Issue #68 • December 2013

Hope for the Chil- dren of Africa 16

Bishop Swenson, PNWUMW Meeting 16

God is on the side of the damned 14

Imperfect Signs of Perfec- tions 19 Issue #68, December 2013

Connecting with stories making headlines from the UMC into December

By Linda Bloom Photo by Wikimedia Commons*

*For more info on this image, visit http://bit.ly/1aPlmSC. EDITOR’S NOTE: On Dec. 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela died at age 95. South African President Jacob Zuma made the announcement. Mandela, a former prisoner, became a statesman who led South Africa out of decades of apartheid.

hroughout his life, Nelson Man- free of bitterness. His life reflects the qualities of dela had many connections to the World Methodist Peace Award.” . A graduate of a Methodist Early Methodist Roots boarding school where many future Mandela was born July 18, 1918, at Mvezo African leaders were educated, the in the Eastern Cape and graduated from Heald- anti-apartheid champion was men- town, a boarding school started by Methodist tored by Methodist preachers and educators missionaries in 1845. The Rev. Seth Mokitimi and formed a bond with a Methodist chaplain was the school’s chaplain. A renowned Methodist while in prison. preacher and educator who in 1964 became the As president of South Africa, he worked with first black person elected to lead a major denomi- church leaders in shaping a new nation and nation in South Africa, he had a powerful influ- eventually married Graça Machel, a United Meth- ence on Mandela. odist, widow of the former president of Mozam- A new Methodist seminary, opened in 2009 bique and an advocate for women’s and chil- within the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of ecumeni- dren’s rights. cal theological institutions at the University of When that couple made a surprise appear- KwaZulu-Natal near Durban, is named after ance before the United Methodist Council of Mokitimi, who died in 1971. during a November 2006 meeting in As a leader in a campaign against the apart- Whenever you see Maputo, Mozambique, Janice Huie, then heid system, Mandela was sentenced to life The monthly, award-winning publication of The Conference of The The Shelf icon the council’s president, declared the group was imprisonment on Robben Island in 1963. The beside an article in “blessed” to have them in their presence. “We Rev. Peter Storey, a Methodist , served as Resident Bishop Grant J. Hagiya Executive Director of Connectional Ministries The Rev. David Valera Channels, Regional have been in the company of the saints and we chaplain to Mandela and other prisoners. Director of Communications, Young People’s Ministries Patrick Scriven Office Manager Anna Conklin Media Center Manager know it, and we are grateful,” she said. Storey, a former president of the Methodist PRINT & Publications Manager Jesse N. Love Copy Editors Gretchen Engle, et. al. Ellen Johanson has The recognized Man- Church of Southern Africa, also became a close CONTRIBUTORS Linda Bloom, Barbara Dadd Shaffer, Joan Hackett, the Rev. Brian Diggs, Alethea McGavran, Marsha carefully chosen a video dela as a “symbol of freedom, justice and peace” associate of Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu Aufenkamp, the Rev. Lara Bolger, Pastor Karen Yokota, Ellen Johanson, the Rev. Shalom Agtarap, Moses Garibay, the Rev. that compliments the Darryn Hewson, the Rev. Rich Lang, and the Rev. Paul Graves Special Thanks United Methodist News Service, Hope for when presenting him with its 2000 peace award. in the church’s anti-apartheid struggles. story you are reading the Children of Africa, UMCOR Depot (Salt Lake City, Utah), United Methodist Women, and Blaine UMC “As a national and world leader his name is Freed from prison on Feb. 11, 1990, Mandela in an effort to help synonymous with reconciliation,” said Frances Al- was elected South Africa’s president in 1994. He further your interest guire, the council’s chairperson, when the award appointed Storey to help form South Africa’s Truth Channels is a monthly publication of the Office of Connectional Ministries, The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church, 816 S. 216th Street, Building 2, P.O. Box 13650, Des Moines, in a particular topic or WA 98198-1009 • Channels is also available for download at www.pnwumc.org/channels • For any photo or article contributions, questions, comments, or letters to the editor, e-mail channels@pnwumc. was announced. “As a person he is remarkably and Reconciliation Commission, which was es- org • Submissions are due by the 1st of each month for publication the following month • All submissions are reviewed by members of the Office of Connectional Ministries and the Staff of the PNWUMC • theme. We reserve the right to reuse, modify, or decline any contribution to this publication • The opinions expressed in Channels may or may not reflect the views of the producers of this publication, the PNWUMC or The United Methodist Church • Please give courtesy credit(s) when reprinting articles or photos from Channels. Let us be good stewards of the earth; please recycle. Continue to the next page Mandela: Reconciliation, healing and forgiveness in South Africa Continued from previous page By Bishop Grant J. Hagiya Photo by Greg Nelson tablished in 1995 and received world attention as a model of how to seek national healing and forgiveness. “We knew we needed the truth to build a new nation,” Storey said in 2005 when he was a professor at Duke Divinity School. “Without truth, no healing. Without forgiveness, no future.” hanksgiving has always been a spe- Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Southern part of the cial time for me. Less commercial Philippines, and made it almost impossible to hold the an- Challenge to the church than our secular Christmas, it is the nual Christmas Institutes in this area. However, people like After Mandela’s election, Method- one time of the year we have a clear our own Rev. David Valera could not accept such a can- ist leaders recognized the church’s focus: to be thankful. Unfortunately, the cellation. To give the youth hope for the future, David and “critical role” in creating a new South secular world is not interested in our scrip- many partners began to organize a way to hold Christmas Africa. “The biggest challenge is tural basis of thanksgiving, and that being Institute even amid the typhoon recovery effort. A new ven- for the church to learn to work with thankful is never confined to one season ue was found, and organizing for the event began anew. a government that is legitimate,” By The Rev. Elizabeth Ingram Schindler or time period. Every single moment of our However, they do not have the financial resources to fund then-Bishop H. Mvume Dandala said Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons* lives in Christ Jesus are moments of sheer the Institute. during a 1998 interview with United gratitude. In everything we do and everything we are, we This is where our “Thanks-Giving” comes into play. Methodist News Service in New York. above all must be thankful. Why? Because God gives us The cost for each youth to attend Christmas Institute is But the reluctance to criticize had hortly before I sat down to write presents under the tree, the family gather- everything, absolutely everything, $75. We hope to make it possible to be addressed. “The euphoria of a blog post for Browns Point, ings, the special music or the holiday meals. and to acknowledge that gift is to be for a minimum of 300 youth to at- having our own government is still I had heard that Nelson Man- I’m longing and waiting for Jesus to come, thankful. And let the peace of Christ tend Christmas Institutes in the af- with us and it still is not easy to draw dela had died. When I saw the and I believe with all my heart that he will. What we also need to acknowl- fected area. If each of us across the attention to what might be wrong,” rule in your hearts, to which news, I could only sit in silence It’s this belief that gives me hope, that edge is the word itself: “Thanksgiv- Greater Northwest Episcopal area Dandala explained. Churches also for a while, thinking and pray- people like Mandela will continue to rise to ing” implies a deep sense of stew- can contribute toward that cost, we had to help continue the healing pro- indeed you were called in the ing. I am sad that I live in a leadership in the world, that we will make lots ardship. Our “Thanks” must turn will easily fund 300 or more insti- cess started by the Truth and Recon- world that he is no longer in, but I’m confident of mistakes as humanity but we will also take into a “Giving.” First and foremost, one body. And be thankful. tute campers. I pray you can join ciliation Commission, he said. that he walks with God in eternity, hearing the some giant leaps forward toward justice and we give our thanks to God, and far me in sending at least 300 youth to Mandela retired as South Africa’s -Colossians 3:15 words, “Well done, good and faithful servant;” peace, toward everyone having enough of from not needing such thanks; God Christmas Institute this month. Just president in 1999 after serving one and I’m glad he’s not ill any longer. what they need, toward loving each other the takes in every such acknowledge- send your check into the Treasurer term, but he continued to have an in- Nelson Mandela taught the world a lot way God loves all of us. It’s hope that sus- ment, and is enriched by our human blessings. of your annual Conference, Rev. Craig Parrish for PNW fluence both globally and on the Afri- about patience, humility, forgiveness, non- tains me even through the darkest days. Second, because we have so much going for us, we and Alaska, and Rev. Bill Mullette-Bauer for Oregon-Idaho. can continent. On July 18, 2009, his violence, and hope. But even he was not In our world, often the greatest harbin- must give back to the world that which we have in abun- Or you can give online at www.ci-pnw.org/riseupci.html. birthday was declared International the Messiah. He was not perfect. He could gers of hope are the children. Mandela said dance. If we have an abundance of happiness in our lives, Just think of the hope we can provide these youth from Mandela Day and has become an an- not set the world to right, not completely. He in 1997, “It always gives me great pleasure we should return such happiness to others. If we have an the Philippines by enabling them to attend Christmas Insti- nual event for community service. leaves a South Africa that is again in turmoil, to be surrounded by the beautiful children abundance of gifts or skills, we must give those away to tute this year, when there was absolutely no way that they The Methodist Church in South whose future is uncertain. of our land. Whenever I am with the ener- better others, and if we have an abundance of resources, could put on the event only a few weeks ago! Africa was started in 1836 by British This resonates, to me, with the “already getic young people … I feel like a recharged we are obligated to share such resources with those who I want to thank you in advance for your participation and Methodists and became autonomous and not yet” of Advent, as we wait for Christ- battery, confident that our country can look do not have as much. prayers. As we have received so much from God, we can in 1883. Today, it is made up of six mas, knowing that Christ has already come to forward to great things.” Recently at Browns God has presented all of us with an opportunity this truly give our thanks away by bringing hope where there countries in Southern Africa, and 2.5 begin ushering in the kingdom, but that this Point, we heard the Christmas story from Thanksgiving season to give our thanks to those in the was none. million people claim a religious affili- kingdom is not yet fully realized. It means our church’s young people. They led the Philippines who are still recovering from Typhoon Haiyan. ation with the denomination. we have the opportunity to work with God in liturgy, sang for and with the congregation, As some of you might know, following Christmas, Philip- Be the hope, transforming the world, but that it won’t be and starred in a video that reminded all of us pine youth gather both here and overseas for their annual “Christmas Institute,” a special program just for youth to perfect until Christ comes again. It’s that king- what we’re waiting for this Advent. *Bloom is a United Methodist express their thanksgiving to God. Through worship, mu- News Service multimedia reporter dom, that perfection, that ultimate peace for As we continue to await for Christmas, I based in New York. which my heart waits and longs at this time pray that the days ahead will remind you of all sic, small groups and teaching, Jesus Christ is advanced in Follow her at of year – I’m not waiting and longing for the that is hopeful in our world. their lives and the world around them. http://twitter.com/umcscribe. Visit greaternw.org for a link to this article as well as information on For more info on the above image, visit http://bit.ly/IYYz0d This blog was originally featured on the blog of Browns Point United Methodist Church (Tacoma, Wash.) The Greater Northwest Episcopal Area (Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Oregon-Idaho)

4 Channels 68 News Now News Now December 2013 5 Birthing Kits are the latest UMCOR kits. Valued at $8, Birthing Kits provide the es- sential items to promote a safe, clean delivery and to encour- age good aftercare. Option: If you prefer to donate toward the purchase of supplies in- stead of buying and shipping them, please consider giving $ - #901440

Birthing Kit Contents A donor asked about whether the children 1 small bar soap 1 oz. to 2 oz. size. Do and teens living not remove from original at the two Jamaa packaging. Small bars such Letu orphanages as those found in hotels are would have gifts for acceptable. Christmas. This is a 1 pair latex, surgical or thin response from Fresie rubber gloves Chikomb, the UM No kitchen or thick rubber missionary assigned work gloves. Gloves are not half time to the boys’ required to be sterile. orphanage. 1 sq. yd. of clear plastic sheeting n the last two years Must be 4 mil. thick. Plastic that I have been trash bags and shower curtains here, we have been are not acceptable blessed with joyful By Joan Hackett Photo by The Rev. Brian Diggs Christmas celebra- 3 - 12 inch long pieces tion at BART (the of cotton string boys’ orphanage) Must be clean. Secure the and CEJAL (the girls’ or- Visiting the Salt Lake City Depot pieces of string by bundling By Barbara Dadd Shaffer phanage). Last year one large bag of Birthing Kits and supplies that were collected at Limitless at Lazy F last and tying them together of the business women in- May. Limitless was an event to introduce young women 14-30 from all across the PNW No yarn please vited the two orphanages on to UMW. As Limitless mentor for PNW, I volunteered to ensure they would get there. As Conference Secretary for Global Ministries, I visited Salt Lake City for the an- hat would it be like to have 49 Southern Congo Conference of the United Meth- Christmas Day to celebrate 1 single-edge razorblade. with them. This year the min- nual gathering of the Western Jurisdiction. When we were visiting the UMCOR West Must be covered in paper sisters or 32 brothers when odist Church in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, with pri- Depot, I dropped off the supplies. Whilst there, I saw the wall décor by Wenatchee, you are getting ready for the mary funding from the Pacific Northwest Confer- ing company from Rwashi, or cardboard to keep it from promises to bring Christmas Mill Plain and Camas volunteers and heard the depot story from the director. It is very different from causing injury. Regular holidays? That would be your ence. Sager Brown in Baldwin, La., yet both depots receive kits and send them to places all around the world. family if you lived at one of the For more information, visit the website www. gifts, toys and shoes, to shaving razors are not Jamaa Letu orphanages in the Congo. HopeForTheChildenOfAfrica.com or the Face- BART in two weeks. What acceptable I will say is that each year 5 Columns The weather may be different (it’s the rainy book page. • Will your church be a 5 Columns of Mission Church in 2013? season) and the temperature will be warm, but it there’s something differ- 2 receiving blankets ent happening. Sometimes • Did you attend Mission u in 2013? (64 churches were represented there) 30”x 30” or 32”x 32” size. will be the Christmas season. It will be a celebra- You can send your gift to: someone from Church or a • Did you already support a missionary with a Covenant Relationship? (If not begin one now!) No thermal or fleece blankets tion of the birth of the Christ. Treasurer’s Office c/o PNWUMC company will bring food or • Did you send an offering for One Great Hour of Sharing? (Funds accepted any time in 2013.) please When you prepare for Christmas this year, P.O. Box 13650 clothes for the kids. We are • Did you give to an Advance project in the name of your church anytime during 2013? Did you give consider the 81 children and teens who live in Des Moines, WA 98198 to UMCOR in 2013- e.g. money for kits; Material Resources #901440 the Jamaa Letu orphanages. Consider a special so blessed with the local 1 plastic bag Community getting involved. One-gallon size sealable bags financial gift to make their home be “A Home For Please indicate in the memo: Thank you so much for all Please check with your church to find out how many columns you have completed and see if you can only The Holidays.” Conference Advance #76 build 5 Columns. Many thanks to all churches that support some or all Columns of Mission. Check out Jamaa Letu orphanages are a ministry of the that you are doing for these kids. Merry Christmas! the new 2014 Funding Ministry and Mission Outreach booklet, http://bit.ly/fmmo-pnwumc. For more information on Birthing Barbara Dadd Shaffer serves as a member of Hope of the Children of Africa. Joan Hackett serves as the Conference Secretary of Global Ministries Kits, visit http://bit.ly/birthing-kit.

6 Channels 68 Ideas & Inspiration Ideas & Inspiration December 2013 7 PNWUMW Executive Team gathers at Tacoma Community house for a visit.

Mary Ann Swenson and friends gather during the UMW Annual Meeting UMW meet to hear Bishop Swenson, vote to take a stand against gun violence

By Alethea McGavran Photos by Marsha Aufenkamp, et. al n October, Lakewood Over the weekend, we ing in many of our districts over the coming United Methodist Church months, speaking specifically to the needs welcomed the 2013 Pacif- honored our history, our of our young adults - so watch for her dates ic Northwest Conference in your area and take the time to hear this Annual Meeting of United future, and we celebrated engaging young woman speak. Methodist Women. There another wonderful year in Among the many highlights was the pre- were 130 guests who took sentation by our Pacific Northwest Limit- the time to travel from as United Methodist Women. less team -- our Conference’s membership far away as Idaho for the Join us in our future events, formed from a national initiative to empower two-day event. The Meet- our young women and lift them up as the ing featured a guided tour as we go out, go deep, and next generation of United Methodist Wom- of our own Tacoma Com- go together! en. On Saturday, they presented their up- munity House and a pre- coming plans for Breaking Free: a domestic Marilyn Reid displaying a little playfulness. sentation by retired Bishop violence awareness event, the afternoon of Mary Ann Swenson. year. Barbara Smith, Social Action Coordi- November 23rd at Bothell UMC. Registra- Bishop Swenson gave an inspiring nator for the Puget Sound District of UMW, tion is available at https://breakingfree2013. speech Friday night, discussing her own came to the front of the sanctuary to add eventbrite.com and young women are en- UMW roots, and the rich history she shared another choice as the voting options were couraged to attend, so they may learn and with many women in the room. She taught explained. She asked if we would please share with each other about a problem that us where she came from, how she had consider choosing Gun Violence in light touches all of our lives. We are overjoyed come to stand before us that day, and what of so many tragedies over the last year. to see Limitless young women at work in she is doing now to help serve the cause United Methodist Women pulled together, the Pacific Northwest and look forward to of justice in the world. She spoke enthu- and from the options presented, chose to the vitality they bring to our work together. siastically about service in the community indeed write-in and highlight Gun Violence We celebrated 125 years of the Dea- and that our troubles can often appear in- as our most pressing problem, closely fol- coness office, and listened to our own surmountable alone, but that in groups we lowed in the vote by Human Trafficking. Deaconess Angel Ray, currently working in can accomplish anything. In her celebra- We were blessed with the company of ministries for the elderly in Centralia, speak tion of the unity among the United Method- two members of the Tacoma Community about how she heard her call and how to ist Women, she offered us this advice, “Go House staff, Liz Dunbar, executive direc- listen for your own calling. Over the week- out, go deep, and go together, and if you tor, and US-2 Janjay Innis. Dunbar spent end, we honored our history, our future, and do, you will catch glimpses of God’s glory!” Saturday with us, taught a class on Immi- we celebrated another wonderful year in Every year, at the Annual Meeting, a gration and shared the wisdom of her ex- United Methodist Women. Join us in our Janjay Innis, a US-2, serves at Tacoma form is passed among all the participants to periences with so many immigrants whose future events, as we go out, go deep, and Lindsay Suta performs a liturgical dance routine Community House vote on which issue they feel as a commu- lives are enriched by the educational ser- go together! at the Annual Meeting of The United Methodist Women at Lakewood UMC (Tacoma, Wash.) nity deserves our greatest attention for the vices TCH provides. Innis will be itinerat-

Alethea McGavran attends Prosser UMC in Prosser, WA and serves as Social Media/Webmaster for the UMW Annual Meeting.

8 Channels 68 Ideas & Inspiration Ideas & Inspiration December 2013 9

By the Rev. Lara Bolger with Jesse N. Love Photos by Pastor Karen Yokota

laine Memorial United Greater Northwest Area. “Seldom do I get Japanese dance performances. Methodist Church held a chance to eat home-cooked Japanese Blaine has been holding its annual ba- its annual bazaar on food – and Blaine’s food is wonderful. It is zaar since the 1950s serving as a celebra- Saturday, October 5, my chance to eat some soul food from my tion of culture, as well as helping to raise 2013. This all-church, culture. Also, the hospitality and warmth of funds for a good cause. This year, Blaine’s multi-generational Blaine’s congregation is overwhelming.” bazaar is helping to support the Red Bird gathering welcomed Seattle’s own local news anchor, Lori Mission (http://rbmission.org/), while half everyone in the local Matsukawa helped prepare udon fixings of the proceeds support the ministry of church and in Asian-American Communi- the day before the Bazaar. “I love to eat Blaine Memorial UMC. ties. This celebration featured an array udon, so preparing it for the bazaar isn’t a Special thanks to the 200 volunteers of food including mouth-watering sushi, job, it’s a joy! It’s also a great time to get who organized, prepped, cooked, baked, ohagi, udon, curry, salmon, chicken, Suno together with multiple generations of folks picked, shopped, cleaned, grilled, hosted, dogs, blueberry pie, marionberry pie, and and find out how their lives are unfolding. I and prepared to serve 800 people. It is apple pie. totally enjoy the fellowship.” truly amazing to see how the community “I almost never miss a chance to attend Blaine’s annual bazaar featured comes together and works together like a Seattle Blaine’s annual Bazaar and Su- great music from taiko drummers and team. kiyaki Dinner events when I am in town,” Blaine Memorial’s Ukelele group. In pre- shares Bishop Grant J. Hagiya of The vious years, this celebration featured

Check out Blaine Memorial UMC’s website: http://blaineonline.org/. The Rev. Lara Bolger serves as associate pastor of Seattle: Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church. Jesse N. Love is the print & publications manager for the PNWUMC. Pastor Karen Yokota is the pastor of Whitney Memorial and Milton UMCs.

12 Channels 68 Ideas & Inspiration Ideas & Inspiration December 2013 13 By Ellen Johanson

t’s that time of year again. No, I’m not referring to Christmas - although that is the most noticeable holy day in the month of December. I’m actually referring to the renewal time for Regional Media Center memberships. The Regional Media Center serves approximately 187 churches in Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Washington by providing a media lending library and video production services. While we are a ministry that primarily serves United Methodist Churches, we are also ecumenical and have member churches that cross the denominational spectrum including Lutheran, Congregational and Presbyterian churches. Likewise, the RMC provides media resources that cross the religious spectrum as well. Our material can be used in many ways from curricula for use in one-room Sunday School classes, to small group resources, Bible study material, documentaries, leadership development, discipleship, worship and Christian Education resourc- es for children, youth, young adults and adults. With more than 2,500 titles there is something for everyone! To join the RMC, simply mail in a membership form and check. Membership costs are based on the size of your church. Forms are available on our website (bit.ly/rmc-membership) or you can call 1-800-755-7710 for more information. Membership in the Regional Media Center is beneficial for all churches, but may be particularly useful for small, rural churches. Stevenson UMC in Washington is served by a Lay Minister and is a rural church with less than 30 regular members. It is located in a town of about 1,200 residents; most of whom are retired. One of the most exciting developments for 2014 is that the RMC will be growing to include the churches in the Desert Southwest Conference. We’re excited to be adding on the privilege of serving 140 new churches cover- ing areas in California, Nevada, and Arizona. Soon our current members will be receiving their 2014 membership invoices. If your church was not a mem- ber in 2013 you can always join now for 2014. If your church has never been a member, maybe this Christmas season is just the time to start a new tradition and join the Regional Media Center for a year’s worth of media ministry in 2014!

• Discounted rental/shipping rates when “We, here at Stevenson UMC, have seen our Sunday School attendance increase borrowing resources as we have examined the importance of spirituality in our lives, using Media • Discounted prices on Christian Video Center resources…We’ve liked those by Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan and Licensing International (CVLI) licenses. David Suzuki….These videos are a time-efficient way to present new ideas and (For a description of the CVLI service visit perspectives…it’s well-worth the minimal cost for membership and rental fees. Our www.cvli.com). adult Sunday School has increased in attendance by 40% in the last 3 months.” • Unlimited, free downloads of digital Rick Jessel worship liturgy resources through Adult Education Coordinator The Work of the People (see www. theworkofthepeople.com) • Free consultations by phone or in-person “This is just a quick note to tell you how much I appreciate all your help. Our Church about copyright, curricula, and what’s new in Bonners Ferry, Idaho is small and we are always trying to make our dollars go as far in resource ministry as possible---so getting an excellent 6 or 8 week curriculum for our Roundtable (Adult • Worry-free viewing since most resources Sunday School) for only $7 postage is my idea of a bargain! Our class (usually 10-12 include public performance rights adults) really enjoys the DVD lessons and they are so easy to lead--with a simple • Cost-effective ways to stretch your format of an interesting DVD message by well-known speakers and a leader’s guide education budget since the RMC can full of questions to stimulate discussion, along with pertinent Bible passages... We’ve purchase resources for you, share them gotten a lot out of all the series that you have recommended. It’s sort of hard for me with other churches, and save you money to tell from the catalog just what would fit our group, so your suggestions have been • Free online newsletters that describe helpful. UM Pastor Adam Hamilton is one of our favorites…but we also really liked what’s new each month and connect you Philip Yancey, Joni Erickson Tada, John Ortberg and others…so thanks from all of us to webinars, trainings and other sources of at Bonners Ferry UMC.” helpful ministry ideas. Jo Len Everhart, Education Chaiperson

14 Channels 68 Resources Resources December 2013 15 id you see my post about ______? Why haven’t you liked it?” I hear this ques- tion all the time. At church on Sun- By the Rev. Darryn Hewson days, at campus on Wednesday nights, recently traveled to Busan, South Korea as part of the United Methodist delegation to take part in the at meet-ups and fellowship events out- Tenth 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches or WCC. The General Assembly is the highest govern- side of both – folks want to know 1) if we ing body of the WCC and meets only once every seven years. have seen what others have posted and 2) Assembly This event brings together representatives and observers from 347 plus denominations and at least if we responded to it. This reliance on so- of the World 110 countries in perhaps the most diverse gathering of Christians in history. You can follow along with cial media - not just for what we can share, me through his blog http://wccgabusan.wordpress.com and expect a Channels article on my return. but also in how people respond to what we Council of I hope that my experience at the WCC - like many of the other ecumenical and interfaith events I par- share - can warp our understanding of what ticipate in on behalf of the Conference and the denomination can be a resource to all of our churches. it means to be. Churches If you have comments or questions about the WCC or any ecumenical or interfaith issue please For some of us, the platforms of Face- contact me at [email protected]. book and Twitter provide a “thrill…the neurochemical hit of constant connection.” I get it. Pictures of friends’ kids in their back-to-school outfits, Halloween costumes and other shenanigans sprinkled Journey Toward Peace Jam D4072 throughout my news feed are sources of Forgiveness D4538 This documentary provides insight into great joy. As a Methodist who thrives on our This documentary includes seven emo- the lives of five American teens growing connectionalism, I love being connected! tional stories of people who have dealt up in a culture of violence and the trans- But I wonder if our connectedness with anger and forgiveness in the face of formation that occurs when their lives are has picked up some bad habits along the racial injustice, violent death and terminal touched by greatness. The DVD records way? Introverts might like this because illness. The ultimate question is how we their transformation into young people of there are conversations to opt-in and out- might be able to help each other find a path purpose and conviction when they are in- of. On Facebook one can take as much to forgiveness and inner healing. Barbara troduced to leading Nobel Peace Prize lau- time as needed to craft the “perfect” re- Silversmith of Nooksack Indian UMC said reates such as The Dalai Lama, Desmond sponse. Communication can be edited, “this is an excellent resource” that deals Tutu and Aung San Suu Kyi. Twenty-two spellchecked and even deleted. How- with justice and peace. chapter points divide this video into seg- ever, life can’t be controlled. With social ments that are 5-10 minutes long. media we see the need to be in constant Our World Faiths D5609 Christianity’s Family Tree D4663 communication but human connection This video is designed to teach religious This resource provides an introduction demands more of us. We want to be in tolerance and understanding to children to eight denominations that each offer a touch with folks more and more but with age 5 and older. Explore the parallels and unique and valuable perspective on the “perfect” communication. differences of Christianity, Judaism, Bud- Christian faith. History, major beliefs and Is that a good thing? What is our re- dhism, Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism and things we can learn from each faith tradition sponse to the Christ who got in the messi- Sikhism. The DVD is animated and each to strengthen our own beliefs are the focus ness of life – who comes again at Advent By The Rev. Shalom Agtarap session is about 15 minutes long. of this DVD. not in a palace, but in a dirty stable; imper- fect yet holy? Illustration by MOses Garibay Communication, in its earliest docu- mented usage meant to impart or partici- pate. In communicating with one another, A Land Twice Promised D1081 We Should Talk Peace D4541 are we imparting knowledge or something Noa Baum, a gifted story teller and Find hope in the stories of grass-roots useful? Are we participating in the larger peace activist, has created this DVD as a peacemakers in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ugan- conversation Christ calls us – to care for What is our response to the Christ who got in the heartfelt, artistic monologue that represents da. Learn what sustains these peacemak- the poor, advocate for those denied justice, messiness of life – who comes again at Advent not in a the stories of Palestinians and Jews who ers and how they are making a difference. and lead others to abundant life in Christ? share the complex history and emotions The Advent season is upon us – the palace, but in a dirty stable; imperfect yet holy? that surround claiming Jerusalem as their season that is marked by waiting and an- homeland. Based on Noa’s personal expe- ticipating for the coming of the Light. It’s the riences and those of a Palestinian woman season brought on by God communicating So keep communicating – impart hope know the nearness of the One who doesn’t with whom Noa becomes friends, Noa cre- to the world – sharing with all of humanity and participate in life-giving acts – and as wait for us to get it perfect to join in the ates what is not only an outstanding work that there is hope. you update, post, and comment may you conversation. of art, but also an excellent educational tool for diversity training and peace activism. This DVD will inspire you to listen to others *I borrow the phrase used by Dr. Sherry Turkle in an interview with Bill Moyers discussing her book, and build relationships that lead to peace and tolerance rather than “Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and Less From Each Other”. conflict and war. The Rev. Agtarap is the pastor of Ellensburg UMC and delights in her work with young adults at CWU Wesley, the church’s campus ministry to Central Washington University. Follow Pastor Shalom on Twitter, @justshalom or subscribe on Facebook, /shalomagtarap. The Rev. Darryn Hewson is the lead pastor at Spirit of Grace United Methodist Church in Everett, Wash.

16 Channels 68 Insights Insights December 2013 17 God is on the Side of the Damned By The Rev. Rich Lang Photo by Jesse N. Love, Wikimedia Commons

he old man Ted, who sus, to become incarnations of God’s had been the Chair love, of God’s act on behalf of the poor in of the Trustees for our “moment”. By The Rev. Paul Graves • [email protected] umpteen years but As it says in 1 John 3:17 “How does was now a bit too God’s love abide in anyone who has the hy is “10” a frail to contribute to world’s goods and sees a brother or sister sign of per- his beloved church, in need and yet refuses help? Or again in fect physi- Jesus simplified the rose from his pew 1 John 4:20, “Those who say, ‘I love God’ cal beauty? and commented on yet hate their brothers and sisters are li- Why is 100% formula for us. Or the past Saturday’s work crew. He com- ars; for those who do not love a brother the perfect number for “giving did he? Love God plimented all the outside and inside grunt or sister whom they have seen, cannot it your all”? “Not a hair out of work that been done (pulling weeds, love God whom they have not seen.” place” might be the sign of a with all your heart, cleaning up the garbage in the bushes, The point being that the core and perfect haircut or perm. fixing the sign, polishing the pews, a foundation of the faith of Jesus is a com- In a “perfect” world, shouldn’t soul, and might; and deep clean of the kitchen, a much need- mitment not to an abstract justice but to there just be one sign of perfec- ed deep scrub of the floors and so on) the hearing of the poor in our midst --- a tion? love your neighbor as --- he signed off by saying “I love you hearing that causes us to incarnate the I hear “perfect” so often casu- all.” And then, after pausing just a mo- solution, the alleviation of the sufferings ally used to describe all kinds of yourself. Simple? As ment, Ted said: “and for those of you who of those singled out for oppression. God, spiritual exercises and religious a formula, maybe. As worked ---I love you more!” out of infinite mercy, compassion and be- practices. I hesitate to ascribe God is a lot like Ted. “I love you all nevolence, loves everyone but it is that perfection to anything we do, a daily practice, not so … but my heart and my passion, my de- The Rev. Rich Lang serves as pastor of very love that chooses sides. God loves labeled “spiritual” or “religious”. light and my fierce determination is with University Temple UMC (Seattle, Wash.) the world from the place of damnation, I hesitate because “Christian much. It is so often too the poor, and the lost, the least, the last, and calls forth the Body of Christ to enter perfection” is so different from and those who have been damned by that Hell to set the prisoners free. what we assume it is. difficult for us to love others.” God chooses a particular side As Christians we embrace history, we There is no disembodied spiritual con- I invite you to consider this God and others as we through which to love us all. embrace this world, this creation. To be nection to the God of the Bible without radical thought: At the deepest You might feel that this is a jarring Christian is inherently a public, political a personal connection with the life and level, we are already “perfect,” love ourselves. statement, it sounds heretical, and wrong way of life. Just as God hears the cry of sufferings of the poor. without a but we either don’t know it or particularly because we’ve been taught the poor in Exodus 2:24, so too does God public witness within the society in which don’t even believe it. that God loves us all equally. But love hear the cry of the poor today. Just as we live is a false front. Religion without speaks of us lical. It should. Beginning religious and moral perfection. supposedly easier: the pursuit does not mean a detached acceptance God called forth Moses to be an incarna- the power to embody God in the moment “going on to perfection.” But how in Mark 12:30, a scribe asks (I think we stand under the of moral perfection. (At least of all things. The deep truth of Christian- tion of God’s spirit against the “Pharaoh- of “now” is a deception. Religion without do we know when we’ve arrived Jesus what the greatest com- same judgment when we nit- it’s easier to expect of other per- ity is the truth of incarnation – of attach- ic spirituality” that caused the cry of the an embrace of suffering is the religion of at “perfection”? In the game of mandment is. Jesus reminds pick our way through the moral sons than of us.) So again, let’s ment– a spirituality that believes that “this poor, so too does God today call forth Pharaoh. golf, “perfection” has an end- people of the “Shema” (Hebrew morass we sometimes reduce remember Jesus challenges us moment” has infinite importance, and Christians who bear the Holy Spirit, the It is not the faith or spirituality of Je- point – the ball is in the hole. for “hear”) in Deut. 6: 4-9. “church” to being.) to strive after moral perfection. that in “this moment” eternity is right now. same spirit that was in the historical Je- sus. What do you imagine the “Hear, O Israel. You shall Biblical perfection, teleios, Why? Maybe because it leads end-point of Christian perfec- love the Lord your God with all has more to do with our effort so easily to separating people tion to be? The pious, orthodox your heart, soul, and might.” to be the human beings that into “moral” and “immoral”. We Photo courtesy answer we usually give is, of Then Jesus adds, “And you God created us to be from the celebrate God’s Incarnation of Wikimedia Commons. course, “heaven.” shall love your neighbor as beginning. A perfect hammer at Christmas. This is our re- For more info But as I read Wesley’s words yourself.” This, my friends, is is a tool that is used to pound minder that Jesus’ humanity visit http://bit.ly/18YNTci in his little book “A Plain Ac- what “going on to perfection” is nails and extract nails from intends to remind us what be- The point being that the core and count of ”, all about! Heaven can wait! wood…but a perfect human ing human is really about. foundation of the faith of Jesus is I see him emphasize an earlier, Let’s try this from another being? That’s more difficult for He showed us how we are earthier experience of perfec- angle. The Greek word teleios most of us to describe. more perfectly human, more a commitment not to an abstract tion. He spoke of having the is used almost 20 times in the Jesus simplified the formula complete as persons. It doesn’t justice but to the hearing of the mind of Christ, helping us walk New Testament to describe our for us. Or did he? Love God happen in those moments when as Jesus walked. That’s an word “perfect.” “Be perfect as with all your heart, soul, and we push each other away. It poor in our midst --- a hearing that earthly image, folks. Heaven our Father is perfect.” “Perfect might; and love your neighbor as happens when we reach out to causes us to incarnate the solution, can wait! love casts out fear.” And so on. yourself. Simple? As a formula, each other in love as perfect as Wesley spoke clearly about But that word isn’t talk- maybe. As a daily practice, not we can offer in those moments. the alleviation of the sufferings of loving God with all our heart, ing about moral perfection, so much. It is so often too dif- We do what we can, and leave those singled out for oppression. and loving our neighbors as friends. In fact, Jesus chal- ficult for us to love God and oth- the rest to God. Perfect! ourselves. Hmm… lenged Jewish religious lead- ers as we love ourselves. That’s sounds vaguely bib- ers for their fanatical pursuit of So we settle for something

The Rev. Paul Graves serves as the chair for the Commission on Older Adult Ministries for the PNWUMC.

18 Channels 68 Insights Insights December 2013 19 Visit www.pnwumc.org for calendar updates. Events on this calendar may have been added or removed from the time of publication. For questions or details about events on this calendar, e-mail [email protected]. December 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 • CCOYM Meeting – • CCOYM Full Team – Exec Team @ Univ. of Digital Check-in @ TBD Washington Wesley Club

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 • Board of • Greater Northwest Area • PNW, OR-ID Cabinets Congregational Cabinet @ PNWUMC Development @ PNWUMC • Annual Conference Design, Worship Teams @PNWUMC 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 • Christmas Eve • Christmas(Conference • Christmas Institute 2013 (Conference Office (Conference Office is Office is Closed) is Closed Dec. 23-25.) Closed) • Lazy F Sr. High Winter Camp

29 30 31 1 2 3 4

• Christmas Institute 2013 New Year’s Eve (Conference Office • Lazy F Sr. High Winter Camp is Closed)

Nativity image courtesy of Wikipedia. For more info on this image, http://bit.ly/cal-nativity Christmas Eve watercolor image courtesy of Wikipedia. For more info on this image, http://bit.ly/cal-christmaseve Advent image courtesy of Wikipedia. For more info on this image, http://bit.ly/cal-advent JANUARY 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 •Indianola Escape Youth Workers Retreat New Year’s Day @ Camp Indianola (Conference Office is Closed)

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 •Indianola Escape Youth • CCOYAM @ TBD Workers Retreat @ Camp Indianola

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 • Board of • Board of Discipleship Congregational @ PNWUMC Development @ PNWUMC

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

26 27 28 29 30 31 1 • Jubilate! Worship Arts Institute (JWAI) @ Haller Lake UMC • CCOYM @ Vancouver: First UMC

MLK image courtesy of Wikipedia. For more info on this image, http://bit.ly/1g0FxoI