September 22, 2016
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the first day of fall!
For churches it’s the season of Sunday School kick-offs and new Bible studies. For families it’s back to school time, and for grocery stores, it’s time to sell Halloween candy two months early.
For today’s UM Connector, it’s time to be reminded about business rules, how we can be prepared to respond to a disaster, and to reflect on the world we live in.
Grace and peace to you,
Greg Nelson, Director of Communications
CONFERENCE NEWS
Labor rules may affect church employees
Recently announced changes to the rules that implement the Fair Labor Standards Act may affect some employees of local churches. The rule changes announced by the Department of Labor take effect December 1st and relate to overtime pay and minimum wage requirements for “white collar” employees. The final rule strengthens protection for workers by increasing the standard salary level for qualification for overtime exemption from $455 per week ($23,660 per year) to $913 per week ($47,476 per year).
Read more and find links to support materials on the conference website.
AROUND THE CONFERENCE
Early Response Team training offered October 22
Lake Oswego UMC’s Emergency Preparedness Team is sponsoring UMCOR’s Early Response Team(ERT) training on Saturday, October 22.
Learn to help survivors of disasters in the early days following a disaster. This all-day training will focus on learning the language of emergency response, practical things that can be done to help survivors be safe, sanitary and secure, and a brief introduction to spiritual and emotional care. The church is located at 1855 South Shore Blvd., Lake Oswego, OR 97034. This training is open to anyone interested in this ministry (UMC or not). $25 fee includes lunch and materials. Optional certification at the completion of the class requires a background check and safe sanctuaries training (this will be discussed at the class). A minimum of 10 participants is required to hold the training, so if you are interested please register online soon. If you have questions about this training, please contact Becky Platt, Conference UMVIM Coordinator, at beckyplatt1@peoplepc.com, or Sally Blanchard, co-chair of LOUMC’s Emergency Preparedness Team, at sally.blanchard@comcast.net.
Knitted Together in Love Connects
Needleworkers and Prayers
There's still space available at the Collins Retreat Center's Knitted Together in Love retreat, October 14-15. This is a welcoming and relaxing 24-hour getaway that offers the opportunity to knit (or crochet) in the company of other delightful folks, in the beautiful setting of autumn in the woods. The focus is on creating prayer shawls and sharing information about prayer ministry, but in reality, any needlework project, as well as any level of skill (including beginners), are welcomed. The retreat is expertly led by the Rev. Janine DeLaunay. Participants can arrive any time between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon, and then experience delicious meals, comfortable accommodations, and gracious hospitality. Bring your favorite yarn, needles, a pattern or two to work on and share, and your intention to be filled with the spirit of love and joy!
To download a flyer and register online (deadline is Oct. 4), visit the Collins Retreat Center website.
AROUND THE GLOBE
Oliveto video shares history and values
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For many bishops around the United Methodist Church, September is “getting to know you“ time. For Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky area there is the extra challenge of being the first openly lesbian person elected as a bishop.
This week she began a tour of her new area that includes the Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain conferences, stretching from Utah to the Canadian border. To help people get to know her, a video has been produced that shows her history, gifts and values. It will be used as she tours the area and be shared online via social media. Watch the video and read more about it's creation.
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A bus ride out of segregation
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — When the new National Museum of African American History and Culture opens Sept. 24 on the National Mall in Washington, one of the permanent exhibits will include part of a 1968 Volkswagen bus owned by Esau Jenkins, a devout United Methodist and civil rights activist from Charleston. His children and other family members will take part in the opening festivities. Read the rest of this United Methodist News Service story.
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Church families rescuing, rebuilding after floods
Congregation aids in resettling Syrian refugees
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. (UMNS) — During Advent 2015, former Michigan Area Bishop Deborah Kiesey urged churches to “welcome the stranger” by helping to resettle Syrian refugees. One of the first to accept the challenge was First United Methodist Church of Birmingham. Read the rest of the story on the Michgian Area website.
Bishops, cabinets focus on vital congregations
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (UMNS) — U.S. bishops and their extended cabinets will gather Nov. 2-4 to focus on building strong and vital congregations. Similar gatherings will be held in Europe, the Philippines and two locations in Africa. Read the press release.
RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Save the date: Giving Tuesday, November 29
Once again the Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church will be part of #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday has grown as a response to the “black Friday” and “cyber Monday” shopping days after Thanksgiving Day. Last year nearly 6,000 donors from 27 countries donated $2.8 million through The Advance to support mission and ministries around the world on the day.
Those who give are encouraged to share the opportunity and invite others to join using the social media hashtag, #GivingTuesday.
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50 ways to take church to the community
Churches can no longer open their doors and expect that people will come in. Effective congregations go into the world to encounter those in need of the gospel. These 50 Ways provide tips on reaching beyond the walls of your church with worship, community events, ministries, and service. See the list on the Lewis Center website.
IN REMEMBRANCE
Dorothy Groves
June 18, 1924 – September 18, 2016
Dorothy Groves, widow of retired pastor Meredith Groves, died September 18, 2016. She is survived by sons Jay, David and Alan, daughter, Linda Crenshaw; and five grandchildren.
Reverend Groves served Boise First, Eugene First, Albany and Canby in the Oregon – Idaho Conference. He retired in 1991.
The date and time for a memorial service have not been determined.
Friends may contact Linda Crenshaw at 2442 Kentia St., Oxnard, CA 93036-8509.
Elaine Stanovsky, Bishop
Dan Wilson-Fey, Conference Treasurer and Benefits Officer
RETREAT and CAMPING CONNECTION
Both Magruder and Suttle Lake Meet Their Gray Foundation Goals!
Recognizing that camps hosting outdoor education programs for 6th graders have ongoing maintenance needs that outdoor school camp fees cannot cover, the Gray Family Foundation awarded $35,000 2-for-1 matching grants to several Oregon camps including Oregon-Idaho Conference’s Camp Magruder and Suttle Lake Camp. Both sites succeeded, raising more than $17,500 each (Suttle Lake exceeded their goal by $5,000!) to meet the requirements for the 2 for 1 match.
Facilities alone don’t make a camp, but they are key to providing a safe stage where wonderful weeks of camp can unfold. Thankfully we are also blessed with wonderful leaders, the beauty of creation, joyful campers, and plenty of opportunities for campers to try new things and experience God’s love in community. Together, these elements make up the camp experience.
It is our hope that these improvements will contribute to the comfort, safety, and long-term needs of the camp, enabling guests and outdoor school students alike to continue to explore, learn, and grow in these special places set apart for the purpose of reconnecting with the natural world and each other.
These project funds are not for future new development at the camps, but if you would like to contribute to either Magruder's or Suttle Lake's development fund, click here!
--Troy Taylor and Jane Petke, Directors of Camp Magruder and Suttle Lake Camp, respectively
COMMENTARY
Dr. Sheron C . Patterson
... Often it is like holding the reins of two strapping horses who want to charge off in opposite directions. I cannot let go of either set of reins. Holding on threatens to rip me in half. I feel the anger, frustration and fear of both....
