1

Creator ConnectionCreator ConnectionCreator Connection

March 2017March 2017March 2017

Creator Lutheran Church welcomes you to come – as you are, where you are, and who you are – and join us in

worship, fellowship, and ministry.

The Gospel reveals God's astounding grace as an unconditional gift of love for all people, so ethnicity, socioeco-

nomic status, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status are not barriers to

our invitation. Instead, as an inclusive community grounded in God's love and following Jesus' example, we cele-

brate the diversity of God's creation.

All Are Welcome

March at Creator News of Sanctuary

2

From Pastor Michelle 3

Adult Forum Repairing the Fabric of Democracy

4

Choir Rehearsal Spring Plant Sale

5

Bible Study Yoga Attendance

6

Call Committee Creator and Convergence

7

Clackamas Service Center Kiing’s Cupboard

8

Youth News 9

Youth Collective Quilters

10

Steps for calling a pastor Life Pax

11

Pictorial Directory 12

Backpack Buddies

13

Creator Lutheran Church www.creatorlutheran.org

Inside this issue:

March 2017

Wednesdays in Lent, beginning March 8

On Wednesday evenings during Lent at Creator, we will gather at 6:15 p.m. as a community for a potluck meal of Soup and Bread. At 7:00 p.m. we will spend time in worship with the liturgy, Holden Evening Prayer with a focus on the Small Catechism Following worship, the choir will rehearse in the sanctuary and the confirmation class will meet in the fellowship hall. 6:15 p.m. Potluck Soup and Bread 7:00 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer 7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Confirmation Weekly focus for Lenten Worship: March 8 Theme: Ten Commandments March 15 Theme: Apostles' Creed March 22 Theme: Lord's Prayer March 29 Theme: Baptism April 5: Theme: Holy Communion

Please join the community in the Lenten discipline of Worship, Study and Contemplation

2

Sunday, March 5, 2017, 9:00 a.m. First Sunday in Lent Adult Forum: Baptized We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life

Wednesday, March 8, 6:15 p.m. Potluck Soup and Bread 7:00 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer 7:30 p.m. Choir rehearsal Confirmation

Sunday, March 12, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Second Sunday in Lent Adult Forum: Baptized We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life

Wednesday, March 15, 6:15 p.m. Potluck Soup and Bread 7:00 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer 7:30 p.m. Choir rehearsal Confirmation

Sunday, March 19, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Third Sunday in Lent Adult Forum: Baptized We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life

Wednesday, March 22, 6:15 p.m. Potluck Soup and Bread 7:00 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer 7:30 p.m. Choir rehearsal Confirmation

Sunday, March 26, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Fourth Sunday in Lent Adult Forum: Baptized We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life

Mar

ch C

alen

dar

Sanctuary Cohort forming with IMIrJ in Portland

Seven members from Creator have been meeting with a forming Sanctuary Cohort of churches in the Portland Area. This is being formed through IMIrJ (Interfaith Move-ment for Immigrant Justice) and involves many congregations of every faith from throughout the Portland area. Regular meetings occur on the third Monday evening each month. If you are interested in participating in this cohort, please contact Toni in the church office.

3

March 2015

Dear partners in Christ’s ministry,

Lent is a season marked by transition: As we follow Jesus on his way to the cross, we grow and change with each encounter, both as individuals and as a church community. This year the journey promises to be espe-cially rich with opportunities for growth, as Creator’s Call Committee prepares to interview three pastoral candidates in the coming weeks. Please be sure to hold the committee members and the candidates in prayer during this time. The members of the Call Committee are: Paul Stromberg, chair; Rick Hartung, vice-chair; Craig Edberg; Nate Hub-

bard; Pat Salisbury; Eric Schulstad; Luka Staerk; Heidi Steen; and Samuel Tse.

If the committee finds a “match” in one of the pastors they’re interviewing, they will notify the church council of their recommendation. A meet and greet time will be scheduled, so that the congregation has the opportunity to meet the candidate before a congregational vote takes place. Given the fact that Easter falls in the middle of April, it seems reasonable to assume that a vote would likely be scheduled afterward. The vote on whether to call the candidate to serve as the next pastor of Creator Lutheran Church must take place at a specially called congrega-tional meeting. The sole purpose of that meeting is to consider the call of the pastor; no other business is to be conducted. The vote to call requires a 2/3-majority of those members present and voting; proxy voting is not al-

lowed.

This is an exciting time for you, the people of Creator. Yet transition can also be a bit unsettling, because there are lots of things that aren’t yet known: For example, “Will the Call Committee find the right match among the candidates they’re interviewing? If so, when will we get to meet this pastor? Assuming we call a new pastor, how will the timing of the transition play out?” These are good questions, and they’ll all be answered in due time. Mean-while, I encourage you to trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding the process of discerning this call. You are a wonderful

congregation, and I have no doubt that God has good things in store for you!

As always, if you have any questions about the call process, please feel free to contact me or any of the members of the Call Committee (listed above). It has been a blessing to serve among you these past thirteen months, and I look forward to enjoying our remaining time together. There’s still much for us to do, as we prepare

the way for this transition and journey together through Lent toward Easter!

Blessings on the journey!

Pastor Michelle Manicke

4

Adult Forum: Living as a Lutheran Christian

500 years after the Reformation

Since 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, it

seems like an appropriate time to reacquaint ourselves with some of the treasures of the rich

tradition founded by Martin Luther and his fellow reformers. Pastor Michelle is designing a class

around Dan Erlander’s book, Baptized We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life. This book pro-

vides a good introduction to our Lutheran “flavor” of Christianity, and it will prompt meaningful con-

versations and reflections about how we feel called by God to live out our faith in this time and

place.

Please join us for the adult forum!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Michelle

Adult Forum Schedule March 5 Baptized We Live, Session 3: Holy Communion March 12 Baptized We Live, Session 4: The Word and Lutheran Liturgy March 19 Baptized We Live, Session 5: Lutheran Teaching March 26 Baptized We Live, Session 6: Discipleship April 2: Luther and the Reformation (Rick Steves’ one-hour video) April 9 No adult forum (Passion Sunday) April 16 No adult forum (Easter Sunday) April 23 TBA April 30 TBA

On March 5, Following Adult Forum

Stay for a light meal and join the discussion:

Repairing the Fabric of Democracy

Discussion based on a study by Parker Palmer.

Resources include Healing the Heart of Democracy by Parker Palmer

And The Open Space of Democracy by Terry Tempest Williams and Mary Frank

The key idea: In the 21st century, the democratic principles of equality, freedon, and civ-

ic engagement could be more actively integrated into society. If Americans work together

to strengthen these basic principles and attitudes and beliefs that support them, a

healthier democracy and national community can be created.

5

Creator Choir rehearsals on Wednes-day evenings, 7:30 p.m. during Lent

(No rehearsal on Ash Wednesday, March 1)

Please join us as we prepare choir pieces for Easter and other upcoming services. All skill levels welcome-- don't hesitate to join us in making a joyful noise! For more info, contact Matt Weiers at matt.weiers@gmail.com or 503-764-5351.

The Creator Youth are having a spring plant sale fundraiser again

this year. These are high quality, healthy plants. In addition to

bedding plants, both ornamental and edible, there is a great

selection of hanging baskets and planters.

Plants will be delivered on Mother’s Day, May 14 for pick-up after

worship.

Please pick up a few order forms from the bulletin board in the

narthex or print out an on-line form. Share them with friends

and neighbors.

SPRING PLANT

SALE

6

February 26, 2017 Attendance

Adults: 50 Kids: 5

March 1, 2017 Ash Wednesday Attendance

Adults: 28 Kids 1

Giving February 25-March 2 $3,804

(Weekly Giving needs to average $5,408.50 to meet budget)

Thursday Bible Study

At Creator

10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

Come to Bible Study on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.

We will be meeting at the church. Current study is a Lenten

journey based on the book 40 Day Journey with Parker J.

Palmer Bring your Bible and your questions.

All are welcome!

Yoga Classes at Creator

On Thursday evenings, 6:00 p.m. join in yoga at Creator.

This Class is for all abilities.

Taya Gunsul will be instructing. Come and build strength,

balance and flexibility, while relaxing the mind.

7

The Call Committee NewsThe Call Committee NewsThe Call Committee News

The call committee has received 3 names of candidates from the Oregon Synod. This week the committee will be holding mock interviews to practice their interview questions and techniques.

Call Committee members are : Craig Edberg, Rick Hartung, Heidi Steen, Pat Salisbury, Luka Staerk, Paul Stromberg, Nate Hubbard, Sam Tse, Eric Schulstad.

Creator and Convergence

At the town hall meeting on Sunday, February 26, there was enthusiastic dis-

cussion around listing Creator as one of the members of the Convergence

Network of Churches. A word about this group from Brian McLaren (one of

the speakers in the Animate study series the Adult Forum used):

"It is time to generate a collective of faith-based organizations, leaders,and institu-tions rooted in a just and generous Christian spirituality, embodying a new Christian ethos, and committed to action - for all people, the poor, the planet, and peace."“ Brian McLaren Joining the network will provide Creator with music and teaching resources,

connections to other congregations, listing in a directory so people from this

area looking for a more progressive church can connect with Creator.

The cost to Creator for joining the Convergence Network is $1,000. That cost

is to be met through donations from individuals and outside the 2017 budget.

So far there is $250 in the fund for joining.

To learn more about the Convergence movement visit

http://convergenceus.org/

8

Serving Meals at the

Clackamas Service Center:

NEXT SERVICE DAY AT CLACKAMAS SERVICE CENTER: MONDAY, APRIL3, 4:00 P.M. is the

next day that the Creator Crew will be serving at the Clackamas Service Center. If you

are interested in becoming part of the crew, please e-mail Toni at

toni.hartung@creatorlutheran.org

The Clackamas service center is going to be closed the first Monday in March

for some remodeling and cleaning. If you would like to do volunteer work the

week of March 6-10, the CSC will be getting some volunteers together for cleaning

and organizing projects! They especially need help on Monday, March 6 beginning

at 2:00 p.m. This is their chance to do the things they always want to do but don't

have time for normally. If this seems fun to you (or even just necessary) please contact

Toni about scheduling a time to help clean that week.

King’s Cupboard King’s Cupboard King’s Cupboard

FOR MARCH PLEASE BRING FOR MARCH PLEASE BRING FOR MARCH PLEASE BRING

CANNED MEALSCANNED MEALSCANNED MEALS

TP, tissues, napkins, paper towels, etc., tuna, beans and rice are needed at all times. Laundry detergent and dish detergent are always welcome.

Items Most Used at King’s Cupboard: Tuna, Macaroni & cheese, Hearty soups, Cereal , Toilet paper, Peanut butter, Baking ingredients (flour, sugar, etc.) They still are asking for re-usable bags as well.

Hunger knows no season. Please remember the hungry when you do your shopping and add something to your shopping cart to share with the needy.

King’s Cupboard

is a satellite of

the Oregon Food

Bank

9

Middle and High School Youth Calendar:

Fri-Sun, Mar 3-5th, HS Collective Retreat with GLOCAL singers at Camp Adams, Mollala!

March 12, 2017 Cluster Youth Activity Cleanup at Barton Park 4 pm:

Meet at Barton Park 19009 SE Barton Park Road Boring, OR 97009 5 pm: Travel to St. Paul of Damascus Lutheran Church

Memorial weekend, Fri- Mon 5/26-29 HS Trip with Spirit of Grace Youth! (Learning from the Burns Paiute tribe & Burns Lutheran/Episcopal church)

July 17-21st Day Camp @ Creator! MS & HS group leaders needed! K-6th campers can register soon!

YOUTH NEWS

10

What’s a Youth Collective?

Ecumenical Youth Collectives are springing up all around Portland, and elsewhere around the state as well! Creator has been in conversation with Ecumenical partners (Presbyterian, UCC, Methodist, etc.) in SE Portland for most of the past year to explore the gift of radical welcome to young people that our traditions share.

These conversations with SE partners led to a high school “Race & Privilege” retreat last April with ELCA Glocal musicians, which was deeply meaningful for all and provided us with continued moti-vation to experiment together. We believe our welcome to young people regardless of sexual orien-tation, legal status, cultural background, etc. is unique and needed. We’re currently asking parents and youth about their deepest longing for what youth hope to ‘be about’ in 5-10+ years. What quali-ties do they hope define their life in the world? Further input has helped us prioritize the following characteristics about our local SE collective.

*Create a safe space to struggle through tough questions, like who we are, and who God is.

*Step out together for issues of justice *Include & develop loving, diverse young adult leadership

High Schoolers Welcome!!! We’ll gather on Sunday afternoons, 3:30-5:30 twice a month for PIZZA and relationship building together!

Fri-Sun, Mar 3-5th, HS Collective Retreat with GLOCAL singers at Camp Adams, Mollala!

Ecumenical Youth Collective

Creator Piecemakers Quilters: Meet March 18

The Creator Piecemakers meet on Saturday, February 18 from

10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. at Pat Isaac’s home. There is lots of

fabric to work with and lots of creative ideas to match.

All are welcome!

Meetings are at Pat Isaac’s home: 10602 SE Isaac Dr. Happy Valley

11

Life Pax kits available from Creator Youth

The Creator Youth are selling Life Pax at Creator for $3 each (suggested donation). These are

packs to give to those in need that we meet along our way each day. They contain a Meal and

Resource contacts. Carry these in your car to give as needed.

Pick up your packs in the narthex after worship.

Steps to Calling a Pastor

for Creator Lutheran Church Laying the Foundation

Six steps:

×Contacting the bishop ×Exit interview and interim orientation ×Review/clarify status of other staff (rostered and hired) ×Appointment of the interim pastor *Selection of the Transition Team *Meeting with the bishop’s assistant for further orientation to the call

process

Search Process

Eight steps:

Determining ministry needs (preparation of the congregation’s profile)

Suggesting names to the bishop’s office

Selection of the Call Committee (in the process at this time)

Receiving nominations from the bishop’s office

Preparing for mutual conversation

Mutual conversation with nominee/s

Decision to recommend one candidate

Releasing other nominees

Calling the Candidate

Four steps:

Preparing the call resolution

The call meeting

Issuing the call

Completing the process Note: Steps shown in blue have been completed.

12

New Pictorial Church Directory

Creator is going to create a church pictorial directory. There is no cost to you or our church for this

beautiful directory or to have your photographs taken. Just for participating, you will receive a

complimentary professional 8 x 10 portrait and a church directory. We are praying for 100%

participation so put your best foot forward and join us in making this the best directory ever!

After you are photographed, you will be able to view your images immediately. If you so desire, you will

have the opportunity to purchase additional portraits. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring along

extended family members to have a professional portrait taken even though they will not be in the

directory. AND it’s even okay to bring a pet or props to make your photos more meaningful.

We will be photographing March 16 and 17 1:00 to 8:30 pm and Saturday, March 18 from 10 am to 5:30

pm.

Our church directory will help us connect names with faces. Our directory would not be complete

without YOU! So PLEASE take the time to participate and make this directory a beautiful tool with

which to become more aware of each other. It will also be a help to the new pastor when they arrive!

For those who purchase portraits, there are some great discounts available:

EVERY FAMILY WILL RECEIVE A $10 OFF COUPON- available when you check in for your

appointment.

Do you have a family member age sixty or older? If so, ALL will receive a 20% discount.

Early sign-ups will get the first choice of times, so bring your calendar and stop by the sign-up table after

service.

(Part-time volunteers are appreciated to help make our directory a success. If you can help by signing

up families before or after service, telephoning some of our church families or by serving as a greeter

during the actual photography sessions, please let Toni know.)

Our church directory will help ALL OF US CONNECT A NAME WITH A FAMILIAR FACE!! Our

church directory would NOT be complete without YOU!!

Thank you for taking the time to participate!

13

This is a publication of Creator Lutheran Church

13250 SE Sunnyside Rd Clackamas, Or 97015 503-698-8081

office@creatorlutheran.org; www.creatorlutheran.org

Pastor: Rev. Michelle Manicke Primary musician: Matt Weiers Bookkeeper: Kim Grand Nursery Attendant: Suzy Balla Office Administrator: Toni Hartung Custodian: Erik Edberg

BACKPACK BUDDIES

Each year in our schools there are kids who live with food insecurity. During the school

year they can get breakfasts and lunches at school, but they might not have enough to eat

on the weekends.

Creator helps provide the food for the backpacks and the Boy Scouts pack the bags at their

Tuesday night meetings for weekly distribution to 60+ kids each week.

Your help is needed. If you would like to be a shopper and devote a couple of hours a

month to shopping for the items, or if you would like to team up with those folks who

deliver the food each week, please contact Toni at church:

Toni.hartung@creatorlutheran.org; 503-698-8081.