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Thursday, November 21, 2019

Dear Saints,

As we look ahead to the Thanksgiving holiday next week, we have an opportunity to reflect on what it is that we celebrate and how it relates to our faith. In our service this week, we will include prayers of gratitude, reading and prayer selections from Native American authors, and it’s also our 4th Sunday, so, in addition, we get to enjoy the leadership and gifts of children and youth members.

This Sunday we wrap up of the Adult Forum series, “Becoming the Church,” with Professor Terry Baker. It’s been an enlivening discussion, the culmination of which you won’t want to miss!

Lastly, be sure to read through this email for a Thanksgiving reflection from Rev. Deborah Hughes Habel and the addition of a new Social Justice & Advocacy column of Enews.

In peace,

The Rev. Andria Skornik
priest@allsaintspdx.org

Photographer at All Saints this Sunday: This Sunday, we will have a professional photographer with us to help capture community life at All Saints with photos that can be used on our website. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let Rev. Andria know so she can communicate with the photographer. Thank you for helping us extend a warm welcome in this way.

Crackin Crab Feast 2020 February 8th: The organizing committee meets this Sunday for about 30 minutes after the 10:15 service. We will meet in the Guild room if available or the back of the Parish Hall. If you would like to join us, please email Sonja or just show up to the meeting.

Adult Forum Series: This Sunday we wrap up of the Adult Forum series, “Becoming the Church,” with Professor Terry Baker. Adult Forum will then continue on December 8 with “Narrative Identity in the Birth of Stories of Jesus” led by Rev. Andria and Dr. Jordan Skornik. Forum takes place on Sundays at 9:15 in the Parish Hall. Childcare is available. Grab some coffee and join the conversation!

Thanksgiving Prayers & Remembrances: Need an idea for a prayer to say before the Thanksgiving meal? Here are a few options. Inviting people to share what they are thankful for during the meal can be meaningful, too.

Bless these gifts to our use and us to your service; and make us ever mindful of the needs of others. Amen.

God we thank you for this food and this time together. Bless our meal we pray. Amen.

Lord, thank you for the food before us, the family and friends beside us and the love between us. Amen.

Bless us, oh Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen.

If there is a loved one you would like to remember during the holiday meal, consider offering a special toast in that person's memory and/or ask your family members and friends to share their favorite memories of the person if they would like to.

Reflection by Rev. Deborah Hughes-Habel: from 2010 for “The Servant”, St. Stephen’s Parish Newsletter, West Valley City, Utah

Gratitude for Community
On a lovely Indian summer fall day while my husband and I were driving down our neighborhood street towards home, a strange site loomed in our view. We were surprised to find our front lawn filled with ladders of every size and shape. In a split second, our minds went from shock and confusion to laughter as our gaze met the eyes of our neighbors sitting in their lawn chairs across the street observing our response.

Just fourteen days before, my husband had fallen out of our front yard tree and broke his back. On that day, you did not hear laughter amongst my neighbors as they ministered to my husband as he lay in agonizing pain upon the lawn. But on that day, the Holy Spirit worked through these Good Samaritans to give aid and comfort. The helping hands of God’s love and compassion for Bill came through that day with every calming word and stroke of those hands upon my husband as they awaited my presence and the ambulance to come. What better example could you find of love in community?

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving next week. This holiday reminds us of what we are especially grateful for in our lives. My husband’s recovery from his accident and the neighborly outpouring of love and compassion certainly points out the many blessings I will be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

But the image of those ladders in my front lawn keeps coming back to me. What if my neighbors were not able to render aid when they did? What if my husband had asked for help before climbing that tree? Those ladders symbolize so much more and relay to us the depth of what community means in our lives. How as a community, we can be that conduit of the Holy Spirit lifting each other up when we need it. That is what we should be most grateful for every day.

On that lovely Indian summer day, our laughter expressed the joy and gratitude for my husband’s life and the joy and gratitude that a friend and neighbor had come home. Let us always remember with joy and gratitude that our lives are renewed through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy spirit we can always be a friend and neighbor and be welcomed in God’s home.

Savoring the Season of Advent - December 4th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm: As you’ve probably noticed from the change in TV ads and the decor in stores, Christmas is coming! But how do we, as people of faith, get ready for Christ’s birth? How do we enter into the mystery of Advent in the way our souls long for? How do we navigate the cultural pressures associated with this time? On December 4, our parish will gather for a festive Advent meal (complete with cider and cookies) to explore these questions and equip people to observe a holy Advent with simple and do-able practices that can be done in the day to day. Childcare will be available and we will have special crafts to help children engage these ideas as well. Sign-ups to bring food are be in the Parish Hall.

Advent Wreath Making: The Children’s Ministry will be making Advent Wreaths on the first Sunday of Advent (December 1). If you would like to participate, please bring some evergreens or other holiday greens, floral/garden shears, and a pie plate. We will provide Advent candles, floral foam, candle holders and additional greens ($8 suggested donation for materials).

Save the Dates: Woodstock Tree Lighting at Homestead Preschool (Dec 7); St. Nicholas Breakfast (during Sunday School Dec 8).

Social Justice & Advocacy Column

Justice and Advocacy Column: A Reflection from Eastern Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew written in 1997 “… to commit a crime against the natural world is a sin. For humans to cause species to become extinct and to destroy the biological diversity of God’s creation, for humans to degrade the integrity of Earth by causing changes in its climate, by stripping the Earth of its natural forests or destroying its wetlands, for humans to injure other humans with disease, for humans to contaminate the Earth’s waters, its land, its air, and its life with poisonous substances — these are sins.”

Episcopal Church ‘still in’ despite Trump administration’s withdrawal from Paris climate pact: “The Trump administration announced on Nov. 4 that it would withdraw the United States from the global climate pact known as the “Paris agreement” within a year, but that won’t affect The Episcopal Church’s commitment to the agreement’s goal of stopping or slowing climate change.” Read more from the Episcopal News Service here.

Offering Sacred Welcome to Immigrants and Refugees Workshop:

Join the Commission for Sanctuary and leaders from the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice for two upcoming workshops exploring our stories of sacred welcome and discovering what it means to offer that to immigrants and refugees in Oregon.
November 16, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, Wilsonville

November 23, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Thomas, Eugene

Dismantling Racism: Anti-racism Training for Leaders of Faith Communities

We are called to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. One of the ways we in the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon do this is through mandatory anti-racism training for people in positions of leadership.

The next training is Saturday, November 23 at Trinity Cathedral, Portland. Click here for more information.

Stewardship campaign update: We have 67 pledges for a total of $169,000 to date. We have begun follow up calls to about 25 members. If you haven't pledged yet and intend to, please pick up a Stewardship brochure and complete the attached pledge card. We begin budget planning for 2020 in early December. Thank you to everyone who has pledged and to all our members who share their time and talent to support the many ministries of All Saints Episcopal Church. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Sonja Miller Chair of the Finance Committee.

Parking: Christmas Services are expected to bring larger than average attendance which can cause parking challenges. If you are able, please consider using public transportation, walking, biking, or car pooling to get to church. For those who drive and are able to park further from the church, overflow parking is available on Sundays at Woodstock Wine and Deli across the street. We want to ensure that parking spaces in the church lot are available for those with limited mobility, those with small children, and guests new to All Saints. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Deb Miller, Senior Warden

Thank you to all who helped with the Gratitude Garland Project!

Woodstock Neighborhood Association Newsletter: As we increase our church's efforts to partner in the Woodstock neighborhood, one great way we can do that is supporting our neighborhood initiatives. Every month the Woodstock Neighborhood Association puts out an excellent newsletter full of things happening in the neighborhood. You can see the November edition and subscribe here.

St Francis Closet: We are in dire need of men's average-sized pants or jeans. Got an old sleeping bag or an extra blanket? Is your sock drawer overstuffed?

As October brings cooler nights and rainy weather, let’s remember that freezing temperatures are not far off and many who are homeless will struggle to keep warm. Let’s help them out. Please see Deacon Kathleen about donating items to the St. Francis Closet. Donations are needed year-round.

Bishop Michael Health Update: Earlier this month, Bishop Michael experienced a few days of feeling unwell. He was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and prescribed blood thinners and rest.

Following his doctor’s orders, Bishop Michael is reworking his schedule to create the necessary time and space to continue recovering, and anticipates returning to full-time ministry after Thanksgiving.

Please keep Bishop Michael in your prayers over the next few weeks as he recuperates.

Kid's Corner

Check out this week's games at
Children's Bulletins by clicking here!

This week's secret code for ages 3-6 is VA0654

This week's secret code for ages 7-12 is YNDX25

* And find the Children's Bulletin in the basket at the back of the Sanctuary every Sunday.

Calendar for Upcoming Week:

Thursday, November 21
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Homestead Stone Soup Event
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Organ and Choir Rehearsal
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Rhododendron Society

Friday, November 22
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Homestead Stone Soup Event
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Mustard Seed & Book Nook
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Organ Rehearsal

Saturday, November 23
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Enso Theatre Ensemble
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Mustard Seed & Book Nook
11:30 AM Hot Meals-Youth
4:00 PM Youth Game Night

Sunday, November 24 - Christ the King
8:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Convenes
9:15 AM Adult Forum
10:15 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II - Family Service
4:00 PM Youth Group

Monday, November 25
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tai Chi
7:30 PM I Chuan

Tuesday, November 26
9:30 AM Bible Study
6:30 PM AA
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Girl Scout - Kelly

Wednesday, November 27 - Office Closed
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM I Chuan

Thursday, November 28 - Happy Thanksgiving

Prayers of Concern: Steve & Sue Hiscoe; Shirley Jones; Jerry Meter; the Moore family (family of Sara Ebers); Joanne Paolozzi (friend of Constance Hammond); Nancy Patrick; Anne Schneider (friend of Constance Hammond); Gary Sorenson; Jim Tonner (friend of Ruth Mumm); Louise Wilkinson (niece of Lucille Pierce); and the Rt. Rev. Michael Hanley.

Birthdays: Nicole Budlong; Deona DeLong.

Repose of the Soul: Bill Hiscoe (father of Steve Hiscoe); Jim Tonner (friend of Ruth Mumm(l Baby Dax (friend of Ron & Shirley Jones).

Ministry Schedule November 24, 2019
Christ the King Sunday, Rite I at 8:00 a.m.

The Rev. Andria N. Skornik, Rector
The Rev. Deborah Hughes-Habel, Assisting Priest
The Rev. Dr. Constance Hammond, Assisting Priest
The Rev. Dn. Kathleen Borsch, Deacon
Ardis Weir, Worship Leader, Intercessor, Eucharistic Minister

Ministry Schedule November 24, 2019
Christ the King Sunday, Rite II at 10:15 a.m.

The Rev. Andria N. Skornik, Rector
The Rev. Deborah Hughes-Habel, Assisting Priest
The Rev. Dr. Constance Hammond, Assisting Priest
The Rev. Dn. Kathleen Borsch, Deacon
Dr. James Denman, Director of Music
Miriam Lain, Worship Leader
Noah; JJ, Lectors
Sophia: Prayers
Sonja Miller; Miriam Lain, Eucharistic Ministers
Larry Chalew-Fuller, Verger
Noah K.; Phalyn; Noah L, Acolytes
Youth, Greeter
Michaela Friends; Hannah Pitner, Ushers
Carol Cannon & Tracy Trentin, Coffee Hour Hosts

Lessons Appointed for Christ the King Sunday

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 46
Special Reading from Chief Joseph
Luke 23:33-43

You can find all the readings

here

View the Church Calendar here

Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Copyright © 2019 All Saints Episcopal Church, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
All Saints Episcopal Church
4033 SE Woodstock Ave
Portland, OR 97202
503-777-3829
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All Saints Episcopal Church · 4033 SE Woodstock Blvd · Portland, OR 97202 · USA