1 | P a g e
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
Public Church: Suicide Prevention
Back to school, back to work, back to routine. And, for some
a return to the stressors that lead to depression, illness and
thoughts of suicide. September is suicide
prevention/awareness month in the United States. This subject, as with most
of the ELCA Social Statements and Messages is an uncomfortable topic to
talk about.
Even when it’s difficult, we “As a church that believes God calls us into the
world together, the ELCA is committed to addressing life in society in a
variety of ways”.1 We live out the gospel when we acknowledge that we
are finite creatures of a merciful and loving God who has created us to be
in relationship with God, one another and all of creation. We live out the
gospel of Jesus in the middle of all the messiness and brokenness of the
world, confident that Jesus walks beside us. Suicide is a manifestation of our
brokenness that must be addressed with God’s grace and mercy.
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. It is the 2nd
leading cause among those ages 10 to 34 (2017 statistics according to the National Institutes of Mental Health).
More than 30,000 persons take their own lives each year and nearly 500,000 people make a suicide attempt serious
enough to require emergency treatment (1999 numbers). The ELCA wrote the Message on Suicide Prevention in
1999. Since then, suicide rates have increased by approximately 30%.
Suicide is a testimony to life’s tragic brokenness. We believe that life is God’s precious gift to us and we
acknowledge that for some, even for ourselves, life can feel like a hopeless torment. It is often easier to ignore or
shy away from people who are living in the midst of despair. The gospel of Jesus Christ calls us into the midst of
despair to tell the good news of God’s “boundless love in Jesus Christ”2 that leaves no one alone or abandoned.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
This Message encourages all members and congregations to learn more about suicide and suicide prevention by
reflecting on this public health crisis. What can we do and how can we work with others to prevent suicide? There
are several steps we can all take. First, become aware of who is statistically most at risk. Second, check our
attitudes and cultural attitudes about suicide. Third, research the myths and discover the truth about suicide. Finally,
if you or someone you know is at risk, speak up.
There is no shame in feeling dejected, depressed or hopeless. Talking about suicide does not cause suicide. Not
talking about it ignores God’s blessing on all of God’s creation.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. (Number 6:24-26)
We are not alone, abandoned, or without hope. The Lord’s name is “Emmanuel, God is with us” (Matthew 1:23)
Peace be with you. Pastor Dorothy
You can read the entire Message here (or in the church library):
https://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Messages/Suicide-Prevention
Copyright © 2003, 1999 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 1 Addressing Social Concerns”. A document produced by ELCA to accompany the Social Messages and Statements of the ELCA 2 A Message on Suicide Prevention. Adopted by the Church Council of the ELCA, November 14, 1999.
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
September 2019 Volume 19 Issue 9
JAZZ VESPERS & BBQ
Farewell to Craig
September 22nd
5 pm
†
2 | P a g e
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
Living in the Word: September 2019
Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) or Semi-continuous Lectionary?
The RCL is a three-year series of readings for Sunday worship and festivals beginning with the season of
Advent, culminating on The Reign of Christ Sunday. Each year focuses on one of the synoptic gospels
(Matthew, Mark and Luke) with bits and pieces from the Gospel of John added. Each Sunday and/or
festival we hear three readings and a psalm.
We continue hearing the less frequently used semi-continuous pattern of Old Testament readings.
Included in this newsletter is a handy chart of the Semi-Continuous Lectionary. You are invited to use this
in your daily scripture reading and meditation. Note especially the coupling of the Old Testament
Lesson with the appointed Psalm. Blessings on your meditation and study.
Lectionary C Texts – Pentecost 2 (Lect. 12) 2019 to Pentecost 17 2019 (Lect. 27)
Semi-Continuous Readings
September 1 Jeremiah 2:4-13 Psalm 81:1, 10-16 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Luke 14:1, 7-14
God calls Israel to repent Hospitality to strangers Humility and Hospitality
Lectionary 22 (Pentecost 12)
September 8 Jeremiah 18:1-11 Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 Philemon 1-21 Luke 14:25-33
Potter makes changes The slave Onesimus Cost of discipleship
Lectionary 23 (Pentecost 13)
September 15 Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Psalm 14 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-10
The people are foolish Grace and mercy Lost sheep, lost coin
Lectionary 24 (Pentecost 14)
September 22 Jeremiah 8:18 – 9:1 Psalm 79:1-9 Timothy 2:1-7 Luke 16:1-13
The Prophet mourns Pray for earthly leaders Cost of discipleship
Lectionary 25 (Pentecost 15)
September 29 Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Luke 16:19-31
The Prophet buys land The love of money Rich man and Lazarus
Lectionary 26 (Pentecost 16)
October 6 Lamentations 1:1-6 Lamentations 3:19-26 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:5-10
Jerusalem is destroyed Encouragement and thanks It’s my job!
Lectionary 27 (Pentecost 17) Or Psalm 137
October 13 Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Psalm 66:1-12 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Luke 17:11-19
Israel plants gardens in exile We will live with Christ One leper gives thanks
Lectionary 28 (Pentecost 18)
October 20 Jeremiah 31:27-34 Psalm 119:97-104 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5 Luke 18:1-8
A new covenant Christ the Judge A widow begs for justice
Lectionary 29 (Pentecost 19)
Invite your friends to follow Christ the King on Facebook where we are reading through the
Gospel according to Luke. Daily readings are posted there.
3 | P a g e
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
DISCIPLESHIP LEARNING
Wednesdays: Book of Faith study of the Gospel according to Luke
continues, 7pm in the Rainbow Room.
Sundays: Inquirer’s class, Sundays, September 22, 29 and October 6,
9am, Library. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in learning
about the Lutheran Church, Christ the King in particular, please
contact Pastor Dorothy.
AND SOME OTHER THINGS…
EMANUEL: The Documentary Pr. Dorothy has pre-ordered a copy of this powerful documentary. Six of
us viewed it on June 17th, the 4th anniversary of the shooting at Historic
Mother Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, SC. The Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, at its churchwide assembly last month “adopted a
resolution to commemorate June 17th as a day of repentance in the
ELCA for the martyrdom of the Emanuel 9”. Watch for opportunities to
view the documentary here at Christ the King.
Churchwide Assembly Report
The ELCA representatives re-elected Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
on the first ballot. You may read a synopsis of all the actions taken by
the assembly here:
https://search.elca.org/Pages/Results.aspx?k=Churchwide+Assembly
Mark Your Calendars
Saturday, September 7th: God’s Work. Our Hands Sunday is
September 8, 2019. We will once again be joining with other Tigard
churches in a Prayer Booth at the Tigard Street Fair on Saturday,
September 7. Please come along, spend some time sitting in the
booth praying with and for the people in our community.
Sunday, September 22nd: Cap off the summer at Jazz Vespers
and BBQ.
Sunday, October 6th is “Bring Your Pet to Church Day”. In
commemoration of Saint Francis of Assisi, we will bless your pets following worship. Weather permitting,
we will bless them on the front courtyard, or in the narthex. Please invite your neighbors and friends to
bring their pets. Pastor Dorothy will bless each pet, even unusual pets.
Sunday, October 13th we will welcome new members in worship and at the first potluck of the
season. Bring a dish to share and welcome the new members.
Farewell and Godspeed
Sunday, September 22 we bid farewell to Director of Music, Craig Jones. The BBQ
following the Jazz Vespers is our opportunity to send him on his way with our love. Plan
to attend Vespers. Bring a side dish and story about Craig to share at the BBQ.
Director of Music Update
A wise person once said “don’t expect them to fill the other’s shoes, let them bring their own”. The
Director of Music Search team is receiving resumes and interviewing candidates to fill this vital position.
We cannot expect anyone to “fill” Craig’s shoes and we are looking for the very best “shoes” we can
find.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Patti Risdal
2 Joel Stollberg
5 Nicholas McNaught
6 Sydney Clifton
8 Elise Martz
9 Betty Epps
10 Peggy Noles
13 Chris Frazee
15 Suzanne Metcalf
16 Sherie Knutsen
17 Barb Coufal
20 Hilde Konarzewski
20 Ernie Coufal
23 Ed Maggio
23 Bob Brink
25 Leanne Klein
26 Sam Fusick
27 Brian Liebenstein
28 Lauren Livengood
30 Mary Brown
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
1 Sherman & Mary Case
5 Bill & Gaynelle Dressel
6 Don & Sherie Knutsen
11 Eric & Noelle Martz
12 Carl & Pastor Dorothy Cottingham
21 William & Judy Potts
Please call the church office if your
birthday or anniversary date is not
listed or is incorrect.
4 | P a g e
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you! Thanks to the hard – and quick –
work of members and friends,
on Sunday, August 11th the
sanctuary, the narthex and the
offices were cleared out to
make way for the carpet layers
to come in on August 12th – 14th
and lay the new carpet. The
sanctuary and narthex are
pretty much back to normal.
Continue reading for an update
on the offices.
Christ the King
Renovation Update I want to thank Valerie Briggs
for the carpet selection and
overseeing its installation. It looks
great.
We have new carpet in the
Sanctuary and Narthex, but not
the offices. We ran into a
problem we could not solve
without outside specialists. We
have known for some time the
original building built in the
1960s likely had asbestos laden
vinyl tile. We planned to do like
they did back in 1996. Not
disturb it and just lay carpet
over the tile. However, when the
installers started removing the
carpet in the Pastor's office the
tile came too, in small chunks.
By law, they are required to stop
and have it tested for asbestos
and if so call in certified
Asbestos Abatement
professionals. We did call in an
inspector who took six samples
and sent them off to a testing
lab. The results came back as
expected, the tile was 5%
asbestos and mastic used to
glue it down also contained
asbestos.
By the time you read this we
will have contracted with a
certified Abatement company
and will likely be in
the DEQ required
10 day waiting
period before the
removal process
can start. The
carpet and tile will
all be removed
under controlled conditions
beginning September 23rd
and should take no more
than a couple of days
which will put us
somewhere around the
end of September.
Then the carpet
installers will come in
again to finish. Most
certainly by late
September.
That's where we are
at the end of August.
CTK Renovation Team
MORE THANK YOU’S
A special
thank you
goes out to
some
awesome
volunteers
who have
recently
spent many
hours taking
care of jobs
around the church and
grounds. They have spent long
hours working hard to make our
building and property look
great. They have painted walls
and parking lot curbs, rebuilt
altar risers, painted concrete
bricks, moved furniture, power
washed concrete, cleaned up
flower beds, hauled away
debris, and polished chairs and
furniture. Please let these
people know how much we
appreciate all the work they
have done:
Steve
Larsen,
George
Klein, Mark
Gohlke,
Gail Barzee,
Dick
Renken,
Brian
Liebenstein
and Pastor Dorothy, and of
course all the volunteers who
helped clear the spaces for the
new carpets.
SANCTUARY BEFORE CARPET REMOVED
FURNITURE STORED IN HALLWAY
PASTOR DOROTHY'S TEMPORARY
OFFICE IN RAINBOW ROOM
NARTHEX WAITING FOR NEW CARPET
NEW CARPET IN NARTHEX
NEW CARPET AT ALTAR
5 | P a g e
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
CTK PRESCHOOL NEWS We're ready to start our 16th
year at Christ the King
Preschool. We are excited
about the new afternoon Pre K
class this Fall! We are full in our
morning classes, but still have
room in the afternoons! For
information or to schedule a
tour, please contact Heidi at
503-333-5331.
We had a lot of fun in our
Summer Camps this summer,
and a highlight was
walking with the
children to see the
rainbow of colors that
are growing in the
community garden!
No family has ever
been denied attending
CTK Preschool for lack
of tuition money
because of the
generosity of CTK
Lutheran church
members. Checks can
be made to CTK
Preschool and if you are a
Thrivent Member you can
choose Christ the King Preschool
for your Choice Dollars. Also,
please “like” us on Facebook
(Christ the King Preschool -
Tigard) to see what we are up
to throughout the school year.
Save the date! Sunday,
October 20, we will have our
annual Ice Cream Social and
Art Show!
LIVING LUTHERAN MAGAZINE
Filled with stories of God’s
people living their faith, Living
Lutheran is the primary way to
stay connected to the wider
community of ELCA Lutherans.
As a member of Christ the King
Lutheran, you are entitled to a
special subscription rate of 3-
years for $36 or 1-year from
$14.95. Visit
LivingLutheran.org/subscribe
and enter promo code: King or
call 800-328-4648, expires
10/31/2019.
Open Forums Is there a topic that you want to
know more about? Pr. Dorothy is
inviting suggestions on topics for
discussion at our monthly
potlucks. She is already
engaging some guest speakers
for the fall and is looking for
more ideas. Here are some
options to get you thinking:
Funeral planning, it’s not just for
the dying. Advance Directive
and POLST – it’s not just for the
sick. Having fun with Lutheran
liturgy and hymns. Just
Compassion, Love Inc., Safe
Parking Initiative, Mid-Willamette
Valley Latino Ministry and
Oregon Synod Latino Ministry
Table . . . there are so many
exciting opportunities to
engage with our neighborhood.
What do you want to know?
Who do you know? Who knows
what may come of these
community engagements?
PORTLAND TO COAST
RELAY WALK TEAM
August 23rd and 24th Kathleen
Carney, a friend Rosalie and
Pastor Dorothy walked with the
team from St. James Lutheran,
Portland. The 12 members of the
team took turns walking 3–7 mile
stretches of the 129-mile, 30-
hour course from downtown
Portland to Seaside. Thank you
for your support of Lutheran
Community Services through the
walking team “Lutheran
Ligaments”.
6 | P a g e
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 2019
ARE YOU FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK? Go to Christ the King Lutheran Church and click on the “follow” and/or
“like” button.
ELECTRONIC GIVING - Go to the CTK website www.tigardlutherans.com and under donate click on the link to
Vanco. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s convenient.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 9am Vineyard Worship
10:30 CTK Worship
2 Labor Day OFFICE CLOSED
3
4 9-11:30am Quilting Noon Gather Study 7pm Book of Faith
5 Preschool Begins
6 Preschool Begins 2-7:30 pm Red Cross Blood Drive
7 Tigard Street Fair 11am-6pm
8 9am Vineyard Worship
9am Choir Practice 10:30 CTK Worship
9 8:30-3:30 Preschool
10 8:30-3:30 Preschool 7pm Council 7pm Vineyard
11
8:30-3:30 Preschool 7pm Book of Faith
12 8:30-3:30 Preschool
13 8:30-11:30 Preschool 2-7:30 pm Red Cross Blood Drive
14
1-5pm Pinochle Group
15
9am Vineyard Worship 9am Choir
10:30 CTK Worship
16 8:30-3:30 Preschool
17
8:30-3:30 Preschool 7pm Vineyard
18
8:30-3:30 Preschool 9-11:30am Quilting 7pm Book of Faith
19
8:30-3:30 Preschool
20
8:30-11:30 Preschool 2-7:30 pm Red Cross Blood Drive
21
22 9am Vineyard Worship 9am Inquirer’s Class 9am Choir Practice
10:30 CTK Worship 5pm Jazz Vespers & BBQ Farewell to Craig
23 8:30-3:30 Preschool
7pm Vineyard Small Group
24 8:30-3:30 Preschool 7pm Vineyard
25
8:30-3:30 Preschool 7pm Book of Faith
26 8:30-3:30 Preschool
27 8:30-11:30 Preschool 2-7:30 pm Red Cross Blood Drive
28
29
9am Vineyard Worship 9am Inquirer’s Class
10:30 CTK Worship
30 8:30-3:30 Preschool
CTK OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY
8:30 AM TO 12:30 PM
7 | P a g e
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
11305 SW BULL MOUNTAIN ROAD
TIGARD, OR 97224
Church Staff Sunday Service
Dorothy Cottingham, Pastor 10:30 am Worship
Craig Jones, Music Director Nursery Provided
Linda Wesolowski, Business Administrator
Heidi Livingston, CTK Preschool Director
Phone 503.639.2789 Fax 503.620.2583
www.tigardlutherans.com [email protected]
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Christ the King
Lutheran Church is to:
WELCOME
All people with God’s unconditional love
CELEBRATE Jesus Christ and each other
GROW
In faith through the Holy Spirit
SERVE Human and community needs