Volume 2012, Number 10
November 2012
In this issue
Peg’s Perspectives..1-2
Southminster Life...3-4
Poinsettias………..…...5
Session News….……...6
Music News………….…7
October 24, 2012
Peg’s Perspectives -- November, 2012
He [or she] who rejects change is the architect of decay. The
only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.
Harold Wilson, Speech to the Assembly of the Council of Europe,
Strasbourg, France, January 23, 1967
This is your time and it feels normal to you, but really, there
is no normal. There’s only change and resistance to it and then
more change. Meryl Streep, Barnard Commencement Speech, 2010
Do not remember the former things or consider the things of
old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you
not perceive it? The Lord, Isaiah 43; 18 & 19
Children’s News…...…8
Youth News..……….…9
Adult Education.….…10
Getting Involved..….10
Calendar of Events...11
Southminster Connections
A monthly newsletter published
on the 4th Wednesday of the
month by Southminster
Presbyterian Church.
Please submit articles by
November 15 for the
December issue
Editor
Phone
Fax
Email
Mary Winn
503-644-2073
503-626-4235
[email protected]
What do Harold Wilson, Meryl Streep and “The Lord” (aka “God”) have
in common? Apparently an understanding of the reality and necessity
of change! What do you think of change? Probably many of us reject
it, resist it, at the very least, feel threatened by it. It’s easy to get a
little too obsessed with one way of doing things…especially when it
comes to church. For a lot of us this congregation is our touchstone
and we wish it would stay the same. Therefore it has been very
interesting, and I believe invigorating, for Southminster to look back
and reflect on statements of identity and core values, and ask ourselves
what challenges face us in the future.
We’ve had sermons, workshops, discussion groups and surveys on
many of those core values. Results of the surveys on inclusive language
and support of reproductive choice are posted in the Gallery. As I write
this we still have two topics to survey: our identity as a peacemaking
church and support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons.
Personally it’s instructive to look at the generational differences.
Though not huge, they are there. The surveys make it possible to look
Continued on page 2
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Peg’s Perspectives
Continued from page 1
at gender differences…and differences between long-time and new members. What I want to
do in the next few months is more conversation about how all of these tie back into the
message of Jesus. Obviously some of these issues were never mentioned by Jesus. Most can
only be teased out of Jesus’ overall message, which is where the problems begin. If, as we
say at Southminster, we take Scripture seriously, but not literally, we have to work at finding
out what Jesus probably really said and did; what that meant in his historical and religious
context…and then try to translate how Jesus’ core message translates into our context. That
is not the task for wimpy Christians!
It’s a great challenge, intellectually, spiritually and emotionally for us as individuals and as a
community. As it gets colder and darker and fall turns into winter, it’s a great time to “go
inward” a bit; to pray, reflect, and discuss ideas about how to follow Jesus’ core message
today, as a progressive Christian community. We will disagree, no doubt. We can do that
with humor and with respect and learn and grow and change. I’m looking forward to more
discussions and surveys…and to all of us being changed in the process. The alternative is the
cemetery of “used-to-be-vibrant churches.” And I definitely don’t expect to see Southminster
going there. There is a liveliness and enthusiasm here that is infectious…hopefully God will
continue doing a “new thing”!
Blessings,
Peg Pfab
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Southminster Life
Prayer Concerns
Please contact the church office for updates.
November Art Show Committee Meeting
The next Art Show Committee Meeting will be Tuesday, November 13, 2012 in Room 7. We
will meet at 7:00pm. Hope to see all of you there as we talk about the upcoming Celebration
of Creativity Art Show for 2013.
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Southminster Life
Water 2 Wine - Vinos de Sudamérica
The next meeting of Water 2 Wine will be held on November 4, 2012 at 2:00pm
at a secret location that will be revealed at the appropriate time. This month we
will taste some of the wines from South America. This unexpected area of the
globe produces some of the best bargain wines available today.
Keep December 2nd open on your calendar, that is the date of the annual Water 2 Wine
holiday party!
While we all learned a little more about wine, we think that the best part of the group is
meeting fellow Southminsters in a relaxed social setting and getting to know each other
better.
As a reminder, please RSVP to [email protected] to ensure that we have
enough wine and bring 2 wine glasses to the meeting. We have a suggested donation of $10
per person to cover the cost of the wine.
Alzheimers’s Café
November 9, 6:30pm – Gallery
Having a "Stranger" in My House
The November speaker for the Alzheimer Cafe is Norm Harris, a representative from "Senior
Helpers". Senior Helpers specializes in in-home caregiving of dementia patients, their families
and caregivers. Harris can respond to questions such as, "How do I handle having a
"stranger” in my house? How do I set boundaries and maintain privacy? What if we don't like
the caregiver? What actual duties can "senior helpers" perform and what can they not do?
Can they help with housekeeping, shopping, laundry, etc. or just physical care? What kind of
screening process do caregivers and clients go through? This promises to be an informative,
helpful session.
Prepare the Way Play for Advent!
Sunday, November 11, 2:00-5:00pm
Peterson Gallery, Southminster Church
Play with the theme of preparing for Advent and build community through movement, words,
song, and laughter. Using InterPlay's easy-to-learn forms, Rev. Hilary Martin Himan will guide
our group in connecting to Scripture in ways that get us out of our heads and into our whole
selves. Access your full range of experience and expression in this 3 hour workshop.
Suggested cost $10. Questions: See Marci Rau at [email protected] or (971) 3226887.
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The Music, Art & Drama Camp will be selling Poinsettias this year as a fundraiser! You may
fill this order form out & turn into the office. You may also order them after services on
Sunday, November 4 & Sunday, November 11. They will be delivered on Friday, November
23 (the day after Thanksgiving). You then can pick them up in the Education Wing between
1:00pm & 4:00pm on Friday, November 23 or you may pick them up on Sunday, November
25.
Poinsettias for the Holidays 2012
Red Poinsettias - deep, rich Christmas red:
6” pot, one plant with five to seven flowers, $10.50
__________
8” pot, two plants with nine to twelve flowers, $21.00 __________
Pink Poinsettias – soft coral pink:
6” pot, one plant with five to seven flowers, $10.50
__________
8” pot, two plants with nine to twelve flowers, $21.00 __________
White Poinsettias - purest white:
6” pot, one plant with five to seven flowers, $10.50
__________
8” pot, two plants with nine to twelve flowers, $21.00 __________
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Was it the “back to school” energy that infused the Session at its October 18 meeting?
Probably not, because your Session is energetic all of the time. Among the items that
generated lots of discussion was the stewardship goal for 2013 (it will be the same as 2012).
And discussion of the priorities for Southminster—just the beginning of a process, led by June
Carlson, that looks at programs, projects, and events that met or exceeded expectations and
what didn’t meet expectations, and why. This reflection will continue over the next Session
meetings.
The Session previewed the Stewardship “theme song” presented “con brio” by the trustees.
You who were in church on October 21 have already heard the full voiced trustees. Too soon
to tell, but it’s possible that before the campaign is over we may see one or all of them doing
their best Julie Andrews imitation of twirling in a high mountain meadow. (Editorial comment
to Sue Kozak, Craig Butler and Kurt Sand: don’t give up your day jobs.)
And finally, keep a welcoming eye out for six new members of the church: Janet Cruz,
Cynthia (Cindy) Patton Bartholomew, Erin Michelle Darby, Thomas Boyd Darby, Carolene Lee
Ginocchio, and Damon Stacy Apostalon. They will be introduced to the congregation for
membership on October 28.
Carmel Bentley, Session Scribe
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Music News
Christmas Concert at 3:00pm
Saturday, December 1
Southminster’s Annual Christmas Concert will be at 3:00pm this year and
we will have all our musical ensembles perform at the concert -- Chancel
Choir, Hand Bell Choir and the Children’s Choir. Please calendar this in
and support our biggest music venue of the year at Southminster.
Music and Worship Committee
We are looking for some inspired new members to help with planning the worship
services. We meet every other month. Hope you can join us.
We are also looking for some new ushers. We would like a one or two year commitment,
you are assigned to one week each month with a buddy, so between the two of you, one of
you has to be available. You are responsible for counting how many people are present at the
Sunday service, making sure the candles are lit, checking with Peg to see if anything special
is needed, get people to help with the offering, and turning the lights down/up as examples of
usher duties.
Have you wanted to help with the sound system? We need your help too. (At least a one year
commitment).
Again, you are assigned one Sunday each month to be in charge.
So if you are able to help out with any of these tasks please let Mary know at the Church
office. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them.
Sharon Tefelske (971) 228-8172
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Children’s News
What's Happenin'??
Children's Ministry -- November 2012
Every Sunday Morning...
10:00am
Children's time in worship
10:15am
Off we go to Sunday School!
10:55am
Children's Sing Along
11:00am
Dismiss
11:30am
Choir Rehearsal
November in the Godly Play Classroom
“Look-fors”
November 4 – Noah and the Ark
November 11 – God is Everywhere
November 18 – Moses and the Pharaoh
November 25 – The Ten Commandments
November in the Joyful Path Classroom
“Look-fors”
November 4 – Perseverance
November 11 – Truthfulness
November 18 – Willingness
November 25 – Expressing Gratitude
Welcome to the Fall, Southminster - Thank you for signing up for the “Buddy Program”, the
pancake kickoff was a blast!! We are looking for volunteers with the children's program, don't
be shy! Come on down to my office any time after service, or look for the volunteer sign-up
sheet. As always, thank you for all you do for the children – Mr. Maldarelli
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Youth News
Student Communique — November 2012
Sunday Mornings: Worship 10:00am
Connections and Everyday Leaders 10:15am
November 4 – All Youth in Worship – Don Preaches (Debrief afterwards…)
November 11– Grades 5-7 in Room 9; 8/High in Loft
November 19 – 8/High Exploration Sunday – Worship at 1st Presbyterian Church
November 26 – Fourth Sunday Breakfast 9:35 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. (Youth Lounge)
NOVEMBER YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS
DV8 1st (Lunch & Something) and 3rd (Theme Night) Sundays
SNL – First Weekender Activity and Third Weekend Explorations
Middle School – DV8
November 4 – Lunch & Something at Gabriel Park! 11:30-1:30pm
November 18 – Progressive Fast Food Scavenger Hunt! 5:30-7:30pm
Looking Ahead: Advent Fair: Sunday, December 2 (Secret Room)
8/High School -- SNL
November 9-11 – T.B.D. Sr. High Event!! What could it be? Hmmmmm…
November 18 – Explorations: Worship at 1st Pres. Church & Lunch: 9-1pm
SNL Portland Urban Plunge: Friday, Nov. 30– Sat, December 1 –
$15.00. Get a brochure in the Youth Lounge or on website. This weekend will include
staying at 1st Presbyterian Church (lots of BIGFOOT), 5 hours of community service with the
homeless population, great downtown Pizza, a possible CONCERT (Michael W. Smith) and
hanging out with friends! Don’t miss out!
Check out our Website!!
www.southmin.org/Youth(students)
Everything you need to know: Parents and Youth!
Christmas Tree Lights and Pizza – TBD
Join several
youth and Don as we once again hang the lights on
Southminster’s Christmas Tree – Date & Time TBD
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Sunday Starter 2.0
Sunday Starter is off to a great….er… start! We meet every Sunday at 9:00am in Room 7.
One of the themes at Southminster this year is examining our core values and in that light,
we are expanding on the 8 principles of Progressive Christianity. Topics will include studies of
marriage equality; poverty, immigration, what we can learn from other religions, explore the
teachings of Jesus and others This year, we plan to have a more interactive set of
presentations with speakers, multi-media and other surprises! Please join us for an interactive
and interesting hour.
Accepting All People
Sunday, October 28 at 11:30am, Sanctuary
We'll continue our discussion series based on Peg's sermons on Southminster's identity as a
community of faith. This week, we will discuss our acceptance of all people, including those in
the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
Prof. Gary Dorrien to speak on “God’s Economy”
2012 Collins Lecture Will Explore
Faithful Response to Economic Crisis
With high levels of unemployment and underemployment across the country, a growing divide
between rich and poor, and economic uncertainty throughout the world, one question
becomes increasingly important: “How do people and communities of faith respond to the
economic crisis?”
Faith communities are coming together across Oregon to discuss how to respond to today’s
profound political and economic challenges, while meeting the spiritual and material needs of
their members and the broader community. The 2012 Collins Lecture “God’s Economy:
Faithful Response to the Economic Crisis,” will provide an opportunity to pursue these issues.
Presented by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) Nov.1 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral,
Portland, the Collins Lecture will feature Professor Gary Dorrien, hailed by Princeton
University philosopher Cornell West as “the pre-eminent social ethicist in North America
today.”
A half-day workshop, “Economics 101: What you should know about the Economy,” will be
held at the same location the afternoon preceding the lecture. The workshop will begin with a
presentation by Martin Hart-Landsberg, professor of Economics and coordinator of Political
Economy at Lewis & Clark College, followed by a panel discussion with Tom Kelly, president of
Neil Kelly Co.; Gina Ronning, Portland State University graduate student and Occupy
Movement activist; Aurolyn Stwyer-Pinkham, member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm
Springs; and Kay Toran, president/CEO of Volunteers of America Oregon.
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Calendar of Events
See Website– Calendar
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