Eller Deadline for Spring 2018 Leaguer: March 1, 2018 (publication date April 1, 2018) PLEASE Send articles & photos to: Carole Pletz lwml.or.leaguer@gmail.com Please continue to fill your Mite Boxes! Our mission grant recipients need your continued love and support to meet their ministry goals. OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Page 2

3 Special Gifts Fund has received additional memorial Gifts in Memory of: Robyn Reck Fichter and Pastor Norman Nibblett. This fund makes it possible to offer scholarships to young women in the Oregon District who are active in their congregations; furthering their education to be able to serve as teachers in our church schools, DCEs, and Music Directors in our congregations. Since 2008 we have granted 13 scholarships. What a wonderful way to remember a loved one, and to help our young women. SPECIAL GIFTS FUND To Grant Two Scholarships this Winter Please encourage your young women in your congregations to apply for scholarship aide this winter. A full Description of qualifications and forms to apply are posted on our Oregon District LWML Website. Forms need to be mailed to the Special Gifts Fund Chairman, Donna Boyd by February 5th, Donna Boyd, Special Gifts Committee Chair Count Him In In the Word you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:15b Of the Word As the old year closes and a new year opens, we begin to think about things we would like to do in the coming 12 months. We might start making plans to build a new home or take a dream vacation. Perhaps we'll list our New Year's resolutions, like lose weight or finish school or get a better job or read the entire Bible in a year. Of course, we're counting on God to be there each day in the new year, just as He has been throughout the old year. That goes without saying! But are we consciously counting Him in when we look forward to everything we want to do? Deliberately counting Him in our plans by saying, "If it is Your will," shifts our focus where it needs to be: not on our desires, but on His will. We're counted among God's beloved people because Jesus consented to be counted among us. In His birth, God invites us to count Him in as we make our plans for every new year and every new day. Walking with my Lord Heavenly Father, let all my plans work out for the best, according to Your good and gracious will. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. LWML Oregon District Convention July 6-8, 2018 Macleay Conference and Retreat Center Salem, Oregon Come and JOYFULLY connect with: Cindy Steinbeck - As a farmer, winegrower and business owner, Cindy offers a unique perspective on Jesus' words "I am the Vine, you are the branches." Cindy is the author of The Rock Speaks, Grapes of Grace, and The Vine Speaks. Angelina Jauregui, Vice President of Gospel Outreach of the LWML Northwest Missionaries Nathan Schmidt of LAMP and Pastor Zabdi Lopez of Hope Lutheran Church in Woodburn Marisol Valle, Heart to Heart Training Leader Missions in Action Further convention connections, including registration and housing information, will be shared in a separate convention communication. See you in July as the celebration of 75 years of LWML continues. NEW Vice President Of Communication The LWML of the Oregon District welcomes Carol Reis who was recently appointed as Vice President of Communication. Carol is a member of Calvary, Stayton, active in her LWML Society and the Willamette Zone, Chairman of the Worship Committee of Convention 2018, and recently retired. May our Lord bless Carol as she serves her Lord with gladness. Welcome, Carol.

4 Many are the plans in a man s heart, but it is the Lord s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 Word choice, whether speaking or writing makes a difference. I wrote an article for this publication several months ago about how we (editorial we) don t use the word sin any more. Well I have another word, or really a phrase, that is spoken and written that skews the intended meaning. That phrase is Higher Power (HP) (capitalized to give it worth). I don t know when, where or how it began but one can see it in today s Twelve - Step models. For them it refers to an endless power that can sustain them through difficult times in their lives. This resembles more of a crutch to use while working to get out of or through tough times. Kind of like a cosmic sugar bowl where money is kept for times of limited funds, there is a cosmic power to draw from in times of trouble. Such as may the force be with you. One can understand why the unchurched or those exposed to false teachers would find it appealing to use HP. But, just what is a HP anyway? It is a force that can be harnessed to serve our will along with effort on our part. Christians have a living real God that requires nothing on our part. God is not a power or cosmic force. Our God is three distinct persons creating, sustaining, redeeming us and receiving our thanks and praise. He is always with us and meets us in His house of worship to give us His gifts that we neither merit nor earn. We don t need to harness our God but seek His will for us. What is like scratching fingernails on an old chalkboard to me is when Christians use the phrase HP where God should be used. Just what does that mean when used by Christians? How easy it is for us (Christians) to fall into the habit of using temporal language, like I said in the outset of this article, the word sin. God be with you has morphed into goodbye and, will talking/praying to our LORD become a HP? Only time will tell. We have an awesome God that loves us and stays by us even if we call Him a HP. We have an opportunity to make a statement to the unchurched or those misled by false teaching that the One they need to be offering their supplications and intercessions to is the Holy Triune God that requires nothing from us but gives us His gifts of sanctification, justification and His unlimited forgiveness. Thanks be to God. Submitted by Marianne Doslon My Plan? God s Plan! Advent and Christmas are certainly times for planning. Planning for whom will host Christmas dinner, what you will gift to various family members and friends, and what treats you will bake to take to your neighbors. In other seasons of the year, there are also plans to be made, which most of us are intentional about. How intentional are we about the direction of our spiritual lives? Do we plan for this essential area of our lives? An even more important question is, do we seek God s wisdom as we plan? Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man s heart, but it is the Lord s purpose that prevails. So, who is really in control, in charge? Do we submit, willingly, joyfully, to our Lord in all of our planning? Is it really that hard when we have these promises? Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Psalm 33:11 - But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. (All generations our older LWML women as well as the young women and all the rest of us.) Remember all the fulfilled plans that the Lord blessed for your family, or our OR District LWML and thank Him.) As Oregon District LWML members we continue to plan in our society and zones, and pray for our district board and the convention committees. Let s remember to seek the Lord first and ask for his wisdom and discernment, following His Word and claiming His promises in all that we do, not just ask His blessings on our plans. In your personal life, I hope you will do the same, and in every season, May He give you the desire of your heart and make all of your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4 Terry Putnam, Planner/Visioning Committee Prayer Chain ! lwml.or.prayerchain@gmail.com Blessings on your day, Naomi Brown OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Page 4

5 resources for Planning Programs Zone News Retreat summary at a glance Place: Macleay Christian Retreat Center Date: Sept. 29-Oct 1, 2017 Some rain but mostly sunny This grab and go resource provides two years of thematic monthly meeting plans. You can print as many copies as you need of any of the resources which include Icebreakers, Devotions, Bible Studies, Sketches, Mission Servants Projects, and Mission Grant References. Available for purchase in printed form (237 pages, 3 hole punched, in plastic sleeve) ( or FREE as a download: resources for Planning Programs ( attachments/116993/resources_final_ _final.pdf) WEBSITES: Oregon District: LWML: Theme: Above all else guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 Why: To gather together to learn about our hearts through Bible Study The Heart: Theological Anatomy led by Pastor Beck The Heart Renovation led by Pastor Krumdieck What: Great Fellowship was had Walks and talks Small group blessing Everyone has a Story New songs learned Great variety of yummy meals Convention craft enjoyed Deep (Way Down) experienced 71 Christian Sisters, new friends Choir sings Better Than a Hallelujah Communion shared In Christ alone our hope is found, Headed home blessed The Christian Life Committee What is Gospel Outreach? The purpose of the Gospel Outreach Committee is to engage, encourage, and equip women to share their faith in Jesus Christ, their loving Savior, with people of their communities and the world. What Does This Mean? God wants you to be yourself when sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. He has chosen you, and given you the privilege of sharing that joy and excitement of your faith with others. Being a Christian is a blessing, and the joy of Jesus in our lives should be evident to everyone. The Gospel Outreach Committee provides resources to encourage and equip you to share the Good News of Jesus' great love in your everyday living by: developing a closeness to your Savior through prayer, Bible study, worship, and devotional materials. And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers, (Acts 2:42) using every day opportunities to be God's witnesses. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, (Matthew 5:14-16a) reaching out, understanding that everyone is unique and loved by God. And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. (Mark 16:15) OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Page 5

6 BEND S SOCIETY HOSTS JUNIPER ZONE S FALL RALLY & WELCOMES NEW COUNSELOR Pastor Patrick M. Rooney, Trinity's Associate Pastor, was welcomed as the new Zone Counselor, and led some twenty-six guests at the "2017~ A YEAR OF SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES!" brunch 'n lunch Rally on October 14. Tables were a gorgeous splash of color with mums, pumpkins, squash, & autumn leaves. Each woman received table favors featuring a magnet of the Reformation 500th ~Luther Seal & the LWML Diamond Jubilee Logo. Pastor s Bible study focused on the heritage of Luther's Reformation Story, and the morning capped off with past District President, Irma Fuerstenau's, warm and wonderful trip down memory lane recounting the history of the Juniper Zone, since Trinity's first charter has a 75 -year Society history of its own. Nicole Knutson, VP of Human Care, {and her daughter, Rory,} summarized District upcoming events, and she shared her own personal YWR reflections attending the Albuquerque Convention. Pat Reck, Zone Delegate, shared the official Convention Video to the group in her thank-you speech, and had a photo tri-fold poster of the Oregon Delegation's experience. The In- Gathering was for the local Shepherd's Home for Women and Children. A brief business meeting installed the new Secretary & Treasurer. Respectfully yours, Pat Reck TRINITY BEND CELEBRATES LWML SUNDAY ~ 2017 Sunday, Nov. 19, Trinity women held LWML Sunday 2017 for both services, punctuated by the Praise Band and a small Choir, and goodies out on every table for coffee hour afterwards. Zone Counselor, Pastor Rooney, did a fine job of the theme this year, BE READY, as the chosen scritures pointed directly to Paul's building up Timothy for service in face of opposition, and The Gospel hears Christ addressing and sending his twelve Apostles. The women had seven display tables in the Narthex sharing all of their Mission Service Projects this past year: Dialysis Blankets, Prayer Shawls, Pregnancy Resource Center Layettes, Gifts to Bethesda, Military & College Gift Boxes, a "Where-in-the-World Our Mitey Mites Go" map and the full Gospel Outreach Mission Grants Display, showing the biennium Goal and ones funded so far. Society Pres. Barbara Schroeder fashioned an amazing display of a rare collection of our MITE boxes over the past 75 years...the group had ordered the new 75th Anniversary Mite & new children's boxes, and many were handed out. Hundreds browsed the tables and asked questions and seemed to be grateful for the women who serve at Trinity, to include Altar Guild, Bible Study, Prayer Chain, Grief Share, Coffee Comm. and other servant opportunities. Far surpassing last year s Mite offering, this year we collected $ towards the Mission Goal!! Pat Reck WEST HILLS ZONE The West Hills Zone Rally was held on Saturday, October 21, and included a visit from Katie Luther (aka Nancy Ebsen). OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Page 6

7 OFFICER CONTACT INFORMATION President Carmen Nagel Vice President of Christian Life Anita Eller Vice President of Gospel Outreach Janet Schultz Vice President of Human Care Nicole Knudson Vice President of Servant Resources Lisa Ballard Vice President of Communication Carol Reis Recording Secretary Char Kroemer Financial Secretary Connie Adams Treasurer Karen Danielson Pastoral Counselor-Senior Rev. J. Wesley Beck Pastoral Counselor-Junior Rev. Gary Krumdieck FUTURE DATES Bethesda Auxiliary Annual Celebration April 21, 2018, 9:00 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hillsboro LWML Oregon District Convention July 5-8, 2018 Macleay Conference and Retreat Center LWML 38th Biennial Convention June 20-23, 2019 Mobile, Alabama Mission Statement The mission of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League is to assist each woman of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world. \ i-ˈpi-fə-nē \ Epiphany from a compound Greek verb meaning (1) a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) an intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an event) usually simple and striking (3) an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure (Merriam- Webster online). As a part of the Church calendar, the season between Christmas and Ash Wednesday. Epiphany is very much like an extended Christmas. It is not the wild rush of youngsters tearing into their presents; ribbon and paper flying everywhere amid the squeal of excited voices. No, epiphany progresses at a slower, more deliberate pace but with each passing Sunday a new aspect of THE Christmas gift comes to light. The season starts with the festival, The Epiphany of Our Lord on the 6 th of January, as all our churches read Matthew s account of the Magi coming to worship the new-born King. The first Sunday after the Epiphany we stand beside the Jordan River to see the Son baptized and hear the Father s declaration, You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased (Mk 1.11). The second Sunday finds us in John s gospel, this year watching Jesus call Philip who in turn calls Nathanael who declares, Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel (Jn 1.49). With the third Sunday we begin a mostly continuous reading of the appointed gospel for the year until The Transfiguration of Our Lord on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday when we hear again the Father s declaration of pleasure in His Son with the added command, listen to Him! (Mk 9.7). But here s the thing about Epiphany the season; our discovery of who this Jesus is in the first chapters of the appointed gospel can be as long as eight Sundays or as short as five. Epiphany is sometimes called the short green season because of the green paraments used on our altars as compared to the much longer season of green, the Sundays after Pentecost. This year we will have only five Sundays after Epiphany, Sundays of discovery into the wonder of the God in flesh made manifest, Jesus of Nazareth. This shortness lends an urgency to the season that underscores the urgency of our mission as the Lutheran Women s Missionary League. God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tm 2.4); but how will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? (Rm 10.14). The LWML is, in part, an answer to that question. They will hear through our witness, through the witness of others made possible by our mission grants, and through our prayers that support both aspects of our work together. A prayer for the beginning of Epiphany: Heavenly Father, You have given us the gift of Your Son Jesus in whom we have light and life. As we unwrap and behold this precious gift, give us words to express the wonder, the glory, the life-giving presence of Jesus among us. By word and deed let us encourage one another and announce to the communities in which you have placed us behold the Epiphany Gift, Immanuel, God with us! Amen. Pastor Beck, Sr. Pastoral Counselor OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Page 7

8 December 11, 2017 Dear LWML Members of the Oregon District, Blessings to you! I hope you are excited about our upcoming LWML convention in July. During the convention three offerings are taken, two of which are intended for a Mission Outreach Project. You have the opportunity to submit a Request for Consideration, where an outreach could be considered for one of the two offerings. To submit a request please fill out the attached form and submit the form to Janet Schultz, VP of Gospel Outreach via or mail. The LWML Oregon District Executive Committee will prayerfully consider each request. Please send your request in by January 31, You will be notified if your request is selected as an offering during the convention. In Christ s Joy and Service, Janet Schultz REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION FOR A CONVENTION OFFERING July 6-8, Salem OREGON The Mission Outreach Project I recommend is:. Specific information about the project would be welcomed and may be sent with your request. A contact person for this project is: (Please include a phone number and address). Your name and contact information:. Please this form to: janet.h.schultz@gmail.com Or you may mail it to: 2581 N.E. Katie Drive Hillsboro, OR OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Page 8

9 December 1, 2017 Dear Sisters in Christ. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord Jer. 29:11 This very familiar Bible verse is a favorite for many. Our lives and the plans for our future are definitely His plans. May He always direct our paths and may all we do be to His glory. Our Oregon District LWML Convention 2018 is coming. The planning and preparation has been underway for quite some time and as we near this God-blessed event, the excitement gets bigger. It is our prayer that many Lutheran Women in Mission will join in celebrating God s love and truth as we gather July 6-8, 2018, to serve Him with gladness. We have another way you can experience the joy of LWML. Every convention has elections for officers and 2018 is no exception. Along with this cover letter are the following informational pieces: Nominator form part 1 Nominee form part 2 Job descriptions and information (available on website Please make copies to use as handouts at your rallies/gatherings this spring. The Nominating Committee the three Cs will be in touch. We know God has a plan and will guide those asked to pray about putting their names on the ballot for Convention To God be the glory! Thank you for helping spread the word. We are blessed by your service in our Oregon District. Please don t hesitate to contact us if you have questions. Serving Him with extreme gladness, The three Cs: Carolyn N, Carolyn S, and Char Carolyn Nelson Carolyn Stucky Char Kroemer strawberry184@msn.com orpresident15@comcast.net kroemer2@frontier.com Oregon District LWML Convention July 6-8, 2018 Clean Slate Cleansed in Christ Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32) OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Page 9

10 OREGON DISTRICT LUTHERAN WOMEN S MISSIONARY LEAGUE CANDIDATE FORM PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE Page 1 - To be filled out by Nominator (you may nominate yourself) Offices open for Nomination (check the office this nomination is for) ( ) Vice President of Christian Life ( ) Vice President of Communication ( ) Vice President of Gospel Outreach ( ) Recording Secretary ( ) Treasurer ( ) Junior Pastoral Counselor ( ) Nominating Committee (3) Name of Woman submitting Nomination: Address: State: Zip: Phone: (H) (cell) Society / Individual Member? Date Society Name Church Name Church Address Church Phone The Nominee: 1. May be a member of your society, or another Society in your Zone or the Oregon District 2. Should have a deep and active interest in the Lutheran Women s Missionary League 3. Should be willing to devote the time to the office for which she / he is being nominated 4. Should be cooperative and agreeable with fellow officers - able to work as a team 5. Should have some knowledge, skill or experience as an officer or committee member in a society, zone, or district 6. Should have basic computer skills and be able to communicate regularly via technology Please have the NOMINEE fill out Page 2 and return it by January 15, 2018 to one of the 2018 Nominating Committee members: Carolyn Nelson Carolyn Stucky Char Kroemer 40 Crater Lane 2413 SE Chestnut Street NE Wilsonville Rd Central Point, OR Milwaukie, OR Newberg, OR And my God will supply all your need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (KJ) OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Page 10

11 OREGON DISTRICT LUTHERAN WOMEN S MISSIONARY LEAGUE CANDIDATE FORM PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE Page 2 - To be filled out by Nominee Your Name as Nominee: Address: City: Zip: Phone (H) (Cell) Member of (Church / City): Name of Society: Please list offices held in Church, Community, and briefly share your Occupation, Education, Family Information, etc.: * I hereby give my permission to place my name on the ballot of the Oregon District LWML Convention 2018 for the POSITION OF Date: Signature: PHOTO Enclosed: Yes No (a thumbnail photo 2x2, color/b/w will be needed by March 1, 2018 for inclusion in our 2018 Convention Manual - thanks.) Please have your Pastor submit by a letter of reference to one of the Nominating Committee members: strawberry184@msn.com orpresident15@comcast.net kroemer2@frontier.com MAIL THIS COMPLETED FORM TO ONE OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Carolyn Nelson Carolyn Stucky Char Kroemer 40 Crater Lane 2413 SE Chestnut Street NE Wilsonville Rd Central Point, OR Milwaukie, OR Newberg, OR For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) OR Leaguer/Winter 2018 Page 11