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United VoiceUnited Lutheran Church February 2019A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
2230 Washington Street, Eugene, OR 97405 (541) 342-5808
www.unitedlutheran.org [email protected]
Worship Services: Sundays, 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Education Hour: 9:45 a.m., School Year Only
In This Together
by Interim Pastor Brian
Brandt
OK, I’ve been at United four
months now and I’m loving it. Seems like I’ve
been here longer. That’s a good sign — I’m feeling
at home. It’s also long enough to feel that we’ve
had our get-to-know-you period; now February
brings a new chapter in our journey together.
Council appointed the Transition Team on January
17. We’ll ritually install that team at the single
worship service (10:00) on February 3, just before
the Congregational Meeting. That team and I will
get to work right away. There’s information for
the team to digest, a process to be designed, events
to be planned. What will that all look like? To be
determined… watch for further information
forthcoming in February and March.
Speaking of transitions, I’ve been lucky to have
Bob Johnson and Paul Frantz as leaders in the
Adult Sunday School program. They’ve done fine
ministry with the Nooma videos and with a few
other classes designed and led by Paul. That’s
lightened my load and let me get up to speed with
greater ease than I’d expected. But in February
and March I will be leading six Sunday morning
sessions on the Letter to the Ephesians. Taking one
chapter each session, the dates are: February 10, 17;
March 3, 10, 17, and 24. The Letter to the
Ephesians is my favorite book of the Bible. It’s the
one I’d have on the desert island if I had to pick
only one. Why? Partly because of my own need to
get a big picture so I have some sense of how all
the parts fit together. Ephesians gives that big
picture, stretching from the creation to the
consummation of all things. It’s got grace and faith
as core values and shows how they generate our
conversion to Christ. It’s got a profound vision of
social reconciliation and peace through Christ and of
personal fulfillment in Christ. It also has inspiring
guidance for Christians to live well in the face of
life’s challenges. So, please join me in studying one
of the most interesting and profound letters in the
New Testament.
Finally, I keep getting questions: When is Lent?
When is Easter? Answers: Ash Wednesday is on
March 6. Easter is April 21. In between, we’ll have
the Wednesday evening Lenten Vespers services
after the community supper, as in years past. Please
let me know if you want to be one of those who gives
a witness story at those Vespers services. I’m
grateful for your partnership in the gospel, whether
on the Transition Team, in Bible study, or at worship.
We are blessed to be in this together.
EARLY DEADLINE IN
FEBRUARY
Due to the short month, the
deadline for articles for the March
United Voice will be Tuesday,
February 12
United Voice February 2019 – Page 1
Q. In 1933, and architect named Alfred Mosher Butts
invented a game he called “Lexiko.” What name eventually
replaced that one? Answer pg. 6
TRANSITION TEAM NAMED
Interim Pastor Brian Brandt
On January 17, the Church Council officially
created the Transition Team. Here is the list of
people who will serve on the Transition Team:
1. Marc Spence
2. Corrie Gustafson
3. Jennifer Haliski
4. Dan Diffendaffer
5. Bob Schmidt
6. Randy Sullivan
7. Susan Lunas
8. Cara Haakanson
9. Kris Landon
10. Mark Raney
11. Zach Buenau
12. Veronica Vold
13. Kathy Mains
I will convene Transition Team meetings and
guide its work. The Transition Team will design a
self-study process to gather information about
United’s vision, sense of mission, and priorities for
ministry, all of which will help congregational
members to define the sort of pastor who will be a
good fit for United.
The Transition Team will interpret the information
they gather and use their conclusions to complete
the Ministry Site Profile (MSP), which will serve as
United's résumé when the Call Committee
interviews clergy candidates.
The Transition Team will keep you updated
frequently about its activity and progress. Please
pray for the Transition Team and for the whole
congregation as we work together getting ready to
call a new pastor.
May God bless us in this exciting project!
Pastor Brian
SET ASIDE FEBRUARY 3
United’s Annual Meeting
will be held Sunday, February 3.
We will have a special schedule
that day, with only one service:
9:00 a.m. ~ Sunday School
10:00 a.m. ~ Worship
11:00 a.m. ~ Lunch: Fund-raiser for
Mexico Mission Trip
12:00 p.m. ~ Annual Meeting
START OFF THE NEW YEAR
WITH A GOOD BOOK
United’s Book Group Please join us in reading
Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. Pachinko tells the story of a
poor Korean immigrant family
living in Japan between 1910,
when Korea was colonized, and
the present. It is a family that
fights to control its destiny
within clashing cultures - Korea
and Japan. We’ll meet in the
community room at United on
Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 12:30 p.m.
Books chosen to read and discuss in 2019
Feb., 2019 Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee
Mar., 2019 Educated, by Tara Westover
Apr., 2019 The Lemon Tree, by Sandy Tolan
May, 2019 My Family and Other Animals (1st volume),
by Gerald Durrell
June, 2019 The Leavers, by Lisa Ko
Thank you from FISH
“Thank you for your generous gift
of $250.00 plus food in 2018. Your
generosity will make life better for
individuals and families who have
great needs. On their behalf and on
behalf of our wonderful volunteers
we thank you.”
United Voice February 2019 – Page 2
Mary Magdalene Circle meets on
Tuesday, February 12 at Eileen
Peterson’s home and Sue Bowers will
lead the discussion
UNITED’S
PRAYER GROUP
United’s Prayer
Group meets on
Thursdays at 4:00
p.m.
This gathering is
open to everyone
and its focus is on praying for members of the
congregation, the mission of United, others in
special needs and any for whom the group is asked
to pray. It is also a time for good fellowship and
some "holy hilarity" as well. The group meets in
the fireside room downstairs at United. Questions?
Please contact Wendy Stoner at 541-517-2968 or
Susan Lunas at 541-485-6527
Parents and
Grandparents, are you
interested in a First
Communion Class
for your child or
children?
United is offering a class on Sunday, February 24th
from 9:45-10:45 a.m. First Communion will be
offered during worship on Sunday, march 10th . The
class will be a series of stations led by Jean Frantz
and Jennifer Haliski. It will be hands on and
experiential. Parents or grandparents need to
accompany their child. Questions? Contact Crystal
Miller, Jean Frantz, or Jennifer Haliski.
+Christian Symbol+
Chi Rho
“Chi” and “rho” are the first two letters in the Greek
spelling for Christ (XPICTOC, pronounced
“Christos”). The blending of these two letters into
one symbol formed a “sacred monogram.” Early
Christians created many such symbols as codes to
indicate their discipleship while avoiding detection
by Roman persecutors. Many variations of the Chi
Rho symbol exist, incorporating a cross, a shepherd’s
crook, the Greek letters alpha and omega, an anchor
and other images.'
THE GIFT THAT GIVES
Love ever gives,
forgives, outlives
and ever stands
with open hands.
And while it lives, it gives.
For this is love’s prerogative –
to give, and give, and give.
– John Oxenham
United Voice February 2019 – Page 3
A. S
crab
ble –
Bu
tts’s bu
siness p
artn
er
Jam
es Bru
no
t cam
e up
with
it.
FOOD FOR LANE COUNTY DATES
Tuesday February 26, 9:30-11:30 Food Prep
Tuesday March 26, 9:30-11:30 Food Prep
Please contact Cara Haakanson at
541-342-2780 if you are interested
Lunch Preparation for Community Court.
United will be providing lunches for the
Community Court on the following dates this year:
February 22
May 10
June 28
October 25
December 6
Lunches are prepared the day before (Thursday)
and delivered on Friday mornings.
Homemade cookies, brownies, or bars are most
welcome! If anyone is interested in baking the day
we prep the lunches (the day before we deliver) we
would love to include a home baked goodie!
Please contact Cara Haakanson if you are
interested.
LUTHERFEST 2019 IS COMING
NEXT MONTH
Tickets are now on sale for
Lutherfest 2019, to be held Sunday,
February 24, 1:45 to 4:30 p.m. at the
Boulder Falls Center in Lebanon,
Oregon. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. This fund-
raising event for Luther House, campus
ministry at Oregon State University, features six
seated servings of a featured beer, a featured
cheese, and a tasty appetizer – including beers
and cheeses from new participants.
All ticket sales support Luther House
programming in 2019. Ticket sales close
February 14, 2019 or when they are sold out.
Tickets may be purchased online from
Luther House, http://luther-house.org/. Tickets
are $50 per person, or buy a table for 8 at $350.
Ticket options are:
Regular Ticket – featured appetizers, featured
cheeses, and featured beers
Gluten Free Ticket – gluten free appetizers,
featured cheeses, and featured beers
(sorry, the beers are not gluten free). You
can pick up a Sparkling Cider place card at
the entry to the event for a non-beer option.
Alcohol Free Ticket – featured appetizers and
cheeses, sparkling cider
Table of 8 – featured appetizers, featured cheeses,
and featured beers for 8 people. There will be
a text box where you can indicate how many
of your party need the Gluten Free (GF) food
option &/or the Alcohol Free (AF) option.
FISH
In FEBRUARY Donate SOUPS
AND STEWS Protein rich food is
always needed: large cans and
small are all welcome and help FISH meet the needs
of all those asking for help to put food on their tables
- whether it is a single individual or a family of 12.
Thank you. Bring your donations with you to
worship with you on Sunday morning
REGISTER NOW
FOR SUMMER
CAMPS!
Camp Lutherwood
Oregon’s 2018 Summer Schedule is now out and
registration is open. Camps for all ages are offered,
beginning June 23 and ending with the Women’s
Retreat August 2-4th
Call 541-998-6444 for information or email
AFFECTIONATELY YOURS
St. Valentine, a Roman priest, was martyred in 270
A.D. for loving Jesus. Some sources say he
performed weddings after the emperor banned
them; others say he rescued Christians from
Roman prisons. Two centuries later, the pope
declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day.
According to legend, the priest signed his letters
“Your Valentine.” Later, Christians followed suit
to honor him. By the mid-1700s, friends and
sweethearts exchanged heart-shaped trinkets or
sent handwritten notes of affection on February
14.
United Voice February 2019 – Page 4
Lane County Waste
Management will host a
plastics roundup at the
Glenwood Transfer Station
on Sunday April 7, 2019
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m.
Community collectors are
encouraged and may make
an appointment in advance. In order to register as
a community collector call 541-682-6536.
Materials must be sorted into the following
material categories: tubs, bottles, lids, and beverage
handles.
Staff will accept CLEAN #2, #4, and #5 resin types.
Jugs, bottles, lids, and beverage handles that are
CLEAN and free of debris. Applied labels (those
not printed directly on the surface) must be
removed.
Materials must be sorted into the five following
categories:
#2 - bottles & jugs
#2 - tubs & lids
#2 - beverage handles
#4 - bottles, tubs & lids
#5 - bottles, tubs & lids
Recent disruptions of international markets have
driven changes in the collection of mixed recycling
(curbside commingled recycling) systems in Lane
County. Some communities have had to prohibit
plastics in order to ensure that sorting facilities can
produce marketable commodities for
re-manufacture.
The key to successful recycling is to ensure each
commodity type is uncontaminated by other
plastics or debris of any kind. Roundup events
allow us to collect exactly the materials our
processor/partner can use, without contamination.
The end result of course is keeping as much waste
as possible out of landfills.
Another hope is that consumers will carefully
consider purchasing plastics at all and look for
altenative containers for items they need.
How much are we willing to have convenience over
the health of the planet?
Almost daily there are reports about climate change
and its effects. The “Our Children’s Trust” lawsuit
is on hold indefinitely. Wildfires, droughts, floods
and extreme storms are in the news more than in the
past. It’s enough to make one depressed, or at least
not read or listen to the news.
Not everyone has the time, resources or interest to
work on halting climate change. But there are things
everyone can do, from young to old. A recent article
in the Bring newsletter listed four ideas:
“Reduce your consumption. Are there places where
you can cut down on waste, or buy secondhand
instead of purchasing something new? Consuming
fewer new products is one of the best ways an
individual can directly impact climate change.
Volunteer. Many organizations that work on
environmental issues, including climate change,
natural resource conservation, and waste reduction
are looking for people who can donate their time to
good causes. Taking such concrete action can feel
really positive in the face of the many negative
stories we hear every day. It can also be a great way
to meet people and make new friends.
Stay educated. There have always been many
misperceptions about climate change — including
whether it exists at all. When you stay informed you
can help other people understand about the dangers
of a warming planet and what they can do to make a
difference. And if you like natural sciences, keep
learning about them. Maybe you’ll be the person
who comes up with a way to remove some of the
excess carbon humans have pumped into the
atmosphere.
Vote. If you’re old enough to cast a ballot every
year, vote for candidates that will work to slow
climate change. Even if you aren’t old enough to
vote (yet), you may be able to volunteer with a
political campaign.”
Good suggestions from a local organization that is
working to reduce consumption. And good
suggestions for new year resolutions.
Happy New year to all!
United Voice February 2019 – Page 5
United Voiceis published monthly by
United Lutheran Church
Editor: Linda Anderson
Publication Deadline: Middle of month
email [email protected]
Interim Pastor: Brian Brandt
Director of Music: Philip Bayles
Congregational Ministry Assistant: Crystal Miller
Secretary: Linda Anderson
Mid-Week Meal Cook: Diane Masson
Child Care: Jessica Graham
Council: Bob Johnson, Pres., Kristin Landon, V. P., Becci
Buenau, Sec., Sue Bowers, Treas., Melyssa Baxter, Paul
Greene, Damion Kasper, Mark Raney, Marc Spence,
Meegan Ward, and Rebekah Whittaker.
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
EUGENE, OREGON
PERMIT NO 119
UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH
WASHINGTON ST
EUGENE OR 97405
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
E specially for:
March 3 Isaiah Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2; Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a]
March 10 Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13
March 17 Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17–4:1; Luke 13:31-35
March 24 Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Corinthians10:1-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
March 31 Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
United Voice February 2019 – Page 6
