A Just Peace Congregation

August 2018 Newsletter

The Faith Adventure

Dear Friends - it is the dog days of summer. That phrase takes on new significance since we welcomed Mac into our family. I’ve never really been a dog person, but Mac quickly made me into one. He’s still a puppy, so his favorite thing to do is sneak into a bathroom, steal the toilet paper and chew it up into a million pieces on our living room floor. It’s a minor annoyance. But I love little Mac. He’s always there by my side. Even after I scold him for destroying yet another roll of TP, he stays by my side, never holding it against me and always loving me with his puppy joyful spirit. There’s something god-like about that aspect of dogs.

Speaking of dog days of summer, Carrie and I decided to take a trip to Washington DC with our children ... in July. Fortunately, the weather wasn’t too dog-ish. (Where does the phrase “dog days of summer” come from, anyway? If you know, I’d love for you to fill me in. 😊)

It was my first time to DC, and it did not disappoint. We are at this phase in our family’s life where whenever we go on a trip, the kids usually just want to hang out in the hotel pool. So, why do we go on trips to other states when we could just take a trip down the street to the Holiday Inn?

Well, the children loved DC! We saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the museums, the White House and the Capitol. It was glorious and inspiring. The Gettysburg Address is inscribed on the walls of the Lincoln Memorial and surrounding the MLK memorial is a wall with quotes from this great American’s life. One particular quote was delivered in a 1963 speech in Alabama – “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

We generally think of ourselves as autonomous, single individuals. But in reality, we don’t exist as individuals. We have something in common with dogs. We are social creatures, and as such we are interconnected, “caught in an inescapable network of mutuality,” as MLK put it.

This belief led King down the great struggle of racial justice, economic justice, and an end to war. He called materialism, militarism, and racism the “three evils.” Those three evils are as destructive today as they were in 1963.

Like the ancient prophets of the Bible, King led the nation in protesting the world as it was. He believed that the status quo was not how the world had to be and he pointed to a world that has more love and justice for everyone.

While exploring DC, I read Jon Meacham’s wonderful new book The Soul of America. Meacham reminds us that American history is permeated with the hope that King offered, but it’s also permeated with destructive fear. Meacham writes that, “The message of Martin Luther King Jr. – that we should be judged on the content of our character, not the color of our skin – dwells in the American soul; so does the menace of the Ku Klux Klan. History hangs precariously in the balance between such extremes. Our fate is contingent upon which element – that of hope or that of fear – emerges triumphant.”

Meacham’s book is in response to our current political environment, one that is marked by the politics of fear and scapegoating. While affirming that we are in dangerous times, he reminds us that we’ve been through dangerous times in the past.

Continued on next page

Pastor Ericksen & Family at the White House

Pastor Adam at MLK Jr. Memorial, Washington DC

Pastor Adam & Mac with New Sign at CUCC

Clackamas

as

A Just Peace Congregation Minister: Pastor Adam Ericksen adam@c-ucc.org (503) 654-0741 Choir Director & Organist: Jean Herrera jeherr@centurylink.net

CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERS: Moderator: Peggy Soliday psoliday@comcast.net Vice Moderator: Jeff Pratt jcpratt@yahoo.com Clerk: Rhonda Frick-Wright rfw4@hotmail.com Treasurer: Lori Prouty web@c-ucc.org

Financial Mgmt: Suzanne Lacampagne suzanne.lacampagne@millernash.com Financial Secretary: Patti Hanson

Christian Education & Youth Contact: Lori Prouty web@c-ucc.org

Trustee Chair: Dave Frick-Wright dfrickwright@gmail.com Deacon’s Chair: Cathy Cooper anne50ify@yahoo.com Justice & Witness Contact: Patti Hanson Staff Relations Chair: Jean Herrera jeherr@centurylink.net

Newsletter Submissions: The CUCC Newsletter is open to submissions from members and committees. We welcome information, poetry, photos and art for consideration in this monthly publication. Also – we love to receive member “News” – submissions to be considered can be emailed to Lori Prouty at web@c-ucc.org. Next Newsletter is September, deadline August 19th.

Web Sites to Check Out:

Clackamas UCC - http://www.c-ucc.org/

CPC-UCC “On the Way” Newsletter CPC Aging & Spirituality Network UCC National Offices - www.ucc.org

UCC Justice & Peace Action Network Community of Welcoming Congregations -

www.welcomingcongregations.org

Progressive Christianity - http://www.tcpc.org The Raven Foundation - https://www.ravenfoundation.org/

Bottle Drive for Edson

The bottle drive for Edson Jimenez-Sutton is still going on to help him with summer soccer expenses. Thank you everyone for

helping out! Remember to bring your bottles and cans to church on Sunday.

“History,” Meacham writes, “shows us that we are frequently vulnerable to fear, bitterness, and strife. The good news is that we have come through such darkness before.”

We’ve made it through the darkness because enough people have refused to give in to the darkness. As the Gospel of John states, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” Throughout US history, the First Nations People, African Americans, women, Irish, Italians, Latin Americans, the poor, and many more have suffered greatly from the politics of fear. But Washington DC, King, and Meacham’s book gave me hope. They inspired in me what Lincoln called, “the better angels of our nature.” And I see those better angels in you. We have marched in Families Belong Together events, we’ve been there for one another as we go through difficult trials, we work and we pray for better days ahead. In these times it’s tempting to fall into despair as the news cycles through stories that evoke fear, anger, and hatred. Sometimes, for my own soul, I’ve had to turn off the news. I don’t do that to bury my head in the sand, but rather to redirect my energies in a positive way.

And so during the dog days of summer, I’d encourage you to intentionally live in hope, for hope looks at how the world is and claims that it can be so much better. Hope inspires acts of protest, and it also inspires acts of love and compassion.

So, my friends, let us live in hope. For the light continues to shine in the darkness, and the darkness will never overcome the light.

In ministry together,

Pastor Adam

A Special Thank You … A huge thanks to Charlie Hinkle for generously welcoming us into his home again for the Annual Picnic – it’s always fun with great fellowship – and somehow the weather is always perfect! He must have some good connections.

Thank you Heather Merrifield and Jodi Chandler for donating the huge new projection screen we used on our first Outdoor Summer Movie Night attended by CUCC folks and neighbors too.

Special thanks to everyone who helped with Sandy Paulson’s lovely Celebration of Life including Lynn Betteridge, Cathy Cooper, Lanie Magorian, Jean Herrera, Jeff Pratt, Lori Prouty, Michael & Jazelle Savin, Peg Soliday, Charlie Hinkle, Pastor Adam, and Jim Paulson and Family. It was a special celebration of Sandy’s life.

And thanks to all of those little unnamed church mice who scamper around and get things done without anyone ever knowing how much they do behind the scenes – you are treasures!

Continued from previous page

Prayer Requests

Keep the following folks in your prayers!

Steve Andersen’s Dad, Carl – Cancer and Parkinson’s.

Amy Brinkley – Following the death of dear friend, Bonne’ Marsh.

Brenda Eichelberger (Bernie Nolan’s daughter) –

Cancer treatment.

Rhonda Frick-Wright – Prayers for her Aunt, Janice Hillyer, with medical problems; prayers for Rhonda and other family

members who are helping her.

Patti Hanson – Continued prayers for her friend, Sue, whose sister suffered adverse reaction to cancer treatment and has to begin again.

Junita Kauble – In treatment for breast cancer.

Gary Lowrie – Following an Aug. 2nd stent surgery.

Gary McClain & Family – Following the death of Nancy McClain.

Jim Paulson & Family – Following the death of Sandy Paulson. Additionally, Jim is in treatment for skin cancer.

Ruby Philpot – Continues to have balance issues that prevent her from coming to church. Please call, send cards or schedule a visit.

Lita & Jeff Pratt – Following the death of Lita’s mother,

Phyllis Yambos.

Darryl Raby – Recovering from cataract surgery.

Howard Robinson – Health issues.

Jazelle Savin – Under treatment for breast cancer.

Eldon Steiner – Severe back/leg pain issues.

Brian Wilcox – In treatment for metastatic melanoma.

Thank you …

Dear CUCC Congregation, I would like to say thank you to all in our congregation who have held Bonne' up in prayer over the last year. I am honored to have shared love and laughter with her over the

past 40 years and cherish that our families are intimately connected. She was a talented artist whose grace touched thousands. I am blessed; her spirit remains with me always.

Thanks so very much, Amy Brinkley

Member News

Cycle Oregon Weekender Look who rode 17 miles through Willamette Valley’s best landscapes during the Cycle Oregon Weekender last month – Suzanne Lacampagne! She is such an inspiration!

Cycle Oregon is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming individuals and communities through bicycling. Proceeds from the ride go to the Cycle Oregon Fund, which helps preserve

and protect the special places of Oregon and supports community development projects in the regions through which we ride.

What’s Been Going On?

It’s been a busy summer at CUCC – take a look at everything fun and consider joining in!

July’s Game Night

Kid's Summer Activity Time

Bonne’ Marsh Teaching Watercolors

Summer Outdoor Movie Night

Suzanne Lacampagne @ Cycle OR

Clackamas UCC Book Club

3rd Monday of each month, 10:15 - 11:45

Join us for Book Club on August 20th from 10:15 - 11:45 at church. This month we will be sharing what we are currently reading. Everyone is invited to go to GG's after the meeting for fellowship and lunch.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY

Sunday morning Adult Bible Study - on summer hiatus, will resume September 9th.

Pastor Adam’s Appointment Hours - If you would like to schedule an appointment with Pastor Adam, please contact him at adam@c-ucc.org, or call (503) 654-0741.

Quilt Raffle Tickets Going on Sale Thank you to Jean Anderson Walter who donated this 82½” by 110” quilt top - Sister’s Choice pattern. And a big thank you to Jean Herrera who spent three weeks quilting and finishing it with binding. The quilt will be raffled off at the annual Bazaar in November. Tickets available soon.

Quilt Raffle - Sister's Choice Pattern

Summer Picnic

A Beautiful Summer Picnic Day!

Undersized Renaissance Faire – Aug. 4th/5th Elks Lodge at 13121 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Milwaukie. Come one! Come all to the 1st annual Undersized Renaissance Faire!! Be sure to visit Judy Boncaro and Darren Raby’s booth; they will be selling handmade cards and 3-D printed jewelry. Enjoy treasures of over 50 other vendors selling everything from swords to jewelry to herbs to costumes. All proceeds benefit the local Backpack Buddies program. Saturday 10am-7pm - Sunday 10am-5pm. https://undersizedrenfaire.squarespace.com/about-the-faire/

School Supplies needed by Aug. 5

th Project Start Right has requested that school supplies and/or cash donations for low income kids be brought in by August 5th. See Joyce Steiner if you have any questions. A list of requested supplies is posted on the bulletin board at church.

Art & Spirit Circle Field Trip – Aug. 12th

Please join us as we attend the Oregon City 3rd Annual Festival of the Arts at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center –

Sunday, August 12th – meet at the church at 11:15 to carpool. This is a fun and unique local event that is free to the public. http://www.threeriversartistguild.com/events/oregon-city-festival-of-the-arts/

OUTDOOR SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT – Aug. 18th Join us under the stars for August Outdoor Movie Night – Saturday, August 18th - 9 pm on the CUCC lawn. Family-friendly movie to be determined. Bring your chairs or blankets – snacks

provided! Free and open to the neighborhood.Come on over!

Animal Blessing/Outdoor Service/Cookout – Aug. 26th Bring your pets or photos of pets (living or passed) on Sunday, August 26th for our Outdoor Animal Blessing Service and Cookout. Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, will also be present so don’t miss this special day!

Community Justice Night – Sept. 15th

Join us on Saturday, September 15th at CUCC for our first Community Justice Event featuring Linda Jaramillo for a community discussion on the subject of immigration. A leader in justice and mission, Jaramillo served for 10 years as executive minister for Justice and Witness Ministries

in the National Headquarters of the UCC in Cleveland, Ohio. She oversaw the church's work on human rights, racial, environmental and economic and gender justice in the nation and around the world. This is a free monthly event open to the community.

Game Night

Stay tuned for September’s Game Night date.

Central Pacific Conference Annual Meeting - Sept. 28-30th

Pendleton Convention Center, Pendleton OR

Join us September 28-30th to explore Flight Patterns of the Spirit: Strong, Sustainable, Connected Church. We’ll explore how our sustainability as local churches is strengthened through our connections with each other. Imagine migrating geese, how they rotate leadership in the front, all the others are soaring together with the draft created by the whole flock. What gifts does your church have to share with others? We can strengthen each other by sharing our gifts. When we are connected, we are that much more sustainable, able to soar on the wind patterns of the Spirit. We don’t know our destination, but we trust that the winds of the Spirit will get us there. Details may be found here on the CUCC website. The conference has scholarships available for those who may want to attend.

Come take flight — Let’s be church together!

Clackamas Service

Center Annual

Fundraising Event –

September 26th

Thank you for your continued help with goods for Clackamas

Service Center. Please save the date of the Service Center’s 3rd Annual Harvesting Hope event on September 26, 2018, at the Abernethy Center,11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Registration ends September 19, 2018 OR until sold out.

Linda Jaramillo

Volunteer Opportunities:

Our Trustees do a great job of keeping the grounds looking wonderful throughout the year, with little or no recognition as they quietly go about their responsibilities both inside and outside of the church. Our property is so large with unique features, such as the rain garden, that the Trustees cannot be expected to do everything. Charlie Hinkle has set the example by taking responsibility for keeping the hedgerow area free of weeds (Thanks Charlie!). Joyce Steiner and Janice Straub are faithful about weeding and watering on a weekly basis (Thank You, Joyce and Janice!).

Do you have a couple of hours a month that you could spend maintaining a specific area of the grounds? This would be primarily weeding and watering if necessary. Perhaps two or three folks could form a team, the more hands the merrier. The rain garden always needs loving care, those weeds come up every darn month. To jump-start the effort, Linda Raby and Peg Soliday have taken responsibility for maintenance of the triangle of land you drive past as you enter the parking lot. It would be great if two teams took responsibility for the rain garden; there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to be involved.

Please let Dave Frick-Wright or one of the trustees know if this is the opportunity you have been waiting for - and a big Thank You in advance! We are a mighty church and we all want to provide our best face forward to the community.

Social Justice

CUCC is a partner in the Churches of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon who would like to reintroduce you to the EMO HIV Services.

The HIV Day Center located at 2941 NE Ainsworth, Portland, OR 97211 operates four days a week 9 am-3 pm and provides basic needs such as food, showers, laundry, gently used clothing, hygiene supplies, telephones, the internet, information, referrals, as well as social/emotional support and access to therapeutic wellness alternatives such as acupuncture, Reiki, foot care, and massage.

The Daily Bread Express (DBX) provides 7 individually packaged frozen meals once a week to individuals who are primarily homebound and living with HIV/AIDS. EMO HIV Services recently received grant funding from the Multnomah County Aging Disabilities & Veterans Services Division which means we now have the ability to expand the number of clients our meal delivery service can reach with a focus on people who are living with HIV/AIDS, primarily homebound, and 50-years-of-age or older.

While the HIV Day Center is staffed by dedicated professionals, with the commitment of community volunteers it is able to provide a richer mix of offerings and work toward more effectively ending the stigma which still surrounds HIV/AIDS.

Aside from Meghan, and our dedicated Kitchen Manager Russ, the Daily Bread Express is run entirely on the sweat, generosity, and dedication of volunteers, which means our need for volunteers expands alongside program expansion. Currently we have a variety of volunteer needs with various time commitments and regularity.

Please check out our volunteer opportunities as well as contact information at our website - http://emoregon.org/hiv-services/ or call (503) 221-1054.

NY Clergy, Lawmakers Join Forces to Push for Accountability Around Care of Immigrant Children Written by Connie Larkman July 30, 2018

New York faith leaders, fighting to change the federal government's immigration policies, have teamed up with attorneys and state lawmakers aiming to hold the federal government accountable for immigrant children taken from their parents. It's a move of moral leadership; one that UCC clergy

and the New Sanctuary Coalition in Manhattan hope catches on across the country.

A collaboration of clergy, elected officials, immigrants and allies of the New Sanctuary Coalition introduced legislation at Judson Memorial Church in New York City on Wednesday, July 25, that would require state-licensed facilities to provide public reports, outlining the number of children they are housing.

"We don't know what the current numbers are. And that's part of the problem," said the Rev. Kaji Douša, senior minister of Manhattan's Park Avenue Christian Church and co-chairwoman of the New Sanctuary Coalition. "We have heard that there are about 600 kids who have been separated from their parents in New York. The official number is closer to 400. The agencies are saying that they don't have to tell. We want states to say that we want to know what is happening to these children from these immigrant families and we want to protect them." Continue reading excerpt at this link.

August Calendar

Sundays at Clackamas UCC Bible Study: On summer break through September 9th.

Worship: 10 am through the summer months.

During Worship: Youth are dismissed for activities.

Pastor Adam’s Appointment Hours: If you would like to schedule an appointment with Pastor Adam, please email him at adam@c-ucc.org, or call (503) 654-0741.

Wednesdays at Clackamas UCC

Trustees Meet: Meeting as needed during summer months. Women’s Circle: On summer break. Choir Practice: Practice returns Wed. August 29th.

Sat./Sun., Aug.4th & 5th – Undersized Renaissance Faire, Elks Lodge at 13121 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Milw.

Sunday, August 5th – Communion. School supplies due at church for distribution to North Clackamas kids in need of support.

Ladies Lunch with Carrie Ericksen after worship 11:30 at The Monarch, 12566 SE 93rd Ave., Clack.

Sunday, August 12th – Art & Spirit Circle field trip to Oregon City Festival of the Arts, meet 11:15 after worship to carpool.

Tuesday, August 14th – Worship Committee meeting.

Saturday, August 18th – Summer Outdoor Movie Night 9 pm, bring chairs or blankets.

Sunday, August 19th – Newsletter Deadline.

Monday, August 20th – Book Club, 10:15 - 11:45, current reads; GG’s for lunch afterward.

Sunday, August 26th – Outdoor Service & Animal Blessing with BBQ Cookout.

Sunday, September 2nd – Communion.

Sunday, September 9th – Worship returns to 10:30, Bible Study starts, Council meets, Potluck.

WORSHIP CHANGE

TO 10:30 AM – Sept. 9th

Saturday, September 15th – Community Justice Night - Linda Jaramillo on Immigration.

Sunday, September 16th – Q&A Session after church in Fellowship Hall regarding Pastor Adam’s settled pastor recommendation.

Monday, September 17th – Book Club 10:15 – 11:45

Sunday, September 23rd – Newsletter Deadline.

Special Congregational Meeting after church to vote on settled pastor status for Pastor Adam.

Wednesday, September 26th – Clackamas Service Center Annual Fundraising Event.

Friday, September 28th, 5pm to Sunday, September 30th, 1pm – CPCUCC Annual Meeting, Pendleton.

August 2018

September 2018