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January 2019 Volume XLV, No. 1 Presbytery of the Cascades

Inside This Issue

Ask the Clerk 2

Notes from the Road to

Emmaus 3

None Sense 4

Rogue Valley 5

Hillsboro 6

First, Vancouver 7

Viewpoints 9

Central Region 10

Reflections from

the border By Rick Jones | Office of the Gen-

eral Assembly - December 21, 2018

A delegation from the Pres-

byterian Church (U.S.A.) just re-

turned from a visit to the U.S./

Mexico border in McAllen, Texas.

While many from the group spend

most of their work days on immi-

gration issues, they were still sur-

prised and saddened by what they

saw and heard.

“We heard so many heart-

wrenching stories: from the condi-

tions that led to the decision to

leave their homes, to the dangers of the journey and the waiting period to plead their cases. Some with small

children beside them,” said Ruling Elder Cintron-Olivieri, co-moderator of the 223rd General Assembly.

“We've seen the pain and longing in the eyes of mothers, fathers, grandmothers, looking for a better life, a

safe place where they can work and provide for their families and live in peace.”

During the three-day visit, the delegation took part in the “Wall of Wel-

come/Interfaith Caravan of Hope” alongside students from Austin Presbyterian

Theological Seminary. The delegation met with ministry groups working with

people seeking asylum from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

Teresa Waggener, manager of Immigration Legal Issues with the Office of the

General Assembly, says people have a strong reaction to the church’s ministry,

feeling they’ve scored a political win or are trampling over deeply held politi-

cal beliefs.

“Every time we travel and meet the folk who are harmed by our current

immigration system, I am reminded at how much more basic our ministry real-

ly is,” said Waggener. “Before and above all else, we are God’s children, inex-

tricably intertwined as fellow members of the sacred human family. Gender,

race, language, nationality and political affiliation mattered not to the Good

Samaritan. That is the challenge at the heart of our ministry; we want the

church to see through the eyes of the Good Samaritan.”

Continued on page 8

A Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) delegation and students from Austin Presby-

terian Theological Seminary took part in the Wall of Welcome – Interfaith

Caravan of Hope in Texas recently. Photo by Randy Hobson.

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Omnibus Omnibus is published twelve times a year by the Presbytery of the Cas-cades for distribution to churches and individuals.

Omnibus welcomes news and views of all the churches of Presbytery and all its readers. Send all communica-tions to Kathleen Waugh, Omnibus editor, P.O. Box 1145, Phoenix, OR 97535-1145, tel. 541-772-4874, email omnibus@cascadespresbytery.org.

Omnibus retains permission to modi-fy submissions for clarity and space limitations. The Presbytery “Communications and Meeting Plan-ning Team” (CAMPT) is the editorial board.

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Ask the Clerk By Paul Belz Templeman, Stated Clerk

Q: Can you help us understand the financial reporting and audit re-

quirements for the session and congregation?

A: The Book of Order requires that the year-end financial statement be au-dited or reviewed (G-3.0113). The treasurer should report at least annually to the session. Contrary to common practice, when a financial report is giv-en, it is improper to accept an unaudited or reviewed financial report. As Robert’s Rules of Order states: when “the treasurer presents an unaudited financial report that the bylaws require to be audited, the [moderator], with-

out waiting for a motion when the treasurer has finished reading the report, immediately says: “the report is referred to the Auditor/Reviewer [or Auditing Committee]” (11th. Ed. p.480). If there isn’t an auditor/reviewer or auditing committee, it is appropriate for the session to determine how they wish to proceed with an audit or financial review at that time (if not before). For monthly financial reports, no motion is necessary. The report is received by the session simultaneous to its being given by the treasurer or fi-nance elder.

The audit or review relieves the treasurer and other officers of responsibility for the period cov-ered by the report except in cases of fraud. Accepting an unaudited financial report does not do so. A review is similar to an audit in that it provides an opinion though with less assurance than an audit con-cerning the absence of misstatements and fair presentation of the congregation’s finances. Smaller con-gregations may discover that an audit and even a less expensive financial review by a certified public accountant are too costly and need to appoint an “Audit Committee” to perform the financial review. For information on how a congregation can conduct such a review, see these resources. “Financial Review” is a shorter document that may provide enough information to get started “Financial Review Guide” is a longer document that may answer more of your questions. If all else fails, send me an email and I can provide more resources and guidance.

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Notes from the Road to Emmaus By Rev. Brian Heron,

Presbyter for Vision and Mission

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One of the things that I was clear about when

I interviewed with the Nominating Committee that

recommended me to this position was that I felt that I

have for years been straddling two worlds—the rich

community of our Presbyterian Reformed tradition

and the emerging spirituality of people who inhabit

the Pacific Northwest. After reading Corinna Nico-

laou’s book A None’s Story about her explorations of

America’s religious communities I took a stab at see-

ing if she might give us a peek into her world as a

religiously unaffiliated person (a none).

She agreed!

In this issue (page 4) begins her six-month

column titled None Sense where she responds to the

questions that curious Cascades’ members sent in.

Corinna has responded to the questions with a six-

part set of columns that addresses in one way or an-

other your submitted questions.

Here is a paraphrased sampling of the ques-

tions you sent in that she will be addressing:

What started your search for meaning and

where did you start?

Was becoming a none a conscious deci-

sion or simply because of indifference?

What is typical of nones?

What are the most positive and negative

experiences you had in churches?

Is there anything that a church could do or

be that would entice you to become a

member?

What are the characteristics of religious

communities that have been most attrac-

tive to you?

Are literalistic, inerrant, and absolutist in-

terpretations the source of people becom-

ing a none?

As a spiritual seeker in a declining main-

line Christian denomination where should

I go if my church goes away?

One of the things we know is that approxi-

mately 37% of people in the Pacific Northwest identi-

fy as a none. That means that chances are your neigh-

bors identify as nones. You probably have children,

grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews who

identify as nones. If there are eight people standing in

a checkout line, on average three of those people will

be nones.

In other words, if we want to get to the know

people in our families, in the neighborhood around

our churches and in our community we would do well

to understand the world, the values and the experienc-

es of those who identity as nones.

This is a real opportunity for us. Corinna has

offered us this gift of honesty, vulnerability and open-

ness to help us better understand the culture of which

we are part.

I would suggest that you use Corinna’s col-

umn None Sense as an opportunity to have conserva-

tions in your churches.

Pick a small group of trusted friends and

go out for pie and coffee and discuss

Corinna’s column.

Order her book A None’s Story: Searching

for Meaning Inside Christianity, Judaism,

Buddhism and Islam and start a book dis-

cussion.

Make room in your already-established

Bible Studies for a half hour discussion of

Corinna’s column.

Take Corinna’s column and share with

family and friends who also identify as

nones and ask about their experiences. In

other words, use her column to better un-

derstand the people in your life.

Start a group that includes half church

members and half self-described nones to

read and discuss her book.

Enjoying the journey with you…

Brian

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None Sense

By Corinna Nicolaou

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Editor’s Note… This is the first of six columns introduc-ing us to the “Nones.” See Brian’s column (page 3) for an introduction to the series. Thank you for your ques-tions...

What started your search for meaning and where did you start?

Was becoming a “none” a conscious decision or simply because of indifference?

Hello Presbyterians!

Big sturdy redwoods in the forest of Christi-anity! That’s how I’ve come to see you.

First, let me introduce myself, religiously speaking. I am a “None,” one of the many Ameri-cans who on national surveys claims no religious affiliation, who answers “none” to the question about what religion they are (this is why pollsters call us “Nones”). I wrote a book about it called A None’s Story, in which I share the story of what happened when I worshipped with Christians of all denomina-tions (as well as Jews, Buddhists, and Muslims). The New York Times called my book “idiosyncratic” and, given the characters that appear in its pages, that’s really say-ing something.

Do you know “none” is the fastest growing category among religious affiliations? You probably do, which is why you invited me here to answer a few questions about my ilk and give you my im-pressions about the future of your denomination and Christianity in general—but, hey, no pressure!

Nones are nones for all sorts of reasons. In my case, I was born into it. My father and mother come from rather listless Greek Orthodox and Bible backgrounds, respectively. They each attended church sporadically growing up, but they were artsy/hippy teens in the 60s and, as they got older, church just wasn’t their thing. Their “separation” wasn’t wrought with angst, as it can be for some. They never talked much about it. .

Because some nones do the separating on

their own, they may actually know a lot about reli-gion. However, as a second generation none, I was uninformed but possibly carrying less baggage. In my childhood, both sets of grandparents made sure I visited their chosen churches at least once and those two places couldn’t have been more dissimilar, one a bare bones house in the woods and the other a fan-cy deep-hued glitter globe. Come to think of it, that has to be where the seeds of my interest were plant-ed: what are these dramatically different places and how are they related?

What I knew of Christianity I learned in a high school history class that included the basic facts of the Protestant Reformation. But, in my mind, these were political maneuverings. I went to college and majored in political science at U.C. Berkeley, got a master’s in Public Affairs, and

moved to Washington, D.C. to begin My Serious Career. So that’s how I ended up in a cubicle a couple of miles from the Pentagon on 9/11.

You may recall the heated public debates about religion that took place in the aftermath of those horrific attacks. High-profile atheists wrote opinion pieces that launched best-

selling books about how religion was, basically, an elaborate excuse to destroy civilization.

Perhaps the most prominent of these “New Atheists” was journalist and professional curmudg-eon Christopher Hitchens, a Brit who claimed D.C. as his honorary hometown and whose penthouse was a short walk from my apartment there. He claimed atheism wasn’t hostile enough. He hoped to popularize the term “antitheist” to refer to a nonbe-liever who is grateful for the lack of evidence for God’s existence.

All of this—the attacks in the name of reli-gion and the attacks on religion—made me very cu-rious about religion.

Though I didn’t know it at the time, these bits and pieces were laying the foundation of what was to become my own journey into religion.

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Hands Joined, Hearts

Warmed, Souls Fed By Mike Hubbard, South Region

First Presbyterian, Phoenix is a small

church with a large footprint. Their clothes closet

and twice-weekly food pantry feeds and clothes hun-

dreds of people a year in this town of 4500 souls—

both commendable endeavors. However, it is in their

community dinners that this church of 20 some

members shines. On any given Sunday, between a

dozen and two dozen folks attend worship in the

church’s sanctuary. Every other Thursday evening,

between 100 and 200 community members are treat-

ed to a three-course, sit-down-and-be-served dinner. A comparable number of to-go meals are dished up.

Retirees, community leaders, educators, the homeless, activists, and the simply curious dine well and

comfortably, sharing the casual enjoyment found anywhere a common table is spread.

Now in its ninth year, the dinner program operates under the direction of its own spin-off non-

profit, First Phoenix Community Center. A cadre of volunteers from all walks of life enthusiastically

spread the workload. These helpers, food donations, and a series of grants provide much needed re-

sources. The town has taken note and applauds the effort.

Meanwhile, the small congregation struggles. Shrinking finances left the church without a pastor

a year-and-a-half ago. The church building, though still beautiful, is old. Maintenance and repairs cut into

resources. Retired pastor Kathleen Waugh, the church’s Parish Associate, and a courageous three-

member Session work hard to keep things decent and orderly. Lately, they have been receiving help.

Earlier this year, the South Region Commission on Ministry formed a “Partnership Team” con-

sisting of clergy and ruling elders from First, Ashland and First, Medford. This four-member team is

working with Phoenix’s leadership to explore the congregation’s ministry and to discern a path forward.

Murray Richmond, Pastor at Medford moderates Phoenix’s Session. This is, of course, the way we Pres-

byterians do things. Other efforts to join in their neighbor’s ministry have been more organic.

Little by little the members of the involved churches have begun to mingle, to participate in each

other’s worship, to form friendships. Andy Ullrich, an amateur musician and Elder at First, Medford

substitutes for Phoenix’s pianist. Carolyna Marshall, Clerk of Session at Phoenix, occasionally attends

Medford’s early service, before preaching to her own congregation. Commissioned Ruling Elder Mike

Hubbard, a member at Medford, provides semi-regular pulpit supply. At other times the Ullrichs and the

Hubbards simply drop in for worship. This past Christmas Eve, members of Phoenix’s congregation car-

avanned to Medford, sang carols, enjoyed anthems, and heard the Word proclaimed. Bigger things are in

the works.

Early this fall, the Women’s Fellowship at First Medford met to plan activities for the coming

year. For some time, the group had done what many churches do; they “adopted” a family to support.

While commendable, the effort was often less than personal. This year, they “adopted” a church—First,

Phoenix.

Thus, it came to pass that on Thursday, December 13, a party of six ladies and two spouses from

Medford showed up for orientation and training in the art of community dining. A mere 12 days shy of

Christmas, the night was festive. Piano music floated from the sanctuary into the multipurpose room. A

toy train circled the Christmas tree and door prizes were presented. The new recruits were welcomed and

aprons were passed out. Folks were fed and the joy of the Lord hovered. And, somehow, the distance be-

tween Medford and Phoenix seemed shorter.

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STEAM in the Summer By Roberta Schlechter, Northwest region reporter

For Christian Education staff, one harbinger of spring is to start thinking about Vacation Bible School. Or not. En route to an inter-generational workshop at Menucha last spring, Hillsboro Pres-byterian pastor Bob Stebe and Jill Appel, Director of Children’s Ministry, resolved to offer a new and different ministry opportunity to their congregation and neighbors.

The church is located just five minutes from three Intel campuses, so Stebe and Appel put to-gether their very own week of STEAM, known nationally as “Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Math.”

While it would have been simple, perhaps expected, to link scripture to these lessons, Stebe says, “The only biblical context was that it took place here at church and our people helped.” They wanted to have a close connection to the community, and be able to advertise through the school dis-trict.

Among the 20 elementary age children who came were a mix of church families, grandchil-dren of church members, children of former church members, neighbor families, and Stebe’s own grandkids. The small size made it comfortable for everyone.

Rather than work from a pre-printed curriculum, Stebe and Appel hired a retired elementary teacher who loves engineering to serve as leader for the week. Church members with appropriate backgrounds also stepped up and led one or more lessons themselves. Drawing from their own expe-rience, teachers offered a delightful mix of STEAM activities. There was The Science Behind Music, Scribble Bots, Light Up Cards, Puff Mobiles, and EV3 Programming. Kids had lessons about math using line art, bottle rockets and balloon rockets, paper art involving engineering principles, and sim-ple circuit boards. Appel says they built marble runs using pipe foam that snaked “up and over things” in the fellowship hall.

Kids even got to build their own daily snacks using one or more STEAM principles.

And it didn’t stop there. Appel recruited youth from one of many local Lego Robotics groups. And a church family brought their visiting grandkids who are talented jugglers.

The church looks forward to another STEAM camp in 2019. Appel hopes for 50 participants, which will require re-working the daily schedule. The lead teacher wants to return. They will seek school district approval earlier so advertising and registration can happen in a more timely fashion.

The kids took home really cool creations every day. Photographers put together a slide presentation for closing night and to share the fol-lowing Sunday. Stebe says it was exciting to be as-sociated with the Community of Intel, and that con-gregations should feel free to play to their communi-ty strengths and connections.

As for the secular focus, Stebe explains, “In Seminary we were told that what we do in the church has a lot more to do with HOW than WHAT. If God is involved in all aspects of life, and we pro-vide the atmosphere, people, and love, the Spirit will take care of the rest.”

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Rebuilt Organ Blesses

Vancouver Community By Nancy Gaston, Northeast Region Reporter

It all started in 2017, when First, Vancouver, decid-

ed to remodel its sanctuary and refurbish the organ in cele-

bration of its 135th birthday as a congregation and 60th year

in its current building. The project grew bigger than antici-

pated, but the results are proving to be a blessing to the

whole area.

In the words of a spokesman for Rose City Organ

Builders, “The 1983 Van Zoeren pipe organ was experienc-

ing problems with the original system, causing difficulties

with keying and stop functions.” It made no sense to rebuild

the organ unless the sanctuary was also equipped with air

conditioning (the high ceiling made for huge temperature fluctuations that were hard on the instrument)

and the acoustics were improved.

Remodeling including removal of the faded and dated orange chancel carpet, no doubt trendy

when it was installed in 1983, that muted and muffled sound. The pews were refinished, the cushions

recovered, and the lighting vastly improved.

Finally, this November, work was complete, and the rebuilt organ made its debut. Immediately,

the community was invited in to hear what the Columbian newspaper referred to as the “mighty pipe

organ” and a “magnificent instrument.” People packed the sanctuary for a concert by the Vancouver

USA Singers, and again for a Sing-Along Handel’s Messiah, bringing their own scores or borrowing

some in site for the latter event. Jana Hart, who had led similar sing-along events in Portland, directed,

with the church’s organist, Laurie Chinn, accompanying.

For the congregation, the choir’s Advent cantata was enhanced by the vibrant sound of the or-

gan, and the music every Sunday is inspiring. But in the long tradition of the Christian church’s support

of the arts, they are happy to share their facility and the instrument with the greater community.

Vancouver USA Singers

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Continued from page one Reflections from the Border...

“However, when your hands grasp the hands of the affected, when your shoes take you to the

communities of the at-risk, when your hearts are broken by the unwavering faith of those seeking

protection, the sinfulness of U.S. immigration enforcement policies are absolutely shocking,” she

said. “The policies affect an entire way of life that occurs along the U.S./Mexico border and are forc-

ing vulnerable people to live in dangerous circumstances. As people of faith, we should be outraged

and called to be present in the places of pain and in the places of policy making. We can re-write this

story.”

In addition to speaking with ministry groups working with people seeking asylum, the delega-

tion crossed the border in Brownsville, Texas into Mexico and met with families trying to enter le-

gally. Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, director of the church’s Office of Public Witness, says the personal

contact provides a perspective that many people don’t hear or see.

“Faith in Jesus Christ calls us to have compassion. We are talking about human beings,

grandparents, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, people who are on a journey trying to find a better

life,” he said. “Whenever one person is hurt by policies of this country, we have a responsibility for

those who are trying to overcome the negative impact of those policies.”

Hawkins says Presbyterians can make a difference by advocating members of Congress as well as

writing letters and opinion pieces to local media outlets.

The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), says he was touched by the

stories of the pain and suffering of those trying to cross the border seeking freedom.

“Instead of freedom, they find themselves struggling to find a place to call home. We’ve had

an opportunity to see masses of people crossing the border legally, while others are in a holding

place, not knowing what life will be for them and their children. Many were lying on cots, playing

with toys they either brought or were given. They’re not in school but are trying to build a new life.

This is the U.S., land of the free and home of the brave, where all, at one time, were welcome.”

Nelson says it’s time to come together and build hope in places where there is great despair and

stand with those who are outcast and broken.

To Learn More About…

For more information on OGA’s immigration advocacy work,

click here.

To learn more about the root causes of migration from Central

America click here.

Connect with the Office of Public Witness by clicking here.

Ask your Congressperson for a more just immigration system,

click here.

Volunteer with or donate to a ministry of welcome by

clicking here.

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By Kathleen Waugh, Omnibus Editor

Airport Wanderings...

Knowing I had a four-hour layover at the San Francisco Airport, I looked for someplace com-

fortable to park myself. There's a restaurant/ bar right in the middle of the central part of the terminal -

a great place to watch the world walk by. The chairs were deep and padded nicely. The clam chowder

in a sour-dough bowl was absolutely delicious. I had a good magazine to read, but the most delightful

part of the experience was people watching. All the gates to the terminal were on one of the spokes off-

shooting from this central location. Those of us sitting in this prime spot were at the hub of life in that

small microcosm of the world.

It was the first evening of a new year. Frankly, the airport was more or less empty. One always

knew when a plane arrived, because for a few moments a whole crowd of folk would flow by on their

way to the outside world. The rough-edged sound of a hundred rolling suitcase wheels competed with

echoing voices rising through the open space above us. The crowd would soon be a memory, the

sounds slowly dying away. Those of us left would go back to our individual pursuits, waiting for the

next interesting interruption.

On a regular basis, a pleasant voice on the loud speaker would politely make a rather sobering

announcement. "We are on an orange alert. Please help keep us safe by notifying someone in charge of

anything suspicious you might observe." Since observing was all I was doing, I remember feeling

somewhat resentful of this voice interrupting my mind's wanderings with such a negative piece of reali-

ty. I wanted to watch the people go by and think about what kind of nice vacation they had had. Will

that little boy draped over his father's shoulders be in his own bed pretty soon? That laughing couple

— did they have their first Christmas with the parents? The older man and woman, helping each other

walk slowly through the terminal — did they have a chance to visit their grandchildren or even great-

grandchildren?

Instead, I was reminded on a fairly regular basis, that all is not right in this world of ours. The

young man in camouflage fatigues, pierced nose and eyebrows, was quite the contrast to the other

young man in the same kind of fatigues, only his was obviously a soldier's uniform. Was the former

someone to be worried about???? The family in Mid East garb - he of dark countenance and deep black

hair, she robed from head to foot — I realize I look at them a bit longer as the announcement blares out

once again. I shake myself to attention and say a prayer of apology that I would look twice at those

who are different and automatically consider them suspicious.

As I sat observing the world go by on that first evening of a new year, I wondered if it were at

all possible that we could make the kind of change needed to appreciate each person exactly as God

intended — unconditionally beloved and created unqualifyingly good. Was it being naive to want to

do so? Perhaps. I firmly believe, however, it's our call as disciples of Jesus Christ to try.

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Moving into the New Year By Bruce Smith, Central Region Reporter

As we begin a new year, 2019, there are a couple of noteworthy items

that are of interest. In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life

Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the pastor and some members of Central, Eugene

attended a vigil service at a local synagogue for those who died. The Temple

was so moved by the show of support, that they invited communities of faith to

worship with them through the month of December. Eight congregations from

the community have attended.

Another type of service was held at United, Albany, which was titled

the Longest Night Service. Christmas is simply not the most wonderful time of the year for many. This

service held on or around the darkest night of the year, acknowledges that for many people, Christmas is

a time of loneliness, sorrow, and sadness. This service offers a way for people to claim those feelings

and feel surrounded by the compassionate love of God who meets us in our darkest places. God gives

voice to our sorrows, redeems our suffering, and walks with us towards what is yet to come. About 20

people participated in the service sharing in hymns and prayers.

To continue in a lighter vein, Pat Phillips of Chapel by the Sea, Lincoln City, wrote in their

newsletter the following: “I am not politically correct. I am not apologizing, just stating a fact. I have a

real problem with “Happy Holidays”. It’s Christmas, not Holidaymass! To

take Christ, mangers, stars, angels, etc., out of Christmas is like having Valen-

tine’s Day without hearts, flowers and candy, or Halloween without ghosts,

goblins and candy. Christmas is a Christian holiday… Just as Ramadan is a

Muslim celebration and Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday… That non-Christians

have conscripted it and tried to make it a totally secular celebration of extrava-

gance is not my problem! But it is my problem when they tried to take my

Christian holiday away from me! I am from a very small town in the Deep

South, sort of a redneck little place, tons of churches, few bars. And my

hometown isn’t politically correct, either.” Pat continues with her story, too

long for the Omnibus, but it is a real hoot and you can find it in their church

newsletter. It is a three-step process to reach that document. One: https://

chapelbysea.org/ ; then click on “Newsletter” in the banner. Thumb through it until you find Pat’s col-

umn. (If you’re having trouble, request the aid of a younger person. I do, as my granddaughter is always

available. Ignore the “look” or snide remarks”)

Moving into 2019, the session of First, McMinnville has

been working for the past year to produce a document addressing

the visions for their church. They were interested in developing

an idea of Core Values which will guide their church in the fu-

ture. The values they decided upon were: God Centered, Listen-

ing, Open, Courageous, and Loving. This session recognized that

their congregation was a diverse community of faith when their

lives can become more healthy, authentic and fruitful with the

guidance of the Holy Spirit. To quote from their newsletter;

“God’s faithful presence equips us to embrace change, act with courage, seek justice, connect our vibrant

worship to the rhythms of everyday life in Yamhill County, and work for peace among all peoples and

creations.” Their motto developed from their efforts was: Together in Christ for others.

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