Voice July 01 - Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

Voice • July 2001Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)names new co-ministersThe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) inOregon has called a clergy couple to serve asits new regional ministers. In February, theregional board unanimously extended a call to theRev. Dr. Douglas A. Wirt and the Rev. Cathy MyersWirt to serve as a regional ministry team for 38Disciples of Christ congregations in Oregon. Thetwo began their shared position as regional ministeron June 11.Ordained in 1983, both ministers have served incongregations in Oregon, northern California andArizona. As a couple, they have served together infour previous ministries, including their service ascommunity ministers for the Ecumenical Parish ofNorth and Northeast Portland.Doug Wirt most recently served as pastor ofFoothills Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Inaddition to his parish ministries, he has also givenstaff leadership to two ecumenical agencies, includingEMO’s NE Emergency Food Program.Cathy Myers Wirt most recently served as directorof Small Group Ministries and Women in Ministryfor Homeland Ministries, the general programagency of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)in the United States and Canada. Cathy is currentlywriting her dissertation for a doctor of ministrydegree at San Francisco Theological Seminary.Doug and Cathy are glad to be back in Oregon,working together and with the Oregon Disciples.They have been married for 21 years and have twochildren, Jacob and Rollie.United Church ofChrist conferenceminister installedOn May 19, the Rev. Gene Ross was officiallyinstalled as a conference minister forthe Central Pacific Conference of theUnited Church of Christ (UCC). Along with theRev. Dr. Héctor López, the Rev. Ross oversees thegeneral ministry of the conference, which includes53 churches in Oregon, southern Idaho and Washington.There are 8,400 members in the CentralPacific Conference.The Rev. Ross has a long history of service withEMO and other ecumenical and community organizations.He has served on countless commissions andcommittees and will serve on the EMO board ofdirectors in his new role. Ross is a recipient ofEMO’s Louise K. Hunderup award for his leadershipin ecumenical education. He has served with theUCC Central Pacific Conference for 23 years.ORegionalELCA bishop re-electedn May 5, the Rev. Paul R. Swanson was reelectedbishop of the Oregon Synod of theEvangelical Lutheran Church in America(ELCA). He will serve a six-year term.Bishop Swanson has served in this role since 1987,and has been the only bishop for the Oregon Synod.The Oregon Synod consists of 123 churches inOregon and one in Tulelake, California. There are 65ELCA synods in the United States.The Rev. Paul R. Swanson3The Rev. Gene RossThe Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Wirtand the Rev. Cathy Myers WirtNPNM celebrates tenth anniversaryIn June, Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries(NPNM) celebrated ten years ofservice to the community. NPNM is aninterfaith, nonprofit agency whosepurpose is to initiate, develop and supportparish nursing/health ministries withincongregations and faith groups throughoutthe Pacific Northwest.A parish nurse/health minister is aregistered nurse who uses both nursingand spiritual commitment in a healingministry within a faith community.Since its inception, almost 1,000 parishnurses/health ministers have beentrained as a result of partnerships withhealth care systems, colleges anduniversities.For more information about NPNM,please call Annette Stixrud at (503) 413-2585.Global warming conferences mobilize and educate regionallyhe Oregon Interfaith Global WarmingCampaign’s first three regional conferencesT have been met with enthusiasm and excitement.The first event, held on April 29 in Medford,drew over 90 people. Local conference coordinatorthe Rev. Tim Tiffany observed, “We were reallyblessed to have participants from the Christian,Jewish, Unitarian and Buddhist communities ofsouthern Oregon. The input of the diverse faithperspectives revealed a broad commonality of visionfor the healing of the earth.” Congregations thatparticipated in the conference are meeting again inJuly to explore how they might work together to takeaction on global warming in partnership with EMO’sOregon Interfaith Power and Light (OIPL).On May 27, teams from over 25 congregations inthe Portland area came together to participate inconference entitled “Cool Congregations: Caring forOur Climate” at Congregation Neveh Shalom.Participants were inspired by hearing about congregationalprograms now underway to educate membersand help them take action. Models included analternative-transportation Sunday, educationalprograms for high school youth, green buildingprojects and the OIPL program.The effects of global warming on the land andpeople east of the Cascades, and how rural communitiescan benefit from addressing climate change,was the focus of the June 9 event held in The Dalles,co-sponsored with the Mid-Columbia Fellowship ofChurches. The conference, entitled “Is GlobalWarming Real? An Interfaith Forum East of theCascades,” also explored the scientific, religious andsocial aspects of global warming. According tospeaker Marc Sullivan of the Climate Project, ruralAmerica has the potential to lead a second ruralenergy revolution focused on energy-efficiency andrenewable energy. The first revolution was theestablishment of public power in the 1930s. Thisbroke the power of monopolies that were unwillingto bring electricity to rural areas. Sullivan said thatrural American is poised to lead, especially in theareas of wind development, solar energy and biomassfor fuel. These developments will bring new economicopportunities.More than 200 individuals have participated inthe regional conferences to date. The next regionalconference will be in held in Eugene this fall. Toparticipate in the work of the Oregon InterfaithGlobal Warming Campaign, call Jenny Holmes,campaign coordinator, at (503) 244-8318.

4 EMOVoice • July 2001Six graduates, five culturesOn June 13, EMO’s Portland InternationalCommunity School (PICS) honored itssecond graduating class. Graduationceremonies were held for six students, representingfive cultures. The diversity of the student populationis just one of the characteristics that makes PICS aunique high school. The alternative high schoolprovides students with individual attention and thesupport they require in order to succeed. All studentswork at their appropriate skill level and attend classesspecifically designed to best meet their needs.Graduating this term are José LaMorte, a Portlandnative who learned Spanish from his father, a nativeof Mexico; Steven Ngo, who was born in Portlandafter his parents arrived from Cambodia; TimCongratulations to the second graduating class ofEMO’s Portland International Community School.Front row (from left): Vienglath JohnPhanthalangsy, Eric Marco Gibbs, Timofei Kruzhkov.Back row: Steven Ngo, Juan Pablo Gomez, JoséAndy LaMorte.Patton Home offerslow-income housingwith a personal touchatton Home, located in the historic AlbinaPneighborhood of north Portland, is now acceptinglease applications for income-qualified adults whorequire some help with everyday living. To qualify forresidency, an individual’s annual income must notexceed 60 percent of the area mean, currently$23,000 a year or less. Generally, individuals alsoqualify for Medicaid assistance. However, at thistime, Patton Home is also accepting applications fora limited number of individuals who meet theincome requirement, but do not need special services.As an early sign-up bonus, EMO is offering a $100referral gift and free meals for six months to certainqualified individuals.Patton Home services include daily meals andsnacks, assistance with medication, laundry services,housekeeping services, assistance with medicalappointments, special diets as prescribed, andpersonal care. Qualified staff is on-site around theclock, and a registered nurse is on call.Patton Home also offers social and wellnessactivities planned around tenants’ interests andrehabilitative needs. Small pets are welcome at PattonHome, and a beauty shop is available on-site. PattonHome is fully ADA-compliant.For more information about Patton Home, please contactGary Logsdon at (503) 221-1054.Kruzhkov, a native Lithuanian who moved to theU.S. when he was seven; Juan Pablo Gomez, aPortland native whose mother is a native of Mexico;Eric Marco Gibbs, who was born in Germany andmoved to the U.S. in 1984; and Vienglath “John”Phanthalangsy, who was born in Beaverton shortlyafter his parents arrived from Laos.The new graduates came from diverse backgroundsand cultures, but all came to PICS due todifficulties they experienced in other educationalsettings. Problems these students faced includedattendance issues, a sense of social alienation, andcultural conflicts. They all found at PICS the supportthey needed to achieve success and earn their highschool diplomas.Each student now has avision for the future. José plansto learn construction skillsthrough an apprenticeship andeventually attend college tostudy computers or architecturaldrafting. Steven willattend Portland CommunityCollege (PCC) to study automechanics. Tim hopes to jointhe Air Force and eventuallybecome a commercial airlinepilot, so he can see the world.Juan’s ideas for his futureinclude the ChemeketaCommunity College’s firescience program or PCC’sseaman training institute. Ericwill attend PCC in the fall,where he would like to studyfilm and screenwriting. Johnplans to work and eventually go to PCC to becomean electrician or engineer.For more information about PICS, please call (503) 232-5334.Givingto EMOthroughUnited WayYou can now donate toEMO through United Waycontributions.Although EMO is not aUnited Way memberagency, individuals maydesignate our organizationas a beneficiary by selectingEMO in the “DonorOption” box on the UnitedWay pledge form.Please consider EMO asyour donor option.Celebrate Christmas in July and help hlittle gray food house onTnortheast 19th andKillingsworth is bustling withactivity in preparation for theannual Christmas in July fooddrive and hunger awarenesscampaign. Volunteers are cutting outornaments, putting together congregationalpackets, and wrapping gift boxes!Christmas in July, a project intendedto raise consciousness and commitmentto food ministry, directly engagescongregations in meeting the needsof our neighbors. The projectincludes a giving tree at each church,with ornaments indicating needed items for families whocome to Northeast Emergency Food in crisis. Throughoutthe month of July, parishioners replace the ornamentswith nonperishable food products, personal care itemsand monetary contributions. In addition, many churchesincorporate food and justice themes into worship services.Summer: A time to voluntePart of EMO’s ongoing mission is a commitmentto provide volunteer service opportunitiesin all EMO programs. In a variety ofprojects throughout the community, committedvolunteers are working in partnership with EMOstaff to touch the lives of more than 40,000 Oregonianseach year. As schedules change during thesummer months, EMO invites you to considervolunteer service at one of our community ministryprograms.HIV ServicesFor more information, please contact Lowen at (503)460-3822.• Support volunteer, HIV Day CenterProvide support to HIV Day Center staff inmeal preparation and serving, dishwashing andcleanup, phone answering, and ongoing clientservice. Time commitment: three hours perweek.• Driver, Daily Bread ExpressDeliver fresh, nutritious meals to homeboundpersons who are struggling with HIV-relateddisabilities in the Portland metropolitan area.You must have your own vehicle, a valid driver’slicense and insurance. Time commitment: twohours per week.• Kitchen assistantHelp wash dishes and prepare and pack mealsthat will be delivered to homebound individuals.Time commitment: two hours per week.NE Emergency Food ProgramFor more information, please contact Jennifer at (503)284-5470.• Host & food packerGreet guests, sort food, and pack food boxes forfamilies and individuals in food crisis. Timecommitment: three hours per week.Parent Mentor ProgramFor more information, please contact Sylvia at (503)231-3571.

Voice • July 2001as in July and help hungry neighborsThe theme for this year, “Sharing the HolidaySpirit All Year,” is intended to rouse compassion andgiving in a season with traditionally less focus oncharity. Historically, most of the program’s supportis concentrated around the Christmas season.The reality is that the need in the communityis constant throughout the year.Christmas in July offers congregations anopportunity to participate directly in alocal social ministry while ensuring anadequate supply of nutritious food fordistribution to our neighbors incrisis. All gifts received throughChristmas in July directly benefitfamilies and individuals served by theNortheast Emergency Food Program. We lookforward to the participation of several new churches in thissummer’s celebration of sharing! If you or your congregationwould like more information about participation,please contact Jennifer Core at Northeast Emergency Foodat (503) 284-5470 or by e-mail at nefp@emoregon.org.time to volunteer• Parent mentorsBecome a friendly support person for a parentwho is enrolled in a social service program toovercome addiction, domestic violence or someother serious problem. Time commitment: Oneyear, weekly contact by phone or in person.Qualifications: Mentors must be over 25 yearsold and experienced with children.• Graphic artist consultantConsult with program manager to design andproduce a poster to help recruit parent mentorsin the community. Time commitment: variable.Russian Oregon Social ServicesFor more information, please contact Natasha at (503)777-3437.• Computer teacherTeach refugees and immigrants basic computerskills. Time commitment: Once per week, twohours in the evening, for 12 weeks.Several EMO programsSeveral EMO programs are always looking for:General office volunteersESL tutorsVOLUNTEER PROJECTS FOR GROUPSDaily Bread Express (DBX)Assume responsibility for a DBX route, deliveringmeals on an ongoing basis.Hopewell HouseGroundskeeping projects.Sponsors Organized to Assist RefugeesFive to six people to sort through donations.(This is a one-time event.)Northeast Emergency Food ProgramGroundskeeping projects and inventory projects.HIV Day CenterPlanning an event for clients.For more information about volunteer opportunities, or tofind out more about EMO and its programs, call MindyBecker, human resource manager, at (503) 221-1054 orvisit our Web site at www.emoregon.org.MinistriesVolunteer mentor touches livesEMO’s Parent Mentor Program trains volunteermentors who offer mothers recovering from addictions ordomestic violence both companionship and practicalactivities so they can learn about caring for theirchildren and themselves. We celebrate our volunteermentors and share this example of the difference oneperson can make in so many lives. The clients’ nameshave been changed to protect their confidentiality.Sue hadn’t been raising a family and running abusiness with the aim of sharing her childraisingand career expertise with parents inrecovery from addiction, but these life experiencesreadied her for that valuable role. When she readabout the Parent Mentor Program in her churchbulletin in 1997, she phoned to learn more aboutour parent mentor opportunity. After talking withSue, the program staff concluded that her skills andunderstanding would be a precious resource for aparent with serious challenges.Parenting and recovery don’t necessarily gotogether—each demands all your time, all yourphysical energy, all your brain, and your entire soul.Sue, realizing this relentless truth, made herself aforce for positive change in the lives of three parentsacross three years’ time, giving a different aspect ofherself to each mom according to her needs.Sue first mentored Melody. During their timetogether, Melody completed residential drug andalcohol treatment at the Letty Owings Center andbegan a new life in an apartment with her infant sonand a partner. The partner became abusive in a fewmonths, and Melody had no clean and sober familyor friends. She also had serious health problems.Melody wanted a mentor as “a resource for learningclean and sober activities.”Sue has a background in accounting, whichproved valuable in helping Melody sort bills for thedebts she accrued during her addiction and create apayment plan. Interspersed with this task weresessions playing with Melody’s son. Melody had noone else with whom to “ooh” and “aah” over hisaccomplishments. Another reason Melody appreciatedSue’s company during these sessions was thatMelody had used drugs during her pregnancy andwas therefore vigilant about her son’s development.Sue helped Melody celebrate not only the baby’sgrowth but also her own success at abstaining fromdrugs.Mentoring offers a woman in recovery a healthyrelationship with a supportive adult.Sue’s next experience, with Tracy, was not aspositive. Sue stuck by her through treatment, relapse,jail and a work-release program. When Tracy relapsed,Sue switched from visiting Tracy in treatmentto visiting her in jail. One way Sue coped with thesadness was to keep her sense of humor and to lookat her jail visits as an “opportunity to learn.”The challenges of mentoring did not daunt Sue,but seemed to deepen her commitment. Now Sue ismentoring Lisa. After years of depending on alcohol,Lisa has built a sober support network from treatmentpeers, acquaintances, co-workers and participantsin 12-step meetings. Sue is a strong cord in thissafety net.Lisa says, “Sue is much more than a mentor—weare friends.” Sue’s style of friendship is not to dothings for Lisa, but to do them with her. For example,Sue not merely compliments Lisa, butreinforces her attempts to build her own confidence,working with her on making her new apartment intoa home. When Lisa regained full custody of her son,the judge came down from the bench to shake herhand, saying that she had never seen a more successfulcase, that the client had changed physically and inevery other way and should be a role model forothers.Lisa and the other mothers in this story tookcourageous steps to create family-friendly environments.Sue stood behind them with dependable,practical support for each step. This is not casualvolunteer work, but intensive commitment that takestalent and heart—a long-term volunteer job withlong-term benefits.If you are interested in becoming a parent mentor, pleasecontact Sylvia Hart-Landsberg at (503) 231-3571.Wooster students serve in PortlandMO is hosting three students from theCollege of Wooster (Ohio) for EMO’s UrbanE Semester program. During the summer, thestudents, Nathan Zahn, Bryan Wilson and AndrewGustave Bonito, will work in placements around thecity, focusing on how their job placements relate tothe urban environment.One intern, Gustave Bonito, is working withEMO’s public policy department. He hosted hisfellow interns for a day at the state Capitol in June.Interns met with Representatives Deborah Kafoury,Diane Rosenbaum, Mary Nolan, Steve March andJeff Merkley, and Senators Susan Castillo, VerneDuncan and Ginny Burdick. These urban representativesgenerously devoted time to discussing thestudents’ interests during the fast-paced closingweeks of the session. In addition, the interns spenttime observing floor debates and votes.The Urban Semester program as been a jointventure between EMO and the Urban StudiesDepartment of the College of Wooster for over 20years. Students are placed in local businesses andorganizations to explore various aspects of the urbansetting.Any business or organization interested in placing astudent for future semesters, please contact Rick Stoller at(503) 221-1054.College of Wooster summer interns (from right)Brian Wilson, Nate Zahn, and Gustave Bonito discusschallenges in the 2001 legislative session with Sen.Verne Duncan, R-Milwaukie and a former memberof the EMO board of directors, and Enid Edwards,EMO public policy director.5

6 Public Policy2001 legislative session updateCollaborative advocacyVoice • July 2001Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon continues toadvocate for just social and economic policiesat the Capitol both individually and throughseveral coalitions. EMO collaborates with other faithbasedadvocates in Salem, including lobbyists for theOregon Catholic Conference, Evangelical LutheranChurch in America, Jewish Federation and Churchof Christian Science on issues of common interest.Other coalitions EMO participates in include theCoalition for a Healthy Future, aimed at directingthe 1998 tobacco settlement monies entirely to lowincomehealth care; the Oregon Hunger ReliefTaskforce, whichidentifies policiesthat address hungerspecifically andpoverty generally;the Housing LobbyCoalition, whichseeks to expand thestate’s commitmentto preservation anddevelopment ofEnid EdwardsEMO public policy directoraffordable housing;the Oregon HealthCampaigning for fairnessContinued from page 1Virginia Robertson, Bishop Edward Paup of theUnited Methodist Church Oregon-Idaho Conferenceand Bishop Paul Swanson of the EvangelicalLutheran Church in America, along with othercommunity representatives. The rally followedgatherings for worship that morning at threechurches near the Capitol grounds—St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, FirstUnited Methodist Church andSt. Mark’s Lutheran Church.Approximately 600 peopleattended the worship serviceat St. Joseph’s Church, whereparishioners joined the callfor social and economicjustice in public policy.Approximately 350 peopleattended the two-hour campaignrally in the pouring rain.Participants represented the interestsof a broad coalition that included publicemployee unions, homeless shelters, food banknetworks, seniors, disabled Oregonians, child careadvocates, welfare rights organizations, county actionagencies, low-income housing advocates, hunger andhealth care advocates, and rural organizations.Throughout the morning, Oregon senators andrepresentatives, both Democrat and Republican, leftfloor debates to address the rally and call for restorationof funding for services to Oregon’s most vulnerablepopulations. Before leaving a Senate debate onposting the Ten Commandments in public schools,Senator Frank Shields announced the rally from thefloor, saying that he felt that “God would choosetoday to be outside, with the poor.”Postcards and paper platesA centerpiece of the campaign was a postcardmailing from churches and other organizationsthroughout the state—some of which wrote theirmessages on paper plates, to emphasize hunger inOregon. At the last count, more than 17,000CAMPAIGNforFAIRNESSAction–Expanded Access Coalition, which seeks toincrease funding directed to the uninsured andunderinsured; and the Oregon Human ServicesCoalition, which seeks to secure and protectfunding for services to Oregon’s most vulnerablepopulations, including seniors, children, andOregonians (including working families) living inpoverty.By the time you receive this issue of the Voice,most of the funding decisions on which EMO hasfocused will probably have been made. As of thiswriting, many of our key bills are “parked” in theJoint Ways and Means Committee, awaiting finalbudget negotiations with the governor’s office. The$600 million budget gap facing legislators thisbiennium was eased somewhat by the recentdecision to shave $106 million in federal Medicaiddollars from this year’s kicker refund. These Medicaiddollars are earmarked for low-income healthcare, which may affect how lawmakers view thedisposition of the roughly equivalent TobaccoSettlement fund. In addition, a number of tax reliefmeasures have yet to be decided, which, takentogether, may diminish the state’s budget by asmuch as $1 billion in the 2003–2005 biennium.postcards and plates had been delivered to statesenators, representatives and the governor. Staff fromEMO, the Oregon Catholic Conference, the OregonHunger Relief Task Force, the Oregon Association ofArea Agencies on Aging and Disabilities and theHuman Services Coalition of Oregon helped processand deliver many of the cards. We personallydelivered cards to every office inthe Capitol, from every district inthe state.Legislative responseThe Campaign for Fairnessgenerated visibility in theCapitol for issues that oftendie for lack of a concertedvoice. Wearing our Campaignfor Fairness buttons, socialservices advocates were regularlyasked questions such as, “Is the billyou are asking me to support a part ofthe Campaign for Fairness platform?” Weexpect to see some of our key requests in the finalbudget, and we are still working together to advanceother pieces of the platform. Specifically, we expectthat the Legislature will restore the $5-a-month cutin Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and wehope that $250,000 will be allocated for a foodstamp statewide outreach program that will leveragemillions of federal food stamp dollars. In addition,restored funding for senior services is expected.This extraordinary ecumenical effort has forgedimportant working relationships that will supportour policy initiatives in the future. Most importantly,this campaign depended on the efforts of manypeople. The Oregon Catholic Conference, inparticular, provided leadership throughout the effort.Many others contributed time, organizationalresources, and their willingness to endure a coldmorning in the rain. Without these contributions,there would not have been such a broad-based,highly visible campaign.Let’s abolishthedeath penaltyDeath penaltyinitiative filedark Hatfield, Norma Paulus and Dr. BillMConnor have refiled the Life for a Lifeinitiative for qualification on the November2002 general election ballot. This initiativewould replace the death penalty in Oregon withmandatory life in prison, without the possibilityof parole, and with restitution to victims’families. The EMO board of directors unanimouslysupports this initiative, based on ourmember denominations’ national policies, citing:1. the death penalty’s incompatibility withthe central themes of love and redemptionin the Old and New Testaments,2. the death penalty’s degradation of societiesthat condone it,3. the death penalty’s failure to deter capitalcrimes,4. the death penalty’s finality, despitepossible future findings of innocence,5. the death penalty’s requirement that westand in judgment of a human soul, andfind that soul to be beyond redemption,6. the death penalty’s high economic cost,and7. disproportionate application of the deathpenalty to low-income and minorityoffenders.During the coming year, EMO will facilitatesafe and respectful dialogue and opportunitiesfor personal discernment and action on thesubject of the death penalty. We look forward tosupporting the efforts of member denominationsto address the issue of the death penalty, and weplan to develop a resource document to assistwith congregational discernment. In addition,we will work with others to support an interreligiouseffort to promote quality education anddialogue on the subject of the death penalty. Wewelcome your involvement with these activitiesat any level, and we hope to hear from you.Please watch our Web site at www.emoregon.orgfor further information.o contact the Life for a Life campaignTheadquarters, please call Angela Harris,campaign manager, at (503) 249-1556.Initiative petition sheets are available (in anyquantity) upon request to the campaignoffice. For up-to-date information on campaignevents, including Sister Helen Prejean’svisit to Oregon in the fall, watch the campaignWeb site at www.LifeforaLife.org.

Voice • July 2001International church changes nameOn April 6, the international church knownsince the 1860s as the Reorganized Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints officiallychanged its denominational name to Communityof Christ.The issue of changing the denominational nameevolved over a long period of time. There was anexpressed desire for a name that more adequatelyrepresented the church’s theology and mission to“proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities ofjoy, hope, love and peace.” Community of Christreflects the denomination’s quest to be communitybuilders and emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ.Farmworker struggle continuesContinued from page 1The WFJ concluded with arally at the state Capitol inSalem, where supportersgathered to show theircontinued commitment tobring together workers andgrowers in the hopes of just amnesty.United Methodists suspend boycottt its annual conference in June, the Oregon-AIdaho Conference of the United MethodistChurch voted to suspend its boycott of NORPACFoods. The denomination had voted a year ago tosupport the boycott, which was started by PCUN in1992. Over the past year, the denomination hadbeen urged by NORPAC and farmers to reconsiderits position on the boycott.The resolution that was passed encouraged theestablishment of a private commission to oversee andmonitor collective bargaining and related issues. AnAnewly formed ecumenical foundation,Foundation for a Conference on Faith andOrder in North America, has called onChristian churches in Canada and the United Statesto gather in 2004 for a Second Conference on Faithand Order in North America.More than 75 church leaders, pastors, theologiansand other religion scholars have signed a statementendorsing the call, said the Rev. William G. Rusch,executive director of the Foundation for a Conferenceon Faith and Order in North America. Themeeting’s theme will be “The Church: Its Faith andIts Unity.”“Faith and Order” is the term used in church andecumenical settings to denote the part of the ecumenicalmovement devoted to the theological issuesthat keep churches divided, and to the quest forChristian unity.The Rev. Murray Smith, pastor of PortlandCommunity of Christ church, stated: “I was adelegate to the world conference of the church whenthis new name was voted upon. I must say that I amoverjoyed at this change because it is much easier torelate to individuals the mission and vision of thelocal congregation. The Portland congregation isvery much involved in community and shares with anumber of agencies in providing support to programsthat promote the dignity and worth of anindividual.”There are approximately 250,000 Community ofChrist church members in more than 50 nations.internal committee within the denomination wasestablished to assist with these issues as well.Lutherans continue courseOregon Lutheran Synod of the EvangelicalTLutheran Church in America reaffirmed thework of its task force Economic Justice for ThoseWho Work the Land, at the annual Oregon SynodAssembly held in May. The task force was establishedin 1997 after debate about how to respond to theNORPAC boycott. The task force was thereforedesigned to engage the church in the issues ofgrowers, farmworkers and agricultural communities.The task force has focused its work on housing,direct service, legal status and conflict resolution.The Oregon Synod will continue developing thework of the task force, which it believes is the mostconstructive means of bringing economic justice toall those who work the land.New faith and order conference in 2004Explaining the rationale for the new venture, keyorganizer and Lutheran theologian Robert Jensonsaid in a telephone interview, “It is generally recognizedthat the burst of ecumenical activity thatfollowed the Second World War and then the SecondVatican Council has run out of interest and supportin the churches. What we hope to do with thisconference is to rekindle that enthusiasm andsupport in the churches—and perhaps to discovernew goals.”A large planning event will be held this fall atNotre Dame, Indiana, to hear reactions to theproposal, gain insights to make the conferencesuccessful, identify issues to be addressed in a studyprocess preceding the conference, and identifyadditional people to be involved in preparations.Excerpted from a story by Jean Caffey Lyles, press officer,Foundation for a Conference on Faith and Order inNorth America.Ecumenismn May 27, at the global warming confer-held at Congregation Neveh ShalomOencein Portland, more than 50 of Oregon’s faithleaders released a statement entitled “Let therebe Light: Energy Conservation and God’sCreation” in response to the Bushadministration’s energy policy. A press conferencefeatured presentations by signers RabbiStampfer and the Rev. Pat Ross. The Oregoneffort is part of a national initiative, in whichthe leaders of 39 national denominations andorganizations representing the Protestant,Jewish and Orthodox faiths have signed on tothe statement.The statement provides a distinctive religiousvoice on the national energy debate:Far more than rolling blackouts andgasoline price increases are at stake: thefuture of God’s creation on earth; thenature and durability of our economy;our public health and public lands; theenvironment and quality of life webequeath our children and grandchildren.We are being called to considernational purpose, not just policy. . . . Weare not scientists, energy experts orpolicymakers. But this challenge raisesfundamental moral and religiousquestions and we believe the perspectivesof faith and values should help shape anational discussion.“Let there be Light” is supported by theNational Council of Churches and the Coalitionon the Environment and Jewish Life. Formore information about the statement, pleasecall the Oregon Global Warming Campaign at(503) 244-8318.Governor seeks diverse applicants for state boards and commissionsembers of Oregon state boards andMcommissions are vital participants inpolicy-making, regulation, advisory and advocacyefforts on a wide variety of issues affecting allOregonians. Governor John Kitzhaber makesdirect appointments to nearly 200 boards andcommissions and continually recruits qualifiedapplicants.Citizens of Oregon, especially those of Black,African American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic and Asian heritage are needed for theirskills and knowledge to make Oregon an evenbetter place to live, raise a family and retire.Members are currently being recruited for mostboards and commissions in the state of Oregon.Some of those boards and commissions are theLet there be LightGenesis 1:3Oregon Commission on Black Affairs, the FairDismissal Appeals Board and the Governor’sCommission on Motorcycle Safety.For more information, please contact EveretteL. Rice, executive director, Oregon Commissionon Black Affairs, at (503) 945-9008, or contactthe governor’s office, executive appointments, at(503) 378-3123.7

Calendar of EventsJuly 9 to 19OSJS Summer 2001 Classes. The Oregon School ofJudiac Studies at Portland State University presents aseries of classes and workshops, including studies insociocultural conflicts in and over Israel/Palestine,responses to modernity in the 18th and 19th centuriesand more. For further information, call Rabbi Stampferat (503) 246-8831 ext. 19.July 14Jaycob Van Auken in Concert. 7 p.m., BeavertonChristian Church, 13600 SW Allen Blvd., Beaverton.This free concert is part of the Saturday Nights on theGreen at the Beaverton Christian Church Amphitheater,and guests are encouraged to pack a picnic for theconcert. For further information, contact (503) 627-0780 or office@bcc.org.July 14LOUMStock Peace and Music Event. 4 p.m., LakeOswego United Methodist Church, 1855 South ShoreBlvd., Lake Oswego. LOUMStock, three hours of peaceand music with a gourmet box supper, is a fundraiserfor the Lake Oswego United Methodist youth missiontrip, featuring music by the Flipside Band, WayneRichards and Southern Nights, Sally Harmon andmore. For further information or to purchase tickets,call (503) 636-8423.July 14Third Annual Picnic and Lamb Roast. Noon, CampAngelos, on the Sandy River. Holy Trinity GreekOrthodox Church and the Limnes-Portland Associationpresent an afternoon feast of roast lamb and all thetrimmings. For tickets or information, call (503) 287-2196.July 21Neighbor-to-Neighbor Community Service Day, Canby.Coordinated by The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-daySaints in cooperation with the city of Canby and CanbyUnified School District. Residents of Canby will havean opportunity to join together in a day of service inthe community. Activities will range from outdoorbuilding and landscaping projects to indoor quiltingand painting children’s toys. For information, contactLarry Blunck, (503) 263-8394.August 6From Hiroshima to Hope. 7 p.m., Bathhouse Theatre,Greenlake, Seattle, Wash. This annual commemorationof Hiroshima-Nagasaki and lantern-floating event willremember the victims of nuclear war and give expressionto prayers for peace and an end to nuclear war. Theevent is sponsored by the Church Council of GreaterSeattle. For further information, contact Fred Miller atPeace Action, organizer@peaceaction.gen.wa.us or(206) 527-8050.Jazz Under the Stars coming July 19Join us on the lawn of the Hopewell House Hospice Center tolisten to Dan Balmer and his band on Thursday, July 19,from 7 to 9 p.m. Specialty coffee, gourmet pizzaand desserts are included in theticket price of $25 per person.Door prizes will be given, and for thefirst time, silent auction items will beoffered. Hopewell House is at 6171 SWCapitol Highway in Portland. Tickets areavailable from EMO’s main office, (503) 221-1054, or from Janet Snedecor at HopewellHouse, (503) 244-7890. Proceeds benefitHopewell House’s charity care fund.August 10Ray Boltz Anniversary Concert. 7 p.m., New HopeCommunity Church, 17721 SE Stevens Road, Portland.Ray Boltz celebrates 15 years of concerts with his“Moments for the Heart” concert series. For furtherinformation, contact (360) 260-9139 orwww.premierproductions.com.August 12 to 17Holy Trinity Camp Angelos XV. Camp Angelos, on theSandy River. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Churchcelebrates 15 years at Camp Angelos, where the annualsummer camp welcomes students between the ages of 9and 15.August 15 to 18Wilderness Trip of Perspective. Journey Into Freedompresents four days in the Oregon Cascade Mountains,where there will be no phones, media or noises of dailylife, offering a chance to get back-to-basics for communityand personal reflection. To learn more, contact(503) 244-4728 or mail@journeyintofreedom.org.August 16 to 19Trauma, Spirituality & Healing. Mercy Center, 2300Adeline Drive, Burlingame, Calif. This interactiveconference is designed to provide healing and directionto those who struggle with the profound effects oftrauma. The primary emphasis will be on spiritualquestions, wounds and journeys initiated by trauma. Forfurther information, call (650) 340-7474.September 9 to 15Spaces for the Spirit: Adourning the Church. MenuchaRetreat Center, Corbett. First Presbyterian Church,Portland, is offering a one-week workshop on creatingart for worship spaces, led by artist Nancy Chinn. Forfurther information or to register, contact ClaudiaBreese at (503) 638-9327. For further informationabout Nancy Chinn, visit her Web site atwww.nancychinn.com.October 5 to 6The Art of Peace 2: Jubilee as Engaging the Powers.Gruenhagen Conference Center, University of Wisconsin,Oshkosh, Wis. This conference, presented by the2000 Jesus Jubilee and backed by the WisconsinCouncil of Churches, will address the issues of powersand principalities presented by Paul in Colossians. Ledby Walter and June Keener Wink. For further information,contact (608) 837-3108 or wcoc@wichurches.org.October 22 to November 11Trips of Perspective. Travel to India to be taught by thosewho possess little of the world’s resources, to gainperspective and have our lives changed. To register orfor more information, please call Dale or Esther atJourney into Freedom at (503) 244-4728 or e-mailjourney@teleport.com.Exceptional catering available for your next eventEMO’s food service department atHopewell House Hospice Center isnow offering catering services asHopewell Catering. Ourseasoned staff of professionalsspecialize in homemade,nutritious cuisine that istailored to your needs.Use Hopewell Catering formeetings, luncheons, parties,receptions and special events. We offerspecial menus, affordable prices andextraordinary service.Cut your catering costs andsupport those in need throughHopewell Catering. Toarrange catering service or formore information, pleasecontact Mona Ballard, cateringmanager, at (503) 244-7890.