Jan. 10, 2017
Vol.6 Issue 1.2
Happy Ordinary Time! . . . Say, what?
We are re-entering Ordinary Time. In the secular world, it certainly feels that way. The holiday hoopla, vacation days, decor, and sales are all gone and it's time to get back to work. In the church calendar the term "ordinary" originally came from "ordinal" or "to count" as these are Sundays we simply count between the seasons of the church year, as in 1st Sunday after Epiphany and so on until Lent begins. But these weeks can feel ordinary in the more familiar sense, too. We got through Christmas, whew!, and now we have to start planning for Lent and Easter . . . the "ordinary" time in between can slip away from us and be filled with unexamined rote activity.
But, as
Howard Thurman's famous poem reminds us, this ordinary time is the time that Christians need to get back to work, too. How will you and your congregation fill this time with an intention to follow Christ into the world? Here are some opportunities to engage (and see DS Steve's comments below!):
- The Oregon Sanctuary Assembly in Portland was snowed out last Sunday. It is re-scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 15th. "Sanctuary is much more than providing a physical space for someone at risk of deportation....it is a strategy and set of actions for faith communities, faith-based organizations, and people of conscience."
- Several United Methodist Church agencies are encouraging congregations and individuals to host house/church parties for fellowship, food and discussions about how to RECLAIM THE COMMON GOOD on Friday, Jan. 20 (or at another convenient time). It is too late to register for the webinar today on how to organize a house/church party but a recording of the webinar can be viewed online after Jan. 10.
- The Interfaith Advocacy Day in Salem on Feb. 7th has the theme of "Raising Diverse Voices of Faith to Strengthen Oregon Communities." Oregon-Idaho United Methodist Women are joining this legislative advocacy day this year, rather than scheduling a separate event. Registration is due by February 1st. See article below.
Blessings,
Linda Grund-Clampit
Cascadia District Administrative Assistant
DS Steve Sprecher: We Have the Word of Hope
UMW Oregon Legislative Event is now Interfaith Advocacy Day
The Work of Christmas
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DS Steve Sprecher: We Have the Word of Hope
A new year always brings new opportunities we had not anticipated. That is certainly true for me. This is not quite the retirement I had envisioned for 2017! But since Bishop Stanovsky’s invitation to me, Peg Lofsvold has been sharing stories about vibrant ministries happening all around this district, and I am excited to join you on this journey. I celebrate Peg’s ministry with you and wish her well on her medical leave.
2017, more than recent years, is bringing new opportunities for all of us. For many reasons, we are faced with new realities we had not anticipated. The political and social landscape has changed dramatically across our nation. People are fearful about new attitudes of isolation, injustice and radical selfishness.
But these fears simply underscore the importance of our Christian message. We have the word of hope needed in this moment. In the midst of isolation, Christ offers us community. In the face of efforts toward greater inequity, Christ offers justice for all, especially for “the least of these.” Amid calls to radical selfishness, Christ calls us to radical love. As Mordecai said to Esther, we are called for just such a time as this.
In the days ahead, I invite you to stand proudly for the God of Love and the Christ of New Life. And I look forward to walking with you, however briefly, on this dynamic journey of faith.
In Christ’s peace,
Steve Sprecher
Editor's note: Rev. Steve Sprecher is serving as interim Cascadia District Superintendent after Peg Lofsvold began medical leave on Jan. 1st and until a new DS is appointed beginning July 1, 2017.
UMW Oregon Legislative Event is now Interfaith Advocacy Day
Oregon-Idaho United Methodist Women are doing new things. Instead of the Oregon United Methodist Women’s Legislative Event, they are collaborating with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon for their Interfaith Advocacy Day (IAD) Feb. 7, 2017 at the Capital in Salem. For the past 6 weeks, O-I UMW has played an active role in EMO's IAD planning committee. In joining with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon we will be working with other voices of faith.
As it states on EMO's web site: “There is strength in knowledge and strength in numbers. Join with others of diverse faiths for workshops on advocating for compassionate legislation regarding housing, hunger, healthcare, gun safety, climate justice, and wage equality. Then join in a march to the State Capitol, where we will make our faith voice heard in meetings with our state legislators. Together we can build a just, inclusive and hope-filled future for all Oregonians.”
REGISTER NOW! Cost: $20 general and $10 student with ID (includes continental breakfast, lunch and materials).
For more information
To register
The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.
"The Work of Christmas" - Howard Thurman, in The Mood of Christmas & Other Celebrations (1985)
