Hilltop Notes CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Rice, Beans and Oil for Western Farm Worker Families

Transcription

1 CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Hilltop Notes Calvin Presbyterian Church SW Canterbury Lane Tigard, Oregon Rev.. Dr. James L. Wallace Pastor Rev. Tim Jantos Pastor of Congregational Care Rice, Beans and Oil for Western Farm Worker Families Calvin members have been very generous for several years now in providing help for the Western Farm Workers during the winter months of little or no jobs. The rice, pinto beans and vegetable oil make a lot of difference for these families. Ninety percent of the families live in the area including right here in Tigard year round. While ten percent of the families find seasonal work in California and Washington. Western Farm Workers have an 11 point benefit program: 1. Provide emergency food 2. Provide clothing for members 3. Preventative medical care 4. Alcohol information referral if treatment needed 5. Legal advice 6. Child care trade-off with other members 7. Non emergency dental care 8. Job referral service 9. Association newspaper 10. Information services referrals 11. Helping with financing mandatory family purchases Please remember these hard working people and bring rice, pinto beans and vegetable oil (any size) to Calvin Church on January 22, 29, February 5 and 12. Our Mission Table will be in Fellowship Hall for the donations. Thank you from the Mission Committee

2 PAGE 2 Our Visioning Process forming Strategic Priority Teams Over the last 18 months, and with the help of TAG Consulting, Calvin has surveyed our congregation and compared the information to national norms, gathered focus groups to explore our strengths and challenges, received the Discovery Report (a 100-page detailed report about the church and the demographics of our neighborhood), and developed three statements on Our Core Values, Our Focus, Our Five Strategic Priorities. The 5 Strategic Priorities, a brief description and their leaders (called champions) are: In our neighborhood become more helpful. >Connect with our community for specific mission and ministry< *Champions: Tricie Richmann and Joanne Shipley In our congregation become more relational. >Form and deepen ties within the congregation and welcome newcomers< *Champion: Megan Boothby Across all ministries become more intergenerational. >Develop a church and programs that serve all ages< *Champions: Charmine Rone In our connections become more digital. >Make full use of social media to connect and promote the congregation< *Champion: Kent Dyer In our leadership become less institutional. >In all our decisions, become more aligned with our values and mission< *Champions: Wayne Kittelson and Laurie Larson Next steps: Each Strategic Priority Team will enlist 4-5 members, then name the one or two top priorities for that area, identify what it will take to get it done, define what success might look like, and set milestones. Here s where you come in. If you have interest, energy and passion for one of these five Strategic Priorities, please contact: 1.) the Champion/s of the Strategic Priority Team directly, 2.) Pastor Jim, 3.) or fill out the form found on the Good News Center and leave it in the main office. Because teams will initially be limited to 4-5 members, with a variety of skills and people needed, not everyone will be able to serve right away. However, as we start to implement ideas and try new things, teams will expand and all kinds of congregational involvement and support will be needed. For more information visit the Transforming Church page (in Church Life menu) on our website:

3 PAGE 3 Congregational Meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, January 22. Meeting to discuss and receive the 2017 budget. Adult Enrichment Schedule Wednesday evenings, Fellowship Hall, 6:30 7:30 pm January 4 - help Pastor Jim prepare for Sunday s sermon as Dave Geiger leads a discussion on the lectionary texts that will be used on Sunday, January 8, Baptism of the Lord. Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 January 11- help Pastor Jim prepare for Sunday s sermon as Al Leake leads a discussion on the lectionary texts that will be used on Sunday, January 15. Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 January 18 - help Pastor Jim prepare for Sunday s sermon as Don Herr leads a discussion on the lectionary texts that will be used on Sunday, January 22. Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, 1Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 January 25 - (Has not been determined although the following topics are being scheduled) 2017 Budget presentation with Q&A, a speaker from the FBI to discuss how to avoid scams, a speaker from the sheriff s office to discuss immigration. A huge Thank You to everyone. who purchased and who helped wrap our gifts for SOAR (Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees.) We made 79 children's Christmas mornings a little merrier this year. Way to go, Calvin! & Many thanks to everyone who helped with our Advent poster coloring project this year!

4 PAGE 4 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 10 am, Communion Service 2 7 pm, Tech Committee 7:30 pm Men s Chorus 3 1:00 pm, Dominoes 6:30 pm, Buildings & Grounds Committee 4 pm, Exercise 5 pm, Bible Study 6 pm, All Church Dinner Deacons are the dinner helpers 6:30 pm, Enrichment Class, Help Preach a Sermon 7:30 pm, Chancel Choir am, Men s Bible Study 9 am - 1pm, Pickleball 7 pm, Mission Committee 7 pm, Music & Worship Committee 6 10 am, Bible Study 2-4 pm, Knitting 5 pm, Homeless Shelter am, Worship Service 10:15 am, Children s Sunday School 11 am, Blood Pressure 11:30 am, Congregational Book Study 7-9 pm, Youth Group 9 7pm, King s Ringers 10 12:00 pm, Children s Ministry 1:30 pm, Stephen Ministry 7 pm, Endowment Committee 7:00 pm, Health Ministry 11 4 pm, Exercise 5 pm, Bible Study 6 pm, All Church Dinner Chancel Choir are the dinner helpers 6:30 pm, Enrichment Class, Help Preach a Sermon 7:30 pm, Sisters in Song am, Men s Bible Study 9 am - 1pm, Pickleball 4 pm, Budget & Finance Committee 7 pm, Deacons am, Bible Study 2-4 pm, Knitting 5 pm, Homeless Shelter am, Worship Service 10:15 am, Children s Sunday School 11:30 am,congregational Book Study 7 9 pm, Youth Group 16 7pm, King s Ringers 17 1:00 pm, Circle of Eve 7 pm, Session 18 1:30 pm, Library Committee 4 pm, Exercise 5 pm, Bible Study 6 pm, All Church Dinner Catamarans Mariners are the dinner helpers 6:30 pm, Enrichment Class, Help Preach a Sermon 7:30 pm, Chancel Choir am, Men s Bible Study am, Bible Study 2-4 pm, Knitting 5 pm, Homeless Shelter am, Worship Service 10:15 am, Children s Sunday School Food Collection for Western Farm Workers 11:30 am, Congregational Book Study 7-9 pm, Youth Group 23 7pm, King s Ringers 24 7 pm, Homeless Committee 25 4 pm, Exercise 5 pm, Bible Study 6 pm, All Church Dinner, Buildings & Grounds & Tech Committees are the dinner helpers 6:30 pm, Enrichment Class 7:30 pm, Chancel Choir am, Men s Bible Study am, Bible Study 2-4 pm, Knitting 5 pm, Homeless Shelter am, Worship Service 10:15 am, Children s Sunday School Food Collection for Western Farm Workers 11:30 am, Congregational Book Study 7-9 pm, Youth Group 30 7pm, King s Ringers 31

5 PAGE 5 Wednesday Activities for January 5:00 ~ Bible Study 6:00 ~ Dinner Served 6:30 ~ Enrichment Class 7:30 ~ Choir Practice Enrichment Classes Jan 4 Help Preach A Sermon Jan 11 Help Preach A Sermon Jan 18 Help Preach A Sermon Jan 25 To Be Determined Wednesday Dinners Thank you for your help in making this church event a great success. 5:15 to 6:15 pm, 3 or 4 people needed to cut desserts and serve dinner (usually the TRC men set the tables early in the day). 6:30 to 7:15 pm, 3 or 4 people to clear the tables and do light clean-up. 8 desserts delivered by 5:15 pm. Upcoming dinner helpers are: Jan. 4 Deacons Jan. 11 Chancel Choir Jan. 18 Catamaran Mariners Jan. 25 Buildings & Grounds & Tech Comm. Feb 1 Bosun Mariners & King s Ringers Feb 8 Mission Committee Feb 15 Music & Worship Committee Feb 22 Youth & Youth Committee In mid December the Wednesday Enrichment Class had a great time making Christmas Trees that became small gifts for some of our homebound members. Two Grateful Letters Calvin Received The following two letters came from the Tigard Tualatin School District, regarding our backpacks full of school supplies. I have asked if the letters might be printed for the congregation to read, and they said "yes." Hi Joanne, Thanks just never seem to be enough for the continued support your church provides for our students. Yes, we have used everyone of the 150+ backpacks and extra school supplies donated by Calvin Presbyterian. They are usually out to the schools within three or four days of your delivery. For the school year, by the end of September, we had requests for 130 Middle School and 98 High School backpacks. Just this morning a homeless family enrolled needing High School supplies, which were delivered to the school by 11 am on the day the student enrolled. As you read the comment below from Tigard High, you will know, today one more student received a warm welcome. Thank you so very much. Theda (Assessment-Administrative Assistant in the Tigard-Tualatin School District Office) & On behalf of the Tigard High community, I cannot count the times that having a donated backpack full of new and trendy supplies has made a student feel welcome at our school. We have many students join our community at the beginning and during the school year whose families are going through hard times. Supplying their students with school supplies is the last thing on their minds. Having these backpacks on hand creates such a warm welcome to these students and a boost of confidence that things will get better. It is a symbolic gesture of our belief in them as students. They can get a fresh start at Tigard High, and more times than not, this is the case. Warm thanks to the families that have put time, thoughtfulness and resources into our backpack program. Sincerely, Gwenn Stover, Counselor, Tigard High

6 PAGE 6 Thanks so much to all the kids, their parents, the volunteers,..the choir, and everyone else who helped make our Christmas...play so delightful!

7 PAGE 7 Parish Nurse Information for People at Risk for Complications of the Flu Do you have Asthma, Diabetes, or Chronic Heart Disease? If so, you are at high risk of serious illness if you get the flu. In past flu seasons, as many as 80 percent of adults hospitalized from flu complications had a long-term health condition, as did about 50 percent of hospitalized children. Asthma, diabetes and chronic heart disease were among the most common of these. Treatment with an influenza antiviral drug can mean the difference between having milder illness instead of very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay. This fact sheet provides information about using prescription antiviral drugs to treat influenza in people at high risk for flu complications. Why am I at greater risk of serious flu complications? Your medical condition makes it more likely that you will get complications from the flu, like pneumonia. The flu also can make long-term health problems worse, even if they are well-managed. People with asthma or chronic congestive heart failure may experience worsening of their conditions. Diabetes (type 1 and 2) can make the immune system less able to fight the flu. Also, flu illness can raise blood sugar levels. Can the flu be treated? Yes. There are prescription medications called antiviral drugs that can be used to treat influenza illness. Antiviral drugs fight influenza viruses in your body. They are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections. What should I do if I think I have the flu? If you get the flu, antiviral drugs are a treatment option. Check with your doctor promptly if you have a high risk factor and you get flu symptoms. Symptoms of flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat your flu illness. Should I still get a flu vaccine? Yes. Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine. While flu vaccines can vary in how they work, flu vaccination is the first and best way to prevent influenza. Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense to treat the flu if you get sick. What are the benefits of antiviral drugs? When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. Antiviral drugs also can prevent serious flu-related complications (like pneumonia). This is especially important for people with a high-risk health condition, like asthma, diabetes or chronic heart disease. Information is taken from Centers for Disease Control - For more information, visit: Calvin s April Showers event will be on April 23 this year. This is our annual gathering of clothes, blankets, diapers and other baby care items to help with little ones in need in our community. Through the Babies First program in Washington County, babies and young children at risk of not growing to their full potential are identified by their doctors. This information is passed on to the public health nurses helping these children after they come home. Needs can arise from such things as a cleft palate or other physical problem, a low apgar score at birth, first time parents, or a family living on a very limited income. There are three public health nurses serving our part of Washington County, and one of them attended Calvin when she was young. This tie has enabled us to be a big help to the babies in need in our community. The nurses actually keep a large closet in their office full of all of our gifts, and take them to families who most need them throughout the year. Everything is confidential, but our gifts are greatly appreciated. Please keep this in mind, and bring your gifts for babies in need to church on Sunday, April 23, Highlights of Session Meeting December 13, 2016 The meeting was preceded by a fun social time and wonderful dinner at the home of Jim and Anne Wallace. The meeting was opened and closed with prayer. Appreciation was expressed for the children and youth at Calvin and their fantastic Christmas presentation. Most of the meeting focused on the results of the fall stewardship drive and 2017's budget. The budget will be presented at an annual meeting after service on Sunday, January 22, 2017

8 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OREGON PERMIT No SW Canterbury Lane Tigard, Oregon, AARP Driving Class helps review driver safety, learn the newest driver safety features in vehicles and helps you to evaluate whether driving may no longer be an option for you. By taking this course you may qualify for a discount with most auto insurances. Coming Up! AARP Diving Class Taught by Layton Rosencrance Thursday, March 9th 9 am to 4 pm During class we will take one hour for lunch. Look for the sign-up sheet at the Good News Center. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. This is the nation's first and largest classroom refresher for ages 50 and over. Put this class on your calendar and look for more information to come.