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September 20, 2012
Dear Reader,
I try to divide the items in the UM Connector into logical areas each week. I know that most people are skimming for items that match their needs (Don’t worry – I don’t mind). But this week everything seems to be an opportunity. An opportunity to learn – to get to know our new bishop – to meet our General Secretary of Global Ministries – to learn about our church’s social justice programs – and so much more!
Well - I guess you’ll just have to read the whole thing.
The UM Connector and I will be on vacation next week. Have a good week!
Greg Nelson – Director of Communications
This Week in The Annual Conference
Saturday, September 22
Columbia District Annual UMW Meeting, Oak Grove
Friday, September 28
Conference Hispanic Ministries Council
Saturday, September 29
Cascadia District UMW Annual Meeting
Conference Hispanic Ministries Council
Details on these, and other conference events, can be found on the conference website.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS
Bishop Hagiya Shares Thoughts on Touring the Conference
 In a recent blog posting on the conference website, Bishop Grant Hagiya shared some of his thoughts and impressions about serving the Oregon-Idaho Conference and the newly formed Greater Northwest Episcopal Area. You can also watch a video clip from one of his town hall meetings.
[note: an easier to view version of the video clip will be posted 9/21]
Appointment Announcement
Bishop Grant Hagiya has appointed Rev. Sandy Storment to Trinity United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon effective October 1, 2012. Rev. Storment is a retired elder from the Yellowstone Annual Conference. Rev. Laura Truby, the current pastor of Trinity, has accepted a call to serve at All Saints Episcopal Church.
Scheuermann Begins Blog Series
Cesie Delve Scheuermann, professional grant writer and fund developer, has started a series of blog postings on the conference website about stewardship topics for local churches. Following her four years as Conference Lay Leader, she is changing her focus to supporting churches as they develop new ways to look at stewardship in a new era.
Employment Opportunities
Trinity United Methodist and First United Methodist Churches in Portland are both seeking new staff. Trinity is seeking part-time administrative support and First is looking for a full time Director of Child, Youth and Family Ministries. See more information at www.umoi.org/classified.
AROUND THE CONFERENCE
Moving Ahead with Justice Actions 2012 and Beyond - MFSA Free Fall Event
Join with others to learn more about the General Conference Act of Repentance, immigration issues, Worldwide Nature of the Church report, and our own Annual Conference Action Request to increase the number of welcoming congregations in our conference. The Methodist Federation for Social Action is sponsoring this event on October 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Wilsonville. Morning presentations will be given on each of the four topics. Afternoon breakout sessions will allow participants to form teams to examine how to live in Biblical obedience as they take action to move these issues forward in our Annual Conference. See the flyer for more details and to register. Participants are invited to bring a potluck dish to share for lunch. Wilsonville United Methodist Church is located at 7355 SW Wilsonville Rd in Wilsonville, Oregon.
Emergent Issues in Church Leadership – Columbia District Training Event
New Topic – new schedule… A new training event for current church leaders and those thinking about stepping into leadership. The Columbia District Learning Resource Team will lead participants in looking at how leaders observe, interpret and intervene as they deal with providing leadership for health and vitality in their local congregations.
Plan now to attend this practical two-hour workshop. Pick the date and location that works best for your church and bring a team of people. It will be offered on Oct. 20, 23, and 25 in West, Central, and East Portland. The training is open to anyone from any church in any district. For more information and registration details, download the flyer or contact team leader, Karen Nelson at PastorKaren@gknelson.net.
Mission Secretary to Visit Region in October
Thomas Kemper, General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries for The United Methodist Church will be a featured guest along with Paul Jeffrey, Missionary Photojournalist at an event of the Mission Connexions series at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church in Vancouver Washington on Saturday October 27th. The $20 event includes a banquet beginning at 5:30 p.m. with proceeds going to Advance projects chosen by Kemper and Jeffrey. Salmon Creek UMC is located at 12217 NE Highway 99, Vancouver WA. You can order tickets and learn more by calling 360-696-1615 at missionconnexions.eventbrite.com, or by contacting revkeithjoan@hotmail.com.
LARC Series Continues to Offer Resources to Strengthen Local Churches
 Big church or small? Worship that's contemporary, blended, post-modern, or emergent? Elderly congregation or inter-generational? Regardless of the answer to those questions, the next session of the Liturgical Arts Renewal@Collins (LARC) will have insights, ideas, and resources galore for preachers and laity in any type of setting. Scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, the leaders are Todd and Jennifer Pick, a young couple who pastor small United Methodist churches in rural New York. Todd is an award-winning graphic artist who designed all the visuals for worship at General Conference 2012. Together, Todd and Jenn weave together art, preaching, and ritual into exciting, multi-sensory worship experiences that can work for any size congregation. Read more about them here.
The LARC webpage on the Alton L. Collins site has new details about the program, along with a link to registration. This continuing education opportunity is designed for both clergy and laity, and will be most effective when teams can attend together. Traveling from a distance? Take advantage of the optional overnight on Oct. 29, which includes a bonus session with the workshop leaders, along with a fun evening program and the chance for some overnight respite through the famous Collins hospitality.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Hoshibata, Winkler elected by Church and Society
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — Phoenix Area Bishop Robert Hoshibata was elected president and Jim Winkler re-elected as chief executive when the new board of directors for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society had its organizing meeting in September. Read the rest of this General Board of Church and Society story.
Church Helps Children Cleanse Residue of Isaac
 MAUREPAS, La. (UMNS) — When the elementary school in Maurepas, La., reopened on Sept. 6, close to 60 area children showed up for classes. Many of the children lived in homes flooded by Hurricane Isaac’s torrential rains that topped the bayous and lakes surrounding this low-lying area a week before. United Methodists stepped in to supply bath kits and other supplies that helped to wash away more of the aftermath of Isaac. Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service Story.
Dialogue On Bishop Talbert Statement Continues
Letter to Council of Bishops on Bishop Talbert
ASBURY PARK, N.J. (UMNS) — Bishop Melvin G. Talbert “should be celebrated” not censured for calling on clergy to officiate at same-sex marriages, writes the Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell, a retired elder, in an open letter to the Council of Bishops. His letter responds to another letter to the council signed by more than 70 people. Read Caldwell’s full commentary.
Response to BMCR statement on Bishop Talbert
THE WOODLANDS, Texas (UMNS) — Signers of a letter calling for Bishop Melvin G. Talbert’s censure support civil rights but do not see Talbert’s stance on homosexuality as a civil rights issue, writes the Rev. Thomas A. Lambrecht, one of the letter signers and vice president and general manager of Good News. Lambrecht’s commentary responds to a statement by Black Methodists for Church Renewal in support of Talbert. Read Lambrecht’s full commentary.
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
Get Ready for 10-Fold!
 Once again the month of October will be a time to focus on mission. For five weeks you will be able to focus on five key mission areas where the United Methodist Church is working to transform the world. Just visiting the 10fold.org site will trigger a $1 donation from a sponsor.
Get a head start on resources for church newsletters or Sunday school classes at www.10fold.org and watch for the kick off on October 1.
Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month
The United States marks Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to celebrate the contributions of Americans who trace their roots to Spain, to Mexico and to the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers preaching and worship resources for congregations interested in joining in the celebration. See resources on the General Board of Discipleship website.
RETREAT and CAMPING CONNECTION
2013 Winter Youth Retreat dates set at Suttle Lake
 Youth groups, it’s time to plan for your winter retreat at Suttle. These fill fast, so don’t wait too long to get your group registration form in to the Camp Registrar! Your church group can
OPTION A
Dates: Youth Group Winter Retreat I: January 19-21, 2013 (1pm Saturday – 11am Monday), optional to add Friday night 1/18/13
OPTION B
Dates: Youth Group Winter Retreat II: February 1-3, 2013 (7pm Friday – 2pm Sunday)
For more details, contact Jane Petke, Suttle Lake Camp Director at 541-595-6663
Forest Fire Info: (near Suttle Lake Camp)
We’ve been getting several inquiries about the Pole Creek fire, and I agree watching the Portland news someone might mistakenly think that the town of Sisters is under threat of being burned down any day. Certainly, Sisters is dealing with a lot of smoke. We are doing very well here though.
While a wildfire in the “neighborhood” is always an anxious time for the community as a whole, this fire is far enough away that the impact has been minimal for the camp. (The fire is roughly 12 miles south from us and on the other side of the McKenzie Highway, so I’m using “neighborhood” very loosely.) We get only occasional small amounts of smoke here. Still prayers for the firefighters, and those that are impacted (a rural neighborhood on standby for possible evacuation; smoke levels / air quality poor in some regions including Sisters; local businesses not seeing the foot traffic they depend on this time of year; the campers and hikers that were evacuated from the trails and campgrounds as the fire started last Sunday.) Thankfully for camp, we are enjoying a beautiful morning, and the Transformational Prayer Retreat campers are settling in for a wonderful week.
For campers (as well as their parents or teachers) with respiratory issues who may be coming to Suttle soon, it’s fine to check with the camp as needed, or keep your eye on the National Forest Incident Information website for the Pole Creek fire. (Jane Petke)
COMMENTARY
Urging the Church Forward
By Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church and Society
…The United Methodist Book of Discipline charges this board with the responsibility to “analyze long-range social trends and their underlying ethical values. It shall explore systemic strategies for social change and alternative futures. It shall speak its convictions, interpretations, and concerns to the Church and the world.”…
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