St. James Lutheran Church Newsletter June 2020

1 3 1 5 S W P a r k A v e , P o r t l a n d O R 9 7 2 0 1 | www.stjamespdx.org

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“The Church Has Left the Building.” - song by Adams Voice

You hold in your hands (or on your computer) a newsletter full of ministry. But much of it occurs away from our building. “The Church Has Left the Building” was one of the themes of a recent Lutheran Youth Gathering. It seems to say it all in two ways:

Due to this pandemic we are unable to gather for in-person worship and ministry events. It feels strange not meeting in our beautiful sanctuary and seeing your faces. Yet protecting your and others’ health is an act of love. We have indeed “left the building” and I will let you know the second Governor Brown allows us to meet again—now she is hinting at mid-June.

In many ways we, the Church, always “leave the building.” Our mission of love reaches out the door to the needs of the world. As the Body of Christ, we act as Christ’s hands and feet with our neighbor. This Pentecost season assures us that God’s Spirit travels with us. We don’t journey alone.

Thank you for all the ways you touch the lives of others: checking on your neighbor across the hall or down the street, taking time to daily be centered in prayer, helping the unemployed and houseless with your financial offerings to St. James, and being God’s sustaining presence in an anxious society. As the song lyrics suggest:

Your life is a billboard, Let it shine again.

Pastor David

At St. James, God’s Spirit arrived this Pentecost Sunday with a new banner that hangs proudly from our tower. It was designed and ordered by Linda Larsen, the chairperson of our Worship Committee. Our thanks to Linda and Larry for placing it. The Dove is partially hidden until the adjacent tree is trimmed.

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May Council Highlights May 19, 2020

The May Council meeting was held via conference call. Present on the call were Pastor David, Becky Bolt, David Scott, Kathleen McDonald, Carl Cottingham, Charlotte Cook, Sue Hammond, Julie Hatch, Mandy Ellertson, Paula Veseth, and Patrick Earnest. Kathleen McDonald led the Opening Prayer. Highlights: Patrick Earnest reported that despite media claims, most childcare centers are still closed with the exception of those that have been declared “emergency centers.” At the time of the meeting, it appeared that most childcare centers would be allowed to open by June 1 with new safety restrictions. Patrick was able to secure a small business loan for the Child Development Center. Pastor David reported that while staff is still mostly working from home, work is being done around the church. Although it is not known when services will resume, it is likely there will be a cap to the number of people in attendance and seating will be six feet apart. There will be at least two services each Sunday to accommodate members. St. James’ ministry to the houseless continues six days a week with the help of St. James members. Pastor David and David Scott will facilitate a Virtual Coffee Hour at 10:30am on Sundays. The Music Call Committee has resolved to postpone the search for a new Music Director until January 2021; Michael Lindner will remain as Interim Music Director until June 2021.

Your Faithful Offerings Offerings for the month of April were the highest of any April in twelve years. Thank you for supporting the ministry of St. James. With a decrease of some expenses and an increase in online giving, we are able to continue ministry today and prepare for the uncertain road ahead. Your generosity has made it possible. Thank you. Again this month, you are receiving an offering envelope in your newsletter. If you are used to placing a check or cash in the offering plate, please use it to mail in your offering. You may also go to our St. James website (www.stjamespdx.org) to donate or sign up for electronic withdrawals from your bank account. Contact Sharon Kurtz or Karin Hatch with any questions.

“Alone Together” This sign, a few blocks from St. James, describes our pandemic dilemma well. We are alone and we are together: Alone Together. As weeks of isolation and stay-at-home orders takes its toll psychologically, we are staying connected in ministry. Many thanks for our fourteen leaders who check in on members each week so that no one is left out. It is our “St. James—Let’s Stay Connected” ministry. We also now display photos of our beautiful sanctuary that accompany the weekly Sunday audio-worship service as we engage in liturgy, music, readings and the sermon. Additionally we are having fun with our Virtual Coffee Hour each Sunday at 10:30am where we have conversations via Zoom. Forty joined us last week. Our Contemplative Prayer group also gathers by Zoom each Saturday for conversation around a spiritual topic. Recently fourteen were in attendance. Let’s keep connected.

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During the quarantine, contact us at: St. James Lutheran Church 1315 SW Park Ave Portland, OR 97201 Pastor David: pastordavid@stjamespdx.org Note: all staff are working remotely during the quarantine

503-227-2439 Fax 503-227-0856

office@stjamespdx.org Newsletter Production: Lilli Vellom

office@stjamespdx.org Newsletter editor: Kathleen McDonald

Stories from Our Members The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives in different ways. Here, four St. James households share their experiences.

Jim and Margaret Eickmann Jim and Margaret share that their family is experiencing significant changes in the midst of the pandemic—some positive and others negative. Their son Andrew and his wife and child were luckily able to get out of New York City and are moving to Portland, where Andrew will begin a job with the City of Portland working in housing. Unfortunately, the Eickmanns’ eldest daughter Anna and her family are currently preparing to move from California to Australia due to financial stresses and the education needs of their children. Jim writes, “We try to balance our resulting sadness with our agreement with the wisdom of their decision.”

Bob and Gerry Grover Bob and Gerry have found new daily routines to make the quarantine manageable. Gerry substitutes tai chi for her usual daily swim and incorporates the Daily Devotion emails into her spiritual practices. Bob continues to breathe new life into his paintings by adding computer enhanced elements, and prepares for the St. James Immigration Art Show. Their granddaughter recently earned her Masters in Athletic Training from Pacific University and the family celebrated via Zoom. Gerry told Bob, “I’m just glad I have you!” and Bob shared, “It’s so nice to have each other and we consider it a real blessing.”

Walter Matera Walter is recovering from sciatica and spends a significant portion of his time doing physical therapy. Unfortunately, the injury has kept him from gardening and walking his dog Dolly, though as he heals he is able to return to his normal routines. He spends his days baking bread and making soup stock. He says, “It's been a cross to bear... but I do know that this, too, will end, thank the Lord.”

Kristine Almquist, Eric Deitrick, and son Emmett Kristine and Eric are both able to continue working full-time from home. Emmett has a great third-grade teacher and has adapted well to online learning. His nanny works with him three days a week to keep him on track with school while his parents work. Emmett also continues to take weekly piano lessons via FaceTime. Kristine’s mother’s home in Bend provides an occasional change of scenery where the family enjoys bike rides and time in the woods. While they miss routines like coming to church each Sunday, Kristine remarks, “I have really enjoyed spending so much time with Emmett and the slower pace of life. It makes me question if I want to ‘go back to normal’ as my ‘normal’ was so frantic.”

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Contemplative Prayer Saturdays, 9:30am Contemplative Prayer continues to meet every Saturday at 9:30am on the Zoom platform.

Contact Susan McBerry (sumacberry@gmail.com) if you would like to be added to the list.

A Note from Michael Lindner This month, I would like to highlight one of my favorite composers: Healey Willan. Willan trained as an organist in England, securing his Associate of the Royal College of Organists and Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists at an incredibly early age. Willan's churchmanship was developed out of his experiences as a choirboy at St. Saviour's Choir School in Eastbourne. As a young man Willan substituted at several London churches including the well-known All Saints, Margaret Street. Additionally, Willan regularly attended performances of Renaissance polyphone and plainsong at Westminster Cathedral. These experiences left an indelible mark on Willan and crystallized his lifelong interest in plainsong and polyphony. In 1913, Willan emigrated to Canada to secure financial stability for his growing family. He took a lucrative post at Toronto's largest church, St. Paul's Bloor Street, which boasted one of the largest organs in Canada. He later transferred to the Anglo-Catholic parish of St. Mary Magdalene in 1921. At St. Mary Magdalene, he worked alongside the Rector, Father H. Griffin Hiscocks, to bring their liturgical vision to reality, which was ultimately to advance the liturgy and Catholic ritual. Willan held the post of precentor until his death in 1968, and transformed St. Mary Magdalene into a center for church music and liturgy.

Celebrating a Milestone with David Zellmer This month marks fifty years since David Zellmer became an ordained Lutheran pastor. David Zellmer was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He met Kristine while at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and they were married in June 1964. Kristine and David have two children: a daughter, JoAnn, who resides in upstate New York with her husband; and a son, Marcus, who lives here in Portland. The Zellmers have three grown grandchildren. David attended Warburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa and was ordained June 21, 1970 at his home congregation, Christ Lutheran, Kansas City, Missouri. He served in Oklahoma and Nebraska before he was called as Pastor-Developer of St. Michael Lutheran Church, a new Mission Congregation in northwest Omaha. Eight years later he became an

Assistant to the Bishop of the Nebraska Synod, ELCA. His next ministries took him to Pennsylvania, then Wisconsin. During their eight years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, David was instrumental in forming the Tanzania Justice and Education Coffee Project that continues to thrive. After thirteen months as Interim Pastor in Slinger, Wisconsin, David returned to Nebraska to serve Messiah Lutheran in Grand Island, Nebraska until his retirement in the spring of 2007. After retirement, David did part-time development work for the Nebraska Synod and Carol Joy Holling Camp before serving as Interim Pastor at a local congregation. He then became a part-time Associate/Visitation Pastor at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church in Omaha until he and Kristine moved to Portland in November, 2013. Their move was driven by their advancing age and desire to be closer to one of their children.

Rev. Ernest Zellmer at the June 21, 1970 ordination of his grandson, David.

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Wedding Bells Congratulations to Paulina Kaminski and Nikolai Young who will be united in marriage here at St. James in late June. The very small private ceremony will be officiated by Pastor David and Michael Lindner will provide music. A large reception will occur a year from now.

Birth Announcement Congratulations to Ryan Pierce and Meaghan Wheeler who welcomed little Henry Ryan to their family on the evening of Mother’s Day. All are home smiling and anticipating a baptismal date. Henry joins his sister Agnes. We also rejoice with Harrison and Brooke Mott who are expecting a baby in the fall.

Congratulations Graduates! Megan Scott graduated from the University of Redlands with a Masters in Violin performance and her husband David Scott completed his studies at Willamette Law School. Cotter Sehdev graduates in June from Lincoln High School. Choral Scholar Elsa Dougherty graduated in May from Lewis & Clark College.

Pastoral Visitation During This Pandemic Carol Wallis now resides at an Adult Care Home in SE Portland. Due to the coronavirus, only caregivers and medical personnel are able to visit in-person. Margie Antico and Pastor David visit by waving through Carol’s window as she receives hospice care. Consider mailing her a note at : Carol Wallis Mayflower ACH 13077 SE Glenwood St. Portland, OR 97236

St . James Supports the Flame

Greetings Beloveds of Saint James, It is a joy and a privilege to write to you as the new mission developer of the Flame and as a new pastor in the Oregon Synod. Over the past few weeks, I heard of your deep generosity towards our community and our beautiful partnership in ministry. I am grateful for all that you have done and continue to do in building this movement.

This summer, we are taking time to listen to the Spirit and tap into God's creative imagination for the Flame. In the fall, we will begin a process of cultivating a collective narrative, articulating our core values, and crafting our mission and vision statements and a community covenant. I am excited to continue updating you as partners in this sacred journey. You are welcome to join us for our Sunday gatherings and Wednesday hangouts via Zoom. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at theflamepdx@gmail.com. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter at https://bit.ly/2Xy5c1R to stay up-to-date with our events. Pastor Matta Ghaly

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June Commemorations June 3: John XXIII, Bishop of Rome, +1963 When elected pope, the former Angelo Roncalli was expected to be a short-term caretaker. He showed great spirit, though, and convened the Second Vatican Council which helped bring great changes to Roman Catholic and other churches.

June 7: Seattle, Chief of the Duwamish Confederacy, +1866 Noah Seattle was chief of the Suquamish tribe and later became chief of the Duwamish Confederacy, a tribal alliance. When the tribes were faced with an increasing number of white settlers, Seattle chose to live and work peacefully with them rather than engage in wars. After Seattle became a Roman Catholic, he began the practice of morning and evening prayer in the tribe, a practice that continued after his death. On the centennial of his birth, the city of Seattle—named for him against his wishes—erected a monument over his grave.

June 14: Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea, +379; Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, +385; Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople, + 389; and Macrina, theologian, +379 The Cappadocian fathers, as the three men in this group are known, explored the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Basil’s monastic rule forms the basis for Eastern monastic life. Gregory of Nazianzus defended

orthodox Christianity in Constantinople. Gregory of Nyssa, Basil’s younger brother, wrote on the spiritual life. Macrina, older sister of Basil and Gregory of Nyssa, was the leader of a community dedicated to asceticism, meditation, and prayer.

June 21: Onesimos Nesib, translator and evangelist, +1931 Onesimos Nesibwas born into the Oromo people of Ethiopia. He was captured by slave traders and taken from his homeland to Eritrea, where he was bought, freed, and educated by Swedish missionaries. He translated the Bible into Oromo and returned to his homeland to preach the gospel. His tombstone includes a verse from Jeremiah 22:29, “O land, land, land, hear the word of the Lord!”

June 25: Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, 1530 On this day in 1530 the German and Latin editions of the Augsburg Confession were presented to the Emperor Charles of the Holy Roman Empire. The Augsburg Confession, written by Philipp Melanchthon and endorsed by Martin Luther, consists of a brief summary of points in which the reformers saw their teaching as either agreeing with or differing from that of the Roman Catholic Church of the time.

June 29: Peter and Paul, Apostles These two strong-willed apostles are the pillars of the church in the first generation after Christ. Peter was one of the Twelve, one who both offered a glorious confession of faith and later denied knowing Jesus. Paul once led the persecution of Christians, then was converted and helped bring the faith to non-Jewish people.

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St. James Ministries and Groups At this time, all in-person group events have been suspended until further notice to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. However, during this time of isolation, video chat technology can bring us closer than ever. We encourage group leaders to explore new ways to connect. Music at St. James Your St. James Council continues to provide leadership during these changing times. They met via conference call on May 19 to bring clarity to our Permanent Music Director search, postponed due to the pandemic. The following decision was made unanimously: “Council reiterates its earlier decision to postpone the search for a music director and recommends the suspension be postponed until January 1, 2021 for financial concerns and uncertainty presented by the pandemic, and that the interim position will continue through May 31, 2021.” Our Interim Director Michael Lindner as agreed to stay in that position until May 2021.

Our St. James Virtual Coffee Hour Over forty members “gathered” for coffee and conversation via Zoom on Sunday, May 24 at 10:30am. What fun to hear and SEE each other. It was great to hear people laugh. Our thanks to Council member David Scott for his technical skills and to Margie Lee for her great idea. We will meet each Sunday in this same way. Information on how to access the Virtual

Coffee Hour will be sent in the daily devotions. Note: in our usual pattern, you are encouraged to listen to the audio-worship service posted to www.stjamespdx.org first, then “join” us for coffee.

You Are In The News The Salt Lake Deseret News newspaper in Utah ran a story about St. James on May 14. The article “No food, no problem: Why mosques have embraced virtual interfaith events this Ramadan” was published by Kelsey Dallas five days after our

Portland Iftar (breaking the Ramadan fast) with Rizwan Mosque. Pastor David and other faith leaders and politicians spoke virtually at this interfaith event that many of you watched. With the pandemic, the yearly event seemed newsworthy due to it being held via Zoom. The article read, “‘To talk about unity while we’re divided electronically is a little strange, but I thought it worked very well,’ said the Rev. David Knapp, who leads St. James Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon, and spoke during a virtual interfaith gathering on May 9.” Pastor David shared your greetings with all.

St. James Art Group Artist of the Month: Paula Carlson Paula Carlson is our Artist of the Month for June. Although the group of selected works called Seasons will not be exhibited in the St. James Pioneer Gallery, you see them on our website (stjamespdx.org/life/groups/visual-artists-group/) and the St. James Facebook Page. These recent watercolors reflect the artist’s feelings of social distancing and isolation which often presents itself in the deep winter but express the hope for the spring to come.

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A Bird’s Eye View Our St. James Low-Income Apartment Ministry continues to provide a home for those in need, especially during this time of increased unemployment. This photo was taken from atop our church building tower and shows the 122-unit apartment building. Our thanks to Sue Hammond and our Apartment Board for guiding this ministry.

Feeding Those In Need Over 70 people who live on our streets gather each week day in the park outside our doors, and another 30 on Tuesday evening. You feed them and give them needed items. Thank you. St. James partners with another downtown ministry who provides a sack lunch and we add bottled water, power bars, new socks, snacks, Ensure, Cup of Noodles, hygiene items, and other goods. Your in-kind donations and faithful offerings are touching the lives of those in the margin. Thanks especially to the Ellertson family (pictured) who have been bringing food and supplies from the PCC Food Pantry since the college is closed.

Caring for Creation Paper-based single-use food storage containers that are treated to resist water and grease, such as pizza boxes and popcorn bags, often contain toxic polyfluoroalkyl

substances (PFAS) which have been linked to cancer. PFAs can also be found in many household items including kitchenware, clothing, and personal grooming products. Swap these harmful items for reusable and sustainable alternatives, like stainless steel to-go containers.

To help the planet even more, consider a more sustainable diet. “According to Project Drawdown, the third-and fourth-best climate change solutions are reducing food waste and eating a plant-rich diet. Researchers in a 2018 Oxford University study say a vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce

your impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use, and water use… it is far bigger than cutting down on your flights or buying an electric car, as these only cut greenhouse gas emissions.” From Sierra Magazine: ”Hey Ms. Green! How do I avoid single-use containers?” Jan./Feb., 2020

Missing your Fair Trade Products? Fair Trade is missing you! Whenever in-person church resumes, we will be there with products the first Sunday of the following month. If you are desperate for a cup of Fair Trade coffee or special Fair Trade chocolate bar, contact Ann Tohlen by phone or email.

Repairs and New Lights Larry Larsen, Linda Larsen, and Patrick Earnest work to enhance the lighting of our beautiful Gelinsky window that rises above our altar. It was a gift in memory of Eugene Gelinsky who died in 1902 from typhoid fever. This is one of many updates and repairs that have taken place in our church building.

St. James “Bun Run” Becky Slapper reports that St. James “Bun Run” bakery donations for the month of May weighed in at almost 550 pounds. The donations have been delivered to Shepherd’s Door, a division of the Portland Rescue Mission.

Lutheran Ligaments Lutheran Ligaments reports that the annual Portland to Coast has been postponed until 2021.

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In Our Prayers For comfort, healing, and care: The sister of Martha McKay; Rev. Lee “Skip” Vellom; Beth Boyce; Jules Auger; Perry Walker; Warren Cook; Carol Wallis; LaVon Holden; Nathan Stone; Elizabeth and Gavin Morisada; Richard Biggs, friend of Jack

Hammond; Pelagie Toldoum; Bill and Sandra Arbaugh; Allen Nelson; Joseph Anderson-Bussie; Deb Aronson; Lynn Drake; Roy Bolt.

JUNE BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Dena Turner Emma Werner Jim Eickmann Robert Bullard Aila Myers Jules Auger Shaun Nguyen Warren Cook David Knapp & Lori Brocker

6/2 6/4 6/7

6/10 6/11 6/12 6/15 6/16 6/16

Esther & Stephen Portnoy Keith & Joyce Amundson Sylvia Lee Beth Schramm Valarie Brown Joe Antico Ann Tohlen Bill & Cameron Herbert Bob & Gerry Grover

6/19 6/22 6/24 6/26 6/28 6/29 6/29 6/29 6/30

Milestone Birthdays On May 28, Roy Bolt celebrated his 97th birthday. Congratulations! On June 7, Jim Eickmann blows out 90 candles. Enjoy your special day.

St. James Art Group What We Brought With Us: Immigration Art Show September-October 2020

Staying home and staying safe? This is a perfect time for you to get your immigration story materials ready for our fall exhibit. This project is part of a seven church exhibition on the theme of immigration this coming fall. Our church has chosen our personal stories. When you tell your story you are

connecting to deep roots and it importantly making them known to the next generations, your children, grandchildren. While we will unfortunately be unable to hold the workshop with Geezer Gallery this summer, we encourage you to begin collecting your items and putting your stories on paper. Items may include: old photos; memorabilia; marriage or baptismal certificates; recipes; letters; diaries; census forms; military documents; tickets; pictures of furniture; costumes, etc. We can help to digitize your items. You can also begin to develop a theme for your story. Whether you do a picture or choose to write, your immigration story is probably vast and complicated. Here are some helpful hints to help direct your project: 1. Narrow it down to one theme or one story you would like to tell. It could be an event, a

person, or a place. 2. Tell us how that immigration story is important to YOU today and why. 3. Tell us how your immigration story fits into today’s discussions immigration. We will make a book of our immigration stories. We can also do video interviews. Contact Paula Carlson or Margie Lee with any questions.

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1315 SW Park Ave Portland, OR 97201 www.stjamespdx.org Office Hours: 7:30am-2pm Tel: 503.227.2439 Fax: 503.227.0856

St. James Lutheran Church 1315 SW Park Ave Portland OR 97201

STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Full Time:

Pastor: David Knapp Becky Bolt, President

Patrick Earnest, Director, Child Dev. Center David Scott, Vice President

Part Time: Kathleen McDonald, Secretary

Karin Hatch, M.S., Parish Administrator Paula Veseth, Treasurer

Sharon Kurtz, Bookkeeper

Lillian Vellom, Receptionist/Building Assistant

Michael Lindner, Interim Music Director

Mike Horsfall, Director of Jazz Ministry

Scott Keane, RN, Foot Care Clinic

Lucy Knopf, Sunday Childcare Coordinator

St. James shares God’s inclusive and eternal love with everyone