Issue 1

Winter 2014

The Heritage O R E G O N C H R I S T I A N C O N V E N T I O N

Elder-Pastor Conference: January 25, 2014 ; Saturday, 9 AM-3:30 PM

This year’s conference will be built around the theme of "Building a Caring and Thriving

Congregation Together.” Ryan Connor, minister at Amity Christian Church, will keynote the

day based upon his study, speaking, and writing about helping congregations thrive in caring

for each other and the mission of Christ. He currently serves on the OCC Leadership Team

and is a frequent presenter on this topic.

Those who attend this conference continue to ask for plenty of time to interact with other

elders and leaders about common purpose, challenges, and shared concerns. The day will

provide three different times for breakout sessions where this will occur. Attendees will have

the opportunity to interact with Ryan about his morning presentation. Breakout sessions for

elders to talk with and listen to each other will also be available, led by moderators. Another breakout session will be

led by Doug Marshall, minister at Wilsonville Christian Church. His session will address communication among elders

and church leaders, focusing upon conflict management - a topic often requested by those who attend. He is a

frequent presenter and speaker on this topic.

Plenty of time will be allowed for choices of breakout sessions, open fellowship time, and of course a hearty lunch and

some early "eats" upon arrival as the day begins.

In an effort to better serve the churches of the northwest, OCC is offering this event at no cost. Your RSVP is needed as

space is limited. Call the OCC office at 503-743-2101 to RSVP.

a ministry of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

Ready—Set—Go! Take Aim at OCC for 2014 Ministry Equipping Events

Here’s a list of events that OCC is sponsoring in 2014. For more information check out the details on the web at oregonchristianconvention.org.

January 25, 2014: Elder/Pastor Conference

February 7-8, 2014: Prayer Retreat

April 10, 2014: Office Professionals Retreat

May 8, 2014: Seniorfest

May 23-26, 2014: Nehemiah Project

May 24, 2014: Launch Point! Get Ready for the 2014 Convention.

June 24-29, 2014: 162nd Oregon Christian Convention

September 20, 2014: Ministry Toolbox Workshop (new this year!)

October 23, 2014: Pastor/Mentor Retreat

November 7-8 and 14-15, 2014: Country Churchmouse Bazaar

Office Professionals Retreat April 10,2014

Do you work in a church office? Then this event is for you! Serving in a church office is a challenging ministry that requires compassion, patience and tact, not to mention the ability to use a computer and answer the phone. Your ministry is important so please come for a day to celebrate all you do!

Vicki Rockey will be bringing an inspirational boost to the day. Bring a sample of your work, such as a bulletin or newsletter to share. As always there will be fun surprises, great fellowship and a delicious lunch.

Register online at oregonchristianconvention.org

Prayer Retreat: February 7-8, 2014 Prayer Presenter: Mike Yunker,

Lead Pastor, Real Life Christian, Bend, OR

“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it;

it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.

No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there.

But only the redeemed will walk there . . . For I am the LORD, your God,

who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Do not be afraid” Isaiah 35:8-9; 41:13-14

I don’t know about you, but for me maps and navigation systems are a source of comfort. When I am driving to a new place or entering an unfamiliar town, the first thing I turn to is my GPS for clues as what’s ahead and turns I will need to make. I hate feeling lost and it’s frustrating to aimlessly drive around looking for a destination. I like to know how to get to where I desire as quickly and painlessly as possible. Quick and painless . . . that’s the key!

Powerlessness is the theme of this year’s Prayer Retreat. Come

enjoy a relaxing, encouraging and heart provoking weekend wherein

we will allow our souls to be unraveled in such a way that we can

begin to live and thrive when life isn’t so “quick and painless.”

—Mike Yunker

You Choose (same price either choice): 1-Two Day Retreat-Friday and Saturday-registration begins at 6 PM on Friday 2-One Day Retreat-Saturday only- 9 AM-3 PM

Prayer Schedule: Pray and Fast--Friday at 6 PM Session#1- Prayer: It’s Child's Play Saturday Morning Registration 8:30 AM Session #2- Will the Real Me Please Stand Up Session #3- Overhearing the Gospel Session #4- A Vulnerable Response

Come pray, practice and participate in growing our prayer life individually and together. Come closer to understanding what it means to "pray continually."

Cost: $15 per person (includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday) Register or download a registration form online at oregonchristianconvention.org or call to RSVP 503-743-2101.

If you have questions please email Brenda Lyon at npcc@millenicom.com

“...the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of

Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith…” Ephesians 4:12-13a

Discussing the day at the 2013 Pastor/Mentor Retreat

Seniorfest! May 8, 2014 Thursday 10 AM-4 PM

Seniorfest 2014 features Tom Burgess, Don White, Gene Sonnenberg and the Seldom Herd Bluegrass Band plus other workshops and surprises.

Seniorfest is a great time of joy-filled fellowship. The day starts at 10 AM in the Tabernacle with worship, laughter and inspirational teaching. Attendees have a choice of workshops to attend from creative writing to health issues to spiritual growth.

Who qualifies as a senior? If AARP has started sending you mailings, if you order off the “seniors” menu, if you simply want to come and participate, you’re in!

Cost: Individual: Early Bird: $20.00 per person (before May 1); Group Rate: 6 from one congregation: $100 ($10.00 for each additional person); After May 1, 2014: $25.00 per person Registration includes lunch. Register online at oregonchristianconvention.org or download a registration form to mail.

Nehemiah Project

May 23-26, 2014 * Camp Free * Eat Free * Work Hard

What happens at Nehemiah Project? A wide variety of individuals, families and church groups come together to work on the property at OCC. There are always an abundance of projects to work on for all skill and energy levels. Each evening we gather for worship.

If you are looking for a relationship/team building event for your family, youth group or church, look no further.

The “people come together with a mind to work” and God pours out a blessing on those who participate that is always amazing.

Please call Dianne at 503-743-2101 or email dianne@oregonchristianconvention.org to sign-up and secure housing.

Thirst Quencher Reflections on the Oregon Christian Convention

The noontime sun glows blue, green and red through the Tabernacle windows as I sit in the quiet. This is a rare moment in the midst of a busy day with visitors strolling about. But this is one of the moments I thirst for at the grounds of the Oregon Christian Convention Center.

Oh, I come for the fellowship, too. There is nothing like gathering with kindred spirits in a lushly green, tree-dotted campground, seeing Jesus in the eyes of everyone you pass. And no two gatherings are alike. Whether it’s an afternoon seminar or week-long convention, every OCC event (like any family reunion) has its unique blend of regulars and newcomers. What remains the same, however, is the presence of the Spirit. There are no strangers here. Whether we know others by name or not, we all know the name that we share – Christian.

Oh, I come for the worship, too. Whether in the Turner Tabernacle or Jubilee Hall, prayer groups in the cabins or gathering round the gazebo for spontaneous singing, the worship is always sweet. No one on the stage, whether singing, playing or praying, is there to impress, but only to help us humbly praise our God. Old songs and new, quiet or lively, sitting or standing, clapping or swaying, the Spirit makes each service precious.

Oh, I come for the teaching, too. Well-loved locals or faraway teachers, we hear the burdens, joys, and hard-fought lessons of those who want nothing more than to honor Christ and draw others to him. Preachers and professors, ministers and missionaries all open the Book to share with hungry hearts the most important words ever spoken.

The fellowship, the worship, the teaching (and the eating too) are all wonderful indeed, but I treasure most the quiet moments. Walking about the dewy grass, hearing the geese sing praises, praying among the pines, and listening to God in the pews.

Sitting in the silence of the old Tabernacle, I begin to hear the quiet chorus of countless hymns still softly echoing among the rafters. A few others come in and take their place, laughing or praying or waiting for a class. They do not disturb me. We are all here for the same reason, making our own precious moments and joining the chorus of hearts that have communed here for over a hundred years.

Surely this little nineteen acre lot is one of the most prayer-saturated places in the country.

And may we all do our part in keeping that way.

Don White

162nd Oregon Christian Convention June 24-29, 2014

Starts Tuesday, June 24, at 7 PM in the Tabernacle Concludes Sunday, June 29, with an all-church worship service in the Tabernacle followed by a picnic on the lawn.

Register online at www.oregonchristianconvention.org Call the office to reserve camping/housing: 503-743-2101

Only Six Months Out

The 2014 edition of the Oregon Christian Convention is fast approaching. This fact caused me to think about what I enjoy the most about the Convention experience. I came up with four things that have drawn me to these annual gatherings since the early 1970’s.

First, I really enjoy the adult group sessions—evenings and mornings. The music, special speakers and familiar faces in the audiences all work together to draw me back. This coming Convention we have lined up some great speakers in the persons of LeRoy Lawson & Alan Dunbar. They will speak at the morning and evening sessions.

Second, during our first visit to the Convention my wife and I were expecting our second daughter. So children have always been a part of our Convention experience. My wife (Carolyn) and her contemporaries worked in the children’s program for a number of years. This year’s Convention will feature some first-class workers in the “three-tiered children’s program” (youth, children, nursery). The last few years I have camped at the Convention with some of my grandchildren—you might try that this summer.

Third on my list is food. There have always been a number of choices when it came to food venues on the campgrounds. We have the cafeteria in Jubilee. Some food items are available, throughout the day, in the back of the Tabernacle. In the past we cooked our meals at our tent site—that is still a practice of many of our groups. Some larger family or church groups make this a regular practice at Convention.

Lastly on my list I would look forward to checking out the various accommodations that were at the Convention. It used to be most folks were in tents. Time passed and more campers appeared on the backs of pick-ups. Then it seemed numerous trailer houses were being towed to the Convention. This year I would guess there may be a dozen or more nice big motor homes. Good housing options are also available on the grounds—Jubilee Lodge with dormitory style lodging; Centennial Lodge has old-style hotel rooms; camp sites with hook-ups are available on the south and west side of the grounds.

Jim Keefe, 2014 Oregon Christian Convention President

W h a t e v e r , , , y o u d i d . . . y o u d i d f o r M e !

M a t t h e w 2 5 : 4 0

LeRoy Lawson Pastor, Professor, Author

Allan Dunbar Pastor, Teacher, Church Leader

Whatever you have planned for the last week of

June, add a stop or a stay at the Oregon Christian Convention. Why?

Challenging messages –two keynote speakers!

Discover your “Whatever”

Daily interactive workshops

Quality children and youth programing

Dynamic worship

Recreation

Young adult/family weekend focus

Experience unity

Many, Many Thanks for the gifts that are

poured out on OCC:

your prayers, your time,

your finances. Your support is a wonderful gift.

Thank you!

Gifts in Memory...

Olaf Carpenter Lois Carpenter

Hilda Huff Margy Petersen

Jack McIntosh Bob and Betty Gregory

John Peterson Frank and Virginia Musgrave

Calvin and Sally Phillips Jerry and Becky Rudberg

Louise Pulsifer Dorothy Grover Galen and Joann Siddall

Ray Pulsifer Dorothy Grover

Elsie Tiffin Shirley Robb Jerry and Becky Rudberg

Linda Veach Bob and Betty Gregory Norlene Payne

I n H o n o r o f …

Leo and Joyce Woodruff Jerry and Becky Rudberg

Ministry Toolbox September 20, 2014

“If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” Abraham Maslow

The Ministry Toolbox Workshop is a one-day conference for ministry leaders, staff and volunteers. The day is designed to put more tools in your ministry toolbox.

Choose from a variety of workshops to meet your needs. Maybe you serve on the worship team, the children’s ministry, an outreach program, a discipleship or small group ministry, a women's or men's ministry, a recovery ministry, or in Sunday school.

This conference is for you. And, you’ll be learning from your peers—folks who serve churches here in the northwest, and who have demonstrated effectiveness in their areas of ministry.

Register for the Ministry Toolbox Workshop and then come fill up your toolbox with practical ideas, strategies and skills.

Register online at oregonchristianconvention.org or call 503-743-2101.

Pioneer Renewal Project

Update

There is forward momentum to get

Pioneer Lodge restored to usability. The

building was built in 1886 and originally

was called the “little tabernacle.”

Currently the exterior isn’t much to look

at but don’t let that fool you. The

building is a gem because of its age and structural integrity.

The OCC leadership team is looking into historic designation from the city of Turner

which would allow us to move forward on the plans we currently have.

Monies have been spent to reinforce the foundation. The interior has been prepped

for restoration. We have blueprints from an architect.

Now we need your prayers, financial support and, when the time

is here, volunteer labor in order to renew Pioneer Lodge.

Currently $13,300 are designated to the Pioneer Renewal Fund.

That won’t go far when the roof and structural work actually

begins but it is a great start.

Gene Sonnenberg gave a challenge at the conclusion of the 2013

convention to “get r’ done!” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have

Pioneer usable at the 2014 June convention? What about 2016,

the 130th anniversary of its construction?

Dream big with me and let’s “get r’ done!”

Dianne McIntosh

Pioneer in the 50’s being used as the dinning lodge. Do you have old photos of Pioneer when it was a

younger building? Take a picture of the photo and email it to dianne@oregonchristianconvention.org.

Oregon Christian Convention P.O. Box 413 Turner, Oregon 97392-0413 (503) 743-2101

Email: info@oregonchristianconvention.org Website: www.oregonchristianconvention.org

We accept Visa and MasterCard RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 106 Salem, Oregon

Upcoming Events-Details Inside!

Elder/Pastor Conference-January 25 Prayer Retreat-February 7-8 Office Professionals Retreat-April 10 Seniorfest-May 8 Launch Point!-May 24 Nehemiah Project-May 23-26

W H AT E V E RW H AT E V E RW H AT E V E R

“whatever you did...you did for Me!” Matthew 25 :40

162nd Oregon Christian Convention—June 24-29, 2014

www.oregonchristianconvention.org