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Vol. 42, No. 13 | July 13, 2010A bimonthly newsletter of The First United Methodist Church | Salem, OR

H U N G E R TA K E S N O S U M M E R V A C AT I O N : G I V E F O O D J U LY 1 8

DON’T MISS IT!• Salem FUMC Annual picnic

7/18/10 (this page)

• Kairo’s “Soup” Kitchen 7/25/10 (this page)

• Youth Mission Team experience (see page 2)

• Bridges (see page 3)

• Social Concerns (see page 4)

• History Nugget The Oliphant Room (see page 4)

• Vacation Bible School 8/9-13/10 (see page 5)

• Senior Adult Ministries (see page 7)

• UM Retirement Center Centennial Celebration 8/15/10 (see page 7)

Sunday, July 25, 12:30 to 3 p.m. You are being given the opportunity to accomplish at least three of the “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.” This is the time—a mere two-and-a-half hours of your month—for you to step up and participate in a radically hospitable, risk-taking mission demonstrating extravagant generosity. This time is set aside for the members of First Church to volunteer their time or donations to serve those less fortunate in our community. Our goal is to provide a summer barbecue instead of the soup served weekly at the Kairos Soup Kitchen that is so graciously appreciated. If you have never participated in this event, we whole-heartedly invite you to participate in this local community mission.

We have come up with a plan to provide something a little different, a little radical. We would love to serve barbecued hamburgers, hot dogs and garden

burgers, potato salad, chips, watermelon and lemonade, along with the usual desserts, milk and coffee provided by the soup kitchen.

We are so excited about this idea! We hope that you will joyously decide to join us in this radically extravagant mission. We need persons willing to provide barbecues (and cook on them), serve food, drinks, etc., and/or provide donations to purchase the food. (Make checks payable to First United Methodist Church and designate the funds to Social Concerns.)

Please give us a call if you would love to take this opportunity to serve those members of our community that find themselves in need of a little extra support. To volunteer, or if you have any questions or donations, please call Bill or Paula Sullivan at 503-371-3467. We look forward to this opportunity to serve with you!

Not a “soup kitchen,” but a summer barbecue!

Sunday, July 18, 1 p.m. Silver Falls State ParkFollowing the Traditional Service, which has been moved up to 10:15 a.m., please join us for a wonderful all-church picnic at beautiful Silver Falls State Park. We plan to eat right at 1 p.m. We are looking forward to witnessing baptisms in the river at 2 p.m. Other activities include volleyball (get ready for the youth/adult volleyball smackdown), horseshoes, bean-bag toss, water and playground fun and hiking.

Food: The church will provide water, lemonade, iced tea and hotdogs (the barbecue will be available if you wish to bring other meats or foods to grill). Please plan to bring your own table service, other non-alcoholic drinks you may prefer and something to share.

Things to know: We have reserved Site D. It is near the water and changing rooms are available. (PLEASE NOTE: The water area is unsupervised.) In addition, you may want to bring towels, water shoes, lawn chairs and/or blankets.

Park fee: There is a $5/car park fee. In the interest of being economically and environmentally sensitive, we would love to see as many people carpool as possible. Those in need of a ride and those able to take an extra person or two, please contact Dawn Gienger at or 503-371-7899.

Please feel free to contact Bill and Caroline Cummins (503-362-7609), Bill Carnegie (503-371-7408), Carol Stoebig (503-362-4267) or Dawn Gienger (503-371-7899) with any questions or comments.

Hope to see you there!

Salem FUMC annual summer picnic

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A huge thank you for all the support, both financial and prayer, that went into making the Youth Mission Trip to San Francisco possible. We met people we never would have met; we served in ways we couldn’t imagine. We saw beauty in street art and in museum art, witnessed the rawness in lives of people living on the streets who were neighbors, who were in pain, people who cared for each other AND people who even watched out for us as we worked and visited in the Tenderloin District. We learned that there are lots of things we take for granted. We learned that love and helping others, even in the smallest ways, really does matter.

It was an honor to be a part of the neighborhood, even for a short while.

The people we worked beside, were shining examples of Ghandi’s words, “Be the change you want to see in the world…” Below are some examples of good works and big hearts for the sake of humanity! Can we continue this work here in Salem, Oregon? Yes, we can!

Faithful Fools Street Ministry Faithful Fools Street Ministry led our street retreat on Sunday, June 20. It was scary going in for some of us, but after setting fear aside it was a “real life” adventure. Read more about what Faithful Fools is all about—they are about more than street retreats. Visit their website at .

Faithful Fools Street Ministry Mission Statement

We are called to a ministry of presence that acknowledges each human’s incredible worth.

Aware of our judgments, we seek to meet people where they are through the arts, education, advocacy and accompaniment.

We participate in shattering myths about those living in poverty, seeing the light, courage, intelligence, strength and creativity of the people we encounter.

We discover on the streets our common humanity, through which celebration, community and healing occur.

The Glide Memorial UMC The Youth Mission Team ate at the soup kitchen, worked at the soup kitchen, and worshiped (at different times and on different days) at the same location in San Francisco—Glide Memorial United Methodist Church. To learn more about Glide Memorial UMC, visit their website at .

The Glide Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.

Growing Home Community Garden The garden was more than a lesson in gardening and irrigation.

This small garden’s leaders work in connection with Project Homeless Connect in San Francisco. Growing Home Community Garden’s mission is to offer a safe green space that serves as a healing refuge from the urban street experience. A Facebook page is kept for photos of progress. We linked to their Facebook page on the Salem First UMC Facebook site.

Project Homeless Connect’s Mission Statement

To connect San Francisco’s homeless with the system of care that will help them move off the streets and into housing .

— Submitted Katie Carpenter for the 2010 Youth Mission Team

Youth Mission Team learns from street experience in San Francisco Worship & Christian Education8:45 a.m. – Praise service in the MICAH Worship Center

10 to 11 a.m. – Christian Education hour (adult classes only for Summer)

11:15 a.m. – Traditional service in the Sanctuary

Visit the Mission Café and help support the work of our Mission Team!

Worship schedule July 18 – All Church Picnic at Silver Falls State Park/Food Collection Sunday

8:45 a.m. Praise Service 10:15 a.m. Traditional Service NoTE TiME CHANGE

Sermon: An introduction to Gifts of the Spirit – Purpose Strengthen the Body for Ministry: Equip and Empower for Service

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7, 11-13

Special Music at 10:15 service: Caitlin Swan

1 P.M. All CHURCH PiCNiC!

July 25 Sermon: An introduction to Gifts of the Spirit – Discovery How to Identify Your Gifts

Scripture: Romans 12:3-13

Special Music at 11:15 service: Glenda Serex

Aug. 1 Sermon: An introduction to Gifts of the Spirit – Employ By Grace Through Faith

Scripture: I Corinthians 12:12-27

Special Music at 11:15 service: Rich Kellum

You’re invited! Please join us as we celebrate the 90th birthday of Ralph Faulkner.

A reception will be held in the dining room on Sunday, Aug. 1, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Rebecca, Rosemary, Nikita, Sarika, Kiersten, team leader Robyn Morrison and not pictured, assistant leader Katie Carpenter

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i’d like to thank…Roberta Moore who coordinated and decorated for the Bishop’s reception and Food Bank fundraiser on June 27. FUMC Staff

Everyone who contributed cookies or fruit for the reception for the bishop: Jan Foster, Wendy Herrett, Jan Morgan, Susan Forkner, Donna Herbert, Adele Koltun, Grace Wilson, Phyllis Gillis, Carol Richmond, Nancy Baker-Krofft, Genevieve Mickenhem. To all those who are unnamed and who helped, thank you! (P.S. Whoever made the cranberry/oatmeal/nuts/honey cookies, please call the office with the recipe! Seriously!) FUMC Staff

Jonathan Ross, who always seems to be nearby when I need a helping hand. Nancy Brik

Soviet military commissariat converted into a United Methodist ChurchA building that once served as a supply center for armored divisions of the Soviet Army has been renovated and is the newest United Methodist Church in Lithuania. The mayor of Berzai, Lithuania spoke at the dedication of the church and mentioned this fact; “The Soviets used to recruit our youth into the Soviet Army in this building, and now we are going to recruit them into God’s Army.” A footnote: the first married couple blessed by the first pastor were named Justinas and Jurgita.

Before he returned to the United States, a fact-filled newsletter arrived June 24 from John Campbell, the outgoing district superintendent, with a series of stories regarding UM news in Lithuania. It is posted on the Mission Board in the dining room.

Replacing Rev. Campbell is Bill Lovelace, formally with the UMC in Kiev, Ukraine, who will lead worship in the Eiguliai UM Church, a recipient of support from Salem FUMC for a number of years. Rev. Lovelace was born in Orlando, Florida. He is married to Helen Byholt Lovelace, a deacon in the UMC, who is from Kragero, Norway.

Rev. Campbell closed his newsletter by saying, “I am so grateful for your continued support of the ministries in Lithuania. May God continue to bless you, Salem First UMC, and your mission ministries.”

Many thanks for visiting the Mission Café, where proceeds support missionaries and mission events locally, nationally and all around the world. Donations are welcome. Join the team.

— Submitted by the Mission Work Team

Bridges Class needs our helpAn idea came to Laura Butts when she saw a printed greeting card meant to be sent to someone in the military. She thought how nice it would be to send signed cards from the congregation to those we know in the military—a way of thanking them for their service and to let them know we care and are praying for them.

Here’s where you come in. The Bridges Class will make these cards, but they need paper, stickers, pictures of flags, stars or whatever you think will work for them. Please leave items in the church office so that the class can get started on their latest project. When the cards are finished they will be placed at the Connections Center for all to sign before they are sent. Also, please provide names and addresses of those you know who would appreciate getting these cards.

Remembering those who protect our freedomHave you noticed the world map posted in the church dining room which holds pictures of our church family’s loved ones in the military? It isn’t complete and your help is needed to provide pictures of those in your family who are serving our country. Please get the pictures to Doris Bennett who will make copies to be posted, then return your picture to you. The purpose of this display is to remind us to keep praying for their safety and for an end to wars.

WoMEN’S MiNiSTRiESNuts on clearanceUMW still has some bags of nuts for sale! Honey roasted peanuts, salted almonds and pecans are now on sale for $6 per bag—what a bargain! Call Melissa Berry at 503-316-0581 or look at the Connections Center on Sunday mornings. Thanks for your support of our mission work!

Save the dateOur next unit event will be Saturday, Sept. 25, at which we will be highlighting many aspects of UMW. Afterwards, those who wish to do so will gather at La Margarita for a no-host luncheon.

An opportunity to Grow in FaithNew women’s Bible studies will be forming soon. If you are interested in joining, please contact the church office. Shirley Knepp, UMW Spritual Growth leader, will be getting in touch with you to determine meeting times/locations. Take advantage of this opportunity to share with and learn from your sisters in Christ!

UMW is still collecting labelsUnited Methodist Women are collecting labels from Santiam, Westpac and Flav-r-pac products. We will earn five cents for each label sent in with theUPC intact. There is a collection box available at the Connections Center on Sunday mornings.

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SoCiAl CoNCERNSA record worth settingAmericans like to set and break records. At the Wimbledon tennis tournament June 24, John Isner of the United States beat French player Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the longest game/set/match in tournament history. Baseball’s headliners are no-run, no-hit games by pitchers and most home runs in a season. Weather reports focus on places in the country with the coldest and hottest temperatures. And Americans pride themselves on landing the first person on the moon.

There are records which are embarrassing—like the BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill sizing up to be the biggest environmental disaster in history. (Maybe we can blame that on the British!) Or Oregon ranking No. 1 in food insecurity in the United States in 2008. And now it appears Oregon is No. 1 in the number of homeless children.

The Bible is no stranger to record setting. Samson killed 1,000 enemy troops with the jawbone of an ass. (Judges 15:15-16—exaggerated a bit for publicity purposes!) King Solomon is said to have corralled 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). And Jesus feeds 4,000 persons with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish (Mark 8:5-9).

Now our church can claim a personal record. At the food collection reception June 27 for Bishop Robert Hoshibata, we collected $469 and 219 lbs. of food. Using the 5 lbs. of food per dollar formula that totals 2,564 lbs. of food for the Jason Lee Food Bank.

That number beats our previous monthly record of 1,736 lbs. and sets us on course for a record year of food contributions. In the first six months of 2009, we collected 10,697 lbs. of food (including a $300 grant from the Social Concerns Ministry Group for Jason Lee Food Bank). In the first six months of 2010, we have collected 11,391 lbs. (including a $400 grant from Social Concerns).

Now that’s a record worth setting! Thanks to Roberta Moore for promoting food collection at the reception. It furthers the aim of Bishop Hoshibata’s conference campaign to “Eliminate Hunger in Oregon and Idaho.”

In a letter to our church, Candace Nichols, Coordinator for Jason Lee Food Bank, says: “Huge thanks for your loyal support of the food bank!...An average of 250 families depend upon our food bank to see them through each month. Since that requires close to 15,000 lbs. of food, we are more than glad to have your help! Thank you for your advocacy, your generosity and compassion! With gratitude, Candace M. Nichols”

Our next FOOD COLLECTION SUNDAY IS JULY 18. Remember that hunger takes no vacation in summertime. Let’s keep our good record growing. As the master in one of Jesus stories says, “Well done good and faithful servant(s)...!” (Matthew 25:23).

— Stuart Shaw, Treasurer, Social Concerns Ministry Group

HiSToRTY NUGGETThe Sanctuary CrossIn late 1982 the Worship Committee proposed that the small brass cross on the altar be replaced by a larger one. Memorial funds had been collected for a chapel in connection with the construction of the Education Wing in 1967. This chapel was to have been a memorial to the Rev. Brooks Moore (pastor from 1947 to 1959) and his wife, Ferne Thompson Moore, who were killed in a tragic automobile accident in Dec., 1959. The chapel was never built because of insufficient funding. In seeking funding for the new cross, donors to the chapel were contacted to have their gifts redirected. They agreed unanimously.

Robert Hess, professor of art at Willamette University, was chosen to sculpt the cross. He submitted four models, two of which were presented to the congregation for consideration. Prof. Hess graciously donated all of his time; the church paid only for the materials for the cross, which amounted to $5,500.

The suspended bronze cross has beveled sides to take advantage of the chancel’s side lighting. The circle symbolizes life eternal. The cross measures 10 feet 2 inches in height, 5 feet 2 inches in width and weighs 750 pounds. EVERDUR is the name of the bronze material.

There were a lot of tears during the service for the dedication of the cross on Sept. 29, 1985. Each of the 28 names being memorialized was read, as well as being printed in the bulletin. After every fifth name was read, a flower was placed in the altar bouquet and a stanza from the hymn “For All the Saints” was sung. The names of the donors and those memorialized are recorded in the Book of Remembrance.

Missionary retires—returns to oregonJanice McLain, our missionary in the Congo, is returning home after serving the United Methodist denomination for many years. She’s on her way back to the United States and will wend her way to Oregon several months from now. Plans are being formulated for a Salem First celebration. Stay tuned.

— Submitted by the Mission Work Team News Bureau

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VACATioN BiBlE SCHool

Join us for an “other-worldly” experience!Here’s a question for you. Where can you talk to a well-informed space gorilla, build a space station or a satellite and learn fascinating facts about the world we live in? The answer is obvious—at our 2010 Galactic Blast Vacation Bible School, of course!

We look forward to seeing all of the children of our church, their friends, your neighbors and lots of volunteers when we blast off on Monday, Aug. 9. There will be five mornings of adventures, sharing God’s glorious world, games, crafts and making memories. It is not to be missed.

We still need unwanted CDs from software you no longer need or those random ones that come in the mail. They are shiny and just right for lots of out-of-this-world crafts and decorations. Got any picture books on NASA or the space race? We could use some of those, too. We can also use anything that would add to a mission control center, such as odd knobs or electronics that would help make us look authentic.

We are just a month away from our launch into strange new worlds. Plan to be on board by volunteering, financial support or donation of any space junk you might be harboring. This is going to be huge!

UM Retirement Center celebrates centennialThe Board of Directors of the United Methodist Retirement Center

in partnership with Catholic Community Services cordially invites you to attend their community-wide centennial celebration on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010.

The celebration program begins at 2 p.m. Groundbreaking ceremony for Forever Home Community is at 2:30 p.m. with a reception following at 3 p.m.

This historic event will be held at United Methodist Retirement Center, 1625 Center Street NE, Salem, OR. Please RSVP to 503-585-6511 or .

operating Fund

June Total Budget for 2010 for 2010income $51,284 $319,973 $332,121

Bills Paid $51,669 $309,110 $316,896

Balance in operating Fund at June 30, 2010* $10,863

* This includes several members who have prepaid their entire 2010 pledge All bills due in June were paid, including 53% of our total Shared Ministries obligation

June First Sunday CollectionPastor’s Discretionary Fund $162.29 Congregations Helping People $324.57 Thank You!

F i N A N C i A l H E A l T H o F T H E C H U R C H Financial statement: June, 2010

SAM

Senior Adult Ministries on the GoA tour of covered bridges in northern Oregon is scheduled for Wednesday, July 14, for anyone who would like to go. Vans will be rented for the trip. Cost is $25 per person, which includes a box lunch. Interested? Call Ben Sims to make your reservation at 503-363-8558 or call the church office. Participants will meet at the church at 8:45 a.m. to board the vans. Return should be about 5 p.m.

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First United Methodist ChurchA diverse and inclusive community of faith, seeking to follow the example of Jesus Christ by Welcoming all to a walk with Christ, Nurturing each other in Christian love, Equipping persons with a faith that works in real life, and Serving God in the church, the community and the world.

Church Stafflay leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chuck Hudkins and Mary Ann Robinson

Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dan Pitney

Minister of Christian Education and Family Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA

Director of Music Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Kerry Burtis

Director of Bell Choirs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shira Fadeley

Praise Band Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennie Pitney

organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Ranney

Business Administrators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Brik and Ellie Carson

office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie Carpenter

Childcare Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA

Stephen Ministry Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fran Eriksen

Campus Custodian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Solutions

open hearts, open minds, open doors.

First United Methodist Church600 State StreetSalem, OR 97301

Sunday Services . . . . . 8:30 a .m . (Sanctuary), 11 a .m . (MICAH), . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 a .m . (Sanctuary), 6:04 p .m . (MICAH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School at 9:45 a .m . location. . . . . . . . . . . . .Corner of Church and State Streets Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . .503-364-6709Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .503-364-7268 Prayer line . . . . . . . . . .503-362-8149E-mail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Church: salem1st@wvi.com Dan Pitney: dpitney@wvi.comWeb page . . . . . . . . . . .www.salemfirstumc.orgoffice hours . . . . . . . . .Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday 9 a.m. to Noon

The Spire (USPS 863-560) published twice monthly, except in Nov. and Dec., by the First United Methodist Church, 600 State Street, Salem, Oregon. Periodical postage paid at Salem, OR 97301. Postmaster: Please send change of address to

Spire deadlinesPlease submit your articles by NooN of the deadline date. Articles received after the deadline will be held for the next issue.

Please note that only one Spire will be printed in Nov. and Dec.

Deadline . . . . . .Publication date July 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 27 July 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 10 Aug. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 24 Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 14 Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 28 oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 12 oct. 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 26

E-mail articles for The Spire to the church office, . Please include the word “SPIRE” and the subject of your article in the subject line. Be sure to include a phone number with your article. Articles longer than 300 words may be cut to fit.