Historias de transformacion

New year, new possibilities

2012-01-17T18:33:00.000-08:00

The physical act of turning to that first blank page of a brand new calendar is a reminder of all the space that lies before us in which we can imagine and create and bring about something new. The dawning of 2012 brings with it exciting possibilities for folks in this community to come together and work for positive change. In December, Francisco Lopez, the Director of Causa, a powerful immigrant rights organization in Oregon, came to CUMC with Barbara Ghio, a volunteer Causa lawyer with extensive experience in immigration law. Not only did they provide valuable information to the 75-some adults who joined us that evening, but they inspired all of us to action, reminding us of the power each of us has to let our voices to be known and to shape policy that affects us and our families and communities. At the end of the lively evening, many participants expressed interest in participating in future gatherings, and they will soon have another opportunity to do so! In February and March, CUMC will host a Causa-led popular education leadership class for Spanish-speakers in Cornelius. Soon after the course is completed, the church will be the site for a naturalization workshop, where legal permanent residents who are eligible to apply for US citizenship can come and meet with volunteer lawyers who will help them fill out applications and begin the process. I am very excited to be partnering with Causa and with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (who will provide the attorneys) as we organize and educate ourselves and empower leaders to advocate for our community in the halls of power.

Feasting

2012-01-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

There are times for fasting and times for feasting, and Thanksgiving is certainly one of those feast days. Several members of the CUMC church family and several members of our neighborhood family gathered for a meal that was abundant in flavor and in conversation. I am deeply grateful that this family continues to grow.

Conectando

2011-12-07T20:17:00.001-08:00

In late November, Pastor Jorge Rodriguez came to our corner of Oregon from Wilder, Idaho with six leaders from the Wilder Hispanic Mission. It was the first step toward deeper connection and support between those around the conference who are working directly with Hispanic folks in our communities. It was a whirlwind tour for Jorge's group, with stops at The Supper and the food pantry at CUMC, a Bible study at La Iglesia, the new UM fellowship in Portland, and the Beaverton Hispanic Resource Center at Beaverton 1st UMC. The Wilder folks also provided an incredible amount of help that day at the pantry on Saturday! After 77 families were served (!) we enjoyed a delicious meal of pupusas and shared where we've seen God at work in our ministries and communities. It was wonderful to get to know one another better and offer support at what we hope is the first of many gatherings!

Jorge and Auggie are good buds:

Preparing to eat mole at The Supper. There were nearly 30 of us that night!

Elidia, another one of Auggie's new friends:

Making new friends at The Supper:

Some of the last guests to be served at the food pantry:

Pupusas!!

Sharing about our ministries:

It is great to be connected!

Getting out there

2011-10-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of September, I officially returned from maternity leave and began to intentionally reconnect with folks in the neighborhood and with those involved in Western Washington County Hispanic Ministries. Thankfully, these ministries do not rely on my presence, and the Community Table Food Pantry, The Supper, and Creation Vacation all continued during our absence. It was a joy to sit down with people and to ask them to share stories about how these have all been going over the past few months. And although I shouldn't have been, I was a bit surprised at the leadership that some people demonstrated as they stepped forward and took on responsibilities that had previously been mine. A neighbor of ours and long-time food pantry volunteer received all the calls for emergency food boxes from Spanish-speakers, and she did an excellent job at it! Four women served as the "Dean Team Dream Team" and took on leadership responsibilities at Creation Vacation in addition to being Family Friends, and 16 families had a wonderful time at camp! Two participants in The Supper, one an English-speaker and one a Spanish-speaker, led folks in discussion over dinner and even hosted several new people who had come from a local migrant camp. It was hard to be away and wonderful to come back, now with my sweet Auggie strapped to me wherever I go! I am learning now how to stick to the essentials and how to let go and trust the other capable people in service around me!

Creation Vacation 2011

2011-09-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

The below narrative was written by Gracie Garcia, Program Director at Bienestar Housing Development Corporation and family coordinator for Western Washington County Creation Vacation. For the past three years, she has participated in Creation Vacation family camp with Bienestar families, and this year, was joined by Family Friends (volunteers who accompany families) primarily from Cornelius, Hillsboro and Beaverton, but also from Troutdale and Seaside.

JULY 2011CREATION VACATION REPORT

Whatis Creation Vacation? Creation Vacation is a program of the United MethodistChurch offering very low-income families the opportunity to experience a fewdays of family vacation, enjoying a supportive community and the wonder ofcreation. For many, it is a respite from the struggles of daily life. The United Methodist Church once again provided funding for Bienestar families.

Camp Magruder is situated along one of the mostpristine stretches of ocean and beach in the Pacific Northwest. The camp islocated at the end of Old Pacific Highway just south of the small coastalcommunity of Rockaway Beach, Oregon. The camp has been hosting camp &retreat programs for children, youth, adults and families since 1945.

MiraConklin from the Cornelius church met with the families during the year,preparing them for the time they will spend at camp, followed up after campthrough continued contact as friends.

Reverend Eric Conklin and his wife,Mira, from the Cornelius United Methodist Church, are long time community partnersand graciously arranged the sponsorship of 15 Bienestar families this year (27 adults and 40 children). This is the third year that our Bienestar familieshave had the opportunity to participate in the Creation Vacation program. Our families came from Elm Park, JoseEcheverria, Willow Park, and Montebello, Sierra West, Sunset Gardens andReedville apartments. For some of our families this was the first time theyexperienced this retreat. The church recruits volunteers who serve as “FamilyFriends” assigned to each Bienestar family to be sure they have a goodtime. These cross cultural connectionsare continued in many cases during the year.

Our families enjoyed a three day retreat incomfortable accommodations in the camp's 16 lodges and rustic cabins and enjoyednutritious and delicious home style buffet meals prepared on-site, includinghome-made breads and soups, fresh fruit and vegetables, vegetarian and veganalternatives and wonderful hospitality in the Carrier Lodge. Families workedcooperatively agreeing to kitchen patrol duties such as setting tables,cleaning tables after meals, and washing dishes. Families participated in a salsa makingcontest and everyone enjoyed tasting the different salsas.

They explored trails that meander through dunes,forest, and wetland areas between Smith Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Childrenand their parents enjoyed the big swing, basketball court, volleyball pit,tetherball, sports fields, playground, table tennis, and archery, kite flying atthe beach, boating, swimming, canoeing, wave jumping and use of the campfirecircle. Arts and crafts activitiesincluded; a Family Friend (United Methodist church volunteer) taking familyphotos and families making picture frames. Moms and children also loved makingpaper tissue flowers, boys and dads learned to make paper airplanes.

Onefamily said they were worried that the children would be bored without theirIPods and video games but with all the activities that were offered they neveronce said they were bored or mentioned their video games. This gave them the idea of planningactivities at home and using the community resources. This family time was positively memorable andthe Bienestar families were very appreciative of the opportunity to enjoy thisexperience.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gracie Garcia and Staff

Ocupada

2011-08-26T19:23:00.001-07:00

I haven't been blogging for the past few months because I've been occupied with this sweet guy:

It's a pretty good reason, I think.

In September, I'll be back to work at back to sharing stories here. Stay tuned!

Ministry with migrants

2011-06-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

Several faith communities and non-profit organizations in Washington County form a coalition called PACTO, which is committed to standing in solidarity with those living in local migrant camps and working on farms and in vineyards. The groups take basic supplies like food staples, bedding, and cookware at the beginning of the summer, when workers are beginning to arrive for the season, but before consistent work has begun. Throughout the summer, the groups make regular visits to take food and supplies and visit with the camp residents, and sometimes lead fun activities or faith-based conversations with those interested.

I had the opportunity to go with the Hillsboro UMC Outreach Team a few weeks ago to the camp they have been sponsoring for several years. They've formed relationships with the family that lives there year-round and love catching up with them on their visits.

It was a gift to see first-hand how friendships can develop across income-level and language differences that so often divide us, and to witness how God can work when we walk together to provide for the needs of one another. Three different United Methodist congregations in Washington County are participating in this vibrant ministry. Let me know if you'd like to know more about how you can support or join in.

The joy of play

2011-05-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

These two are such good buds, and it makes my heart happy.

When Gerardo, who goes by Geras, first came to the play area, he was so shy and seemed serious much of the time. But more recently, he has really opened up, and this past Thursday, he was all giggles and only stopped chatting long enough to eat some crackers. But then he had to tell me about how much he loves crackers. I love that he now feels so at home in this place and with the folks who are here.

Standing in solidarity with immigrants

2011-05-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, the first day of May, and a beautiful day at that, thousands of folks gathered downtown Portland (and in Salem, and in communities all over the country) to march together and make a statement that we believe that all people have basic human rights. In particular, May Day is a time to point to the the contributions that workers and immigrants make to our world and to speak out against injustices.

I walked with a group for the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement, an interfaith coalition of folks standing in solidarity with immigrants and working to create welcome for all.

Among the thousands present, it was wonderful to run into friends working with other justice and advocacy organizations, a teacher at the school where I'm currently subbing, and several families who have been involved in Hispanic Ministries in Western Washington County.

Next weekend, I will travel with Oregon New Sanctuary folks to Tacoma, Washington for a Mothers Day Vigil at the regional immigration detention center there. We will be taking with us cards of support and encouragement made by members of local faith communities to people currently being detained. Here are a few pictures from the end of the last Community Table Food Pantry distribution day in Cornelius, where pantry guests and volunteers were invited to create simple cards that will be shared at our visit.

The visit will be a great time to be with other good people working in immigrant communities, but will also be an opportunity to take on some of the pain of those awaiting deportation and of the ones who love them. We cannot change their individual situations, but we can help them know that they are not alone and that we continue to work for change so that others do not experience their lives being torn apart by our broken immigration system.

Secure Communities Conversation

2011-04-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

In has been confirmed that people in this community are concerned about cooperation between local law enforcement and immigration! Earlier this week, 45 people came to Cornelius United Methodist Church to hear a presentation from two gifted Portland Community College students, hear from a staff person from the immigrant rights coalition CAUSA, and engage in conversation about how we can tell our stories and make our voices heard to our local officials.

The focus for the conversation was Secure Communities, a name that should really be in quotes because it does not, in fact, make our communities more secure. This federal program allows ICE (Immigration Customs and Enforcement) to have full access to the fingerprints of any person who enters into a local jail's system, whether or not that person is convicted of a crime. The program encourages racial profiling, breaks down trust between community members and law enforcement, and increases fear among those who are simply seeking to live in provide for their families.

Many participants in this community forum expressed an interest in being part of the ongoing conversation by doing things like telling their own stories, spreading the word, or visiting our county sheriff. It was life-giving to be in a room with so many who are committed to fighting injustice and to truly making our community better. I am especially grateful for the two Hispanic women who continued to bring this up after an initial conversation a month ago at the indoor play area. As their children happily stacked blocks, they asked me how we could make a community conversation like this happen. They helped me design the event, they did an incredible amount of publicity, and one of them spearheaded the hospitality. They are my neighbors and my friends, and they are a gift to me and to this community.

Full house

2011-03-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

Older kiddos were home for spring break last week, so we had many siblings join us for CUMC's weekly indoor play area. All together, fifteen children showed up with their parents!

So much going on!

Not only the little ones are proud of their tall towers (this one was taller than me--we checked!):

Chutes and Ladders!

A new toy gifted to us by a participating family:

What great fun!

Secure Communities conversation April 5th

2011-03-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

Are you concerned about cooperation between local police and Immigration?

Want to know more?

Come to a

Community conversation

about

Secure Communities

a program that would mean more communication between our jails and ICE

(US Immigration and Customs Enforcement )

Tuesday, April 5th, 6:30 p.m.

Cornelius United Methodist Church, 1095 S. Beech.

For more info: call Mira at 503-828-7444

For more background on and concerns about Secure Communities, click here.

Sweetness

2011-03-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

I got to be the informal interpreter for two 3-yr-olds who do not speak each other's language but who were sweetly inseparable at CUMC's indoor play area this morning.

"He's asking if you want to play soccer." She nods, enthusiastically.

"She's offering you one of her crackers. He says 'No, thank you.'"

The two also worked together to roll up a smallish rug and return it to the storage area together and it was hard to not laugh out loud as they tried to walk the rug horizontally, one at each end, through the doorway without realizing that one of them would need to enter the door first.

The moms of these two sweeties each shared how excited they had been that morning to come play. One turned down an offer to go to the Children's Museum (wow! that's one of his favorite places) and the other looked outside at the pouring rain, and back at her mom's doubtful face, then said she was packing her little purple backpack because they had to go to (what she calls) "la escuelita de Mira" (Mira's little school).

On top of all that goodness, some of the moms asked about the Secure Communities program (which would facilitate cooperation between local law enforcement and immigration) and then shared with me what it's like for them and for their family members to live her without documents. I feel incredibly honored that they would be so honest with me, and also feel that it was a blessing for us to share deeply and walk together on the journey, attempting to take on a little bit of the burdens of others. And one of those moms wants to help me organize a community gathering where we can learn more about Secure Communities and strategize about how we can respond together. A bitter-sweetness, but a sweetness none-the-less.

Happy Birthday, Community Table!

2011-02-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

February marks the 2-year anniversary of the food pantry, and we have some astounding numbers to share. In 2010, we averaged 70 families per month and served 3100 people total with the helping hands of 30 volunteers who gave 180 volunteer hours each month. An amazing 36,000 pounds of food were shared in 2010! Since our beginnings two years ago, 580 different families have received food through our pantry and we have served 6020 people all together. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, in addition to normal food boxes, 110 holiday baskets have been gifted.

But these numbers are not just numbers! They represent real human faces and families, hard-working hands and hours of life given in selfless and joyful service. They reflect smiles and offers of hospitality, hearts affected by kindness, and new friendships forming because of read human connection. They count just a few of the little lights of Christ that are walking around this world. When we all gather in Hilson Hall on a third Saturday, or when backs bend to lift cans or fill boxes as others zoom around, hard at work, those little lights come together and create a larger blaze that warms us all. Let us give thanks for each belly that is fed, for each set of feet that is welcomed in, for each smiling or crying child, for each hand that reaches out to wave, to give, to receive, to hug, to lift in prayer. And let us give thanks to the One who created all of us and invites us to keep coming together. This pantry has been a gift and many thanks are given for your participation in it. May we have the energy and determination to keep seeking God and one another, to continue to ask, "What's next? How are you calling us to respond now?"

Snow day

2011-02-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

Outside, it was frigid and quiet and snowy...

But inside, it was lively and toasty and the action was non-stop. Oh, and I finally learned how to use the church coffee maker, so everyone was happy!

We even had a couple of older siblings join us because school was canceled. Fun!

Reflecting on forgiveness at the Supper

2011-02-23T12:24:00.000-08:00

Incredibly, Jesus, as he was dying, asked God to forgive those who were killing him. Are we really called to this kind of counter-cultural forgiveness? Are any sins unforgivable? What happens if we don't forgive? We came together Sunday evening to reflect on these question consider how to live as forgiven and forgiving people in our everyday lives.

Here, participants write messages (to share or not to share) to people they would like to forgive, and write confessions to God.

Our confessions were placed is this pan and burned as we affirmed to one another that yes, indeed, we have each been forgiven.

We watched the powerful clip below from The Mission, a movie I would highly recommend. It is the story of 18th century Jesuits who establish a mission in South America, of the slave trader who experiences transformation, and of the fate of the local indigenous community when the land where the mission is changes hands from Spain to Portugal. It is a devastating, provocative and beautiful story and one that says much with few words.

In this scene, a former mercenary (who had captured many indigenous people and sold them as slaves) has just left prison, where he had been sent for killing his own brother. He has been unwilling or unable to forgive himself for his many sins and has chosen his own penance.

After this scene, he joins the mission community, where he works and lives among the people. A powerful story of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Triple the fun!

2011-02-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

Nine kiddos and eight parents came to the second week of the CUMC Indoor Play Area, but you wouldn't have to know the increase in numbers to experience the high level of energy. Nearly all the pictures I took that morning have at least one blurred figure, where a little one was scooting, hopping, or running by. What a gift to see these parents lovingly follow the lead of their children and playing with them and, for me, to get to stack and laugh and snack along with them.

The Indoor Play Area is open!

2011-02-12T15:02:00.001-08:00

On our first day, three mamas and three kiddos showed up to play at the CUMC Indoor Play Area! The little ones were all shy at first, but they quickly felt at home as they bounced and giggled and stacked and pushed and crawled and snacked. We had a great time and I'm excited for next week! Come join us Thursdays between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. at the Cornelius United Methodist Church!

Javier was determined to make 100 shots, and he did it! And was sweating by the end!

Sharing the load

2011-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

In the past few months, the coordinating team of the Community Table Food Pantry has worked to improve the organization of our volunteers so that all who want to can offer their gifts in a meaningful way and so that none are taking on too much. Every Wednesday evening is now a work day so weekly loads of food from the food bank can be sorted and put away. This past week, 12 folks showed up to haul, sort, and organize food, and to knock down and recycle boxes that can't be reused. I love the energy that this collaborative work creates and the friendships that are growing as we share this joyful load.

Coming soon...

2011-01-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

This may just look like a pile of colorful boxes now, but soon, these blocks and tunnels will be assembled, and will come together with books and carpet remnants and bean bags to create Cornelius United Methodist church's new indoor play area. Inspired by Tillamook UMCs similar ministry, the free play area will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 on Thursdays starting February 10th, and will be a (warm and dry) place for infants and children not yet in school to come with their parents or caretakers to play together and for parents to connect with one another.

The play area board of directors is made up of neighborhood parents and committed church members.

I can't wait for these things to get out of their boxes and into all those little hands!

Mission and worship

2011-01-17T21:01:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Eric and I led a workshop about mission and worship at the Western District leadership event, where we suggested to participants that these two elements of the Christian life cannot be separated. In preparation for this workshop, we invited some volunteers from the Community Table Food Pantry to share some of their experiences in this outreach ministry and to reflect on the connections they see between mission and worship, and this is the video of Nohemi's interview.

The Supper: God of Justice

2011-01-17T12:02:00.001-08:00

While we supped together yesterday on chicken, rice and beans, hot hot homemade salsa, and fruit pudding salad, we reflected on times we've experienced or witnesses injustice, and times when we've stepped up or joined in to address an injustice.

Together, we read several scriptures and hilariously acted out one about God's justice and talked about how it is different from the world's notion of justice. There was great conversation about non-violence, social action and cultivating love in the face of hate and discrimination. We made connections to Martin Luther King's words and witness by watching part of his I Have a Dream speech (it's available with Spanish subtitles on YouTube), which several of our participants had never seen or heard. How inspiring and, at the same time, how painful to realize that the racism and discrimination based on skin-color and economic status that King experienced and declared sinful is still a reality for so many in our world. We reflected on our country's racist immigration laws that hold some people as having less value than others and our call to work for change in this area. And we considered other ways that we can honor King by serving others. It was a powerful conversation.

A few pictures taken by our resident 6-yr-old photographer:

As we cleaned, we listened to this song, God of Justice by Tim Hughes, which I may have shared here before. "Stepping forward, keep us from just singing, move us into action, we must go!":

"Fill us up and send us out!"

Joy!

2010-12-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

For the final Supper of 2010, we reflected on Joy. Over a simple meal of bean soup and sandwiches, we shared about what gives us joy and when joy is hard to find.

We then watched this video, which Eric and Ricardo made last week in Beaverton:

Considering that many of us (at dinner and in the video) expressed feeling joy when things are going well and not feeling joy when life is tougher, we reflected on a few scripture passages together.

Luke 1:46-48 (The Message)

⁴⁶And [when she learned that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit] Mary said,

I'm bursting with God-news;
I'm dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I'm the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.

Matthew 2:9-11 (New International Version, ©2010)

⁹ After they had heard the king, [the wise ones] went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

Psalm 146:5 (New Living Translation)

⁵ But joyful are those who have the God of Israel^[^a^] as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.

It turns out, being joyful might not have as much to do with our circumstances as it has with God showing up. And God is always showing up! How about that? Maybe the last lady in the video didn't say this exactly, but I think she's on to something. We had some interesting conversation, that's for sure.

The young ones expressed their joy with colors and shapes and sprinkles. Mmmmm.....

On a somewhat related note, whenever Eric and I would talk about joy in preparation for The Supper, one of us would start singing the song below and I would get it in my head. I saw Lucinda Williams when she opened up for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers a few years back. Good stuff. I think our joy is in Jesus, but, who knows, maybe yours is in West Memphis. Let me know if you find it :)

May your Christmas be filled with wonder and, of course, joy!!!

Family portraits

2010-12-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Katie Casey, a member of Cornelius United Methodist Church and an excellent self-employed photographer (see some of her photos on the Infinite Expressions Photography facebook page) recently set aside a day to take Christmas portraits for families in the church and community.

When all was said and done, Katie took photos for 21 families, many who are guests at the Community Table Food Pantry. The Community Table offered one free 5X7 and folks could choose to order more prints at very low prices if they wanted (all of them did order at least one or two more).

After the shoot, each family had the chance to see their photos on a computer and choose their favorite(s).

What a lovely day! I smiled so much as I watched folks scrunch together with their most-loved, some spiffy in their matching outfits, some kiddos defiant, some incredible hams, some just precious beyond words. One family brought their gorgeous 3-week-old for his first photo shoot. Many of the families would not have otherwise afforded a photo session with a photographer.

I can't wait for tomorrow, when I'll get to see the finished products and be there to see the faces of folks when they see themselves with their families, smiling away.

What a gift to be present for a generous offering of incredible talents and, of course, the most coveted of all: time and presence.

No human is illegal

2010-12-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

Read this article on the United Methodist Church website about a campaign to drop the "I-word" when talking about immigrants and immigration. Our language makes a difference and, as it says on my very favorite t-shirt, "no human is illegal":

http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5259669&ct=8954039

Feasting

2010-11-27T17:22:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like sitting at table with 30 other folks, digging into a mountain of mashed potatoes and vegetarian meatloaf and sharing about our lives, followed by some football on the big screen. And, of course, playing a little UNO and Yahtzee after the pumpkin pie.

Be grateful

2010-11-24T21:15:00.000-08:00

I heard someone say yesterday that Thanksgiving is not about "feeling grateful" but about "being grateful." It is something we cultivate. In Philippians 4, Paul tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

So even in the midst of difficult times, especially in the midst of difficult times, we are called to stir up thankfulness, to choose gratitude. Afterall, when Jesus gave thanks before breaking the bread and sharing it with his friends, he was facing the hardest days of his life.

At The Supper, we practiced cultivating thankfulness in multiple ways, including writing notes of thanksgiving, as the folks in the above picture are doing, reflecting on where we do experience abundance, and considering areas of our life where we'd like to be more grateful.

I'm reminded of an old song that my school gospel choir sang: Be grateful.

Developing leaders for Hispanic Ministry

2010-11-22T19:13:00.000-08:00

These three gifted folks, Barbara, Eliser and Bonnie, have recently completed Module I, the first series of National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry courses to empower lay people to engage in ministries with Hispanics and Latinos. Through active participation in the hands-on workshops, held on Saturdays over the course of a month, these dedicated leaders practiced the see-discern-act methodology of looking at the world and looking at scripture, and created plans for starting and expanding ministries in Tillamook, Cornelius, and Beaverton!

It is a celebration to have dedicated lay people developing their skills for these valuable ministries in the Oregon-Idaho Conference!

Telling the story

2010-11-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

A great article came out today on the UMC Spanish Portal about The Supper/La Cena:

http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5801443&ct=8862359

Talking Courage at The Supper

2010-10-30T14:56:00.001-07:00

The young among us were a gift at our last Supper. Once the chili bowls were scraped clean, the youth headed outside to carve and the kiddos went to a covered indoor area where they were given markers instead of knives. :)

The older folks read together about Jesus contemplating what lay ahead as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, then watched this clip from the excellent movie Stranger Than Fiction. In the movie, Harold learns that not only is his life being narrated by a fiction author, but that author is about to kill him off. When he finally gets hold of the manuscript, he can't bear to read the end, so his professor friend, played by Dustin Hoffman, does, then gives Harold the bad news that Harold indeed must die.

Both Jesus and Harold (Will Farrell's character) are facing death and both are questioning whether there might be an easier way, a way out. Will they choose to courageously move forward and fulfill their part in the Story? We know what Jesus does, but I'll let you watch the movie if you haven't seen it yet (it's good!).

Around the table, folks shared, in English and Spanish, about what they are facing in life and where they would like to have more courage. We took time to encourage one another. In other words, we saught to give each other courage as we face life. And I can't speak for everyone, but I left enlivened, with new determination to move forward in the parts of my life where I sometimes get stopped by fear.

Where do you need courage in your life? Jesus has been there and he walks with us through it, into new life.

Serve one another in love

2010-10-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

Community Table volunteers Barb and Nohemi shop.

A few months ago, the Cornelius UMC Community Table Food Pantry switched from a system where volunteers filled boxes for guests to a shopping-style pantry. Now, instead of receiving a pre-made box which may or may not contain food that they like, families can make their way around a well-stocked room, choosing items off the shelf at their own speed with guidance from a helper. Volunteers and guests have expressed appreciation for the change, saying that it’s great to have a more personal connection and to take home food that they know they’ll eat.

On our first attempt at shopping-style, we explained the system to all the volunteers and, as usual, helpers who needed food came back before the opening time to get it. Barb and Maria, two long-time volunteers (one an English-speaker, one a Spanish-speaker), paired up and began to roll a cart slowly around the room. They seemed to consider each selection carefully as one helped the other assemble her box, seeking to communicate in simple English and Spanish. Finally, Maria rolled the cart out and I asked her if I could help her get it in her car. She said, “It’s not mine. It’s Barb’s.” I turned to Barb, who said, “It’s Maria’s food.” Then it hit us--they both thought they were helping the other woman with her food!

Maria and Barb had a good laugh, then rolled the cart back in to re-stock the food and start again, practicing their English and Spanish along the way. As they did, I smiled and gave thanks for the spirit of service I had witnessed. Each came that day so ready to offer herself that she didn’t even realize that the other person was trying to serve her! May we always show up ready to serve and be open to the love offerings of those around us.

Galatians 5:13: Serve one another in love.

The practice of being present

2010-09-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

When Jesus visited sisters Mary and Martha in their home, Martha worked her butt off in the kitchen, then complained to Jesus that Mary, who was just hanging out with their guest, wouldn't help her out. Jesus responded,

"Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." (Luke 10:41-42, The Message version).

Jesus was regularly seen practicing the spiritual discipline of hanging out, offering his full attention to the one he was with, and he was always (lovingly? impatiently?) inviting others to do the same. So we took some time this month at The Supper, after reading the above scripture, to be present to one another, listening to the stories of people who were once strangers and honoring them by simply being with them.

Based on an exercise learned from colleauges at the McMinnville Cooperative, folks were paired up and invited to share 3 things during a 10-minute period: 1) their life stories, 2) where they see God present in their lives or in the world, and 3) how they are feeling called to respond to God, whether as an individual or as a community. After the first round, we switched partners and the talkers were now the listeners and the listeners the talkers.

A sharing time after the exercise revealed that the experience had been challenging in some ways but very meaningful for folks. One participant who is from Mexico felt that it was important for recent immigrants to gain confidence in sharing their stories and to experience being heard.

Another Spanish-speaker considered how difficult it can be to stay in the present moment and offered an interesting reflection on the habit of worrying. In Spanish, to worry is "preocuparse"--to pre-occupy. So worrying means occupying a space that has not yet arrived and, therefore, to miss out on the present moment. When we are present, we are trying to pay attention to where Jesus is in the this moment. How might God be inviting us to see Jesus in the silence, in the grass under our feet, in the faces in front of us--whatever is happening, whomever is there in this moment? What is essential is paying attention.

Another opportunity we had that evening to pay attention to the goodness around us came when it was time to eat the deep-fried, cheesy goodness of Eliser's empanadas...

....made by these lovely folks:

Eric enjoyed coloring and chocolate cake and the kids' table.

And here is a happy photo taken by our kinder buddy:

Where in your life are you feeling a tug to be more present? Maybe you can start with some tasty food and really pay attention to how good it is! And then invite someone to share it with you.

Cooperation makes it happen

2010-09-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

In preparation for Saturday's pantry party (really, that's what the big monthly distribution days have become), seven folks related to the Community Table showed up and fell into particular tasks that took us from a pick-up truck full of boxes to neat, organized shelves of food ready to be "shopped."

We stayed focused on our tasks--hauling, sorting, stacking, knocking down boxes, stuffing freezers, cleaning--even as we chatted and joked. And though I began to notice some soreness in my back from yanking cardboard boxes apart, I was joyful as I looked around at so many companions in the work, all older than me, some with longtime knee or back problems themselves, laughing and working selflessly and without complaint so that this food might be available to our neighbors.

I found myself singing the refrain of a Sesame Street that has amazingly ramained lodged in my brain over the 25 years (really??) since it appeared! Perhaps even more amazing is that I (re)discovered that the song is actually about creating a community garden!

Cooperation makes it happen....cooperation--working together!!

Paul talked about cooperation, too, in his letter to the Ephesians (4:4-7):

You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift.

Cooperation makes it happen, cooperation--working together! Dig it!

Taste and see

2010-09-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

Some recent publicity (read the online version here):

Psalm 34:8 (The Message): Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.

Come see the abundance. Shop for groceries in our new space or lead a new friend around the room as she selects items her family likes. Learn some new words in English or in Spanish.

Pluck a crisp, juicy green bean off a garden plant and pop it in your mouth, or pull a carrot from the soil, tasting a bit of earth with the crunch. The tomatoes have been slow to ripen, but they are finally turning red! Walk to the center of the labyrinth, or even run, like Yazmin (in the picture above) seems to do constantly, turning the flowers into a blur of brilliant color.

See the folks gathered around a table, chatting away, or carefully selecting beads for a handmade necklace. Taste some hot coffee on your tongue as you join them.

There is enough food and coffee and love for all. Taste and see. And be blessed.

Creation Vacation reunion!

2010-09-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

Several Western Washington County Creation Vacation families and Family Friends gathered recently at a sunny park for a little picnic reunion. We had great fun sharing pictures, eating amazing food, playing basketball and just talking and laughing.

Look at that spread!

Can you tell that these two sweeties love cherries? When I visited their house, I helped them devour a giant bowl of them.

I love watching people look at pictures together.

What a joy to see people who hadn't known each other before camp sharing and enjoying each other's company so much. I can't wait until the next time we gather!

Family Fiesta 2010

2010-09-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

Forest Grove UMC's Family Fiesta was a wonderful time for families of all shapes and size to gather for a delicious meal, games, craft, service and campfire. Around 50 folks came each of the three evenings, with around 75 people total attending at least once.

As we gathered, older folks and youngsters sat together to fold paper flowers, paint with watercolors and braid friendship bracelets, then we all moved into the sanctuary for silly icebreakers that were successful in getting folks talking to one another. An invitation was extended before dinner for people to sit by someone they didn't yet know well and questions on the tables encouraged conversation. The FGUMC youth group did most of the cooking and boy did we eat well! After dinner on the first and third day, teams went out into the neighborhood to ask for, and then collect, food for the two food pantries in Cornelius and Forest Grove that our UMCs support. Each evening closed with a campfire time on the church lawn when several of our talented guitarists led us in song and a scripture reading and silly skit guided Eric in sharing the message for that evening. As we closed on the final day, one youngster asked me, "So are we coming back tomorrow?" Sadly, we wouldn't be, but I gave thanks that the experience had been a great one for him. I think it was for all of us!

Draw the Circle Wide

2010-08-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Each morning of Western Washington County Creation Vacation, after coming to life again and visiting over a scrumptious breakfast and a mug or two of strong camp coffee, about 25 adults and a few youth and kids made their way down the stairs of Carrier dining hall for a brief time of sharing and prayer. In this circle of new friends, requests for difficult situations and loved ones in pain were lifted to God and to the group, some in English, some in Spanish. Many shared the joy that they had experienced already through the emergence of new relationships and the strengthening of life-long ones, through laughter and play and creativity together, and through the peace and beauty all around us at Camp Magruder. The authenticity and openness in the sharing of this new community moved and inspired me and remains a happy fog of aliveness in my memory, but one moment is still clear in my mind.

Gerardo (pictured above with his daughters, Sarita and Yoseline) said he wanted to share something with the group and began by saying that he was thankful, but tears quickly came to his eyes and the words stuck in his throat. He shook his head, indicating that he couldn't talk. After the group prayed and headed off to ride donkeys or row in the lake, I asked Gerardo privately if he was okay and he told me that he found it difficult to articulate the emotion he was feeling. He shared that his parents had left him at a young age and he was raised by and with people who were not his blood relatives. He never knew his parents or siblings and isn't sure where they are now. And what was impacting him so much in that moment of sharing was that in those days of fun and rest and exploration and contemplation at camp with his children and neighbors, Gerardo told me that he had experienced family.

I am reminded of Jesus's words at the end of Matthew 12 when he is told that his family members want to talk to him (from The Message):

"Who do you think my mother and brothers are?" He then stretched out his hand toward his disciples. "Look closely. These are my mother and brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys my heavenly Father's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Clearly, those related to us by blood want and need our love and time, but our definition of family is ultimately a choice. We are already part of God's family, and when we choose to do life together, we experience that the circle that binds us together is drawn wider and wider and the love is extended beyond where we could have imagined. Since camp, when I have visited Gerardo and his sweet daughters at home or chatted with them over dinner at Forest Grove UMC's Family Fiesta, I have given thanks that this family is my family and, thank God, they consider me part of their family as well. Imagine what could be possible if our family included all in our communities and that all of us really knew--and believed--that we are all already inside the same circle!

Mark Miller's Draw the Circle Wide, a song that I haven't been able to get out of my head for days! I love the words.

A call to prayer and action for and with Arizona

2010-07-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

[please excuse the strange formatting]

Message given by Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño at the “God IS Our Hope” Interfaith Service at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix on Thursday, July 29, 2010 [the day SB 1070 took effect in Arizona]

I am Minerva G. Carcaño. I have the privilege of serving as the United Methodist bishop for Arizona, Southern Nevada, and the Southeast corner of California. I am the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants. But I want to be clear that I stand before you on this morning because I am a disciple of Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ who lived on this earth as an immigrant and who calls us to welcome and love the immigrant. Having said this I have a few things to share with you.

The ugly heart of SB 1070 has been a concept used at the beginning of the bill. The concept is enforcement through attrition.” Legal experts tell me that in layman’s terms what this means is that this law is intended to find legal ways to make life so miserable for immigrants that they leave the state of Arizona. Unfortunately some immigrants have

left this state. They have left every time a new law is passed in Arizona that further endangers the well being of their families. Who can blame them?

But contrary to the thinking of the makers and supporters of such irresponsible and destructive laws as SB 1070, the departure of immigrants has not helped the State of Arizona. What SB 1070 and other laws of similar spirit have done in pushing immigrants out, is that they have:

weakened our much needed labor force,
further undermined our failing economy, and extended the economic recession in this state,
separated our families,
weakened our congregations of faith,
and all around, they have left us the poorer for it.

SB 1070 makes of immigrant families the scapegoat for every ill this state faces. In essence what it ultimately does is that it lets our political leaders off the hook for not having the wherewithal to figure out how to resolve the enormous problems we face in this state, or the basic common sense to know that immigrants are not the problem, but rather part of the solution with much to contribute to the well being of this state and this country. And let us not be deceived, SB 1070 was about political expediency –how many votes can an anti-immigrant bill bring? And I would ask those political leaders who supported SB 1070 for votes, are those tainted votes worth the integrity of your leadership?

Instead of leading this state, our public leaders starting with Governor Jan Brewer have dehumanized the immigrant population in this state by classifying all immigrants as drug dealers, human smugglers, and criminals of the worst kind. In the process, Governor Brewer and others who should be ashamed to call themselves public leaders, have dehumanized all of us and led the world to believe that there is no more racist place on the planet than Arizona.

Shame on Governor Brewer

and all who think and act as she does toward the immigrants among us.

But shame on us if we do not stand for truth and justice for our immigrant brothers and sisters. This is the time for comprehensive immigration reform, not next year, or 5 or 10 years from now or in another political season, BUT NOW. Senators John McCain and Jon Kyle and all our state representatives need to know that we will no longer suffer their political posturing on immigration reform.

And, President Barack Obama needs to know that we will no longer forgive his lack of leadership in this country’s need for immigration reform. The belated and clumsy effort of the Department of Justice against SB 1070 is not enough. We need to let President Obama know in no uncertain terms that we will no longer accept his easy answer that there is a lack of political will in DC and therefore there is nothing he can do about immigration reform as much as he wants to do something. President Obama needs to be reminded that he was elected to lead and not to blame, and we need to be the ones to remind him of that fact.

On this day there are thousands of people all over this country and I would venture to say, all over this world, who are praying for us and with us for immigration reform. Thanks be to God for their prayers of support and solidarity with us. But I need to give witness to the fact that no one has prayed with more fervor, more faith, or more faithfulness than our young people right here in Arizona. It was young people of this state, many of them immigrants themselves or the children of immigrants, who said from the inception of SB 1070, “we must pray.”

It was 7 young people who when SB 1070 was introduced determined that their contribution to the struggle would be to pray, and so for the last 104 days they have led an unceasing prayer vigil all the way to this morning of prayer. With others of you I was at the Arizona state capital the day Governor Brewer signed SB 1070 into law. Right there before our amazed eyes we were able to see that the group of 7 young people who had determined to pray had grown to 1500 young people ranging from middle school age to college students.

When it was announced to those 1500 young people that Governor Brewer had signed SB 1070, their youthful hope was crushed; from the look on their faces it was clear that they had expected Governor Brewer to do the right thing and not sign the bill. Many of us had the opportunity to comfort these young people, hearing their concerns for their families, their neighbors, for immigrants everywhere, but also for this state and for this country. After a bit of time had passed, and the awful news had been taken in, the young man who was leading that gathering at the state capital invited me to the platform and asked me if I would lead the gathered group in praying The Lord’s Prayer. I responded saying that I would be honored to do so. Then he looked at me with a bit of concern and asked me, “Bishop, can you still kneel?” I smiled back at him, and said, “Yes, I can still kneel.” He smiled back at me, took my hand and led me to my knees while he invited all 1500 young people to kneel with us. Together we knelt at the state capital and prayed that prayer that has united Christians of all denominations over the many generations, and I felt a deep peace and an even greater sense of the assurance that God is with us.

So my brothers and sisters, we are not alone. God is with us, and we are sustained by the prayers of many including the prayers of our own children in this state. So let us not turn back now. Instead with confidence, with faith, and with God as our help and our hope, let us commit to work until that good day when we will surely celebrate comprehensive immigration reform in this state and across this country.

Isaiah 58 Interfaith Prayer Vigil in Solidarity with Arizona

2010-07-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Pictured above: Rev. Ron Whitlatch, Director of Hispanic Ministries for the OR-ID Conference of the UMC; David Leslie, Executive Director of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon; Greg Nelson, Director of Communications for the OR-ID Conference of the UMC; Jan Elfers from EMO; Fr. Peter Arteaga, Pastor of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro.

Last Wednesday, people from multiple faith traditions gathered in the north park blocks of downtown Portland to show solidarity with the people of Arizona as the implementation date for the anti-immigrant law SB 1070 draws closer. On July 29th, racial profiling by local law enforcement in Arizona will be legal and encouraged, and actions directly supporting undocumented immigrants will be considered criminal.

At this interfaith prayer vigil, we gathered, along with others gathering across the country that same week, and reflected on the impact of our broken immigration system, declared what elements need to be present for us to have comprehensive immigration reform in the US, and marched together to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in a public show of solidarity. Our hearts are heavy as we consider the real people in Arizona who will be negatively affected by this new law and the possibility of similar laws taking shape in Oregon and in other parts of the US.

It was great to see lots of United Methodists present! Several UMs were integral in the planning and leading of the vigil, especially Ron Whitlatch, Director of Hispanic Ministries for the OR-ID Conference of the UMC.

The holy books of most faith traditions speak to how we are called worship God by honoring and being in service to one another, especially the sojourners. From Isaiah 58:

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

In this Spirit, Isaiah 58 Summer, a project of Interfaith Immigration, seeks to unite people of faith from across the country in actions to raise awareness and stand with our sisters and brothers in Arizona.

July 29th, the day the law is scheduled to go into effect, will be a day of action in Portland and all over the US. The event, Todos Somos Arizona (We Are All Arizona), will begin at 5:00 p.m. Holladay Park (corner of NE Holladay and 13th). Download the flyer here.

Marco Mejia of the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement addresses the group:

Living it

2010-07-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

This morning the lectionary pointed me to this passage from Colossians 2 (The Message version):

You received Christ, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well-constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

It occurs to me that Creation Vacation, the family camp I deaned a few weeks back at Camp Magruder, was an opportunity to try to do this--to live the life we are called to live, together. We did not focus on growing spiritually by sitting quietly to study the Bible or talk about "spiritual things," but we showed up to do what is sometimes difficult to do: live together. God has already broken down the walls (created by us and people before us) that keep us from God and from each other and we have been created to be together--so why not be together? It can be hard as heck but, as it turns out, is way more fun!

CV was transformational because we jumped in and opened ourselves to listening to and sharing ourselves with many we hadn't known before, who spoke in a different languages and had had completely different life experiences. Even more challenging (and life-giving) for some was doing these things with people we do know well--our families! We ate together, played together, made choices together, created together, shared difficult and lovely parts of our lives, enjoyed creation together, prayed together, sang together, just hung out together. And we came away filled with love and friendship and longing to continue to deepen the connections we made. The living we did together has definitely spilled over into thanksgiving. What a gift. Now, after this rejuvenating time, the opportunity we have is to learn to live well together as friends and neighbors and families in daily life in our own communities!

A few (yeah, right) of my favorite pictures...

I had such a fun time teaching these two sweet girls to row:

Salsa-making contest--sooo good...and soooo spicy!

Campfire fun. So great seeing parents getting silly with their kiddos.

The best big brother.

Collective crafting. This space was always full!

2 out of 3 of the camp donkeys are arthritic and retired now (the oldest is 30!) but they still like to walk a bit.

A gorgeous day emerging...

Craft cabin view.

New friends--love this.

Swinging!

Paper airplane making. I loved being around this kid because he was always smiling.

Sand castles! Where many boys (young and old) spent hours.

Just hanging out.

Bertha and one of her sweeties.

New friends.

Practicing pulling back on the rope before wave-jumping.

The beach [happy sigh].

Good friends.

Who doesn't love staring at the ocean? Too bad we can not all manage to be so cute while we do it.

Skipping stones. Loved seeing this Family Friend making connections.

Silly songs around the campfire were awesome, but love songs in Spanish belted out happily around the campfire--the best.

Hanging out.

All the Family Friends. What an awesome group!

I was excited to see some CV families and several Family Friends at the Hillsboro UMC Summer JAM (a VBS-ish family program) and can't wait to see everyone again in a month for our Creation Vacation reunion picnic in the park!! It's so great to be looking for ways to keep living it out together with all these folks in my community who are now my friends!

Creation Vacation!

2010-07-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

What a gift these days were! Fifteen Latinos families, fifteen family friends and every great camp activity you can imagine! I'll share soon, but wanted to post these pictures first.

Reflecting on a Father's Love

2010-06-24T18:51:00.001-07:00

On Sunday evening, folks gathered for The Supper at Cornelius UMC, to eat and to talk and to enjoy one another's presence. We shared, over tasty sammies and decadent cheesecake, in English and in Spanish, about our fathers and about those who have been fathers to us. Some reflected on fathers who were always there and always loving. Some shared about fathers who tried hard but struggled or who just weren't present. Some had lost their fathers at a very young age. All of us gave thanks for those who have shown the love of God the Parent by caring for us, protecting us, listenening to us, guiding us, holding us, teaching us, and loving us.

With Eliser's guidance, we considered the words from Luke 11:11, from the Message version:

If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live
snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a
spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—you're at least
decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in
love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"

God the Parent has a love for us that is more profound than any human love we have experienced or can imagine because God created us. We shared together some possible ways that we can reflect this love in our communities. Who are those who need to experience the unconditional love of God the Parent? Let us seek them out and share that love that we have received and continue to receive.

Join us July 18th for the next Supper. We'll reflect on God's love as water that refreshes and gives us life and overflows into the world.

No to SB 1070

2010-05-30T12:46:00.001-07:00

SB1070, the recent law passed in Arizona mandates descrimination and racial profiling and weakens trust between the community and local law enforcement by encouraging the latter to stop individuals simply because they "look" like they might be undocumented. Portland folks joined groups from across the country yesterday by gathering to make a public statement in opposition to this decision and calling for the repeal of SB1070.

The action opened with song and with some words by activists from local immigrant rights organizations and continued with a musical drama depicting the doomed marriage between local law enforcement and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

ICE courts local law enforcement: The wedding:The ceremony is broken up by The Community, who breaks into an alternative version of Ice Ice Baby until ICE takes him down.

Inmates then sing to Lady Gaga's Bad Romance until Local Law Enforcement revives The Community and they dance. Very entertaining. The march through downtown Portland.

El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido.

The people united will never be defeated.

For more on SB1070 and The United Methodist Church's stance, go to the General Board of Church and Society's website.

Planting seeds for a new season

2010-05-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

The labyrinth garden at CUMC is alive and well. The first tomato starts are planted and green bean seeds are in the ground and there is much hope for what this second year of gardening will bring.

Some of the crew:

Tilling the soil:

Spreading the compost:

Our #1 volunteer:

Comic relief:

Master waterer:

It's so exciting to think of all the beautiful veggies that will be harvested and shared and enjoyed because of the hands willing to get dirty now.

A hangout for God

2010-05-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

After a few smaller gatherings to eat and dream, The Supper made its CUMC debut. Twenty-two people (including two babies) showed and slurped scrumptious homemade soups: pumpkin black bean and chicken fajita. We had some intentional conversation over dinner about where we were each born, something we do that we'd like to do more of and something we've never done that we'd like to try. I learned lots--even about people I've known for a while! There were people at each table who are primarily Spanish-speakers, so all conversation was in two languages--so great!

After dinner, we used paper, crayons and markers to create a visual piece that expresses how we experience God's presence, then shared our creations with one another. The conversation was rich and there was love in the listening. Here are some photos of folks at work.

What a gift to sit together and attempt to point, individually and collectively, to where God is and what God is about. And how amazing to have folks from different parts of our community, some members of the church, some connected through the Community Table Food Pantry, some friends, some friends of friends, some neighbors. And two people that just showed up randomly, unaware that we were having a meal. We all sat down and ate together.

It's like the words from Paul that we shared during our supper--when we get together, especially with all different kinds of people, we make a pretty good place for God to hang out. It's from Ephesians 2, The Message:

The Messiah has made things up between us so that we're now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody. Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father. That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in
brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

The Supper / La Cena

2010-05-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

In her book, Take This Bread, Sara Miles talks a lot about Jesus and food. In Jesus, "God rose from the dead to have breakfast with his friends." He made himself known when they broke bread together. In one story, he turned up cooking on the beach. In another, he asked for something to eat. Miles says,

All of it pointed to a force stronger than the anxious formulas of religion: a radically inclusive love that accompanied people in the most ordinary of actions--eating, drinking, walking--and stayed with them, through fear, even past death. That love meant giving yourself away, embracing outsiders as family,emptying yourself to feed and live for others. The stories illuminated the holiness located in mortal human bodies, and the promise that people could see God by cherishing all those different bodies the way God did. They spoke of a communion so much vaster than any church could contain: one I had sensed all my life could be expressed in the sharing of food,particularly with strangers.

This Sunday evening, some folks in Cornelius plan to gather to eat together and to intentionally reflect on where we see God showing up in our lives and in the world. We want to cherish all those different bodies. We want to make strangers into friends and see God more clearly and figure out together where we're called to go. And because Jesus spent so much of his time on earth sharing food with his friends, it seems to be a good place to start. If you're here, come join us.

The Supper / La Cena
Cornelius United Methodist Church, 1095 S. Beech
Sunday, May 16th (and every third Sunday), 5:00-7:00 p.m.

P.S. You should read the book!!

New gathering in Cornelius

2010-04-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

In conversation about new ways to be the church together! One thing's for certain--there will be food!

Immigration Workshop Offers Skills for Engagement

2010-04-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

Bill Mefford, Director of Civil and Human Rights for the General Board of Church and Society, will conduct a workshop on immigration at Hillsboro UMC on Saturday, May 1 – from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The workshop is for individuals and churches ready to move beyond “justice ministries that consist of institutional statements and education…” to engagement, advocacy, and authentic relationships with immigrants. The training will focus on church-based organizing to help churches become more involved in advocating for and working with immigrants by addressing the following:

A theological basis for engaging in advocacy and justice-oriented ministries
How justice and mercy can and are meant to work together to serve people in need
How you can organize individuals, churches and ministries that provide direct ministries around specific issues of immigration
The importance of identifying allies within and outside of the faith community
How to create events that are worshipful in nature, but politically significant and that help foster movement towards social change
How training participants can work together on specific events and campaigns that are local and national, that are contextual for people of faith, and that are politically significant.
The means of political advocacy that are most effective
The political “state-of-play” concerning immigration and poverty

There will be a $15 registration fee which will cover the costs of the workshop and lunch. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS APRIL 15. To register, contact Ron Whitlatch, Director of Hispanic/Latino Ministries, at 503-941-5215 or ronwhitlatch(at)gmail(dot)com.

Creation Vacation 2010: Family Friends needed!

2010-03-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

Hello good people!

You are invited to volunteer this summer for Creation Vacation, a three day camp experience for low-income families in Western Washington County. WWC CV dates are July 8th through the 10th at Camp Magruder, near Rockaway Beach on the coast.

A cooperative effort between Camp and Retreat Ministries, local UMCs and non-profit housing organizations, CV allows families that wouldn't ordinarily have the time or resources for a vacation to spend some time in a beautiful, restful place together, and provides an opportunity for United Methodists to build relationships with great families from their own communities. Last year's WWC participants were the families of promotores (community liaisons) at Bienstar, an organization that provides housing and great comprehensive services for low-income Latino families. Thankfully, we'll be working again this year with this excellent agency!

While at camp, each family is assigned a Family Friend, a volunteer that spends time with that family and is as present with them during their time at camp as the family would like. This means that you, the Family Friend, might accompany them at meals, in the craft cabin, or on walks on the beach. You might help a kid with archery or walk alongside a donkey carrying a little one. You might visit with a mom or dad over coffee or sing songs around the campfire. You'd stay in a cabin with other volunteers, not with kids.

Family Friends are invited to consider a contribution toward room and board costs to help subsidize the participation of families, but no contribution is required for your participation! All levels of camping experience and Spanish language ability are welcome--from zero to 100% fluency! :)

Creation Vacation has become one of my favorite times of the year! I guarantee that you will be changed by the families and and that they will be changed by you! Please let me know as soon as possible if you want to reserve your place as a Family Friend. If you'd like to participate but aren't sure yet about your availability, let me know that, too. Please pass this invitation on to others in your congregation and community that would make great Family Friends.

For more about Creation Vacation, check out the OR-ID Conference camping website: gocamping.org/creationvacation. Here is a great article and video made about a lovely family at WWC CV 2009. If you listen carefully, you might recognize the voice of the person interpreting for Alejandra :)

What else do you need to know to make your decision?? Let me know! We'd love to have you!

Peace to you,
Mira

Bilingual theater class a success!

2010-03-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

Around 100 people came to see the two performances of Frutas, Verduras y Mas!, the bilingual, intergenerational theater piece at CUMC in cooperation with LESTA, Learn English and Spanish Through the Arts. With lots of sing-along songs and audience participation, they were fun gatherings for all involved. And we hope that the story will remind all of us to eat from all the food groups and get the exercise we need!

The grains team:

The Sugar Twins:

El Rascapetate--the Scarf Dance (based on this dance, with the same music):

The food group conga line:

The Couch Potatoes with Jimmy Junk Food and Frankie Fast Food:

The show flyer:

One year of Community Table!

2010-03-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

This February marked the one year anniversary of the Community Table Food Pantry in Cornelius. A few numbers for you:

February 2009-January 30, 2010
Boxes served: 775
Number of different families served: 326
Total number of people served: 3272
This does not include the Christmas and Thanksgiving Baskets (an additional 85 boxes)

Official volunteers: 42 volunteers
Unofficial volunteers: many more!
Official volunteer hours: 743.5
Unofficial volunteer hours: countless!

These numbers represent real people receiving food for themselves and their families, real people giving of their time and resources, real people being transformed through relationships! For these people and for all the ways that God shows up in them, I give thanks!

Superarse

2010-02-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

I like the word. Superarse. In Spanish it means to exceed expectations, to better oneself, to overcome. In my conversations with the day laborers I visited this morning, the word was uttered several times.

One spoke of growing up in Mexico as one of the youngest of 10 children in his family, of feeling like a tiny plant in the yard whose caretakers walked by each day and provided what was necessary for survival, but who didn't pay close attention or nurture the plant. His parents encouraged him to leave school at a young age and work like his older siblings. At 18, he had the opportunity to marry his girlfriend, but he wasn't ready to settle down and resign himself to continuing the cycle of poverty in that place. A few years later, he moved north. To superarse. He was into some destructive behaviors for a while, but when he saw how it was affecting his relationship with his nieces and nephews, he decided to give that up. How else could he encourage his younger relative to not do drugs as teenagers? He talked about continuing his education, studying English with a tutor, which he is doing now, all so he can superarse.  He wants to do more than what was ever expected of him.

Another man spoke of his family in Mexico, of the 4 girls who have grown up from a distance during the 8 years he has been away working. Though they speak on the phone daily, when he visits, the girls shy away from his hugs because they do not know him.   He wants to go back next year and stay so that he can know his children and they can know their father. He says, "You think money will be enough, but it isn't. It can't take the place of that relationship." He came north so that his girls could superarse, but now he feels that going home is the best way to help them do that. His love for his children was so clear as he talked about them.

A third man shared about his parents in Guatemala who wanted him to do well in school, but who were illiterate. How could they have helped him with his studies? Now he studies English so his children will have a good model and, though they are in another country, he encourages them regularly to work hard in school and stick with their studies so that they can superarse. And most importantly, he says, he has established a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ for them. Because of their faith, he says, they can make good choices and know they are loved and know their own value. And though they live in a poor place, they will superarse.

What a gift to hear these stories of pain and of walking through the pain to the other side. I am reminded of a quote from Helen Keller: Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.

I pray that these men will continue to find ways to move forward and superarse and that their example will inspire me to do the same.

Frutas, Verduras y Mas! Fruits, Veggies and More!

2010-02-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

Only one rehearsal remains until the big show! Frutas, Verduras y Mas! Lead by LESTA (Learning English and Spanish Through the Arts), CUMC has hosted an intergenerational bilingual musical theater class during the past 7 weeks and around 25 people have participated. It has been great fun to sing, dance in conga lines, and learn our lines (a mix of English and Spanish) with people of all ages (from 7 to 70 yrs old!), personalities, developmental and physical abilities, and languages! Our two shows will be Sunday, February 28th at 2:00 p.m. and Monday, March 1st at 7:00 p.m. Come find out if the Couch Potatoes will give in to the Gemelas de Azucar (Sugar Twins) and indulge in cotton candy or if their trip to the health fair will lead them to eat a more balanced diet and turn off their video games.

Creating space

2010-01-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

We don't invent structure for structure's sake. Structure in a classroom creates space for children and adults to express ideas, explore, and learn freely. In a worship service, structure can create a space in which people are invited and freed to connect with the Spirit that is in an around them. At the Community Table Food Pantry, we've discovered that structure can provide room to connect, to create, to rest, and to be.

At the December distribution day at the Community Table, more families showed up than ever before, and most appeared before our doors opened at 10:00! The whole operation had just moved into a new, larger room in the church and we had some new folks at the registration table. On top of all that, 10:00 came and went and we were not ready!! Eventually, we got going and mucked through it, and served more families than in months past, but things were chaotic and volunteers scrambled all morning to stay on top of things. As a result, most of the families waited a long time and most did not receive much intentional personal connection with other folks. Two of my favorite people, a recently married couple, were around for around an hour and I remember running past them several times, hurrying on to take care of something and offering some kind of quick greeting, but I never even stopped to really ask them how they were.

In early January, some volunteers gathered to ask the questions, "How can we make things run more smoothly?", "How can we offer a more hospitable space?" and "How can we make this a really great experience for people?" With lots of careful planning and preparation, the January distribution day was a completely different experience. I spent most of my morning talking and laughing with people, hearing about their work or kids, offering coffee and cookies, leading little ones to the play area and bigger folks to the craft table where they could make cool beaded key chains, or to the clothing where they could look for something that fit. I complimented a man on a handsome jacket he tried on, I helped kids with their beads, I chatted with people there alone or visiting for the first time. It was a wonderful morning! We fed just about the same number of people as the month before, but this time, we had prepared for them. We had fixed up the room just right with them in mind. We did not need to rush them through the process because they were honored guests and invited to stay as long as they liked. And many did stick around! The structure we have designed and redesigned and reshaped and adjusted has created a space for us to welcome one another and to be with one another. Just to be with one another--that is a gift.

New

2010-01-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

Several months ago, a young man came to the Community Table Food Pantry with his small child. They had just arrived in town the day before and had no food or gas, he did not have work, and they were staying with the only person here they knew. I welcomed them to our little town and enjoyed our conversation as I prepared their food box and drove them to their home. This little family was coming out of a very tough situation and was looking to start anew.

Today I ran into this same young man in his place of work (the same job he had been hoping for when I met him). We recognized one another and he and came to say hello and shake my hand and Eric's, telling my husband that he had met me at "the church." He has work, his child is well, and they just moved into their own home. Things are great, he said. He smiled, said he needed to get back to work, wished us well and walked off.

As I turned, my eyes welled with tears of gratitude for having had the opportunity to meet this lovely person during a difficult time, then be able to see the goodness that showed up in his life later. I give thanks that he was indeed able to start a new life in this community. Though many come to the church once and don't return, I am reminded that faith communities that seek to extend God's love and welcome have an impact on people that is not soon forgotten. And even if it is forgotten, we have still played a small part in their lives and in the work God is doing in them, as they have also played a part in the work God is doing in us! What a gift.

May each day in this new year be a new start for all of us.

Keep us from just singing

2009-12-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

During the two days before Christmas, five families came in to receive emergency food boxes from the Community Table Food Pantry in Cornelius. As I prepared my home for the arrival of out-of-town family, I found my heart heavy as I visited with the kind folks I met and considered what the coming days would be like for them and for others with little or no food in their homes. I asked one woman whether her family planned to do anything special for Christmas and she responded that she would like to, "but with no work and no money, what can we do?" This family needed food, but they also needed community, advocates, and companions on the journey. They needed to know that God loves them. And the church needs this family, because this family is a part of the human family, the one that is not defined by blood or borders.

This yearly celebration of Jesus' rebirth into the world and into our lives reminds us that God is always, constantly showing up in new ways. In humble, unexpected ways. In counter-cultural, upside-down ways. God is showing up in this hungry family and God also could be showing up and giving love to those who need it... through me--as improbable as that seems. I read an article today by Shane Claiborne where he reminds us that, in the Old Testament story, God communicated to Balaam through his donkey: "Some say God spoke to Balaam through his ass and has been speaking through asses ever since." (read the excellent article here). This makes me laugh, but is a serious reminder to me to get out there, to walk with people, to share this good news to those who need to hear it, even as I doubt my ability to have any impact. There is still hope for me and, thankfully, God's love and grace are not limited by my human limitations!

At Cornelius UMC, church members have committed to feeding those in the community who are hungry, and as they have given of themselves sacrificially and have walked alongside community members to do this work, small signs of transformation have emerged. Many who came looking for assistance are now offering their gifts and time to others. Just in December, 84 families have received emergency food boxes and 40 received special Christmas food bags. Since the pantry opened in February, nearly 3,000 people have received food! For the level of commitment on the part of the congregation and of community volunteers that this has required (or perhaps inspired), I am grateful and hopeful. Thank you, God, for giving us the vision to begin this project and a spirit of love and compassion to keep it going!

With the arrival of those five families seeking food just before Christmas, I experienced a heaviness of heart. But I also experienced a hope-filled nudge to go beyond food, to listen for how God is calling me to be present in people's lives, maybe even to be the place that God is showing up in a new way for them.

When we tire, or when the task seems too large, there is a temptation to hunker down, to stick to the comfortable, but we must continue to ask God to turn our eyes outward and to get our feet moving. I am reminded of the song God of Justice by Tim Hughes, which leads us in asking God to "keep us from just singing." Going to church is only one of many first steps toward being the church. As I listen to this song right now and consider the opportunities for transformative service and relationships that lie ahead in this new year, I ask God to keep us from just singing, to move us into action.

Listen to the song here. Here are some of the words:

Jesus, you have called us
Freely we've received now freely we will give
We must go
Live to feed the hungry, stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward, keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go

Fill us up and send us out...

Blessings to you as we enter this new year that is full of new possibilities!
Mira

Bilingual Nutrition and Cooking Class

2009-12-19T22:09:00.000-08:00

In collaboration with the OSU Extension Service, the Cornelius United Methodist Church hosted a 5-week class in nutrition and cooking that was in both English and Spanish.

We began each class with a language activity, then instructor Matilde Rodriguez led us in an hour of conversation around nutrition. In one class, as part of our discussion of the importance of fiber, we were given several food items and had to work with a team to place them in order from least fiber to most fiber. Here are Nohemi and Eric, trying to put their foods in order:

For the second half of each class, we broke into groups and worked on two recipes. Here is our instructor, Matilde, demonstrating the preparation of a healthy fish recipe.

During our last class, participants put together master mixes for everyone to take home and use for the baking recipes we received.

The Ensalada Vaquera (Cowboy Salad) in process--mmm.

Popeye smoothies. Eat your spinach!

With around 12 participants at each class and a good mix of primary English speakers and primary Spanish speakers, the program was a success! In addition to establishing new friendships and learning some new vocabulary, people were naturally invited to stay connected. After learning about the the Community Table Food Pantry, three people with no previous connection to the church volunteered at the pantry the week following the end of the class! It was wonderful to have them!

We will likely hold a similar class again in the spring!

Fall/Winter News

2009-12-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

Hello!

A hearty thank you to all those who support Western Washington County Hispanic/Latino Ministries through participation, prayer and gifts! It has been full and fulfilling fall and I find myself overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to serve and be in relationship with so many good folks in the communities and churches of Western Washington County. And as we walk together through this season of Advent, I am reminded that we are in the in-between, in an already and not yet place. Jesus is with us, yet we squint in the darkness, waiting for his light to break through. We have been made whole, yet we are often all too aware of the cracks that keep us from living out that wholeness. God has broken down the the categories that divide us and has made us one, but we must work each day to be a church that truly embraces all. Let us walk this path together, welcoming the uncertainty, lingering in the in-between as we continue this work we have been given and keep watch for the new ways that God is showing up.

Please return often to see updates and stories of transformation! And contact me if you would like more information about any programs below or if you have an event or story that you'd like to share here!

Peace to you,
Mira Conklin
Hispanic/Latino Ministry Developer

Join me in celebrating these recent events and programs:

Community Table Food Pantry. The Cornelius pantry, open since March of this year, serves around 50 families each month, and provided food for 68 families in November! In addition to basic boxes, 40 families also received Thanksgiving food in a reusable cloth bag and 40 families signed up to receive an additional bag of Christmas food in December. This fall, Community Table provided a significant portion of the healthy snacks served three days a week to the children of PODER, the OCDC family literacy that shares space with CUMC. Many new volunteers have joined us and some have recently begun to teach crafts to guests, starting with jewelry-making in November.

Community Table and Garden Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. On Saturday, December 5th, pantry and garden volunteers and their families gathered for a festive homemade enchilada dinner at Cornelius United Methodist Church. The 45 people present heard inspiring words from Western District Hunger Ministry Coordinators Gerry and Dotty Edy and volunteers were presented a small, framed certificate. One volunteer, Carlos Ortega, was randomly chosen to receive a $50 Honeybaked Ham, which the pantry had received from the Oregon Food Bank. In addition to the volunteers recognized that evening, special thanks go to the Forest Grove youth group, who came earlier that day for their second work day at the pantry and helped set up for the dinner.

Conference Hunger Grant. The Community Table Food Pantry and CUMC received a grant for $3000 from the Bishop's Initiative to End Hunger Task Force to expand hunger-related ministries. Very exciting! New programs include a bilingual nutrition and cooking class that will conclude next week, a bilingual musical theater class that will begin January 11th, and a laptop and language software for church and community members to improve English and Spanish skills (please read below for more about these programs). Gerry and Dotty Edy, Western District Hunger Coordinators, presented the check to Community Table coordinator Joanne Dempsey on a celebratory Sunday this fall.

Western District Church Extension Society Grant: A tremendous thank-you goes to the Western District CES for the generous grant given over three years to support the development of new and expanding Hispanic Ministries in Western Washington County. It was a gift to be able to share ministry stories at the WDCES Annual Meeting in Cornelius this fall.

Cooking and Nutrition Class. Cornelius UMC has partnered with the OSU Extension Service Nutrition Education Program to provide a fun, interactive nutrition and cooking class in English and Spanish. Matilde Rodriguez is teaching the lively, 5-week course, which has had around 12 students, some primary Spanish-speaker and some primary English-speakers, each week. Topics include: nutrients the body needs, being a smart shopper, and the importance of fruits and vegetables. Some of the recipes we've prepared are carrot muffins, cowboy salad, and baked fish topped with veggie sauce. Food vocab, practice conversations, and interactive language games have invited participants to get to know one another and practice their language skills! Find healthy recipes in English and Spanish here.

English as a Second Language. Hillsboro UMC's ESL program had a successful fall '09 term! With 64 students and lots of faithful volunteers, the church fellowship hall (and now other rooms as well!) were full of life every Wednesday and Thursday evening! The term closed with a celebration and recognition of students with great attendance and plans are in the works for Winter Term 2010! If you're interested in volunteering or know someone who would like to participate, contact Mary Foote at mmfoote(at)verizon(dot)net. Registration is January 6th and 7th from 6:30-8:00 p.m., with volunteer orientation the next following and classes beginning that next Wednesday.

Spanish Bible Study: ESL students were invited to participate in a Spanish Bible Study on Saturday evenings at Hillsboro UMC. Several demonstrated interest and one man came regularly to pray, read, and discuss stories using the see/judge/act methodology.

Coming Up:

Bilingual Musical Theater Class: Cyndi Turtledove, the Artistic Director at LESTA (Learning English/Spanish Through the Arts), will lead this family class with a nutrition theme beginning Monday, January 11th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cornelius UMC. Adults, youth and children age 6 and up are welcome to take part in this fun, interactive class in which participants learn and improve language skills as they play theater games, do crafts, sing and prepare for a nutrition-themed play, in March that will be open to the community. All levels of English and Spanish are welcome! Please consider joining us for this 8-week class!

Immigration Workshops: In November, along with Ron and Cathy Whitlatch, Mira attended a National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry Module 3 Training around immigration advocacy in Phoenix, AZ. Mira, Cathy and Ron are working together to organize trainings in different parts of the conference during the early part of 2010. Plans are underway for a Spanish-language training in immigration advocacy in Western Washington County on Saturday, February 13th.

Resources:

Immigration Resources on Conference Website: Please see the Hispanic/Latino Ministry page on the Oregon-Idaho Conference website, umoi.net, for a recently added list of immigration resources.

Bienvenidos!

2009-12-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

This is a space dedicated to sharing about Hispanic/Latino Ministry events in Western Washington County, part of the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church, and offering stories of transformation. I hope you will be inspired to look around in your own community to see where God is at work among your Hispanic and Latino sisters and brothers!