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Subject: May 2012 Centrally Connected by the Oregon Trail
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A Newsletter from the Oregon Trail District of the
Oregon Idaho Annual Conference
Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata
Assistant to the Bishop for the Oregon Trail District: Steve Ross
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Centrally Connected by the Oregon Trail
May 2012
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The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.
Psalm 24:1
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Dear Charlotte,
 Below you will find news and articles that are helpful to your ministry and of interest to you and your churches. You can go directly to each one by clicking on the following links:
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Oregon Trail District News
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STEVE'S VIEW FROM THE TRAIL
By the time I complete my 2 years as your Assistant to the Bishop in the Oregon Trail District, I will have driven about 70,000 miles in this stunning piece of God's creation. That is a lot of time to think (around 1,400 hours)! If I didn't learn something from all this experience and time to think, that would be my bad! So, what have I learned?
Fruitful ministry happens whenever anyone anywhere does this:
· Take the best that you have to give. (What do you do well?)
· Aim it with the passion God implanted in your soul. (What do you love?)
· Put it to work to serve someone who needs what they have to bring. (Who is your neighbor?)
Churches become amazingly fruitful and joyful when just three or four or five people get together and begin to show one another and encourage one another in this kind of life.
I have also learned that churches with this kind of people cannot be stopped by bad economies, by hostile or difficult neighbors, by the average age of their members, by the kind of music they like, or (as Paul so perfectly expressed it) by anything in all creation.
I have learned that the things that most often get in the way of this kind of dynamic, fruitful and joyful living have nothing to do with skills, gifts or resources. No - when people are not experiencing the abundance of God's presence with them it is most likely to be fear that is getting in the way; fear that we might not know what God actually wants, fear that someone will reject or ridicule us if we do what God actually wants, fear that it will cost us more of ourselves than it will be worth.
Sometimes it is not fear. Sometimes we have actually convinced one another that a dynamic, fruitful, joyful life together is not what God actually wants for us, or that it is not possible for us.
That is the greatest tragedy, for it is always God's will that we know God's complete love for us, powerful presence with us, and the joy of sharing that ancient and abiding truth with others.
Thanks for what so many of you have taught me these past two years. I look forward to the new work God is calling me into. I look forward to sharing in it with all of you. We live in the greatest mission fieldin the world. Nowhere is God's abundance and blessing more obvious all around, and nowhere are there more people who are suffering from the spiritual blindness that prevents them from receiving it. And here we are, followers of the Lord of life and missionaries of good news for all!
Now, if I can just live in what I've seen (rather than what I fear), perhaps I can see God transform the world.
See you on the road.
Steve
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District Lay Leader Notes
Last month in my article I mentioned that I was going to be a delegate at the Legislative Assembly for the first time and that I was very curious about the process and looked forward to the experience. Well, I have been to the Legislative Assembly and now what to tell you about it.
I considered this a business meeting about the direction our conference was headed in and I know that this is very important but I wasn't really sure about how the process would go. My only experience with business meetings was at IBM while I was a programmer there and I am happy to say there were not many similarities. At IBM the discussions revolved around what was technically possible, what was technically probable and which we could afford to do. There was no prayer in these meetings for discernment and it wasn't usually about what was right; we did what the one with the loudest voice or the best debater deemed appropriate.
The Legislative Assembly started off with a devotional service which included both song and prayer. Bishop Hoshibata reminded us that we are all deliberately created with different gifts so that together we join our gifts to become the body of Christ. He explained that our uniqueness is intentional and that as we discuss the important issues before us that we need to respect each other. He suggested that if any one of us felt that we needed to take a moment for prayer to reunite us as one in Christ that we had only to ask! Now that is how to come to wise decisions about important issues.
There were 32 of us in attendance and there was clergy and laity from all the different districts; we were all well represented. I found that discussions and questions were very thoughtful and respectful. We were all encouraged to ask questions and to become informed about the issues before the vote was taken and I think that is exactly what happened. You will see that although not all issues received a 90% vote there was clearly a consensus and not once did we need to ask for a prayer to reunite us in Christ.
If I had tried to come up with a way for a church to discuss the issues at hand and not simply waited to see how the process goes I would have chosen the process to go exactly the way it went. Important matters of the church should start with a devotional service and we should all be reminded we are a necessary part of the body of Christ and as such our voice is important and the decision should take place after thoughtful and respectful discussion.
I look forward to seeing everyone at Annual Conference this June. :)
Blessings,
Lisa Radford
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Intercessory Prayer
Please keep the following churches, pastors and church leaders in your prayers.
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April 30-May 6
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May 28-June 3
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La Grande
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North Powder
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Rev. Steven Wolff
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Rev. Ernest Smith
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Rod Sands
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Dusty Simonis
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May 7-13
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June 4- 10
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Lakeview
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Nyssa
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Vi Goodman
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Mary Dejesus
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Darryl Anderson
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Norvin Shuster
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May 14-20
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June 11-17
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Madras
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Ontario First
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Rev. Janet Farrell
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Rev. John Go
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Gary Plant
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Susan Ferguson
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May 21-27
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June 18-30
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Milton-Freewater-Wesley
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Paisley
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Rev. Quinton Kimbrow
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Rev. Steve Mitchell (coordinating Elder)
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Barney Barcroft
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Jo Hoppe
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Click this link for more information:
School of Christian Mission Schedule of
Classes and Information
Click this link for more information:
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FOR OPPORTUNITIES AT OUR DISTRICT CAMPS
CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING LINKS
Sawtooth Camp
Suttle Lake Camp
CAMP CATALOG INFORMATION
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There are a number of CROP Hunger Walks across Oregon this May. They are a terrific opportunity for your congregations to publically show solidarity with and support for those who are hungry and vulnerable here in Washington and around the globe. Learn more at the websites listed below or by calling the Pacific Northwest office of Church World Service at 1-888-297-2767. Together, we can end hunger one step at a time!
Sunday, May 20
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NEWS, OPPORTUNITIES & EVENTS
AROUND THE OREGON IDAHO CONFERENCE
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Important Dates to Remember for Annual Conference
April 27, 2012 Page Application Deadline
May 7, 2012 Registration for Lodging at Willamette Univ. Deadline
May 7, 2012 Childcare Registration Deadline
May 11, 2012 Ministry Marketplace Deadline
May 14, 2012 Grand Hotel release rooms blocked for our conference
May 31, 2012 Registration Deadline ($40 late fee after June 1st)
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Building Community and Congregations
through Worship & Song -
Join, Mark Miller, for a day of inspiration
at Annual Conference
Members of the Annual Conference session are automatically registered for this event on Saturday, June 16, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and visitors can register at registration page. The cost to visitors is $25.00 and you can order lunch on the same page. Mark is a nationally known composer, worship leader, teacher, and performer of sacred music. He is on the faculties of Drew Theological School and Yale University. This event will be a time for worship learning for leaders, teams and musicians and those who just enjoy hearing great music.
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Volunteers in Mission
Scott and Bev Pressman, Coordinators
Together we energize!
1. Mission teams: please send information and photos about your mission trip so we can share them in our display at Annual Conference
2. Mission and Outreach Coordinators and local churches, please send ideas for mission sites within our conference so we can promote local mission options as well as international sites.
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General Conference
Follow our Delegates and Get Updates
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A summary of appointment announcements made by Bishop Hoshibata can be found by clicking here..
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Connecting and Equipping Faith-based Communities to support,
Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
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YOU ARE INVITED TO MEET WITH OUR DELEGATION
FOR WORSHIP AND RESPONSES TO GENERAL CONFERENCE
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Sweet Home UMC*, Sweet Home, Oregon
9:30 am - Gather and greet
9:45 am - Worship led by the Sweet Home pastor and members
10:15 am - General Conference through the eyes of our Delegation
12 noon - Potluck luncheon
12:45 pm - Conversation with our Delegates
1:45 pm - Adjourn combined RUMs-MFSA session
2 - 4 pm - OI RUMs' business meeting
This event is co-sponsored by the Oregon-Idaho MFSA Chapter and Reconciling United Methodists (OI RUMs)
* How to find Sweet Home UMC, 845 Sixth Ave, or call 541-367-3073
From the north.
Take I-5 exit 228 (Lebanon/Corvallis) east toward Lebanon on Hwy 20.
Continue on Hwy 20 thru Lebanon.
At the first traffic light in Sweet Home (Hwy 228/Brownsville), turn right and go up the hill (about two blocks).
Take a sharp left onto Oak Terrace.
Go two blocks to 6th Avenue. Turn right onto 6th and go two more blocks. The church is on the SE corner of 6th and Ironwood.
From the south.
Take I-5 exit 216 (Brownsville/Halsey).
Turn right onto Hwy 228 and travel 18 miles to Sweet Home.
As you enter town, watch for the numbered streets to begin.
Turn right onto Fourth Ave and go two blocks.
Turn left onto Ironwood Street.
At 6th Ave, the church is on your right
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Equipping Wesleyan Leaders for
the Twenty-First Century
Wesley Week is a new, annual event at the Alton L. Collins Retreat Center, designed to provide short-term opportunities for Wesleyan studies for both clergy and laity. The program brings a nationally-known Wesley scholar to the Retreat Center each summer to lead an experience of education, renewal, and spiritual growth.
Each Wesley Week will feature separate components for clergy and for laity. The curriculum and schedule are similar for each, but tailored to the particular audience. The sessions are designed for intensive, stimulating learning opportunities along with ample free time to facilitate fellowship, relaxation, and informal networking. Daily worshp in the Wesleyan tradition grounds work and play in the spiritual discipline modeled by John Wesley. The natural beauty of the Collins setting and the gracious hospitality of the staff will allow retreatants to breathe deep and focus on renewal during this unique educational event.
The schedule for both the clergy and the laity sessions begins with room check-in at 4:00 pm on the first day, and concludes with lunch on the third day. The cost in 2012 is $225 for double occupancy, or $295 for single occupancy. This includes all meals, lodging, and program costs, as well as full access to the beautiful Collins facilities.
One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is available at no additional charge. You must indicate your desire for CEU's when registering, and you must be present throughout the entire event. Be sure to select this option on the registration form--click the button below to register for Wesley Week.
Click on the title below for more information.
Missional Wisdom:
Holistic Evangelism in the Wesleyan Tradition
with Dr. Elaine Heath
Laity Section: July 6-8, 2012
Clergy Section: July 9-11, 2012
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Help a new church launch its weekly worship service.Media grants for advertising support are available from GBOD's Path1 and United Methodist Communications for 10 new United Methodist church plants in the U.S. If you know of a new church that will launch public worship services in fall of 2012, tell them about this grant, which is only for advertising the launch of the church's weekly public worship. Applications are due May 15. For more information or to apply, go tohttps://ui.constantcontact.com/rnavmap/em/ecampaign/www.path1.org/floating7.php.
Prepare pastors and congregations for smooth clergy changes. "Making a 'Good' Move," a free webinar on April 24 at 1:30 p.m. CDT, will focus on what pastors with new appointments can do to say good-bye to one community and hello to another. It will include advice from pastors who have made transitions well, as well as provide ideas for a positive change for pastors and their families. A webinar for congregations experiencing a pastoral change will be May 3 at 6:30 p.m. CDT. To register or to get more information, go to www.gbod.org/committee_resources.
Discover grant opportunities for youth and young adult ministries. Two grants are available through Young People's Ministries to aid ministries that are by, with and for young people. Both the Youth Service Fund and Grants for Ministries with Young People provide financial support for creative and innovative ministries that involve young people. Applications are due June 1. For more information, go to http://globalyoungpeople.org/grants-scholarship/ or emailyoungpeople@gbod.org.
Plan to celebrate Christian Home Month. May is Christian Home Month in the United Methodist Church, and this year's theme is "Families: Called to Hope!" Resources are available from GBOD to help local congregations develop and strengthen faith in the home and support Christian families in their faith journeys. Worship suggestions, family devotional ideas and congregational activities are available at www.gbod.org/family. Or request a print copy by sending your contact information to Nancy Dunlap at ndunlap@gbod.org.
Encourage older adults to live with purpose and joy.
Share My Story, My Song
, the heartwarming memoir of 88-year-old Lucimarian Roberts, mother of Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts. Lucimarian candidly reflects on how God has been her anchor through the peaks and valleys of life and has used people of all ages and races to guide and encourage her. With personal reflections from Robin, My Story, My Song is a welcome reminder that older adults still have a valuable story to tell, and that their story is not yet finished. For more information, go towww.upperroom.org/news/40.
P.S. You can view and download the last film in GBOD's five-part series, Dreaming of Vital Congregations, online at www.GBOD.org/Dreaming.
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National and International Opportunities
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Working, learning, serving with others!
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) has mission sites around the world for Individual Volunteers to serve for 2 months to 2 years. You can learn more at their website www.umcmissions.org
Required training will be accessible to Western Jurisdiction this August. Scott and Bev Pressman, UMVIM Coordinators for OR-ID Annual Conference would be happy to share their own positive experiences serving one year in Peru and Bolivia as Individual Volunteers. Please contact them at bspressman@gmail.com
Check out opportunities as an UMVIM Individual Volunteer!
Individual Volunteer Training
Salt Lake City; August 1-5, 2012
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Contact Information
Bishop Robert Hoshibata Rev. Steve Ross
1505 SW 18th Ave. PO Box 188
Portland, OR 97201 Bend, OR 97709
503-226-7931 x-530 971-237-2040 (cell)
Charlotte Hartman, District Assistant
PO Box 188
Bend, OR 97709
541-389-1047
541-389-1225 (fax)
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We hope that you enjoyed reading this newsletter. If you have articles you would like to see included just send them along to me at centraldisumc@bendumc.org email address by the 20th of the month.
Working Together,
Charlotte Hartman, Oregon Trail District Assistant
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Oregon Trail, United Methodist Church | PO Box 188 | Bend | OR | 97709
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