May 2015 - Ainsworth United Church of Christ
Transcription
May 2015 - Ainsworth United Church of Christ
The Chronicle Ainsworth United Church of Christ - May 2015 Fight for Marriage Equality Starts at Supreme Court The legality of marriage equality nationwide is the major question, as the Supreme Court began hearing arguments that could shape the national scope for equal rights and the freedom to marry. Leaders and advocates of the United Church of Christ, who have worked tirelessly in the last decade to realize that freedom for equal rights, know that today could be a turning point in history. The Rev. J. Bennett Guess, a national officer of the church, can sense it. "This is a significant milestone moment in the long, hardfought campaign to win marriage equality for same-gender couples," Guess said. "We're not there yet, but we are getting very, very close." "We have waited long enough for all couples to have the same rights," said the Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer, UCC executive for health and wholeness advocacy, who explained the UCC's interest in the cases. "The time is now. We are on the doorstep to history—but this case is more than history—it is justice and equality for all people." Amid a throng of marriage equality supporters and opponents lined up on both sides of the Court, the nine justices are hearing cases from four states in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals — Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. It was almost one decade ago that the General Synod adopted the resolution to support and affirm marriage equality for all people," Schuenemeyer said. "That resolution called on our leaders to oppose the laws that restrict the freedom to marry, and that’s what we’ve been doing, culminating with the hearing of the cases today." The cases reached the Supreme Court after the Sixth Circuit ruled in November that bans in those four states against same-gender marriages were constitutional, creating a split among Current State of Same-Sex Marriage. Those states in darker shade currently prohibit samesex marriage, while all others have authorized it. federal rulings. The circuit is the only appeals court to uphold state same-sex marriage bans since the Supreme Court in 2013 struck down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The Fourth, Seventh, Ninth and Tenth circuit courts all have ruled that same-sex marriage bans violate the U.S. Constitution. In 37 of the 50 states in the U.S., LGBT couples enjoy the freedom to marry. At this time last year, there were just 17 states, including the District of Columbia, where same-sex marriage was recognized, but state and federal judges have since struck down marriage bans in 20 states. More than 216 million Americans— approximately 70 percent of the country—live in a state with marriage equality. "I am so proud of our church for the significant leadership role it has played in every state, in every difficult legislative, judicial and electoral battle, every win and temporary setback, to till the soil so that marriage equality will soon be offered to all couples," Guess said. "I am so excited that it is highly likely that we will be celebrating a national marriage equality victory (continued on page 6)… Ainsworth United Church of Christ A Multiracial, Multicultural, Open and Affirming Community 2 AUCC Chronicle From the Pastor: Recently, at our Leadership Retreat, Rev. Cecil Prescod, our Minister of Faith Formation, led us in a closing devotion. He shared the Still Speaking Devotion for that day by Rev. Kenneth Samuel, one of my favorite Still Speaking authors. The scripture -"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" - Psalm 133 (NIV) was the basis for his reflection, but also provided the scripture for what we were about. We gathered as elected leaders, staff and folk who had not been elected and someone who had yet to join our congregation officially, but all gathered to reflect, share and work together to help Ainsworth UCC live out our identity as a multiracial, multicultural congregation with greater intentionality. That is what we, Ainsworth United Church of Christ, are about- living as part of the Beloved Community, unified in faith and purpose, with all of our diversity. Our conviction about that means we will continually seek ways to confront racism, sexism, classism, homophobia within ourselves and without (confronting some other isms too). Living out the scripture, calls us to seek God’s realm in our midst. Rev. Samuel presented some glimpses of God’s realm in our world where the unexpected goodness appears. Let me suggest some of our own: † When our rainbow of children gather for Sharing the Story and to teach the rest of us about love and sharing, caring for the earth and so many other things. † Where Ainsworth UCC members and pastors attend PFLAG Portland Black Chapter’s anniversary and are asked to bring prayer, are first on the dance floor and our strong with our message that God loves everyone. † Where May 2015 online at www.ainsworthucc.com our small, but dedicated committee prepares a great meal and raises money for scholarships and where we see what seeds had been planted when recipients return to share, to give back, to help. † Where our youth interview some of our elders that are taped by another youth who shares his expertise, and other adults are lovingly organizing and supporting this Legacy Project. † When very dedicated elders visit and/or write to men on death row, and share passionately about them. † When a dedicated AUCC group meets to plan and guide us to living as the Beloved Community more intentionally. † When Ainsworth people go out into the world to serve in mission at the border, in our community, in Salem, in organizations, shaking things up and helping make our world a better place. These are pieces of God’s realm. Jesus told us that God’s realm is at hand and so it is. Come join us to realize it, to make our part of the Beloved Community reflect it, to celebrate and to share it. --Pastor Lynne Jubilee Oregon http://jubileeoregon.org/ May’s Bible Study Schedule 5th John 15:9-17 th 12 John 17:6-19 19th Acts 2:1-21 26th John 3:1-17 June’s Bible Study Schedule 2nd Mark 3:20-35 9th th 16 Mark 4:35-41 23rd 30th Mark 6:1-13 Mark 4:26-34 Mark 5:21-43 All are welcome to attend. We meet for Bible Study at 10 am on Tuesdays, in Cambric Parlor at Ainsworth UCC. * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 3 AUCC Chronicle May 2015 online at www.ainsworthucc.com May Sundays M A Y 3 M A Y 10 M A Y 17 M A Y 24 M A Y 31 Immigrant Justice Sunday Sermon: by guests Pat Rumer and Edgar Centano Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:17-22 Liturgist: Ushers: Eldon Potter, Don Parks, Adelina Taylor, Mabel Johnson Mother’s Day Sermon: by guest, Derek Spears Scripture: Liturgist: en Español: Ines Campoverde Ushers: Nick Putnam, Bruce Poinsette, Willard Valentine, and Beverly Perttu Sermon: “Power of Prayer” Scripture: John 17:6-19 Liturgist: Ushers: Judi Pitre, Pearl Wilson and Norma Godfrey Pentecost Sermon: “Spirit for All” Scripture: Acts 2:1-21 Liturgist: En español: Nadia Gutierrez Ushers: Carolyn Hinton, Jean Scott, Nadia Gutierrez & Tim Loveless 4-Seasons Birthday Celebration Sermon: “Mystery” Scripture: John 3:1-17 Liturgist: Ushers: Ainsworth Youth Corps Four Seasons Birthday Celebration Sunday, 31 May. Come for fun, fellowship and a lot of good food! “Hold in Prayer…” Brian Crosby-Payne Susan Madison Joe Craig Leland Lundgren Elaine Ordal Verlin Byers Steve Beaman Elaine Bates Anita Chimuku Peter Chimuku Shelly Penix Lisa Gates Illeana Dorn Valeriana Bandwa Norma & Jessie Godfrey Pearl Wilson Marcy Ross Doug Trotter Arnold & Judi Pitre Michael Eagan Ellen Yarnell & nephew Jeremiah Judy McKenzie’s nephew Seth Rev. Hardy & Highland UCC The people of Baltimore All those in Nepal affected by last month’s powerful earthquake. and the UCC, in all settings If you want prayers said for yourself or others, feel free to call on the Prayer Chain members. E-mail Peggy West @ [email protected] or call her at 503-659-7922. Memory Bricks for Ainsworth Garden… The Garden committee is sponsoring a memory path from the garden gate to the fountain. We invite all who wish to purchase a brick (or more if you wish) in memory of a loved one. You may have 18 letters no more than 3 lines for a total cost of $30 ( the cost of the brick and the installation). This offer will be open through the month of May. If you have questions please talk to the Garden committee: Elvira, Hudson, Ellen, Hansen, Linda Lewis, Alice Vetter, Shannon Hillis. * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 4 AUCC Chronicle online at www.ainsworthucc.com Four Seasons Birthday Celebration... Sunday, May 31st If you didn’t know it, this fundraiser is one of the biggest, longest traditions of our congregation. It began with St. Andrews UCC members who were a “mostly black” congregation before they and the “mostly white” church called Second UCC joined together to become the Ainsworth UCC that we know and love today. For 30 years, this fun event has brought joy to the table and funds to the mission and ministry of our church. We’ll meet in Michel Hall for some wonderful home cooking and friendly competition. Money raised goes to boost the church’s operating budget. This party is one huge birthday party for everyone all a once – we divide the twelve months of the year into four seasons, each with a table full of goodies prepared by volunteers from that season. You get to roam around Michel Hall eating anything you want and hopefully ‘voting’ for the winning season with a check. Some of us are very loyal to our birthday season and write a check for a dollar for every year we are old (hardest on us seniors, they’ll tell you with a smile!) But you are free to donate any amount you wish. May 28 to 29 All Church Retreat at Camp Adams Are you . . . Looking for something fun to do for Memorial Day weekend? Hoping to experience fabulous fellowship? Wanting to spend time in nature? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then plan on attending the all church retreat at Camp Adams, May 22nd to May 23rd. --Elana Brazile May 2015 Ainsworth Church Clean-up Day May 16th. Everyone is invited to pitch in to spruce up the church. Many hands make light work. Bruce Poinsette (Administration Commission) is coordinating this effort. Ainsworth UCC 30th Anniversary… This is our 30th year of being Ainsworth UCC and to celebrate we are planning a weekend. The previous date of May 17th has been cancelled. Instead, we are going to celebrate in Ainsworth UCC style with Ainsworth in the City, an evening gala event on Saturday, October 17th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Northeast Portland and then on Sunday, October 18th at our own church. We will dedicate our 10:00am worship service to our celebration and then share a meal while viewing our Legacy Project video. If you would like to be a part of this event, please contact Norma Godfrey to assist- 503.708.5403 or [email protected]. If you would like to help with the planning of our Ainsworth in the City Gala, please contact Ashley Cooper – 971.300.3892 or Kathy Saunders at [email protected]. Ainsworth UCC Membership Exploration… If you are new to Ainsworth UCC or have been attending, but never became a formal member and would like to know more about our church and the United Church of Christ, this series of 3 classes is for you. We also welcome members of Ainsworth UCC to attend at least one of the classes if you would like to get to know new people who are attending, share a bit about your experience of Ainsworth UCC and hear and share your faith journey. The first class will be held Sunday, May 17 from 12- 2pm, and at that time we will schedule the other two classes. This prepares you for membership, if you are interested, but does not commit you to taking that step- that is up to you. RSVP to the church office, or Pastor Lynne at [email protected] or 503.284.8767. If you need child care, please let us know that also. * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 5 AUCC Chronicle online at www.ainsworthucc.com May 2015 Ministry With Older Adults You are invited to the monthly meetings of the Ministry With Older Adults (MWOA). The group meets at 11:15 a.m. in Cambric Parlor on the 4th Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is May 26th. Light refreshments are served. Discussions about various topics related to 'aging more consciously' are lively and interesting. There's lots of good humor and sharing among friends. Ainsworth UCC's Ministry With Older Adults was started in 1997 by Rev. Jack and Mary Takayanagi. The focus is on people ages 55 and over, but the group welcomes contributions from persons of any age. Elders and youth can learn much about life and faith and joy and love from each other. The Statement of Purpose notes that "Particular attention will be paid both to the special gifts older adults have to offer, and special needs many have as they age." One of the MWOA goals is promoting intergenerational service and fellowship. At the March MWOA meeting, we had a fine time learning much from Ricky Casias as he shared a variety of thoughts and treasures from his Native American (Ute and Aztec) heritage. At the April meeting people engaged in a thoughtful exchange of insights on "Images of Aging: Positive and Negative." We're NOT a group of elders that sits around talking about the "good old days." We are celebrating our lives and gifts and working to be helpful to others. Come join us on Tuesday May 26th! Equal Exchange on 2nd Sundays Support our Youth Group: Buy coffee and tea, or chocolates. Our Ainsworth Youth Group will continue to sell coffee, tea and assorted chocolates in Michel Hall during fellowship hour. It’s that Time of the Year It is time to think about summer plans and camping opportunities. This summer, you and your family will have opportunities to participate in wonderful camping experiences at Camp Adams (near Molalla, Oregon). Full Family Camp (all ages): June 28-July 4 $183 youth/$220 adult (maximum $888 per family) Half-Session Family Camp July 1 – July 4 $83 youth/$111 adult (maximum $444 per family) Genesis/Seekers (2nd and 3rd graders) July 5 – July 11 $365 st Taller & Smaller (K-1 grade, with Adult) July 8-11 $83 youth/$111adult Discoverers (4th and 5th graders) July 12 – July 18 $365 Sojourners (6th, 7th and 8th graders) July 19 – July 25 $365 th th th th Exodus (9 , 10 , 11 and 12 graders) July 5 – July 11 $365 Camp registration is now open! Go to campadams.org and click on the red registration button on the home page. You may register without paying the whole amount. Financial assistance is available from Ainsworth and Camp Adams. Please fill out the attached scholarship forms and return them to me. The deadline for scholarship requests is June 1. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. –Rev. Cecil Prescod Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice: http://www.imirj.org …Because Love Has No Borders * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 6 AUCC Chronicle online at www.ainsworthucc.com Service Commission Strengthen the Church Offering… On Sunday, June 28th, we will be collecting an offering for the work of the National United Church of Christ and the local Conference: Strengthen the Church. The offering monies are used to support youth ministries and fulltime leaders for new churches, in parts of the country where the UCC voice has not been heard. Your generosity will start new churches, support new ideas in existing churches, and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Warm Clothing Still Needed… Ainsworth UCC is very involved with the NE “Food Bank.” There is a Blue box in the narthex for collections of food, paper and plastic bags, and even toiletry items. They especially need diapers and shampoo. The food items in most demand are canned tuna and peanut butter. Spring will bring warmer weather, but the need for warm clothing continues. Please, consider donating blankets, sheets, and towels. Questions? See Barbara Rogers (503.841.5895), or [email protected]. You can also talk to me about the details at church. --Service Commission. Ainsworth Directory Updates If you have a change for the directory, such as a new home or email, let us know. Send a note to the church office, or call us. May Birthdays 5 Rev. Ann Duffy 6 Susan McHarris 7 Hector López 7 Nyleah López 8 Pearl Wilson 11 Jackie Dvorak 13 13 15 15 17 17 Garnett Trotter AJ Brazile John Rogers Joslyn Baker Antonio Chimuku Lynn Brown May 2015 Marriage (continued from front page)… when the UCC is gathered at General Synod in Cleveland in late June. What joy that will be." The Supreme Court ruling on the issue could come down in late June, likely just before the beginning of the UCC General Synod 2015 in Cleveland, when the church will celebrate the anniversaries of two major milestones in its LGBT equality movement: the 10th anniversary of the denomination becoming the first mainline church to affirm equal marriage rights, and the 30th anniversary of a resolution calling UCC congregations to become open and affirming of all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. "Nationally, in the United Church of Christ, we’ve been fully invested in this work for a full decade now, helping to change hearts and minds, which has proved absolutely essential in making this day possible," Guess said. "Public opinion is now on our side." The latest poll from the Public Religion Research Institute shows 62 percent of white mainline Protestants supporting same-sex marriage, including 68 percent support from UCC members. Nationally, more than three out of five people believe all couples should have the right to marry the person they love. "Our country is ready for marriage equality," Guess said, "and I feel hopeful that the Supreme Court will finally recognize that a couple's marriage is not something that they should have to leave behind at a state border." ---article by Anthony Moujales of the UCC website. Map from Human Rights Campaign 18 20 22 23 25 25 Wendy McHarris 25 Noah Puggarana Brenda Lefebvre 26 Catherine Draper Margie Holmes 28 Willie Poinsette Derek Spears 28 Liene Verzemnieks Lisa Poch 31 Molly Cogburn-Frary Jane Hickey * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 7 AUCC Chronicle Sunday CP S May 2015 online at www.ainsworthucc.com Monday Cambric Parlor Sanctuary Tuesday MH GL Wednesday Thursday Michel Hall Goodling Libary Friday Saturday May 2015 1 2 2 pm Memorial Service for George Curran (S) 3 4 10AM Worship 5 6 7 10 am Bible Study (CP) 8:30-10 am AM Lectionary Study Group (CP) 6:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal (S) 12 pm Commissions Meetings 9 6:30 pm Lesbian Choir Rehearsal (S) Immigrant Justice Sunday 10 8 11 10AM Worship 12 13 14 10 am Bible Study (CP) 8:30-10 am AM Lectionary Study Group (CP) 11 am Thursday Fellowship (CP) 6:30 pm Lesbian Choir Rehearsal (S) 6:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal (S) Mother’s Day 15 16 Spring Church Clean-Up Day (Bruce Poinsette, Coordinator) 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 10AM Worship 6:30 pm ‘Ainsworth in the City’ planning meeting (GL) 10 am Bible Study (CP) 8:30-10 am AM Lectionary Study Group (CP) 6:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal (S) ALL-Church Retreat at Camp Adams ALL-Church Retreat at Camp Adams 6:30 pm Church Council (GL) 6:30 pm Lesbian Choir Rehearsal (S) 29 30 12 pm SCORE_PT Meeting (GL) 12-2 pm Membership Exploration (CP) 24 25 10AM Worship Pentecost Sunday Memorial Day 26 27 28 10 am Bible Study (CP) 8:30-10 am AM Lectionary Study Group (CP) 6:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal (S) 11:15 am MWOA (CP) 6:30 pm Lesbian Choir Rehearsal (S) 31 10AM Worship Four Seasons Birthday Party (MH) * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities 8 AUCC Chronicle Ainsworth United Church of Christ 2941 NE Ainsworth St. Portland, OR 97211 503-284-8767 Church Business E-mail [email protected] Pastor Lynne Smouse López Minister of Faith Formation Rev. Cecil Prescod Office Administrator Shawn Burchfield online at www.ainsworthucc.com May 2015 The Chronicle is a publication of Ainsworth United Church of Christ, a multiracial, multicultural, open & affirming congregation. Mark your Calendars. Next Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 17 Submission is easy! Place in the Chronicle box in Gooding Library. e-mail to Clinton at: [email protected] Please include your name and phone number on all submissions. Remember to support Ainsworth in your will. Consider a bequest to ‘Ainsworth United Church of Christ.” Office Assistant Mary Conlow Minister of Music Cynthia Butts Accompanist Dan Gaynor Custodian Doug Trotter Ainsworth United Church of Christ …like us on facebook Also online at: www.ainsworthucc.com Ainsworth UCC is online, at www.ainsworthucc.com AUCC Webmaster Ellen Yarnell Chronicle Editor Clinton Rockey Health Ministries Coordinator Margaret-Ann Jones Ainsworth United Church of Christ 2941 NE Ainsworth St. Portland, OR 97211 Church Website www.ainsworthucc.com Requested in Home by: May 8 * Worshiping God * Ministering to Each Other * Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys * Promoting Justice * Serving the Local & Global Communities