July 25, 2017
Vol.6 Issue 7.2
Summer plans
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While the calendar looks a bit sparse for July and August, we're actually very busy here in the district office. Tim is traveling the district, meeting with clergy and getting a feel for the new community (your communities!) where he will be doing ministry in partnership with you.
We're also planning the colloquy meetings for the year, and planning for the fall charge conferences. A mailing will go out this week with the charge conference schedule, so that you can get that on your church's calendar. Within the next three weeks, we'll have information available so that you can start preparing your reports.
How are you using this wonderful summer time to take a breath, ponder the big picture of your church life, and make plans for the new church year? (We all know that begins in September, not with Advent, despite what the lectionary says . . .) Be sure to take advantage of these lovely days to spend some time with God outdoors -- somehow the whispers of the Spirit are easier to hear there. It is not too late to register for camp yet this summer!
This week's newsletter focuses on opportunities to be in ministry with and for youth and young adults. Share this information with a young person you know! And then listen to what they have to say.
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| Thank you for your leadership in the local church -- that is where Jesus is touching lives -- through you! |
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Blessings,
Linda Grund-Clampit
Cascadia District Administrative Assistant
GBHEM has a college student devotional
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Connect with College Students
One thing you can do this summer that doesn’t take much time or board approval is to plan to support your students who will be going away to college this fall. While college is meant to be a wonderful opportunity and adventure, it is also a life transition that can be difficult to navigate and a time of vulnerability for young adults.
- Send the student’s contact information to the campus minister of the school they will be attending. This will give the campus ministry a chance to welcome the student and to provide support during the year. Your student will have a ready-made community! You can find campus ministry contacts at http://www.umoi.org/campusministries (within our annual conference) or http://findyourplace.herokuapp.com/#/universities for schools outside Oregon-Idaho.
- Share this devotional with your student. It provides seven days of scripture, reflection, and prayers that may be especially helpful at the beginning of a new school year. You can send it in an e-mail, or – even better – in a text.
- Get the mailing address of your student at school. Make a note on your calendar to send them an encouraging card about once a month. Yes, it is old fashioned – and it shows that you took the time to show that you care. That is priceless!
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Is God Calling You? Listen, Discern, Respond
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The United Methodist Church has a program called "Explore Calling" which seeks to support young adults as they listen for God's call in their life. The Explore Calling website is a wonderful resource for young adults and those who see gifts in the young adults in their lives: www.explorecalling.org
The Explore Calling programs offers a conference every other year. EXPLORATION is a three-day event for young adults age 18-26 to listen, discern, and respond to God’s call to ordained ministry and to explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church. This is an Exploration year, and it will be in Portland, November 3rd - 5th!
Exploration creates sacred space for young adults to be in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflection, and practical workshops as they discern whether God’s call on their life is to ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church and what faithful steps they can take in response. If you are or know a young adult who is hearing a call to ministry, this is a wonderful opportunity to be supported in discernment and exploring options.
Find out more at www.explorecalling.org/exploration. Registration before September 15th will avoid a late fee.
Don't miss this opportunity to explore relatively close to home!
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District Youth Coordinator Sought
The Columbia and Cascadia Districts are working together to create a position to connect and strengthen youth ministry at the local church level.
We are seeking a candidate to lead a pilot effort, engaging in a year of discovery and evaluation to determine how youth coordination can best support the needs of our regions and communities. This position will provide one staff person for the two districts with whom local youth leaders can connect for resources and support. This person’s primary work is to help, support and know the local youth leaders and communities.
For more information and to see the full job description, click here Questions and resumes can be directed to ministries@cumcpdx.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS
This week in the
Cascadia District
July 27
Communion at District office
Looking Ahead
August 5
RUM's summer gathering at Suttle Lake Camp
August 14-18
Spanish Language Immersion for Church Leaders, Beginning Level
August 17-20
School of Congregational Development - Atlanta
August 21-25
Spanish Language Immersion for Church Leaders, Intermediate Level
August 24
Communion at District Office
Sept. 20
All District Colloquy
Sept. 24-29
Transformations Prayer Retreat
Prayer Calendar
July 23-29
Bay City UMC
Pastor Dave Hurd
Lay Leader Roberta Bettis
July 30 - Aug 5
Bend FUMC
Pastor Dave Beckett
Lay Leader Sharon Van Dusen
See the full prayer calendar
Resources
Vital Conversations 3: Young Adults, Social Justice and the Church
The General Commission on Religion and Race has been producing video series to bring voices we may not find in our congregations -- but who are part of our church --to us in order to spark grassroots engagement. There are study guides available for each video talk to help small groups and individuals delve deeper into the issues.
The third series consists of 14 videos by presenters who are age 35 or younger and are activists, theologians, preachers, musicians, dancers, seminarians, and business entrepreneurs from Africa, Germany and the U.S. Each talks about the search for arenas that welcome, respect and engage expressions of faith, spirituality, ideals and community action.
You can find links to the videos at www.gcorr.org/vital-conversations-video-series/ Scroll down to find series 3 (or stop and explore series 1 and 2!)
Books Available
Peggy Luckman, a Cascadia District clergy person, has retired and has many books which she is willing to pass on to anyone who would like to have them. If you want to resource yourself or someone else as they explore ministry, this is a great opportunity!
If you would like to build your library, she has books about books of the BIble, pastoral encouragement books. building church community books, resource books, theologian writings, justice issue books, etc.
If you would like to go to her home (in Aloha) and look through her books, please contact her at 503-642-4650. If no one answers leave a message and she will call you back to arrange a time.
Contact us
DS Tim Overton-Harris
tim@umoi.org
District Lay Leader
Paula Sadler
jpcsadler@aol.com
District Administrative Assistant
Linda Grund-Clampit
linda@umoi.org
503-581-3969
Check out the Cascadia District webpage:
www.umoi.org/cascadia
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