T H E I M M A N U E L I T E

First Immanuel Lutheran Church 1816 NW Irving Street, Portland, Oregon 97209

“A Welcoming Community Centered in Christ’s Love,

Joyfully Reaching Out Together”

July 2017 published monthly Vol. 28 No. 7

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite secular celebrations of the year

is July 4th. It’s summer, it’s warm and the sun is

shining! We cook hamburgers and hot dogs on the

grill! When night falls, neighborhood children light

fireworks out in the street! What could be more fun?

I also appreciate our nation’s birthday for its

more serious side. As I think about it, it seems to me

that there are two primary things we celebrate on

the 4th of July. We give thanks for the freedoms that

our Constitution and Bill of Rights provide, and we

affirm the essential values we share as a nation.

Concerning our freedoms, as Americans, we give

thanks for the privilege, not enjoyed by

everyone in the world, of electing our own

representatives to attend to the affairs of

government. Regardless of how we feel

about any particular officeholder, we regard

it as a great privilege not to be ruled by a

king or dictator. Democracy may be a messy

form of government, but I am genuinely grateful for

the right to vote.

I am also thankful for the rights guaranteed by

the Bill of Rights—freedom of speech, freedom of

assembly, freedom of the press. I particularly prize

the freedom of religion. No governmental authority

can tell us (or anyone else) what to believe or how to

practice our faith. The United States has no “official”

religion and cannot require or prohibit any religious

participation. This separation of church and state is

entirely consistent with a Lutheran understanding.

260 years before our Bill of Rights was written, the

Augsburg Confession—one of the foundational

documents for the Lutheran movement—affirmed

that “the power of church and civil government must

not be mixed ... [while] both be held in honor and

acknowledged as a gift and blessing.” Viewed

theologically, these freedoms are consistent with

our conviction that every human being—regardless

of gender, religion, race or ethnic heritage—is made

in the image of God and possesses the dignity that

belongs to all of God’s children.

Concerning our values, we may wonder what can

hold us as a nation together in such divisive times. It

seems to me that the Declaration of Independence

expresses, perhaps better than anything else, the

longings that are at the heart of our shared values.

Thomas Jefferson’s description of a human being’s

“inalienable rights”—for life, liberty, and the pursuit

of happiness—offers a wonderful glimpse of the life

we desire, both for ourselves and for our

neighbors. We also believe in the rule of law,

with justice for all. We do not believe that

any person should be above the law. Our

legal system is certainly not perfect, and our

nation is responsible for many historical

injustices, but we aspire to justice. Justice is

also a core value for our faith. The Bible is

particularly concerned about justice for the poor. As

people of faith, we recognize that people of goodwill

may seek justice in a variety of ways. However, we

reject any claim to justice that results in hardship for

poor and marginalized people. Christian faith invites

us to always be seeking a greater and more inclusive

justice for all.

I pray regularly for our country and our leaders.

It seems that we are living through a particularly

difficult and challenging time, but I believe our faith

offers genuine wisdom for us as citizens.

Wishing you a happy 4th of July,

Pastor Aaron

Sunday Morning Adult Forum

is taking a break for summer

Thanks to everyone who made this

year’s adult forum a lively place!

Our classes were well attended

and we learned a lot from our

studies and each other. We’ll

return in the fall with some Reformation

Anniversary sessions and a series on “Sustainable

Living” from the Northwest Earth Institute. A special

thanks to Nancy Matthias, who offered an Earth-

Friendly Coffee Hour training in June.

– Pastor Melinda

Welcome to Our New Members

On Sunday, June 25, we were delighted to welcome

new members into the congregation: Sarah Dervan,

Martha Driessnack and George Noble, and

Jeannette O’Brien. Their contact information is

available through the church office. We look forward

to joining in ministry with you as we get to know you

even better. May God bless us for service, in the

unity of Christ’s Spirit.

The Gift of Holy BaptismThe Gift of Holy BaptismThe Gift of Holy BaptismThe Gift of Holy Baptism

We rejoice with Emily Emily Emily Emily Dervan OlsonDervan OlsonDervan OlsonDervan Olson and her family, as Emily received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on June 25. Emily’s parents are Sarah Dervan and Jeff Olson, and her baptismal sponsors are Emily and Ryan Traetow. Welcome to the Lord’s family, Emily! May you always remember this special sign of God’s love for you.

“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”

“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your

Word” (ELW 517) is one of the hymns

we’ll sing this summer. It was

published by Martin Luther in 1542,

with a subtitle: “A Children’s Hymn, to

be Sung Against the Two Archenemies

of Christ and His Holy Church, the

Pope and Turk.” It was written in

response to battles between the Holy

Roman Empire and the Ottoman

Empire. Who would have thought that a hymn would

have such political overtones?

The first verse is an appeal to God the Father to

preserve us by His Word, rather than by the force of

arms. The second verse emphasizes the ultimate

authority of Jesus Christ with the title “Lord of

lords.”

The final verse calls on the Holy Spirit to send unity

to the people of God.

We sing this hymn to its own tune, “Erhalt uns

Herr.” It can also be sung to the tune “Old 100th,”

which we know better as “Praise God, from Whom

All Blessings Flow.”

—Karl Jurisons, Organist

Prayer is a powerful tool that God wants us to use always. If you want to join First Immanuel’s e-mail prayer ministry, please send your e-mail address to Wanda Black (wandag.black@gmail.com). Each Wednesday, you’ll receive an updated list of who we are praying for. During the week, you’ll also receive additions and updates, so that those who need our prayers receive them as soon as possible. If you’d like to request prayer, simply note it on the back of your worship attendance card on Sunday, or contact a pastor (503/226-3659, office@firstimmanuelluth.org).

Reminder: Summer Worship is at 10 a.m.

in June, July and August. See you then!

FIRST IMMANUEL CORE VALUES

Spiritual Life � Friendly Community � Acceptance & Diversity � Tradition & Heritage �

Music & Worship � Growing in Faith � Family Focus � Serving & Volunteering

Goose Hollow Family Shelter― Help Serve

Dinner or Volunteer on August 7

First Immanuel invites you to

volunteer at Goose Hollow Family

Shelter (located at First United

Methodist Church, 1838 SW

Jefferson). Goose Hollow provides

temporary housing for up to 8

families. Every evening there are several volunteer

slots—making dinner, serving dinner, hosting kid

time activities, and laundry/organizing tasks. No

overnight stay is required. You can serve dinner with

no special training. If you’d like to take another slot,

the shelter requires that you attend a one-time

volunteer orientation which happens monthly; see

www.pdxhfs.org. We’re happy to announce that

FILC’s regular “First Monday” volunteer slot will

resume on Monday, August 7. If you’d like to help

out, please contact Maddie Wiens

(fry.madeline@gmail.com) or Ryan Traetow

(rtraetow@yahoo.com).

FILC BOOK GROUP

Sunday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Risë Johnson in SW Portland

Join us for fellowship, conversation, and yummy dessert. Please call for directions and to let us know you’re coming

(Risë Johnson, Rjj922@aol.com, 503/228-1926).

Selection—The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner

Portland author Ruth Wariner grew up in a polygamist family on a farm in rural Mexico. In The Sound of Gravel, she offers an unforgettable portrait of the violence that threatened her community, her family’s fierce sense of loyalty, and her own unshakeable belief in the possibility of a better life. This true story is a fast-paced, sincere and gripping tale of triumph and courage.

20s and 30s Women’s Group

The 20s and 30s women’s group

has completed its study of Brené

Brown’s Self-Compassion course

and plans to gather more

informally this summer. Please contact Maddie

Wiens-Fry (fry.madeline@gmail.com) if you’d like to

be included in informal summer meetings, and

watch for an announcement when a formal

class/bible study is planned for the fall.

Sign up now for…

CABIN CAMPING TRIP AT SILVER FALLS STATE PARK (near Silverton, Oregon)

August 23-27, 2017

Two-night and four-night options available— only two spots left!

Mark your calendars for a weekend of fun this summer. First Immanuel has reserved 8 cabins at beautiful Silver Falls State Park, near Silverton, Oregon, and you’re invited! The

dates are August 23-27. You can stay all four nights or just the weekend (Aug. 25-27). Silver Falls is the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, famous for its history and serene natural beauty, including spectacular waterfalls. Nestled in the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, about 90 minutes from Portland, it features the Trail of Ten Falls, a moderate trail which passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon, and descends to a winding creek at the forest floor. Learn more at http://oregonstateparks.org/ index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=151. We’ll be “camping lite” in a group of cabins similar to the yurts we have rented before. All cabins have electricity, heat, locking door, table and chairs. Each sleeps 4-5 people on some combination of bunk beds, futon couch or double bed. Also included are covered porch and bench, outdoor fire pit and picnic table. Families and individuals will bring their own food plus the usual camping necessities (bedding, dishes, etc.). See http://oregonstateparks.org/?do=reserve.dspcabinsyurts for more info. 2-Night Cabin Camping, Friday thru Sunday, Aug. 25-27: Cost for one cabin is $125 for two nights. This includes a group barbecue dinner on Saturday evening and s’mores. 4-Night Cabin Camping, Wednesday thru Sunday, Aug. 23-27: Cost for one cabin is $225 for four nights. This includes a group barbecue dinner on Saturday evening and s’mores. Full payment will assure your spot. Reservations are first-come, first-served. Tent camping is also available at a reduced price. Please contact one of the planners to make your reservation or with any questions: Tyrell Servo (tyrell.servo@gmail.com) Marja Selmann (marja_selmann@comcast.net) Pastor Melinda (pastormelinda@firstimmanuelluth.org)

—FILC Congregational Life Committee

ABOUT THE LUTHERANS: CELEBRATING 500 YEARS OF

THE REFORMATION

Lutherans in the Caribbean

Lutheran churches have deep roots in northern Europe

and have large numbers in North America. Partner

churches are flourishing in the Middle East, southern

Africa, Australia, and Asia. But many Lutherans don’t

know that there have been Lutherans in some parts of

the Caribbean for almost four hundred years.

Historically, Lutheranism came to the Caribbean as

the religion of white Europeans and, later, American

settlers. But in time some of these churches opened their

doors to local inhabitants, Hispanics, African Americans,

and Native Americans. Some of these congregations have

become truly indigenous and multicultural ministries.

More recently, North Americans moved and settled in

some parts of the Caribbean, beginning other

congregations for expatriates and vacationers.

The oldest Lutheran congregation in the Caribbean

was founded in the Virgin Islands in 1666 by Danish

settlers on the island of

St. Thomas, the Frederick

congregation in Charlotte

Amalie. They later

founded other

congregations on the

islands of St. Croix, St.

John, and St. Thomas in the eighteenth century. Although

these congregations were originally intended for Danes,

by the 1750s they were ministering to the enslaved

Africans on the islands.

When Denmark sold these islands to the United

States in 1917, these congregations affiliated with

American Lutheran denominations. There are also several

congregations of Virgin Island Lutherans on the mainland

of the United States, most notably in New York City.

Similarly, Dutch Lutherans founded congregations in

the area of Guyana and Suriname in the eighteenth

century, as the Europeans planted colonies there.

Congregations generally consisted of white settlers and

their descendants until the middle of the nineteenth

century, when they began to reach out to other

populations. Guyana is especially racially diverse, and the

Lutheran congregations there include African Americans,

Native Americans, East Indians, and some Chinese.

Though it has a long history of European colonization,

Lutherans did not become established on Puerto Rico

until it became a part of the United States in 1898. In that

year a young student, Gustav Swenson, moved to Puerto

Rico and eventually started a Lutheran congregation

there. He was eventually followed by a number of

different pastors and missionaries from the United States,

who began to preach in Spanish to the local population.

“You can give without loving,

but you cannot love without

giving.”

—Amy Carmichael

Thank you for your generous

gifts of yourself, your time, your

energy and financial resources

to support God’s work through

our congregation. Every gift is

significant, and each makes it

possible to reach out in Christian love and service to our

neighborhood and beyond.

JUNE COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Actual pledge giving: Budgeted pledge giving: May: $14,349 May: $22,274 2017 TOTAL: $86,888 2017 TOTAL: $111,370

Synod Assembly, “Built on a Rock 500: Rooted—Reforming—Resilient.” Pastor Melinda shared information on the ELCA’s immigration policy as administered through an organization called AMMPARO and their Guardian Angels Program. Risë Johnson and Tyrell Servo also reported on their experiences at Synod Assembly, and thanked the Council and congregation for the opportunity to attend. Garbage Contract. The new contract with Arrow Sanitary Service is now in effect, with greatly reduced cost and improved service. Thanks to Debbie Rehn for the extensive time and effort she invested in securing the more favorable terms. Planned Giving. The Endowment Committee was given permission to resume work on a new planned giving vehicle for designated gifts to FILC’s two Endowment Funds.

Lynn Akerman, Secretary

Lutheran congregations can be found in some of the

other islands of the Caribbean. There is a small Lutheran

presence in Cuba. Antigua, Bermuda, and the Bahamas all

have Lutheran congregations affiliated with various

bodies. Even Haiti hosts a Lutheran enclave, connected

with the Church of the Lutheran Confession in Alsace and

Lorraine (France).

Although many of these Caribbean Lutheran

congregations were begun by Europeans or Americans,

either as settlers or missionaries, most of their members

are now predominantly local people—Virgin Islanders,

Guyanese and Surinamese, Puerto Ricans, and others.

They may be Hispanic, Native American, African

American, or other local populations, worshiping in

Spanish, English, French, or other local languages. These

congregations enrich the palate of world Lutheranism,

and help spread the gospel of Christ into every corner of

the world.

—Mark Granquist

Copyright ©2016 Augsburg Fortress. Permission is granted for congregations to

reproduce these pages provided copies are for local use only and this copyright

notice appears.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

How can we ever say “Thanks!” enough for the wonderful

gifts of love and time and care and service given by all of

those who helped make our Maker Fun Factory Vacation

Bible School happen? You gave a precious gift to help 31

children grow in faith and love, to learn about God and

about how to trust God’s goodness and love.

Thank you and congratulations to our VBS director,

Nancy MacDonald. Thank you to all of the group leaders

and everyone who helped with opening, skits, Bible

stories, games, crafts, and more: Catherine Bailey,

Skipper Bessette, Cate

Bikales, Greg Bruce, Linda

Rae Coon, Andrew and

Nathan Couch, Yuki

Furukawa, Lauren Kim,

Nicole Lagraff, Jack and

Nancy MacDonald, Jan,

Leigh and Sarah Nelson, Zoe Tomlinson, Emily Traetow,

Tammy and Tom VanDeGrift, and Pastor Melinda and

Pastor Aaron.

Thank you to everyone who helped provide dinner

each night: to Bonny Groshong and Nancy Matthias for

organizing the meals, to James Bash, Skipper Bessette,

Ann DeFord, Judi Drexler, Risë Johnson, Chris and John

Koonce, Jeff Olson, and Chia Stockwell, for preparing and

serving delicious, healthy meals each evening!

Thank you to everyone who

helped in every other way,

including pictures, decorating,

publicity, security, and

registration: James Bash, Karl

Jurisons, Mary Kate Otto, Debbie

Rehn, Eric Wierson, and Leslie and

Richard Wong.

And finally, special thanks to our

congregation of First Immanuel,

and our partners, Zion Lutheran and St. James Lutheran,

for supporting VBS, spreading the word about this lively

ministry, praying for the children, and for encouraging

this effort with such good spirit! Thank you, thank you,

thank you!!!

P.S. If we forgot to list your name, please forgive us.

Endowment News What dreams do you have for

First Immanuel’s compassionate

and outreaching work? The

Endowment Committee invites

you to prayerfully consider

applying for an endowment

grant to serve Christ’s work in

our neighborhood and our world. This fall we’ll be

awarding grants for a total of $10,850 to fund your

ideas for serving God and our neighbors. $6,200 will be

available from the FILC General Endowment Fund,

designated for Evangelism Outreach, Social Ministry

Outreach, and Building Improvements. $4,650 will be

available from the Doris Palmblad World Missions

Endowment Fund, designated for ministry and service

activities outside the United States.

We ask our members and ministry groups to

actively pray, plan ahead, and talk together about

creative and faithful ways to use these funds. One-page

grant applications and instructions are available in the

church office and on the FILC website. Please note that

applications must be presented to a First Immanuel

sponsoring committee by September 1 to be reviewed

and approved. The grant applications, ranging in size,

will be awarded in November.

Please speak with an Endowment Committee

member to learn more about the process.

—Your FILC Endowment Committee:

Jim Dunn, Emily Traetow, Judy Wick,

Chris Wiens, and Pastor Aaron Couch

Dear Pastor Melinda,

Thank you for First

Immanuel Lutheran

Church’s support of Lift

Urban Portland and for the donation of 158 lbs. of food

for our May 2017 Food Drive.

This food will be used for our food pantry, for

delivery of food boxes to folks who are unable to travel to

the food pantry, for supplying emergency food closets in

low-income buildings when residents experience a

sudden shortage, and for presentation of Healthy Eating

Workshops in those buildings. We are really excited to

expand services for the residents in Northwest and

Downtown Portland.

Thanks for all the support of your congregants! Thank

you for helping our community. We deeply appreciate

your support.

With great thanks,

Susan Milstein, Treasurer

Lift Urban Portland

3: Landon Harman 18: Tyrell Servo 4: Morgan Borwieck 19: Nick Truman 5: Catherine Bailey 24: James Bash Peter Traetow Chuck Bessette, Jr. 7: Cecelia Berg 28: Erica Nist-Lund Bonnie Borwieck 30: Stephanie Porter 8: Benjamin Quiring 31: Marlow Cochran 10: Anna Rogoway Gus Johnson 11: Lucy Rogoway 15: Sierra Peterson 5: David & Sierra Modro Elizabeth Schwartz 8: Chris & John Koonce 16: Waldo Johnson Bobbi & Don Varnes 17: Sharon Seafeldt 13: Les & Myrna Wierson

Don’t see your special day? Contact Debbie (503/226-3659, debbie@firstimmanuellth.org) with details, and we’ll include you!

Sunday Parking Reminder Friendly reminder: on Sundays, we'd like to reserve our parking lot for those with mobility needs. The good news is that all street parking is free on Sundays, and we also have parking available at Mesher Tools and Miller Paint Co. Thanks for your consideration!

Parking Alert for Timbers Games Plan ahead for days when there are Timbers soccer games at Providence Park. Times and dates for upcoming home games include: Wednesday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Coffee Hour & Flower Volunteers Needed! Hosting Coffee Hour provides a great opportunity to welcome newcomers, and for fellowship. If you’re new to hosting, feel free to contact Chris and John Koonce, Craig and Linda Langley, or Bonny Groshong for help. To provide flowers for Sunday worship, just sign up on the flower chart in Fellowship Hall. Bring two

bouquets or potted plantssimple is fine. Vases are provided by the church or you can bring your own. Call the church office for flower “housekeeping” details. Thank you for helping!

Are you receiving our “Weekly

Word” E-News?

FILC’s “Weekly Word” e-news is a brief

message with updates, event reminders,

and a scriptural reflection for the upcoming Sunday. It’s

delivered by email, usually on Thursdays. If you’re not

already getting the Weekly Word, sign up on our website:

www.firstimmanuelluth.org, or contact the church office.

Exciting Property News

We are planning for two big

projects this summer at First

Immanuel. Perhaps you've

seen that construction has

begun on the bathrooms in

Fellowship Hall. It's exciting

to see work underway! While the bathrooms in

Fellowship Hall are being remodeled, the bathrooms

in Sodergren Hall will be available during worship.

Following the congregational meeting in May to

approve the contract and funding for the steeple

renovation, Property Committee leaders have been

in touch with RJR Construction to get our project on

the calendar this summer, and Council leaders have

been in touch with the Oregon Synod Endowment

Committee to make arrangements for the loan to

finance the project. We are currently waiting for

questions about the roofing contractor to be

resolved before we can schedule the beginning of

the steeple renovation.

News from Our Village Support Teams First Immanuel has two teams forming supportive relationships with families moving from shelters to permanent housing. During our 6-month relationship, we assist the families as they navigate goals and challenges

which they identify. Team #1 continues to build a supportive and friendly relationship with their family—mom Chelsea and young daughter Ellie. Challenges for the family include an unreliable car and rising rents which are making a desired move difficult. Each day brings small successes to celebrate. Team #2 is helping their family—mom Lizzy and teens Effie and Joy—to secure apartment furnishings and pursue goals related to stabilizing their living situation. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing housewarming gifts, and for your continued prayers. We are no longer receiving supervision from the New City organization that provided our initial training for this project. However, we are most grateful to the staff of Rose Haven, who have met with team members to help us better understand the needs of our families. What a valuable partnership we have with this great ministry! To learn more about Village Support, please contact our own Chris Wiens (785-633-4782, wiens.christopher@gmail.com).

Core Team Members: Chris & Maddie Wiens, Anna Wilde, Jack & Nancy MacDonald, Sue Sell, Ryan Traetow, Jeff Olson, Sarah Dervan, Pastor Melinda Wagner

July 2017 at First Immanuel

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 10 AM Worship

11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA

3

4

Happy 4th! Office Closed

5

6 5:30 PM Food Pantry

6 PM ACOA

7 12 PM Food Pantry

8

9 10 AM Worship 11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA

10

11 12 PM Food Pantry

12 8 AM Lift UP Harvest Share

13 10:30 AM Esther Circle

5:30 PM Food Pantry

6 PM ACOA

14 12 PM Food Pantry

15

16

10 AM Worship 11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA

17 18 12 PM Food Pantry

19

20 5:30 PM Food Pantry

6 PM ACOA

21 12 PM Food Pantry

22

23

10 AM Worship 11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA

24

25

12 PM Food Pantry

26

27

5:30 PM Food Pantry

6 PM ACOA

28

12 PM Food Pantry

29

5 PM Council Dinner @ Bobbi & Don Varnes’ home

30

10 AM Worship

11 AM Coffee Hr. 8 PM AA

31