March Newsletter

E-Newsletter for March 2018

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Southminster Presbyterian Church

An inclusive, welcoming community of Christian faith.

March 2018 E-Newsletter

What is the E-newsletter?

Subscribers will now receive a digital version of our monthly newsletter. Don’t worry–if you like receiving the paper newsletter, we are still sending them out. We know many of you love getting them in the mail, and that’s great! But, we have had some feedback that an e-mailed version is perfect for some.

If your paper newsletter usually winds up in your recycling bin (we are not offended), please sign up HERE to opt-in to receive the online version only. You will no longer receive paper newsletters monthly, and you’ll be saving some paper and ink.

Pastor John

Dear Friends,

Every now and then someone comes along and reminds me that the wisdom tradition of Jesus, in short, Christianity, has something to offer a species that is hell-bent on being hell-bent. Homo sapiens (wise human) may or may not be “wise” but we are tech-savvy. In his most recent book, (Resurrecting Easter: How the West Lost and the East Kept the Original Easter Vision), John Dominic Crossan writes:

“Granted that our species can now destroy itself atomically, biologically, chemically, demographically, and ecologically-and is only up to e in the alphabet-what does Anastasis offer to Evolution?”

Anastasis, (literally up-rising) is not just the resurrection of Jesus the individual, nor is it life from natural death, it is resurrection as bold, non-violent resistance to the escalatory violence of civilization symbolized by crucifixion. As the up-rising Jesus steps on the bound Hades, he brings forth from death itself Adam and Eve (the human species). Crossan writes:

“This is the function and meaning of the universal resurrection image. Violent revolt against violent injustice is understandable, but even if defensible, it causes the escalatory spiral to continue or even intensify. Pacifism is a sacred witness to nonviolence, but even if it is viable for enough people, it may also invite more of what it opposes and worse than it expects. Nonviolent resistance, planned, organized, controlled, and universalized, hopes to detour the trajectory of escalatory violence along a route other than what now looks inevitable.”

It is a vision of universal, participatory hope.

He is Risen and Rising Indeed.

Blessed Be,

John

Southminster Life Events

Super Wednesday Schedule

Super Wednesdays are an inclusive group who gather for discussion and friendship. As we are finding through research, friendships and socialization are imperative for maintaining a strong mind as we age. However, it’s never too early to start! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in regardless of age. The broader the span, the healthier the perspective. Come have a cup of coffee or tea and join the shared camaraderie. You’ll be glad you did. There is no commitment, just drop in Room 7, at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Mar 7 – Movie Day – A Dog’s Purpose: A devoted dog (Josh Gad) discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of five decades, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan (Bryce Gheisar). As the boy grows older and comes to a crossroad, the dog once again comes back into his life to remind him of his true self.

Mar 14 – game day

Mar 21 – coffee & conversation

Mar 28 – bulletin folding

Book Readers Group

The March selection for SPC Bookclub is The Last Indian Wars: The Nez Perce Story by Elliot West. West begins with the early history of the Nez Perce and their friendly relations with white settlers, through the numerous injustices by the U.S. government, acts of courage, the 1,500 miles of flight across mountainous and difficult terrain, and an unforgettable portrait of the Nez Perce War of 1877 including Chief Joseph’s speech of surrender in which he said, “I will fight no more forever.”

One reason for choosing this book is that a Native Led Ride for Healing and Reconciliation is a trip in the planning stages for 2019 from the Columbia River to Washington, D.C. The Mission Committee has decided to find out more about this and explore SPC’s possible involvement.

Ancient Mariners

The March gathering for Mariner’s will be at the home of Pat and Doug Eddy on March 16 starting at 6 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share and beverage of choice. A reminder e-mail with RSVP information will be sent out closer to the event date.

Water 2 Wine – Field Trip

Our next meeting of Water 2 Wine is scheduled for Sunday, March 11th at 2:00 p.m. at Utopia Winery in the Valley. 17445 NE Ribbon Ridge Road, Newberg, Oregon 97132.

We will be enjoying the wine from Utopia as the winemaker explains his craft and how he comes to make his wines. There is a $10 tasting fee which if you end up buying some of his wine or joining the wine club will be waved.

While we all learned a little more about wine, we think that the best part of the group is meeting fellow Southminsters in a relaxed social setting and getting to know each other better. As a reminder, please RSVP to water2wine_smp@yahoo.com so we can give him a head count, just bring yourself, no glasses only a snack if you have special needs.

Adult Ed. Book Group – March 6th

The second meeting of the Tuesday Night Bookgroup will be held on March 6th at 7:00 p.m. The book selected for discussion is White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson. All are welcome to come and share their reflections about this powerful book. For more information please speak to Janet Cruz or John Shuck.

Worship Schedule

March 4 Third Sunday of Lent/Worship Among the Art

Takeaway: Love Never Ends

SYNOPSIS: As we worship among the beauty of art, we meditate on this most beautiful text in scripture that reminds us that love is the greatest gift. Love does not end. Beyond wisdom or skill, even beyond faith or hope, it is love that holds us together in the creative artwork of God.

March 11 Fourth Sunday of Lent

Takeaway: Be Not Afraid of the Light

SYNOPSIS: In this famous encounter in John’s Gospel, Jesus urges Nicodemus to lean into the Light. We need not be afraid of the Light, because the Light comes from Love. Whatever we might be ashamed of, that we would rather keep in the dark, the Light from Love neither judges or condemns, but forgives and liberates.

March 18 Fifth Sunday of Lent

Takeaway: We trust that our lives are seeds

SYNOPSIS: The spiritual life is one that recognizes that we don’t get to see the end or the results. We must trust and plant seeds, even be seeds, that will grow beyond our knowing, beyond our direction, beyond our planning. The wisdom of the Gospel of John’s Jesus is that we must let go of our lives to be a seed for new life. Bell choir plays.

March 25 Passion/Palm Sunday – Communion and Eco Palms

Something About Jesus Discussion

John will be leading a class for Lent entitled, “Something About Jesus.” Based (looslely) on new books by John Dominic Crossan (Resurrecting Easter), John Shelby Spong (Unbelievable), Bart Ehrman, (The Triumph of Christianity), and David Skrbina (the Jesus Hoax), John will facilitate a discussion on discovering and finding a Jesus worth following. There is something about Jesus that can change our perspectives, perhaps even our commitments. What is that something? There is no need to have read the books beforehand. John will present brief summaries for the purpose of discussion. Tuesdays, March 13, 20, and 27. 7 p.m. Room 7. Bring a friend.

Family Promise Week

Family Promise week will be March 11th – March 17th. If you’re new to the program, Southminster hosts a homeless family at night for one week. It’s never too late to get started volunteering! As always, we need overnight hosts and people to help make/serve dinner. You can click here for the sign-up. Please contact Liz or Kathy Ayers with any questions.

Keeping in Prayer

Please keep in your hearts and prayers:

Joyce Aney has entered hospice care

Kate Nelson and her wife, Dot

Ottis Rechard is recovering from a fall

Don Prescott is now at Hearthstone 12520 SW Hart Rd, Beaverton, Rm. 103

Lou Balmer

A special thank you:

A heartfelt thank you to friends who sent good wishes, prayers, and offers of running errands for me these past months. I truly appreciate all your help and good thoughts.

Love and prayers to you for your caring,

Marilyn Adkins

Also, our Facebook group page is a great place to share prayer requests, post events, pics, and connect on-line. It is a private group and you must be a member to see and to contribute posts. Contact John or Liz if you need assistance. The website is

https://www.facebook.com/groups/southminstershare/

Our Visitation Team is active and visiting with those who are unable to attend worship. If you know of someone who might like to have this connection with the church contact John.

Progressive Spirit & Beloved Community Podcasts

The main web page is www.progressivespirit.net. From there you can find many links to download podcasts such as iTunes. During February, interviews were posted with…

The Exodus: How It Happened and Why It Matters

Many of us have grown up watching The Ten Commandments on television. Each year we would watch Charlton Heston kill an Egyptian, rescue Midianite damsels, confront the Pharaoh with amazing miracles and the lead the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt and through the Red Sea. Is the whole thing fiction? Did the exodus even happen? Premier biblical scholar, Richard Elliot Friedman makes the case for the exodus as an event in history. He is the author of The Exodus: How It Happened and Why It Matters. Plus I speak with the creator of the radio show, Keeping Kurrent, Wayne Potter and Pam Brown. They share their observations of Israel/Palestine from a traveler’s perspective.

Richard Gage AIA, The Activist Architect

Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth (AE911truth) now has nearly three thousand professional engineers and architects calling for a new investigation into the destruction of the three World Trade Center towers on 9/11. Founder of AE911Truth, Richard Gage, AIA talks about the history of the movement, the basic facts, and the big question: will Americans ever be able to accept truths that upset their image of the world? Mr. Gage is betting they can and that Building Seven will be the eye-opener.

Vision Action Network with Glenn Montgomery

John Shuck speaks with Glenn Montogomery. He is the executive director of Vision Action Network. The mission of Vision Action Network is “to engage stakeholders across sectors to collaboratively address critical issues in Washington County.” Some of those issues include income inequality, cultural diversity, and housing and houselessness. We will also discuss initiatives such as Washington County Thrives that “is focused on a comprehensive, long-term investment strategy in proven programs that support people on their path to self-sufficiency.”

Matter and Desire: An Erotic Ecology

Andreas Weber is a Berlin-based philosopher, biologist, and writer. He holds degrees in marine biology and cultural studies. He proposes the development of a “poetic ecology” which intimately attaches our species to every being and underpins the entire range of human experience. He argues that feelings and emotions, far from being superfluous to the study of organisms, are the very foundation of life. Weber regularly contributes to major newspapers and magazines, such as National Geographic and has won a number of awards for his writing. His latest book and our subject today is Matter and Desire: An Erotic Ecology.

Legacy Giving

How to Make a Legacy Gift

Please consider a gift to Southminster Presbyterian Church, a gift with an immediate impact, and/or to the Southminster Presbyterian Foundation, a gift that keeps on giving.

Ways to Give:

Give Now

Appreciated Securities (or other assets): Give appreciated securities in the form of common stock or as mutual funds.

Real Estate: Deed real estate outright to Southminster or through a Bequest.

Gifts that Pay Income

Charitable Remainder Trust: Place assets into an irrevocable Charitable Trust that provide you a fixed (Annuity Trust), or variable (Unitrust) income for life, or for a set term.

Charitable Lead Trust: Distribute income payments from assess to Southminster for a set period of years, after which the assets are transferred back to you or to your Trust’s beneficiaries.

Give Later

Bequest: Retain an asset during your life and use it to provide support to Southminster after your lifetime.

Retirement Plan Assets: Name Southminster as beneficiary on an asset lets you pass the asset tax-free to Southminster, which can help your heirs to avoid taxation.

Bank or Investment Account: Leave a legacy gift of a financial account to Southminster.

Life Insurance: Designate Southminster as a beneficiary.

Pick up a Legacy Giving Brochure in the Narthex. See John Shuck or Greg Jones for more information.

Tualatin Valley Community Band Spring Concert

Tualatin Valley Community Band presents it’s spring concert on Sunday, March 18 at 3 p.m. at the Deb Fennel Auditorium at Tigard High School. As always, our concerts are free, but good will donations are greatly appreciated. Sandy Ruff plays in the flute section.