 Vicar’s Column
Missional Priorities:
What do we mean when we talk about being “missional?†– simply put, it means embodying the Gospel in ways that bring about a higher level of congruence between the world we live in and our best understanding of God’s hope for the created order. The Christian “way†is a way that believes that the Spirit of God yearns to act in and through humanity to bring this “dream of God†into being. Hence the prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.â€
Last Saturday, our Mission Committee continued its work by reflecting on how this can be done at St. Catherine’s. We talked, not only about “projects,†but also about “what does the process of being a missional community need to look like.†Here are the points that the committee discerned were important for St. Catherine’s:
1.Missional projects are healthier when they have a high level of buy-in from the congregation, and should result in people working together.
2.Mission should take into account available resources, economics and people.
3.Mission should address needs and priorities of the community.
4.We should be aware of our limits, do what we can as we can, and not over-extend.
5.Value and importance of becoming “competent†in the eyes of the wider community.
6.Should not duplicate projects or initiatives already being addressed by a different institution or organization.
7.Missional projects should involve BOTH money AND the time, talent and work of our congregation, with people being invited to contribute as they can.
8.Missional projects are “better†if they include relationships and giving of one’s personal time. (ie, people should be personally involved)
9.Missional projects should be informed by our understanding of the Gospel and the Baptismal Covenant
Woven through these points, your mission committee is envisioning a way of working that involves all of St. Catherine’s with a high level of communication and integration. All of our ministry committees are now meeting monthly, and doing very good work. I invite all of us to be part of this work as the outward and visible manifestation of our commitment to the Baptismal Covenant.
Mission is also something we do within the wider framework of the Episcopal Church. Click here to listen to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's remarks at the recently held 21st annual Global Episcopal Mission Network conference.
In Christ,
Patricia+
UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. CATHERINE’S
Grounds and landscaping day at St. Catherine’s
Saturday May 21, 9:00 AM
Financial Auditing Committee Meeting
Saturday May 21, 9:30 AM
Trinity Sunday - Sunday, May 22
Godly Play at 6 PM May 22 Parable of the Leaven
BAC Meeting - Sunday, May 22 after the 9:30 AM service
Upcoming Congregational Care Workshops:
· Making/Documenting Medical Decision
Monday, May 23, 5:30 PM
Fun and entertainment Saturday
on the grounds of St Catherine
Good day to you all. Weather permitting, this Saturday May 21st, at  9:00 am, we will once again attempt a yard weeding adventure at St Catherine's. We will focus on the front berm, the gateway to our church, in preparation for bark.
If you come, we promise fun and entertainment, okay maybe not, but, you will get to spend a fun day with entertaining people.
If you can't help on Saturday you are welcome to weed anytime you have a few free moments. We are starting on the berm but Bible Garden and Memorial wall area need weeding too. Leave weeds by paths and I will pick them up.
May you all have a blessed week.
Bill Larson
Junior Warden
Yes! the Directory is coming!
 We are in the final stages of pulling together a directory. There is a draft in the entry (foyer, narthex) at the Information Center. Please check or add your mailing and street address, phone number and email address. We would also like to have your birthdate for Congregational Care. We have these for most members but missing a few. You can also reply to this Tidings to send updates on your information.
Patricia+ Ann+ and Ginny Larson
Congregational Care Workshop Part II: Monday
 Pamela DeVisser, FNP, will present the second of two workshops in our End of Life Series. Registration at the church, or online here.
May 23 5:30 PM Workshop II
Making and Communicating Your Medical Decisions
Potluck Dinner 5:30-6PM
Workshop 6-7 PM
Congratulations to one of our high-school graduates:
Gabe Cázarez (shown to the right with his family) is graduating from Neah-Kah-Nie highschool this year, and invites his church family to attend and be part of the graduation festivities on June 3. Gabe has been accepted as a student at ITU (Universal Technical Institute) in Sacramento, and will continue working at the family restaurant throughout the summer. Please hold Gabe in your prayers with thanksgiving for his graduation and a successful transition into the next phase in his life!
Summer Camp is Coming:
 We are now actively inviting our kids and teens to enroll for summer camp. There is more information on our Facebook page, and camp applications must be completed by the end of May. What a great thing, to make this opportunity for our young people available.
Patricia+
Brotherhood of St. Andrew 
visits St Catherine's Sunday
On Sunday May 15, the Brotherhood of St Andrew from St. Bede's Forest Grove worshipped at St Catherine's at 8 a.m. A group of women on retreat were also with us (but I did not get their photo)
They loved the church and the service and the sermon - took service bulletins home to share with their churches. They joined in singing heartily! For more on the Brotherhood - an Episcopal/Anglican organization for men and boys - click here.
Ann+
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