A Just Peace Congregation

February 2019 Newsletter

The Good News

Dear Friends,

It’s been 14 months and we are going to make it official! I will be installed as the settled pastor here at Clackamas United Church of Christ on February 9th at 11 am.

I have loved the last 14 months! I am looking forward to our future together at CUCC. We are a community that is guided by God’s love to support one another and to bring a little more peace and justice to our community and to our world.

I am so grateful that we found each other because you inspire me in many different ways. Patti Hanson has frequently called CUCC a “soft place to land.” And that is so true. Life can be stressful, painful, and difficult, but the members of CUCC are always there to support one another. People frequently say to me things like, “I love this church because I feel so supported during difficult times.” We are there for one another in countless ways, including sending cards, visiting, making meals, and genuinely asking “How are you doing?”

And you inspire me because you are there for the larger Milwaukie community, too. You volunteer your time, talent, and treasure to the local food pantry, environmental awareness groups, high schools, and homeless shelters. I am honored to be part of a community that takes faith, ministry, and justice as seriously as we do at CUCC.

And we have fun! Last summer we started a summer movie night series. We watched three family-friendly movies that

families in the neighborhood came to watch on our lawn. Every week at Bible study, someone cracks a joke out of left field that has everyone laughing. Rhonda Frick-Wright has added a lot of creativity and fun during worship by turning some of the Bible readings into skits! I was so impressed with the manger she and Dave Frick-Wright made. That was so much fun!

When I think of a church that I want to be a part of, I think of CUCC. The good news is that we are discovering that other people want to be a part of CUCC, too! Our progressive Christian message that emphasizes love and justice is resonating with many in the Clackamas community and with our Facebook community. And I am convinced that the world needs the progressive Christian message now more than ever.

“… as they told their stories, there was pain in their voices, but no hint of hatred or desire

for revenge.”

Our LGBTQ panel last week reminded me of this fact. I was amazed at that panel. What struck me most was that multiple people on the panel told stories about Christian leaders telling them they were going to hell because of their identity. And yet – here’s the amazing part – as they told their stories, there was pain in their voices, but there was no hint of hatred or a desire for revenge in their voices. To me, that is the Spirit of God at work and I was so grateful to witness it at CUCC.

Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for being a congregation that inspires one another to love better and to work for a more just world. On a personal level, I am so grateful for you and the ministry you show to one another and to our larger community. And I am looking forward to continuing our journey together!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Adam

View Sermons Online Remember if you miss any Sunday, you can always access the video and/or audio of Rev. Ericksen's sermons on our website at https://c-ucc.org/sermon/.

https://c-ucc.org/sermon/

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: Jeff Pratt jcpratt@yahoo.com Vice Moderator: Patti Hanson Clerk: Heather Merrifield heather@adventure4life.com Treasurer: Peggy Soliday psoliday@comcast.net Financial Mgmt: Suzanne Lacampagne suzanne.lacampagne@millernash.com Financial Secretary: Jean Herrera jeherr@centurylink.net Christian Education & Youth Contact: Lori Prouty web@c-ucc.org

Trustee Chair: Dave Frick-Wright dfrickwright@gmail.com Deacon’s Chair: Cathy Cooper catannecooper@gmail.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 February, deadline February 24th.

Web Sites to Check Out:

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

Clackamas UCC YouTube Channel

CPC-UCC “On the Way” Newsletter

CPC Aging & Spirituality Network

UCC National Offices - www.ucc.org

UCC Justice & Peace Action Network

Special Thank You…

Prayer Requests

Keep the following folks in your prayers!

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

Sharon & Chris Dobbs – Prayers for family and son, Evan, struggling with mental health issues.

Brenda Eichelberger (Bernie Nolan’s daughter) – In treatment for cancer.

Hillary Ericksen (Pastor Adam’s sister) – Struggling with heart and mental health issues.

Patti Hanson – Prayers for grandson, Cam, struggling through a mental health crisis. Continued prayers for friend, Kris

Musselman, in treatment for cancer.

Jean & John Herrera – John in treatment for tongue cancer.

Junita Kauble – In treatment for breast cancer.

Jim Paulson – Health concerns.

Ruby Philpot –Healing from broken wrist.

Linda Raby – Healing from Dec. 26th surgery.

Dwight Richardson – Upcoming surgery.

Jazelle Savin – Continued healing.

Amira Stanley – Upcoming surgery.

Eldon Steiner – Severe back/leg pain issues.

Brian Wilcox – In treatment for metastatic melanoma.

Barbara Williams – Moved into assisted living, her new mailing address is 8607 SE Causey Avenue, #251,

Happy Valley, OR 97086.

A Special Thank You … Jeff Pratt, Gary Lowrie, Brian Wilcox, Dave Frick-Wright, Jim Paulson, and Bill Magorian for re-painting the entire sanctuary and narthex! Looks great!

Jeff Pratt, Gary Lowrie, Brian Wilcox, Dave Frick-Wright, Jim Paulson, and Bill Magorian for re-painting the entire sanctuary and narthex! Looks great!

Jim Paulson for opening up his beautiful home for the CUCC White Elephant Gift Exchange and Potluck in January. He did this in memory of his late wife, Sandy, whom we all love and miss.

Amira Stanley for organizing the informative Panel Discussion from our wonderful siblings in our LGBTQ community on January 13th.

Jodi Chandler and Heather Merrifield for providing the dinner that followed the LGBTQ Panel Discussion.

Peg Soliday, Jeff Pratt and Lori Prouty for spending many long hours preparing and presenting our financial information at the Congregational Annual Budget Meeting.

Patti Hanson for continuing to deliver much-needed food and supplies to Clackamas Service Center and King’s Cupboard. Last week she delivered 146-lbs of food to King’s Cupboard! Thank you to everyone who faithfully donate to these causes!

mailto:adam@c-ucc.orgmailto:jeherr@centurylink.mailto:jcpratt@yahoo.commailto:psoliday@comcast.netmailto:suzanne.lacampagne@millernash.commailto:jeherr@centurylink.mailto:web@c-ucc.orgmailto:dfrickwright@gmail.commailto:catannecooper@gmail.commailto:jeherr@centurylink.netmailto:web@c-ucc.orghttp://www.c-ucc.org/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJUoRkWcFPcPLgBCEm1LUPg/videoshttp://cpcucc.org/wp14/on-the-way/file:///C:/Users/Lori/Documents/CUCC/Newsletters/%09http:/cpcucc.org/wp14/ministry-teams/local-church-ministry/aging-and-spirituality/http://www.ucc.org/http://www.ucc.org/justice_jpanet

Pastor Adam’s Official Installation Ceremony Saturday, February 9th - 11 am

On September 23rd, Clackamas UCC voted unanimously for Pastor Adam to become our “settled” pastor!

Please join us on Saturday, February 9th

at 11 am, followed by a Potluck, for Pastor Adam’s official Installation Service.

There will be many guests in attendance including our UCC Conference Minister, Molly Carlson. In the

UCC, it is traditional to have an installation when a new minister is called to serve. The purpose of this installation is to install the new minister, celebrate the covenants we share with each other and the wider church, and provide an opportunity to reflect on who we are and a vision for our shared future. Come and show your appreciation, support and gratitude for Pastor Adam!

Member News

Peter Frick-Wright: Outside Magazine Check out Peter Frick-Wright’s latest article, The Obsessive Quest of High Pointers, featured in the Jan/Feb edition of Outside Magazine.

“Some of the world's most passionate athletes are high pointers, climbers who will do anything to reach the tallest point in every state, county, or whatever other designation they can dream up. A lot of those peaks aren't so tall—like Delaware's 447.85-foot Ebright Azimuth—but there's plenty of challenge in this quest. Just ask John Mitchler, who had knocked off everything on his dream list except the tallest spot in a remote U.S. territory: Agrihan.”

Read the entire article at this link, or see a copy on the church bulletin board.

CUCC is Growing! On Sunday, January 13th we welcomed five new members into the CUCC family! We are so happy they have chosen to join us. Into our fold, we welcome Sandra Collar, Sharon Dobbs, Abby Kempf, Clara Lamaster, and Amira Stanley. Be sure to say hello and welcome them warmly!

New Member, Clara Lamaster Rev. Adam Ericksen

New Member, Amira Stanley

New Members Ceremony (L-R): Pastor Adam, Sharon Dobbs, Sandra Collar, Abby Kempf, Amira Stanley

https://www.outsideonline.com/2379686/high-pointers

White Elephant Gift Exchange & Potluck

With a huge Christmas tree and a house full of beautiful decorations, Jim Paulson hosted our White Elephant Gift Exchange and Potluck in early January. It was a real hoot with some “very” interesting gifts being exchanged (and stolen)! Thank you Jim for starting this tradition again – can’t wait for next year.

Many of us know Patti Hanson’s Granddaughter, Emily!

Emily Barry: Homegrown Hero Written by: Jenny Lind Conlee December 13, 2018

Not all superheroes wear capes. Emily Barry is the embodiment of a homegrown hero. Her super power? Loving kids and

people with special needs. She seeks opportunities to serve, and even chose a profession that further exposes her heart for others.

Emily is very active in the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education And Training) Summer Camps. This is a special camp sponsored by the Tualatin Police Department.

G.R.E.A.T. Camp is for incoming 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Some weeks are only 6th graders and then weeks where there are 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Camp is based at Hazelbrook Middle School but there are bi-weekly field trips. The camp features different guest speakers to come in and speak to the kids about different things that they will experience, difficulties they may face and tools to help them succeed in middle school. This helps build confidence in students coming of age. Students leave camp encouraged and inspired. They also have a lot of fun and play games led by amazing volunteers like Emily. Emily herself has been involved in this camp for over a decade; as a camper, then volunteer and now, as a leader.

Emily is also involved in a very special organization – the Down Syndrome Network of Oregon (dnso.org). This is a membership based organization that helps provide advocacy, inclusiveness, equality and respect for life, compassion, comfort, hope and faith. They offer many activities and events for families, friends, and individuals with Down syndrome and all intellectual disabilities. Summer camps and picnics, holiday parties, moms and dad’s events are just a few of the offerings this organization provides for networking and support. This September, Emily participated in the Buddy Walk – a fundraising effort sponsored by Providence Health and Services. It’s a testament to Emily’s giving heart.

Emily is a graduate of Pacific University who went on to become a Middle School teacher. Her school is so lucky to have this Tualatin superhero!

http://tualatinlife.com/author/jenny-lind-conlee/

Women’s Circle Women’s Circle will be meeting again beginning Wednesday, February 6th from 10 – 1:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a lunch and join them, or just stop by to say hi! And remember that their beautiful

handcrafted items are for sale throughout the year.

Valentine’s Day Luncheon after Worship Sunday, February 10th – Please join us after Worship for a Valentine’s Day Luncheon, hosted by Jim Paulson. It’s also Jim’s 80th birthday so come celebrate with us and there WILL be cake!

Young at Heart’s Luncheon Young at Heart’s will meet for a Valentine’s Day luncheon

on Wednesday, February 13th, 12 to 1:30 pm at the Clackamas Olive Garden. Contact Cyndi Lewis-Wolfram at (503) 756-1966 with questions.

Book Club – Monday, Feb. 18th The Book Club will meet on Monday, February 18th 10:15 - 11:45. We will be reading any book by Linda Castillo. Contact Peggy Soliday with questions - psoliday@comcast.net / (503) 305-8824.

Game Night – Fri. Feb. 22nd – 6pm Join us for Game Night on Friday, February 22nd from 6 to 8:30 pm – you are welcome to bring snacks to share and your favorite game!

Art & Spirit Circle Thank you Marsha Miller for hosting January’s evening of grown-up coloring; it was well attended and lots of fun! Stay tuned for information on February’s Circle date.

Host St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon?

Would you like to host a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon on Sunday, March 17th? We’re looking for an organizer/host for this annual

luncheon. If you are interested, please contact Lori Prouty at (503) 522-1034 or email web@c-ucc.org.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study 9:20 am – We are finishing up the book of Enoch, followed by the book of Genesis.

Tuesday Bible Study with Pastor Adam 12 to 1:30 pm. Join Pastor Adam in his office each Tuesday from 12 to 1:30 pm for studies covering chapters for each following Sunday:

February 3: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 4:21-30

February 10: Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13], Luke 5:1-11

February 17: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 6:17-26

February 24: Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Luke 6:27-38

You Can Help Deliver Our Message! Our community needs to hear our message! As a reminder, here are a couple important things we can do right away to spread our message of God’s love and justice for all people.

Facebook. Please rate and leave a review of the church on our Facebook page. Tell people what you love about CUCC. Also, please like and consider sharing the posts on the church’s page. Visitors often go to a Facebook page when researching. The more likes and reviews we have, the more likely people will be encouraged to come.

Rate CUCC on Google. Simply Google Clackamas United Church of Christ. The Google search will bring up our church. On the right-hand side, you will see pictures of CUCC. Scroll down and you should see a link to “Write a Review.” Click there and you should be able to write a review. If you like us, give us five stars. The review will also allow you to post a picture. If you have a picture of members of the church smiling and looking happy, please post it there, too.

Annual Meeting Highlights: Health Care Resolution &

2019 Budget Approval The CUCC annual Congregational Meeting was held on January 26th with the following highlights:

We are proud to announce that Clackamas United Church of Christ unanimously passed a resolution in support of Universal Healthcare for All Oregonians!

We reaffirmed our commitment to provide economic justice in line with our conference wage guidelines for Pastor Adam and our two contract personnel.

Treasurer, Peg Soliday, cited that in 2018 it required an average of $9,564 per month to maintain CUCC and 2019 will be slightly higher. In light of this, please remember to keep your offerings regular throughout the year so that we can continue to do all of the good things that we do at CUCC.

mailto:psoliday@comcast.netmailto:web@c-ucc.org

The 2018 year-end financials were reviewed and the 2019 proposed budget was presented and unanimously approved. A copy of the budget is available at church, or contact Peg Soliday at psoliday@comcast.net to request an electronic copy.

The following list of 2018 Benevolences represents the various missions, designated funds and in-kind gifts paid out in 2018. Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting! Meeting Minutes will soon be available.

Have You Paid Your Per Capita Dues Yet?

Help us to reach 100% of our Per Capita dues (denominational dues that we pay per member at Clackamas UCC). At $14 per member, so far we’ve received $521 (39%) and have another $813 to go! Please pay your dues by marking your check with “Per Capita” in the memo section, or pay online.

It’s a Win-Win with Fred Meyer Did you know that Fred Meyer sends CUCC quarterly cash rewards based on people who link their rewards card to CUCC? It doesn’t cost you anything and you’ll still earn all of your rewards! Every time you shop with your linked Rewards Card at Fred Meyer, you will be helping CUCC earn a donation. And the more supporters who link their Rewards Cards to CUCC, the more we will earn. See the flyer on this page to link to CUCC, or by calling Fred Meyer Customer Service at (503) 652-4100.

Social Justice

Justice Event: LGBTQ Panel Discussion LGBTQ Panel Discussion @ CUCC

As part of our monthly Justice and Witness series, CUCC invited a local LGBTQ panel to talk with us about their experiences in the Portland area. If you missed it, you can watch the entire event on the CUCC YouTube channel at this link. Please get informed! The panel included members from the following local and national organizations:

The Living Room, a Safe Haven for Local LGTBQ Youth http://www.thelivingroomyouth.org/ (volunteer info below) PFLAG, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays https://pflag.org/chapter/pflag-clackamas-county GLAPN, Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest https://www.glapn.org/ GLSEN, Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network https://www.glsen.org/chapters/oregon

Volunteer with The Living Room!

Do you want to help support LGBTQ+ youth in Clackamas County? Consider becoming a volunteer! RSVP to attend an upcoming volunteer training: Feb. 21st 6-8pm or Feb. 23rd 10am - 12pm Questions? Contact: elichia@thelivingroomyouth.org

Misc. Missions:

Community of Welcoming Congregations $100.00

Eastside Timbers Soccer Club Christmas Wreaths $450.00

Global Giving (Ca. Wildfire/Town of Paradise) $770.00

Interfaith Power & Light $30.00

Living Room $400.00

Project Start Right $50.00

$1,800.00

Funds Designated for Missions:

Clackamas Services Agency/Giving Tree $330.00

Endangered Species - Giraffe $550.00

King's Cupboard $110.00

Neighbors in Need $481.00

OGHS - One Great Hour of Sharing $609.00

Trick or Treat for Unicef $75.00

Water for Life $700.00

$2,855.00

OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission) $2,600.00

Total Mission Giving $7,255.00

In-Kind Gifts:

School supplies for the N.Clackamas School System's Start Right program.

Many boxes of adult and kids books for the Clackamas Bookshelf.

Donation of blankets, socks and other warm clothing to Clackamas Service Center

throughout the year.

Thousands of pounds of food donated to King's Cupboard throughout the year.

Fundraising New Road Sign $12,323.00

Total Sign Fundraising $12,323.00

Total Mission Giving $7,255.00

Total Mission & Fundraising $19,578.00

CUCC

2018 Missions / Designated Fundraising

mailto:psoliday@comcast.nethttps://c-ucc.org/giving/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMHfnamKTTE&t=14shttp://www.thelivingroomyouth.org/https://pflag.org/chapter/pflag-clackamas-countyhttps://www.glapn.org/https://www.glsen.org/chapters/oregon

February Calendar Sundays at Clackamas UCC Bible Study: 9:20 am – continue study of Enoch. Worship: 10:30 am

During Worship: Youth are dismissed for Sunday school.

Pastor Adam’s Appointment Hours: Pastor Adam generally has open office hours on Tuesdays from 10-12. He may have meetings in town during this time, so it's always best to make an appointment. To do so, please contact Adam at adam@c-ucc.org, or call (503) 654-0741.

Pastor Adam's Tuesday Bible Study Schedule:

February 3: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 4:21-30

February 10: Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13], Luke 5:1-11

February 17: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 6:17-26

February 24: Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Luke 6:27-38

Wednesdays at Clackamas UCC

Trustees Meet: 1st & 3rd Wed. of each month at 9 am. Women’s Circle: Meets from 10 to 1:30 pm. Choir Practice: Meets from 6:50 to 8 pm.

Sunday, February 3rd – Communion

Saturday, February 9th – 11 am Pastor Adam’s Official Installation, followed by a Potluck

Sunday, February 10th – Valentine’s Day Luncheon hosted by Jim Paulson (it’s also his 80th birthday!)

Wednesday, February 13th – 12 to 1:30 pm Young at Heart’s Luncheon at Clackamas Olive Garden

Sunday, February 17th – A service of Spirituals/African American hymns in recognition of Black History Month (Adam is off today)

Monday, February 18th – Book Club 10:30 to 11:45 am

Friday, February 22nd – Game Night 6 to 8:30 pm

Sunday, February 24th – Calling & Caring meeting; Newsletter deadline

Sunday, March 3rd – Communion; One Great Hour of Sharing offering begins

Wednesday, March 6th – Self-Guided Meditative Ash Wednesday Service 11 to 1 pm; 1st day of Lent

Sunday, March 10th – Daylight Savings 2 am Spring Forward; Water for Life offering begins; Council meets

Sunday, March 24th – Newsletter deadline

Pastor Adam’s Official Installation Ceremony Saturday, February 9th - 11 am

February 2019

March 2019

EVENT!

mailto:adam@c-ucc.org