October 2018 Published Monthly The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one of a kind glory, like Father, like Son. Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. John 1:14 The Message. OCTOBER DEACON OF THE MONTH Jim Scovil (360) 256-6125 FISH FOOD Canned Meats Nothing describes Living Generously more than this paraphrasing of scripture from the Gospel of John. John proclaims that Jesus, though he was fully God, left his place of prestige in heaven to take on flesh and become one of us. Not only that, but he also assumed the humbling nature of a servant fully invested to bring God s kingdom on earth as it was in heaven. In my reading preparations for this Fall s Sermon series, I came across a book that really captured my attention. Generation Impact How Next Gen Donors Are Revolutionizing Giving, written by Sharna Goldseker and Michael Moody, talks about the philanthropic habits of young people in their 20 s, 30 s, and 40 s. This generation riding the coat tails of the technology revolution is producing wealth at extraordinary rates at incredibly younger ages. Think of people like Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and founder of Facebook or Jeff Bezos, CEO and founder of amazon.com. These young billionaires have the capital and capacity to do much good in the world with their new found wealth. Added on top of these entrepreneurs is the incredible amount of wealth that is being transferred from the Greatest Generation and Baby Boomers to their children and grandchildren. Generation Impact highlights many stories of these new inheritors and how they plan to use their wealth philanthropically to impact societal change. There are several important things that I learned from these stories. The first is that this younger generation desires to carry on the faithful philanthropic traditions and values that were instilled in them by their parents and grandparents. These folks see themselves as stewards of tremendous resources of which they feel great social responsibility and civic duty. Solve the Riddle How do you fix a Jack-o-Lantern? Give up? See page 5 for answers! As you enjoy reading this month s Bell, try to find the hidden cross. Second is that how they exercise their philanthropic giving will be much different than their heritage. They want to be more involved in the work that they are supporting. They want to get their hands in the mud of transformational change, not just be involved in the transactional exchange of money. They will more likely give to causes that can show direct impact on people s lives by supporting smaller, local, organic ministries than larger traditional non profit corporations (such as general United Way fund drives). Third is that they seek to invest their time, talent, treasures, and relational ties to other donors in the work that they feel passionate. They will require higher levels of organizational transparency and involvement in decision making. They want to be ALL IN or in Eugene Peterson s words, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. Continued on page 2
Page 2 This is super exciting for us as a small organic church that is right now making a huge impact in the lives of people in our local community. We have opportunity to connect with this younger generation as we share our stories of faith of what God is doing through Cascades and invite them to join us in that work. So let us each consider where our part in that work may be. Let us answer how is God calling us to invest our time, talent, treasures, and relational ties to further God s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. And as we do so, let us be assured that the Church will not only survive as we pass the baton to the next generation it will thrive! Living Generously with you! Rev. Dr. Chris Montovino FROM THE PASTOR (CONT.) HARVEST PARTY & POTLUCK October 27 5:30-8:00pm. Food, fellowship and fun galore, come see what Cascades has in store! Mummies, daddies, kiddies and friends, are always welcome to attend! The yummy potluck is oh so pleasing, and all the kiddos go Trick-or-Treating! Bring a dish to share and a costume to wear, so come join us this night if you dare! Cascades Benevolence funds have made it possible to provide Chess for Success at Silver Elementary. Eighteen students will meet after school Mondays and Thursdays from 3:50 to 5:00 pm. Along with learning to play chess, the students learn social and critical thinking skills. The program runs from October through March. Todd Canning is the teacher/coach in charge of the club. He is very enthusiastic about Chess for Success and the positive benefits the kids receive. Todd welcomes volunteers to help out with the program and would like to have people from Cascades participate. Chess skills are not necessary; all that is needed is a desire to demonstrate how each child matters, inspiring him/her to do their best. Please let me know if you would like to participate as a volunteer! Thank you, Sherry McKusick 360-687-5894 CHESS FOR SUCCESS daily Devotions Lessons from Unnamed Characters in Mark Oct 1 Mark 1:29-31 Oct 2 Mark 2:1-11 Oct 3 Mark 4:35-41 Oct 4 Mark 5:21-43 Oct 5 Mark 14:3-9 Oct 6 Mark 15:33-39 A Chaplain Reflects Oct 7 1 Samuel 16:6-7 Oct 8 1 John 4:7-11 Oct 9 Matthew 16:24-28 Oct 10 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Oct 11 Genesis 33:1-9 Oct 12 Luke 18:31-32 Oct 13 Matthew 19:4-6 God Surprises Oct 14 Psalm 90:12-17 Oct 15 Hebrews 4:12-16 Oct 16 Psalm 39 Oct 17 Luke 16:19-31 Oct 18 Romans 15:7-13 Oct 19 Psalm 91:9-16 Oct 20 Luke 22:24-27 Abiding Light Oct 21 1 Peter 1:20-23 Oct 22 1 John 4:7 Oct 23 Psalm 91 Oct 24 John 8:12 Oct 25 Matthew 5:13-16 Oct 26 Revelation 4:1-3 Oct 27 Psalm 27:1,4,7 On the Way Oct 28 Mark 10:46-52 Oct 29 Psalm 146 Oct 30 Mark 12:28-34 Oct 31 Ruth 1:1-14
Page 3 2018 NON PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD Cascades is part of the 2018 Non Profit Excellence Awards in Collaborative Leadership with the Council for the Homeless, Evergreen Public Schools, and Vancouver Public Schools in creating the Housing Stability Fund to help families and students remain housed in times of crisis. SEPTEMBER SESSION NOTES Began with Elder Training with a discussion on our Book of Confessions and the importance they bring to our Reformed Tradition. Welcomed the Rev. Dr. Rob Hagan from the Presbyterian Foundation to tell us about the Living Generously Workshop and Planned Giving Seminars he will do at Cascades in November. Approved $5,000 Benevolence Board grant to fund 2018-2019 Winter Housing Overflow. Orchards Ministry in October to move from Foster s home to church on Sunday evenings. Reviewed Fall Stewardship Season Schedule. Mission and Peace will begin offering child sponsorships with New Hope Ministries in Honduras. Approved facility use for a church s 2nd anniversary celebration and a Holiday Recital by Tamara Foley and Carol Vanderploeg. We feel we are being good stewards of our facilities by sharing them with many different people groups. But with increased use comes more hard wear and tear. Overall we are excited about new people, new ideas, new opportunities, and being guided by the Spirit of God in all ways. DEBT REDUCTION As you may remember, when we decided to build the new sanctuary the church acquired two loans through Presbytery. The Muzzy loan was in the amount of $250,000 and the Synod loan was in the amount of $650,000. In 2017 the church held a Debt Reduction campaign with members committing to contributing $418,676 over three years to pay off a large portion of the debt. Session is pleased to announce that as of the end of September 2018 all of the $250,000 Muzzy loan has been paid off and the Synod loan is down to $578,000. In less than two years the congregation has paid off $322,000. Praise be to God and to the faithfulness of our church members. LEGACY GENEROSITY It s always mind boggling to learn when a high profile entertainer dies without having a will. Indeed, singer/ artist Aretha Franklin comes to mine. The legal aspects of dealing with death can be complicated, but especially when one fails to leave final instructions for their loved ones. Apparently this is not so uncommon. A May 2016 Gallup poll showed that 56 percent of US households do not have a will. While none of us like to talk about our deaths, the truth is that it s going to happen some day. Thinking ahead can be a tremendous blessing whether those arrangements are an advance directive for health care, funeral or memorial desires, or planned legacy gifts to loved ones or your faith community at Cascades. While we often think about people s generosity while we are living, congregations rarely receive legacy gifts simply because no-one has ever raised the topic. US residents give regularly to charitable causes, but less than 10 percent have made plans to give to their church through their estates. While we may be uncomfortable broaching the subject as individuals or families, the good news is that the Rev. Dr. Rob Hagan from the Presbyterian Foundation is knowledgeable about such legacy generosity. He can help us set up the charitable vehicles that will channel God's blessings both now and long after our deaths. What will you do with the gifts that God has given you?
Page 4 BUILDING A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY WORKSHOP On Saturday November 17, 2018 from 8:30am to 12:30pm the Rev. Dr. Rob Hagan from the Presbyterian Foundation will be leading a workshop on how we can build a culture of generosity at Cascades. This workshop is for all session elders, deacons, Benevolence Board members, and invited guests. We will talk more about Cascades gifts and how we can be better stewards of those gifts in an effort to Live Generously. Please let Pastor Chris know that you will be attending. On Sunday November 18, 2018 following worship from 11:30am to 1:00pm the Rev. Dr. Rob Hagan from the Presbyterian Foundation will be hosting a luncheon seminary on wills, estates, and the many planned giving vehicles offered through the Presbyterian Foundation. This will be held in the Small fellowship hall for anyone interested in learning more (maximum twenty people). Please sign up on the bulletin board in advance. Dear Cascades Presbyterian Church, I am writing to thank you for the very generous cash donation for our students and families at Endeavour Elementary School. Your donation will allow us to offer immediate and specific help. This might be a new pair of shoes, a warm coat, help with a utility bill, or a little extra food. Having these basic needs met will help the student be more successful in school and help lead the families to becoming more self-sufficient. We are overwhelmed by your generous gift and are so blessed to have such caring support from your church. The generosity and compassion given will make a huge difference in the lives of several Endeavour students and their families over the next year. Thank you all again, Carmella Bender, Family Resource Coordinator LEGACY GIVING SEMINAR & LUNCHEON NOTES OF THANKS Dear friends, This summer, because of your help, sixty students from Evergreen were able to go to camp. Three of the high school students will continue serving Covington Middle School as student leaders. The diversity and excitement these kids experienced impacted their faith 100%! Some of the comments from kids post camp were: I loved cabin time. Felt like family. 7th grade boy The food was so good! I ve never had that much! 8th grade boy Club was the best because for a minute I could be quiet and it was just for me. 8th grade boy Cabin time was my favorite because we got to share our story. 8th grade girl You made the difference and I m excited for this new year of more relationship, more club and more Jesus! Thank you, Sarah Cooper, Area Director East Clark County Younglife and Wyldlife
Page 5 CALENDAR Amber Beck Art Derbyshire Catherine Hartrim-Lowe Chloe Hartrim-Lowe Harrison Hartrim-Lowe Heather Hartrim-Lowe Joanne Jacobs Roy Jacobs Rachelle Lacombe Christina Miley Betty Scott Jim Scovil Janet VanFleet Cordell & Amber Beck FINANCE August 2018 Income $14,448.12 Expenses $16,330.61 Total ($ 1,882.49) Year to Date 2018 $ (11,066.71) Oct 2 1:00pm Quilting Oct 3 6:00pm Worship Team Practice Oct 4 7:00pm Choir Practice Oct 6 9:00am Youth Group Service Project Oct 7 9:00am Pancake Breakfast/Communion Oct 9 1:00pm Quilting Oct 10 6:00pm Worship Team Practice 6:30pm Youth Group Oct 11 7:00pm Choir Practice Oct 13 5:30pm Family Game Night Oct 14 9:00am Sunday School All Ages 11:30am Top of the Hill Potluck Oct 16 1:00pm Quilting 7:00pm Deacons Meeting Oct 17 6:00pm Worship Team Practice 6:30pm Youth Group Oct 18 7:00pm Choir Practice Oct 21 9:00am Sunday School All Ages Oct 23 1:00pm Quilting Oct 24 6:00pm Worship Team Practice 6:30pm Youth Group Oct 25 7:00pm Choir Practice Oct 27 5:30pm Harvest Party & Potluck Oct 28 9:00am Sunday School All Ages Oct 29 1:00pm Quilting Oct 31 Happy Halloween! Sanctuary Loan Balance as of August 31, 2018 Muzzy $ 21,116.19 Synod $608,358.84 Total $629,475.03 Answer: With a pumpkin patch!
PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE 9503 NE 86th St Vancouver, WA 98662 R ETUR N SER VICE R EQU ESTED (360) 892-6613 office@caspres.org www.caspres.org GAME NIGHT Oct 13 @ 5:30pm TOP OF THE HILL Oct 14 following worship. HARVEST PARTY & POTLUCK Oct 27 5:30-8:00pm WEEKLY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 9:00-9:55am Sunday School All Ages 9:55-10:15am Fellowship 10:15-11:30am Worship Service