PUBLICATION OF

WEST LINN

LUTHERAN

CHURCH The Walk MAY

2015

In This Issue

� Mother’s Day Message

SEE PAGE 2

� Congregational Member

Highlight

SEE PAGE 7 Next Deadline

for The Walk Articles is MAY 15, 2015. Please submit copy to

wllcoffice@wllc.org.

West Linn Lutheran Church

invites all people into a trusting

relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Campaign 360

For over 50 years West Linn

Lutheran Church has invited all

people into a trusting relation-

ship with God through Jesus

Christ. Our congregation has

contributed financially, com-

mitted their time and shown

amazing support on numerous

building and renovation pro-

jects in the past. Thank you!

You now have the marvelous

opportunity to open WIDE the

doors of our church and personally participate in future missions.

We’re journeying into a panoramic 360 degree view through those

doors!

Culminating in a Commitment

The Campaign 360 Commitment Celebration will be at both services

May 31 New Member Sunday

We will be recognizing and

receiving people who are becom-

ing members of WLLC on May 31

in both services. Let the pastors

know if you are interested in join-

ing.

Congregational Meeting

A congregational meeting may be

scheduled to review Capital Cam-

paign results and next steps on

projects. Council will

determine this on May 17.

RIC Sunday May 31 WLLC is host-

ing a special worship service cele-

brating becoming a “Reconciling

in Christ” (RIC) congregation.

The celebration service is at both

services on Sunday, May 31.

Come Join Our (RIC) Celebration!

Paul and Karen Jolly will be here

to present us with our RIC certifi-

cate. Paul and Karen have served

as Co-Regional Coordinators for

Reconciling Works in promoting

full inclusion of LGBTQ people in

the life of the Lutheran Church.

There will also be a celebration

gathering after the services.

FREE TOMATOES! A Gift That Keeps On Giving Every Mother’s Day one of our generous members here

at West Linn Lutheran Church, Chuck Geldaker, offers

tomato plants to mothers preparing their garden for

spring. The tomato plants are free, fabulous, and will

flourish in your garden. Come pick one up for your

mom or even take one for yourself!

Campaign 360

Commitment Celebration on

May 3 @ both services!

Followed by lunch at noon!

continued on page 2

CAMPAIGN 360 PLEDGES

(AS OF April 28, 2015)

22 PLEDGES=$139,800

A Perspective on Mothers/Women

From Pastor Donna’s Children

Page 2 The Walk

I’m not a huge fan of Mothers Day. Don’t get me wrong. I

love my mother fiercely. The same goes for those other

mothers in my life: mother-in-law, relatives, friends. The big-

ger issue is that there are so many other women in my life

equally deserving of praise. Women who are not currently

mothers and may never become mothers.

This is not to say that my siblings and I are not abundantly

grateful for all that our mother has done for us. We are

happy to sing her praises, and share some thoughts below.

And yet I feel it equally important to lift up those other

women in my life. Some of them are mothers, but others are

not and may never be.

My wife, who supports me day-in and day-out. Who is tire-

lessly devoted to making a difference in her career as a Social

Worker.

My sisters, both wickedly smart and talented. Each oozing

with passion for justice and equality. My sister-in-law, raising

two kids by herself and making beautiful music each and

every day. And my newest sister-in-law, who passionately is

putting other’s lives before her own working on the trauma

floor at a hospital.

My mother-in-law, who raised the love of my life and still to

this day saves lives and heals in her career as a nurse.

My grandmothers, one living and the other no longer with

us, who helped guide and shape their families to live just and

meaningful lives.

My women friends and colleagues who help me each and

every day with any countless number of problems, tasks,

complaints, etc…

Maybe I should retract my earlier statement. I am actually a

HUGE fan of Mothers Day, so long as I am able to institute

my own personal definition of ‘Mother’ to be ‘any amazing

woman in my life, without whom I would not be the person I

am today.’ While my own mother will always hold a special

place in my personal pantheon of important women, these

others should not be forgotten.

Campaign 360

continued from page 1

on May 3rd

followed by lunch. But don’t

hold back - turn in your commitment any-

time through the offering plate,

mailing, walking it into the office or online.

Your commitment can be a one-time

upfront gift and/or installments given over

two years. We can accept gifts by credit

card in the church office or online through

PayPal. The projects will begin as funds are

secured.

We are asking for your joyful commitment

to God’s purposes through Campaign 360.

West Linn Lutheran is filled with people like

you, ready to do TOGETHER what we can’t

do alone.

The success of this campaign will make our

building more sustainable, accessible and

useful for a wider range of congregational

and community groups. It will assist us in

sustaining healthy relationships with each

other and our community. Remodeled

bathroom facilities, updated lighting and

sound in the sanctuary, as well as an up-

dated kitchen, fellowship hall and new out-

door signage are exciting examples of what

is planned. We’ll set aside a portion of

what we raise for outreach purposes.

God calls us to grow beyond basic steward-

ship. Simplicity and generosity is the idea

of finding contentment in your life and set-

ting aside something extra to do God’s

work. Please be responsible and healthy

while prayerfully challenging yourself to dig

deep.

To make your commitment visit

www.wllc.org/campaign-360.html continued on page 7

The Walk

Confirmation Camp

July 26 to July 31 Camp Lutherwood is eager to have

WLLC youth come for Confirmation

Camp 2015! WLLC will be at the sec-

ond confirmation camp, July 26-July

31 . Pastors and staff will be partici-

pating. Let them know if you need

scholarship assistance. Confirmation

Camp is for those entering Grades 6

through Grade 9. Register at luther-

woodoregon.org/. Invite a friend!

The month of May is “Camp

Lutherwood Oregon” month at

WLLC. Camp Lutherwood Ore-

gon is our Lutheran Church

camp in Cheshire, Oregon. It has

been serving Lutheran congregations in Oregon and SW Washington

since 1959. Camp Lutherwood Oregon provides a full summer pro-

gram to people of all ages; including options like Family & Friends

weekends, Women’s Retreat, confirmation camp, high school ser-

vice camps as well as one week for Adults with

Disabilities.

Please consider

supporting Camp

Lutherwood Oregon by

signing up for a camp

this summer! Check

out the summer camp

programs on the right or at www.lutherwood.org and see

what camps you can be a part of this summer.

Camp Lutherwood Oregon Spring 2015 Work Days! You are invited to volunteer at Spring Work Days on May 2, May 23

AND June 6! Work days are the perfect way to lend a helping hand.

Lunch and snacks provided. Work Days begin at 9:00 a.m. and go

until about 3:00 p.m., overnight accommodation can be available

upon request. Please RSVP to our office by calling 541-998-6444 or

office@lutherwoodoregon.org

Page 3

May Outreach: Camp Lutherwood Oregon

Family Camp Weekend

(All ages are welcome!)

July 17-19

Retreat Leader: Rebecca Smith

Women’s Retreat

(women of all ages welcome!)

July 31-August 2

Retreat Leader:

Rev. Laurie Larson Caesar

Join Us for

Camp Lutherwood Oregon

Sunday on May 17

Meet part of the Camp Staff -

Charlotte and Thomas

CREW

(campers going into 11-12th grade)

June 28-July 3

CREW is a one week leadership de-

velopment opportunity for campers

entering their junior or senior years.

Camp Sign Up Night

May 3 @ 4:30pm Families are invited to attend

Camp Lutherwood Oregon Sign Up night here at church! This is a great

opportunity to coordinate dates with other families for camp this summer!

Night Owls Explorer 2

(campers going into grades 5-6)

June 28– July 3

July 4 @ 11 am to 4 pm Enjoy a barbecue lunch, pool,

games, climbing tower and of

course a parade!

October 3, 2015

Oktoberfest 2015

Save the date and join

Camp Lutherwood Oregon for two great events!

The Walk Page 4

COME JOIN US FOR

A WEEK OF FUN!

West Linn Lutheran is pleased to

welcome back the traveling staff

from Camp Lutherwood for four

days of Congregational Day Camp!

We had a GREAT time last year,

and we hope to see even more

children this year!

Day Camp with Lutherwood

includes awesome staff, crazy

worship, creative Bible

Encounters, new friends,

fabulous crafts, super team build-

ing activities and a week you will

not forget!

FEES

1/2 Day $30/child

Full Day $50/child A daily fee of $10 can be paid

for anyone not able to attend the

entire week. Registration fees can

be paid on the first day of Day-

Camp. Registration fees for a

family of three or more will be

discounted.

Scholarships available — just ask!

Email Jbeck@wllc.org

DAY CAMP

2015 WHAT

MATTERS

MOST

June 22-June 26 Day Camp will be for

Grades 1st-5th: 9:30 to 3:00

PreK and Kinder: 9:15 to 11:45

For more information contact

Jordan Beck at jbeck@wll.corg

To register:

www.wllc.org/daycamp.html

Leadership Team: We need

folks over 21 to be on the

leadership team. If you are

available to help please

contact Jordan in the office.

Volunteer training for all

counselors will be on June

21st after church!

Lunch will be served!

End of Year Open House

Sunday May 31 @ 9:30 am

Godly Players and their parents.

Come hear a story, share a feast,

and learn about what your child

has been exploring in Godly Play

this year.

Godly Play Training

Friday Evening and Saturday May

8th & 9th

Come be trained in Godly Play by

national and international trainer

Caryl Creswell at Trinity Episcopal

Cathedral in downtown Portland.

Email Jordan in the office if you’d

like to attend.

Planning Ahead for Godly Play

June 7th 9:30 am

Parents, Storytellers, Doorkeep-

ers! We’ve reached the end of

year one of Godly Play. Now it is

time to plot our course for the

next year, and reflect on where

we’ve been this year!

Godly Play Will Not Meet

May 3 & May 10

Two more sessions before our

summer break. May 17 & May 24

THANK YOU FOR ALL

THE EASTER CANDY DONATIONS!

SUMMER 2015

National Youth Gathering Our wonderful traveling commu-

nity of 16 people (4 adults and 12

kids) will be headed to Detroit MI

from July 13th-20th 2015.

WLLC NYG 2015 is...

• Cammie Tucker

• Alec Tompkins

• Chris Winjum

• Gabrielle Gundersen

• Jacob & Johnny Harvey

• Rebekah & Lukas

Dumestre

• Aubree & Josie Robins

• Chloe & Morgan Mankin

• Terry Bottemiller

• Sharon Tucker

• Jordan Beck

• Gretchen Dumestre

Prayer Partners: The church com-

munity accompanies the travelers

in spirit, and prayer, and via the

internet and social media. But in

addition to all of these accompani-

ments we are searching for 16 peo-

ple to be prayer partners with the

travelers. It’s a simple and wonder-

ful way to be connected to the trip.

For information contact Libby Isen-

see at jlisensee@hotmail.com

Page 5

Hot Dog Jokes

Told with Relish Expect the unexpected with

ComedySportz, the improv

comedy team that breaks all

the rules, coming to West

Linn Lutheran Church on

Sunday, May 17, 2015.

Dinner starts at 4:30 pm;

Showtime 6:00 pm

Comedy Sportz is an improvisational, spontaneous,

and interactive comedy show, geared for the whole

family! Actletes compete for laughs and points as

they make up scenes, songs, and spoofs right on the

spot. Every show is unique because everyone gets

involved. Audience members shout out cues to the

players that prompt the next turn of comic events.

Guaranteed to draw a laugh and to be family-friendly.

Come enjoy a “Michigan dog” dinner pre-show which

includes drinks and dessert.

• Adults $20, Students (age 17-9) $15, Free for those

age 8 and under

• Additional “Michigan dog” pre-game dinner and

auction are $5/person.

Comedy Sportz has traveled all over the world, and

now comes to West Linn Lutheran Church with a

spectacular one-night per-

formance. Get your tickets

now! Further information

can also be obtained by

contacting Jordan Beck

at jbeck@wllc.org or 503-

656-0110! This event will

benefit the West Linn Lu-

theran Youth headed to the

ELCA National Youth Gath-

ering this July.!

The Walk Page 6

WLLC at Oregon Synod

Assembly 2015

WLLC was well represented at the

Synod Assembly in Sunriver in

April. Voting members included Al

Demers, Carole White, Maureen

Davis, Pastor Tim and Pastor

Donna. Our youth voting member

was Rebekah Dumestre, who also

gave a report to the assembly as

one of the OLYO (Oregon Lutheran

Youth Organization) leaders. Yes,

Rebekah sat through all the ses-

sions of the assembly! Her

presence and presentation was

excellent!

Gretchen Dumestre helped set up

and staff the OLYO display table.

Lukas Dumestre was on the po-

dium with the OLYO report, too.

Jan and Gary Eppelsheimer were at

the event as participants in last

year’s Holy Land Accompaniment

trip. Gary constructed the slide

show that was a part the travelers’

report to the assembly. Another

trip sponsored by the synod is

scheduled for May 2016.

The assembly voted on 2 resolu-

tions: one creating a task force for

supporting ministry with the deaf

community, and one examining

how to make assemblies more ac-

cessible to young people and fami-

lies. The assembly also elected a

Worship in Park and Church Picnic @ June 7 @ 10:45 am

WLLC will gather at Mary S. Young Park on June 7 for worship at

10:45 am. Church Picnic Potluck Lunch will follow the service.

Please join us as we bless our High School & College Graduates and

share God’s grace in a beautiful outdoor setting. A blessing of bikes

is being planned too. A potluck picnic for the entire church family

will be held immediately following the 10:45 a.m. service. Hot Dogs,

Hamburgers, Buns & Grad Cake will be provided by the church.

Family and friends are welcome!

HELP US IDENTIFY WLLC HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

GRADS! CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE WITH NAMES!

The Diversity of Early

Christianity and

Later Heresies

led by Tom and Kevin Lenihan

The other followers of

Christ – from the early church

through the middle ages.

Exploring the wide range of

different beliefs of devout

persons all calling themselves

Christians.

NEW Series | NOW — MAY 24

ADULT EDUCATION | SUNDAYS FROM 9:30 - 10:30 PM

continued on back page>

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Training, led by Dr. Jeff Young is scheduled

for Sunday, June 14 from 9:30am-10:30am.

This training will allow us as responders to

practice fast and accurate defibrillation

within a safe training environment.

Currently WLLC has purchased one AED for

the upper level of our church. We have a

balance of $500 for our second AED for our

lower level. We only need $1000 more for

this unit. Consider donating towards this

important purchase!

The Walk Page 7

Come Cheer For Our Softball Team

We are back at Meldrum Bar in

Gladstone. It's not tool late to sign up! We

welcome all players of all skill levels to our

coed team (ages 14 and up). So far the team

has played one game. The May schedule is

as follows:

May 3rd—5:15 Meldrum Bar

May 31st—TBA

See a Piece of Italy For well over five centu-

ries, glass from the island of Murano, Italy

has been desired by collectors of all persua-

sions, from leading scholars to day-trip tour-

ists. Currently the Museum of Contempo-

rary Crafts is showcasing this glass. Next

door to this museum are three other well

known art galleries to wander through. In-

terested in visiting? Meet the at church

at 11:00 on Thursday, May 7. We'll car pool

and eat lunch on the way. Donations are

welcome at the museum. Call Julie at church

(503-656-0110) and leave a message for

Rich if you would like to come.

So this month, celebrate your Mothers, as well as the rest of

the amazing women in your life, the women who inspire you

and make your life complete. - Joshua Judd-Herzfeldt

Some Thoughts on our Mom

by Joshua, Rachel, Elizabeth and Mark

We are extremely grateful for all that our mother has done

for us, all the times she carted us around from one activity

to another throughout our childhoods; the nights spent

reading us to bed, keeping us engaged by switching out

character names for ours, as if she were describing some

grand adventure we had participated in; the countless hours

of road tripping with four kids; keeping us active and out-

doors with hiking, camping, and other activities; even those

trips to the grocery store where “I’ll just be a minute, I need

to get one thing,” turns into 25 minutes and three grocery

bags. She has inspired us to always reach for something

more.

Our mom is incredibly caring and inspirational. While we

were definitely the kids in church who brought books to

read and had to be tapped on the shoulder by the congre-

gants who sat behind us, we did often pay attention to the

stories and insight mom would craft into her sermons. She

drew inspiration from the stories around her, often times

sharing funny or silly things that we would do or say. She

wove our lives into the messages she passionately spoke

each Sunday. Her life in the church has also been an exam-

ple how to pave your way in a world that doesn’t always

show you the road.

Meet Al and Pat Gettel by Maureen Davis John Alfred Gettel was born on

April 30, 1921 in Canada. He was

born in the province of Saskatche-

wan, the closest city being Regina.

He was the son of Matilda and Karl Gettel. His name was

originally spelled ‘Goettle’, and was pronounced like

‘goat – ull’.

Congregational Members Highlight

To read the full story visit www.wllc.org/churchme.html THANK YOU FOR ALL

THE EASTER CANDY DONATIONS!

A Perspective on Mothers/Women continued from page 2

May Anniversaries 5 Bob & Janet Raes

10 Kevin & Jean Emch

18 Carol & Don Freeman

24 John & Mary Lou Olson

31 Gregory & Christine Lord

May Birthdays Gabrielle Gundersen 05 01

Craig Mc Ninch 05 02

Justine Babbitt 05 03

Nathaniel Capener 05 03

Lori Mueller 05 03

Ashton Woodard 05 03

Michael Woodard 05 03

Jonathan Klebaum 05 04

Sharon Cunningham 05 08

Jay Larson 05 08

Donna Woodward 05 08

Brenda Herman 05 09

Kerry Broadhurst 05 11

Verda Hopp 05 11

Jaysa Dewey 05 12

Patricia Gettel 05 12

Doris Clark 05 14

Dedi Juhala 05 15

Luke Basso 05 17

Scott Hatley 05 19

Gail O’ Donel 05 22

Ava Delanty 05 25

Jim Flachsbart 05 26

Ryan Mc Ninch 05 26

Bob Raes 05 26

Calvin Mankin 05 28

Kendra Ogden 05 28

Suzie Robins 05 28

Mark Gettel 05 29

Sarah Hatley 05 29

Hailey Tucker 05 29

Jenna Horton 05 30

Melanie Mc Ninch 05 31

Kristine O’Neill 05 31

• Karl Wright, President

• Kris Olson, Vice President

• Maureen Davis, Secretary

• LeAnn Beebehiser, Treasurer

• Kathy Lairson

• Sean Walter

• Melanie McNinch

• Suzie Budeau

• Greg Lord

• Greg Lenihan

• Neil Robins

Contact Us!

West Linn Lutheran Church

20390 Willamette Dr.

West Linn, OR 97068

Phone: 503-656-0110

Fax: 503-650-7936

Email: wllcoffice@wllc.org

Contact the Pastors

PASTOR TIM: 541-331-6838

Email: pastortim@wllc.org

PASTOR DONNA: 541-884-4935

Email: pastordonna@wllc.org

HOME: 503-882-3039

Pastor Donna and Pastor Tim

� M: 10:00-2:00 pm

� T: 9:00-4:00 pm

� W: 9:00-4:00 pm

� TH: 9:00-4:00 pm

� SAT: 9:00-Noon

� SUN: 7:00-Noon

Evening and other activities and

appointments as scheduled

Ministry Operations Coordinator

• M-TH: 7:30 am—3:00 pm

• working from home

( 503-655-5992)

Faith Formation Coordinator

• T: 10-5pm | W: 11-6pm

• TH: 10-5pm | F: 4 hours off site

• By appointment any time you like.

Staff Hours

2015 Council

Adam and Anna Robinson

and their sons

Ezra and Micah

welcome

Caleb Mark Robinson

born Friday, April 17

7lbs 13oz — 20.5 long

In the Stacks

at the WLLC Library The WLLC Library been given a $50

Barnes and Noble gift card. Please

e-mail Gretchen Dumestre at

library@wllc.org with your sugges-

tions! We are especially interested

in ideas for children's books.

We have received many generous

donations already this year. Some

of the books on the list are:

� Anne Frank's tales from the

secret annex : including her

unfinished novel Cady's Life,

� Have you filled a bucket today? :

a guide to daily happiness for

kids,

� Parenting in the pew : guiding

your children into the joy of

worship

For a complete list, including

summaries and call numbers visit

http://www.wllc.org/library.html.

Then, come check one out!

Synod Assembly continued from page 6

delegation of 10 people to be voting

members at the 2016 Churchwide

Assembly in New Orleans.

Bible “encounters” focused on the

assembly theme, “Tree of Life: Root,

Fruit, Scar”. Bishop Dave

conversed with Ron Brown, an

orchardist, about fruit trees and

Scripture. The guest speaker at the

Saturday banquet was Rev. Scott

Dunfee, St. Stephen’s Gladstone,

who recently returned from a

posting as head of chaplains in

Afghanistan. The DVD of these

presentations will be in the church

library.

Watch for reflections from your

voting members in next month’s

newsletter!