issue 3 the oregon christian convention … 3 the oregon christian convention autumn 2008 the...
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T H E O R E G O N C H R I S T I A N C O N V E N T I O N Issue 3 Autumn 2008
The Heritage
YOUTH CHOIR AT 2008 OREGON CHRISTIAN CONVENTION: ONE MORE GOOD REASON TO ATTEND!
“that the church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one…” Thomas Campbell, the Declaration and Address
From Your 2009 Convention President:
I LOVE CELEBRATIONS! They lift us up out of the humdrum of everyday life and remind us of the positive things happening in our midst. Next year will s e e s o m e g r e a t
celebrations. It will mark the 100th anniversary of Robert Peary's claim of reaching the North Pole. The State of Oregon will observe its 150th birthday. Abraham Lincoln will turn 200. And it will also be the 200th anniversary of Thomas Campbell's Declaration and Address, which speaks of the nature of the church, dealing with our differences and enjoying the unity that's ours in Christ.
As your convention president, I am pleased to announce that Bob Russell will be our speaker at next year's Spring Rally, to be held on Friday, May 8, at 7:00 pm. Before his recent "retirement," Bob led the Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, taking it from 120 members to an attendance of over 18,000. We're delighted to have such a nationally prominent Christian leader sharing with us.
The summer convention is set for June 30th through July 5th. Dr. Michael Sweeney, president elect of Emmanuel School of Religion, will be our Bible lecturer. Evening messages will be brought by key preachers from all across the state, from all three streams of our movement.
So mark your calendars today! You can also register online for the convention at www.oregonchristianconvention.org just follow the link to the 157th annual convention. I HOPE TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU IN THE TABERNACLE!
In His glad service,
D. H. Shearer, President 2009 Oregon Christian Convention
Pastor/Mentor Retreat 2008 Tuesday, October 14
9-3 “HONORING JESUS
BY CREATING A CHURCH THAT LOOKS LIKE JESUS”
Sometimes when I write the word “Christian”, I capitalize the first few letters to emphasize it is not about me. CHRISTian helps us to remember to whom we belong. Tuesday, October 14th is our annual Pastor/Mentor Retreat at Turner.
Our speaker, Dan Kimball, who wrote the best seller, “They Like Jesus, But Not the Church” will help call us back to serve Jesus as we “do” church. Give a simple gift to your pastoral staff by sending them to this one-day retreat. The cost (for a nationally-known speaker with lunch included) is only $35. Over a hundred ministers, associates, youth, music, family life etc will gather to strengthen each other, to refocus and to worship Register online at www.oregonchristianconvention.org or RSVP by calling the OCC office at 503-743-2101
God bless Terry O’Casey
OCC Leadership Team If you have ideas, questions or concerns regarding any aspect of OCC please contact anyone on your OCC Leadership Team. The next Leadership Team Meeting is November 14 and 15. Please pray that God will guide the team as they seek His will for the Oregon Christian Convention.
Ann Cecil: Treasurer [email protected] D. H. Shearer: 2009 Convention President [email protected] Dave Drullinger: Leadership Team Secretary [email protected] Dean Soper: Operations Manager [email protected] Dianne McIntosh: Publicity Team Leader [email protected] Faye Filby: Trustee [email protected] Frank Loyd: Leadership Team Leader [email protected] Garth Blake: Advisor [email protected] Gary Tiffin: Ministry & Mission Team Leader [email protected] George Knox: Advisor [email protected] Jerry Carter: Regent [email protected] Jerry Rudberg: Regent [email protected] Jim Keefe: Nominating Team Leader [email protected] Kathleen McCoy: Regent [email protected] Kelly Lance: Trustee [email protected] Lanny Tucker: Advisor [email protected] Linda Soper: Administrative Assistant [email protected] Marilyn Frantz: Long Range Planning Team Leader [email protected] Paul Cecil: Church Liaison Team Leader [email protected] Ray Fuller: Advisor [email protected] Terry O'Casey: 2010 President Elect [email protected] Wayne Rowe: Advisor [email protected]
CHILDREN RINGING THE STEAMSHIP OREGON’S BELL AT THE 2008, JUNE CONVENTION: CONNECTING THE STORIES OF THE PAST WITH
CHALLENGE FOR THE FUTURE. ONE MORE GOOD REASON TO ATTEND!
You are cordially invited to attend the
14th annual Country Churchmouse Bazaar
November 7-8, and 14-15, 2008 Hours are 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
The bazaar will be held in the century-old Tabernacle on the Oregon Christian Convention grounds in Turner, OR. The proceeds from the space rent go toward restoration and upkeep of this unique building. The bazaar offers a great variety of hand-crafted and locally-produced items. Please come tour this wonderful old building and sample the wares of the crafters and vendors. There are different crafters and vendors each week-end! Breakfast and lunch are available. The parking is free. There is no admission charge.
The Tabernacle is a unique, timber-frame building constructed in 1891 in Turner, Oregon. For over a century this monumental building has stood as a testament to the matchless skill of the builders and to Oregon’s natural resources so long ago. Spanning incredible distances, the framework of heavy timbers is bolted together with wooden pins. A foundation of boulders carries the massive weight.
The exterior dimensions of the building are 100 ft. x 160 ft.. The walls are 20 ft. high. The original pew benches were constructed in 24 ft. lengths of knot-free lumber, without joints and with minimal bracing. At present it seats 1200 people. The roof has been replaced, the outside painted, and the foundation reinforced. Two large heaters have been installed, and the sound platform remodeled. Work is still going on as funds are available. For information, call Kathy McCoy (503) 357-6020 or Kelly Lance (503) 985-3133. E-mail: [email protected]
MARVELOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIORS (ANYONE GROWING OLDER)
May 7, 2009
THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOR SENIORS KNOWN AS MAYFEST IS SET FOR THURSDAY, MAY 7, WITH WELL-KNOWN SPEAKER, BOB RUSSELL, SHARING TWICE THAT ONE DAY. Mark your 2009 calendar now so you can attend this outstanding event.
Bob Russell was one of the lecturers at the World Convention of Christian Churches, Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ this August in Nashville, Tennessee. He is best known as the founding pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, which became the largest Christian Church in the U.S. Now that he is retired he shares all over the country--even Oregon! He writes "The Living Word" column in THE LOOKOUT by Standard Publishing each week. Check it out!
Mayfest is always a great time of learning, inspiration, fellowship and just plain fun.
You can register online or through the OCC office. Early-bird registration is $25 before April 1, 2009, $30 after that. Registration includes lunch.
The Energizing Smaller Churches Network Conference Returns for the Third Year!
April 4, 2009
For the past two years, the Energizing Small C h u r c h N e t w o r k (ESCN), sponsored by Standard Publishing Company, and hosted by OCC, has enjoyed the highest attendance of any of the more than 15 such conferences across the country.
OCC is grateful for the resources Standard is
sending to Oregon and for the terrific response of our church leaders. Paul Williams is returning for the second straight conference. He was so well received last year, those who attended wanted to hear more from him. Two other resource persons (yet to be named) will be sent from Standard Publishing to help in the conference. George Powell of Abundant Life Christian Church in Happy Valley and Myron Wells of Redmond Christian Church have already agreed to lead workshops.
Mark Saturday, April 4 on your calendar now. Online registration will be available in early 2009.
Fireworks at the 2008 Convention: One more good reason to attend!
AFTERNOON SING-A-LONG AT THE JUNE ANNUAL CAMP MEETING:
ONE MORE GOOD REASON TO ATTEND!
Elder’s Conference February 28, 2009
In the spirit of this year’s national celebration and observance of “the year of the elder”, OCC is extending that emphasis with a special Elder’s Conference at the OCC Conference grounds Saturday, February 28, 9:30am-3pm.
Stan Peterson of Monmouth Christian Church and Tom Burgess of Crossroads Christian Church, Portland, both veteran, up-to-date, and visionary ministers, will lead this conference. Elders and ministers from congregations are encouraged to register as a group.
Plan on enjoying challenging presentations and discussion, a great lunch, and heartening fellowship with other church leaders. Details as to exact program, cost, and preparatory activities will be forthcoming.
Paul Williams and Terry O’Casey at the 2008 ESCN Conference
On the Grounds with Dean Soper
As we look to the future and what the OCC grounds should look like and who we want to serve, we see we have a rustic setting as far as buildings and facilities. We must improve and upgrade. If all goes well, the new cabin will be completed by the end of September. We are looking at Pioneer and the potential that it has for groups that come here. We are looking at some very creative ways to improve on the available housing for convention. We are
researching the feasibility of some gazebo like “picnic” shelters that will offer water and power for cooking. Tent campers will be able to access them. They will be great for family reunions, picnics and other seasonal use.
Your help is needed. If you know a plumber or an electrician who would donate time to get permits when we are building, it would help greatly and save money in the building process.
When we have to go to outside contractors for the electrical and plumbing, our costs go up drastically. We are very grateful to the MMAP organization for all of the work that they do for us at OCC- they save us tons of money.
The MMAP’ers had their “R&R” here and raised enough money to replace the small stove in the Jubilee kitchen. They also raised money to buy a Macerator for the camp. This will be very helpful for the RV’s that are not at a site with sewer hookup.
GOD IS GOOD! He has been showering us with blessings. Let’s all continue to work for Him here at the Oregon Christian Convention.
Dean Soper Operations Manager
The Winter Challenge
It has been a very good summer for the convention. The ministry of offering a quality facility for retreats, camps, reunions and weddings has drawn many to the OCC grounds. Winter is right around the corner and rents for the facilities will drop off dramatically. Here is my challenge to you: Talk with your church leaders and ask them to do one of these two things:
PLEDGE TO GIVE A MINIMUM OF $25 TO THE OREGON CHRISTIAN CONVENTION EACH MONTH (or increase their giving).– If all of the Restoration Churches in Oregon would give this amount the Convention would have the freedom to move forward and to pay all of the expenses associated with maintaining the facility.
PLAN A WINTER RETREAT, EVENT, PARTY, CONCERT, LEADERSHIP GET-A-WAY, ETC.– Several of our facilities have heated meeting, eating and sleeping space. Encourage your women's groups, youth groups, men's groups, leadership teams to hold overnight and/or daytime meetings at our facility. Call Linda Soper at the office and get that event on the calendar for this winter (503-743-2101).
Your personal support is appreciated both in prayer and financially.
OCC wants to make a difference in Oregon—to be a instrument of strength and support for our churches, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Join us in this challenge to make OCC an effectual tool for the spreading of the Gospel of Christ.
Ann Cecil Treasurer, Oregon Christian Convention
WHAT AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE! Family Camping,
Christian Fellowship: The Annual Camp Meeting
OCC is on a Roll.....
FOLKS ARE WANTING TO COME AND STAY AT OCC, AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THAT POSSIBLE.
WE ARE SEEKING TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS OF GOOD USABLE travel trailers, 5th wheel trailers, and tent trailers. These donations should be usable immediately with no repairs needed. No leaks, no dry-rot, good canvas on tent trailers, lift systems working, and they need to be road worthy. Where applicable, they need to have working propane, electrical, and plumbing systems.
NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET YOUR DRIVEWAY BACK AND HELP OCC CONTINUE WITH OUR OUTREACH. These units will be used short-term to supplement our current housing until more housing can be built.
Please contact Dean Soper at [email protected] or call 743-2101 or Marilyn Frantz rvbabe@gmai l .com to arrange inspection and transportation.
rolling into the future......join us!
Marilyn Frantz OCC Long Range Planning
GIFTS IN MEMORY...
James & Virginia Gobble Virginia Bock-Brown
Hilda Huff Robert & Betty Gregory Margy Peterson
Tim Kribs Mary & Glen McFarland Dave & Nellie Jonasson
Wayne La Farge Lorna La Farge
Jessica Lance Doug & Muriel Straughan M.D. & Leah Johnson Robert & Bonnie Beal
Cecil Large Alda Large
Al Laver Doris Laver
Eileen Love Dorothy Grover
Elery & Wilma Parrish Donna Braden Edith Parrish Ron Parrish
Woody Phillips Minnie Mick-Phillips
Louise Pulsifer Dorothy Grover Dave & Nellie Pulsifer Galen & Joann Siddall Ray Pulsifer
Dr. Dean Walker Gerald & Becky Rudberg
David L. Welch Anne Welch
Dallas Weyand Marlys Meek
Robert Wilson Bob & Betty Gregory
Inez Winklepleck Dale Winklepleck
GIFTS IN HONOR...
Brenda Lyons Gerald & Becky Rudberg
Dr. Bill Richardson Dorothy Grover
Dr. & Mrs. Henry Webb Gerald & Becky Rudberg
Out with the old, in with the new! Wait. By Terry O’Casey
ARE WE SURE? EITHER/OR? The glossy home furnishing magazine just arrived at the O’Casey home. New stuff with no faded upholstery, nor scratches in the varnish. I write this while sitting at my grandparents’ dining room table. The table is old. I am no spring chicken and this table was bought long before
I arrived on the scene. Out with the old, in with the new? Not this table and here is why. There is a wonderful story behind the old. The story of then is what resonates with us today. I can tell which chair Gramps always sat in facing Grandma Ann. His chair’s armrest is scraped on the left side. Every time his tall lanky frame coiled into it for dinner, his wedding band wore away the varnished patina on left side of the armrest. It’s the only chair out of 8 like that. I can still run my hands over the memories of Gramps. New furniture often are simply objects, status, not heirlooms. New furniture can be mute, cold, and lifeless and story-less.
STORIES ARE CONNECTING PLACES. Stories can take us back to new beginnings. Old stories are the stationery for new chapters and new stories. On the OCC grounds, the oldest building is not the 1891 towering white Tabernacle. Tucked beneath an oak, in the sunrise shadow of the Tabernacle sits the place we call Pioneer. Perhaps you, like me, only entered the café area. I have a one-track mind—food! Behind the diner, where the youth still gather is an incredible meeting room. Yes, there are bats in the belfry and some sagging rafters, and I’m not just referring to me. This is where the Oregon Christian Convention met in the late 1880s! The open-raftered ceiling is constructed from clear, vertical grain, old growth Doug Fir. That is why Pioneer still stands 120 -plus years later.
THERE IS A DREAM FORMING FOR PIONEER SO IT WILL AGAIN RESONATE WITH STORIES BEING MADE. Let’s restore it first as a weekend retreat center. No hard concrete floors, with hard tables and hard, cold metal chairs allowed! This is a reTREAT place. Restore the old wood floor, and build an actual fireplace. Have comfortable mission-style furniture, with padded chairs and comfy couches. Bring in great speakers to
accompany the cracking fire, the warmth and cozy ambience. Invite 20 to 30 people for a weekend of mentoring and spiritual renewal. Imagine 20-30 people with a Bob Russell, a Len Sweet, or a Roy Lawson—20-30 people catching the spirit of these great men. Secondly, during Convention what a place for our youth! Have a stage for a David Crowder style band. Our youth are those who are just beginning to write the stories for the next generation.
“STORIES: TAKE CARE OF THEM, AND THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!”
Pioneer on the move in 1967
The Richardson's in front of Pioneer
The Sonnenberg’s in Pioneer
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“May they be brought to COMPLETE UNITY to let the world know that YOU
sent me…” John 17:23