In the meantime, I am so excited for you to share in ministry with Liz Durant. Both my colleague and my friend, Liz is a faithful minister with a deep love for God, for God’s people, and for justice. Her passion and enthusiasm will be a gift to all of you, and you, with your openness, extravagant welcome, and loving hearts, will be a gift to her. I know you will have a fruitful ministry together.
I am also so grateful to Moderator Nan Deane, Moderator-Elect Pam Rossio, our Church Council, and our staff for stepping up these next 12 weeks to support our congregation as we share in the Parental Leave time. While Liz will be covering the bulk of worship, pastoral care, and administrative duties, our leaders will continue to oversee the many additional ministries of LOUCC, as well as support Liz and our congregation as a whole.
Finally, since we as UCCers believe in the priesthood of all believers, I am also grateful to each of you for being the ministers of our church. God’s Spirit is and will continue to be with you, equipping you for ministry, enabling you to love one another, and helping you to reach out to others in need.
While I will miss seeing you over these next 12 weeks, know that I will be holding you in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to hearing about all that you learn and experience in these coming months, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you.
Thank you for your love and support, and many blessings to you in this Eastertide!
Sharing our journey,
Rev. Jennie Ott
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Greetings from your Parental Leave Pastor! I'm honored to be serving with you while Jennie Ott is on parental leave.
As Jennie celebrates the birth of her child, we'll be celebrating at LOUCC and exploring what "New Life in the Spirit" means for us. The Christian season of Eastertide (from now until Pentecost in mid-May) is an opportunity for us to consider the impact of Jesus' resurrection. What does it mean that Jesus is alive? How does the Spirit of God, Love-That-Overcomes-Death, call us into new ways of living?
We'll walk with the Jesus-followers as they encounter the Risen Christ and struggle to build a new community in a world where suffering and death is just “business as usual” and the new life of resurrection is…well, revolutionary! Along the way we'll encounter some interesting characters who have their lives changed in unexpected ways.
What refreshing, renewing presence are we seeking? How is the Spirit bringing new life into our lives? I'm curious about all that we'll discover together, and so excited to journey with you.
My office hours, starting April 4, are Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment. You can reach me at liz@loucc.org or via phone/text at (503) 951-7864. Please don't hesitate to reach out...I'd love to hear from you!
In joyful anticipation,
Liz Durant
Note from Parental Leave Pastor
Greetings from your Parental Leave Pastor! I'm honored to be serving with you while Jennie Ott is on parental leave.As Jennie celebrates the birth of her child, we'll be celebrating at LOUCC and exploring what "New Life in the Spirit" means for us. The Christian season of Eastertide (from now until Pentecost in mid-May) is an opportunity for us to consider the impact of Jesus' resurrection. What does it mean that Jesus is alive? How does the Spirit of God, Love-That-Overcomes-Death, call us into new ways of living?
We'll walk with the Jesus-followers as they encounter the Risen Christ and struggle to build a new community in a world where suffering and death is just “business as usual” and the new life of resurrection is…well, revolutionary! Along the way we'll encounter some interesting characters who have their lives changed in unexpected ways.
What refreshing, renewing presence are we seeking? How is the Spirit bringing new life into our lives? I'm curious about all that we'll discover together, and so excited to journey with you.
My office hours, starting April 4, are Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment. You can reach me at liz@loucc.org or via phone/text at (503) 951-7864. Please don't hesitate to reach out...I'd love to hear from you!
In joyful anticipation,
Liz Durant
Moderator's Corner
Looking out into the garden, there are so many signs of new life. The trees are in bloom. The bulbs are popping. The garden is nearly ready to plant. LOUCC is also preparing to welcome a new baby into our midst. I am so proud of our congregation in supporting Jennie’s parental leave. This time will allow her to step back from LOUCC to focus on her family.
During this time, we are very excited to welcome Elizabeth Durant (Liz) as the parental leave pastor. Liz will officially begin on April 4, but has already met with the Worship team and Council. Liz will work 30 hours per week with a focus on planning and leading Worship, pastoral care needs, and taking care of Administrative needs.
Jennie and Liz will have an opportunity to overlap during the first week of April. April 10 will be Liz’s first Sunday of leading Worship. Please extend a warm LOUCC welcome to Liz, Sadie, and their daughter, Ellie!
The month of April offers many ways to be involved in the wider life of the church. A book study, Operation Nightwatch, Grubby Sunday, Dinners for 8, and a Poetry Jam are just a few ways to connect with others in LOUCC. Details can be found in the newsletter and the e-news. There are many possibilities!
Easter blessings to all!
Nan
Congregational
Care Note
The contact person for Congregational Care support during April is Nancy Delbrueck. Please contact Nancy at nancici@aol.com or (503) 636-8596 if you are, or if you know of anyone, who is in need of support: meals, visits, or rides to church or any type of appointment. Thank you!
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Jennie & Hilary
If you’d like to contribute to a group gift,
please see Nan Deane or Pam Rossio.
Jennie and Hilary would like to buy a new rug
and furniture for the nursery.
Any questions, contact:
Nan at nandeane@comcast.net, or
Pam at rossio4@comcast.net
Jennie & Hilary
Baby "Sprinkle"
Jennie and Hilary (Hudson too)
Sunday, April 3
After Church in the Fellowship Hall
If you’d like to contribute to a group gift,
please see Nan Deane or Pam Rossio.
Jennie and Hilary would like to buy a new rug
and furniture for the nursery.
Any questions, contact:
Nan at nandeane@comcast.net, or
Pam at rossio4@comcast.net
Our flower beds are beginning to flourish with spring blooms and new growth, and they welcome the attention of willing hands. We're hoping to gather together folks who would like to give our beds some loving care.
The popular connection potluck dinners are returning in April! One dinner will be held on Saturday, April 16, and the other on Sunday, April 24. Each will be hosted in a congregant's home and promises to be a most enjoyable evening. Our Connection Dinners are a wonderful way to connect with one another while sharing a meal. Pat Crane will have sign up sheets at church. You can also reach her at 503-636-0503 or at 
Thanks to all who participated in the UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing special offering on March 6.
Other March Responsibilities:
