TheA biweekly newsletter of The First UnitedSpire Methodist Church of Salem, Oregon It’s not the steeple, it’s the people. Vol. 40, No. 3 • Feb. 12, 2008 A STEPHEN MINISTRY CHURCH Urgent help wanted! Stewardship campaign a success! What: In-take Reception Volunteers Thank you. Where: Congregations Helping People What a roller coaster ride of a stewardship campaign! Some of you (FUMC hallway and room 123) shared ideas and thoughts at group dinners. We heard many ideas, thoughts and concerns. You received multiple letters regarding a When: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to financial crisis. You heard pleas from the pulpit. You saw pledge cards 12:30 p.m. (and as substitute in the bulletins for several Sundays. Some of you were surprised Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, when you saw our budget numbers. Some of you were upset as to 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 to how this could happen. Some of you wanted to help immediately. 3 p.m., and Tuesdays, 12:30 to 3 p.m.) Your finance committee presented a proposed budget with a deficit of Who: Anyone who likes to meet $47,000 before Christmas. I shared the same information with your people and who has an interest in SPR committee. Bottom line was, if we couldn’t increase our income, helping others less fortunate. the realization and fear that many of us were feeling might force us CHP caseworkers, Carol Stoebig and into difficult decisions. The finance and SPRC committees then reported Bruce and Emily Broussard see each to your Administrative Board. All of us had heartache knowing that the client privately in the CHP office. only place to cut expenses of that size was in staffing or not paying our Clients are seen on a first-come, first apportioned shared ministries, which we were hoping and planning on served basis and wait in room 123, paying at 100%. We feared the church taking a step backward and where the in-take volunteer sees that losing a lot of the momentum we have been gaining. coffee is available for their enjoyment. I personally told all the committees and boards that I did not think we For more information and/or to could get enough of an increase and am very happy to say I was wrong. volunteer, please contact volunteer God’s hands went to work. Many of our prayers were answered. We coordinator Donna Herbert, started getting more pledge cards returned. We started getting pledge 503-362-8220. cards from members that had already pledged but were increasing their pledge amount. We received pledge cards from new members. Ellie in It’s cold outside! your church office spent many hours working during many days keeping track of all these numbers and reports. Thank you, Ellie. Mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, warm coats, sleeping bags are in great On January 9th our deficit was just under $20,000 plus we had a demand! If you can donate any of carryover from 2007 of $7000 in bills that had not been paid. In the these items please bring them to the next six days the momentum swelled. By our January 15th deadline church office, or to the Hospitality for decisions we had received many more pledges and are now Centers on Sundays. Thank you for forecasting a projected excess/reserve of $1276. the many donations of shampoos, Did I say thank you? soaps, dental care items, deodorants, Steve Horning, and other personal items that are Finance Committee Chairman given to the CHP clients. 2 The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008

Pastor’s ponderings Worship schedule See back page for services and times. In the 1995 film Smoke, Auggie Wren manages a cigar store on the corner of Third St. and Seventh Ave. Feb. 17 in Brooklyn. Every morning at exactly eight Freedom to Resist Evil Romans 7:14-25 o’clock, no matter what the weather, he takes a 8:30 and 11 a.m. Trad. picture of the store from across the street. He has Rev. Sue Owen 4000 consecutive daily photographs of his corner, 11 a.m. Praise Rev. Susan Boegli all labeled by date and mounted in albums. He NO Underground calls this project his “life’s work.” Feb. 24 One day Auggie shows the photos to Paul, a blocked writer Openness of the Church who is mourning the death of his wife. Paul doesn’t know Acts 15:21-28 what to say about the photos. Flipping through the pages, he observes 8:30 a.m. Informal and 11 a.m. Praise with amazement that they are all the same. Auggie replies: “You’ll Rev. Sue Owen never get it if you don’t slow down, my friend.” 11 a.m. Trad. Rev. Susan Boegli Auggie goes on to point out the differences in each photo. He says the Underground that the differences are in the details—in the way people’s clothes 6:04 p.m. Kirk Hurd change according to the season; the way the light hits the street; some March 2 days the corner is empty of people, bikes and cars, some days it is full Living Out Faith in Community of the hustle and bustle of the city’s life. And sure enough…Paul Acts 2:43-47 notices detail that makes all the difference in the world to him. 8:30 a.m. Informal and 11 a.m. Trad. As we enter into , God asks us to slow down. Life and its meaning Rev. Sue Owen are found in the details. “The spiritual life is, at its root, a matter of 11 a.m. Praise Rev. Susan Boegli seeing. The spirit suffuses everything and so the spiritual life is the Underground simply life seen.” (John Shea) I pray for each of us an everyday 6:04 p.m. Kirk Hurd sojourn into seeing the sacred. Such attentiveness will give us life as March 9 we travel and it will lead us to life made new. It will lead us to . Sharing James 2:14-17 Sue 8:30 a.m. Informal and 11 a.m. Praise Rev. Sue Owen 11 a.m. Trad. Rev. Susan Boegli Western District sets Basic Lay Speaking Class the Underground Do you present worship in a class? Provide devotions for a meeting? 6:04 p.m. Kirk Hurd Wonder whether you could prepare a sermon? Need more practice? March 16 The answers to these questions may lead you to explore lay speaking Masterworks and Palm Sunday as your call. The place to start is with prayerful consideration and John 12:12-19 finding a Basic Lay Speaking Class near you. The Basic Lay Speaking 8:30 a.m. Informal and 11 a.m. Trad. Class serves as a foundation for many forms of ministry. It provides you Rev. Sue Owen with an opportunity to explore your call and to practice proclaiming your 11 a.m. Praise Rev. Susan Boegli faith. The Western District offers the two-Saturday class in Jefferson, the Underground Oregon, Feb. 23 and Mar. 1. You will find Jefferson tucked between I-5 and 6:04 p.m. Kirk Hurd the foothills of the Cascades, southeast of Salem. Or you might care to join the class offered by Metro District, Mar. 8 and 15. Louis Jones of Metro District has information about location and registration. He may be reached at [email protected] or 503-728-2522. To register for Jefferson, call or email Susan Jensen, Western District director of Lay Speaking Ministries, for an application at 503-648-3040 or [email protected]. The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008 3

From Family I’d like to thank… Building Blocks Steve Lewis and participants in the Vision Event. Rev. Sue Dear Friends, The Vision Team—Marci Ling, Nancy Brik, Sharon Everette, Tom Herrett, Ken Boegli, Eric Bonn, Tim Johnson, Jeremy Hickerson, Thank you for including Family Mary Bray and Rev. Sue—who worked together to create the Building Blocks in your Vision Event! Revs. Sue and Susan Christmas Market! You are a true example that we live in a Tim Pack for sharing his musical gifts with the congregation. community that cares. I wish you FUMC staff and congregation and yours a wonderful Happy Barbara Taylor for sharing her cheerful personality as an “in-take” New Year! receptionist volunteer for Congregations Helping People. Always Warm Regards, willing to serve whenever needed, we will miss her. She has Kris Freeman moved to Kalispell, MT to be near her daughter. Donna Herbert, CHP volunteer coordinator From Jason Lee Linda Bednarz for her excellent work filling in for me while I had to Food Bank be away. John Ranney Sue, Kristin, the staff and the congregation. Your thoughts, prayers, To our friends at First UMC, and cards were greatly appreciated. The love you give is helping speed Thank you for your phenomenal my recovery greatly. You are a great congregation of Christians, and gifts of more than 2100 lbs. of your strength and support for me during my illness will stay with me, food and $2300+ for the Jason forever. John Ranney Lee Food Bank in 2007. A great The person or persons responsible for installation of the many of the 2540 families wonderful pew pads. The amount of cushion is perfect and quite (nearly 7500 individuals) we comfortable, and the added height makes it easier to stand up. We served sat down to good meals thank you; our sciatic nerves thank you. Tom and Marla Kirk because of your caring and kindness. Kristin for her willingness to share her experience and talents with us. I’m looking forward to working with her in choir for years to come. 2007 was a tough year for food Laura Butts, choir member banks all across the nation, yet we did not have to skimp or Carolyn and John MacMillan for organizing the efforts of our church reduce the size of our food boxes. in the Food Bank ministry and delivering the food each month to the Your help makes our ministry Food Bank. Bill Sullivan possible. Thank you always for letting your light shine. With gratitude, Pew cushions are here Candace Nichols, In order to make you more comfortable during our services in the Jason Lee Food Bank sanctuary, the Inreach Team has ordered pew cushions. We tested several brands of cushions and chose the one we think you’ll like, too! The first cushions have been installed and used, but not all pews will get cushions at first. We want to hear how you like them before moving forward with more cushions. The cushion color blends in with the pew wood. You’ll hardly notice they’re there, but we think the ends justify the cushions! Much appreciation from all of us to all the Inreach Team for their work in getting this segment of the Pew Pad Project done! 4 The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008

Summary of Stewardship Dinner Think fellowship Conversations and food The stewardship campaign this year centered around dinners in homes We are encouraging people to where people could meet, converse, and eat. (Many thanks to Scott think about being in a dinner Berry and Steve Horning for all their work coordinating them.) The or lunch group for the simple purpose was to talk about the church and how it touches your life and purpose of fellowship. We have what dreams you have for it. had one dinner group that lasted several years. They disbanded Scott and Steve attended the dinners and wrote down answers given and another was started about to five questions. The questions and a summary are given below. six months ago. But we now Why do you attend First UMC? have four new groups meeting The overwhelming response was diversity and inclusiveness. People this month. There is also a liked the church because it welcomed them and others, no matter who lunch group starting once a they are. month on a Thursday (contact What missions are important to you? Mary Ellen Gerety). There was a vast majority that would like to see more emphasis on local There are two ways you can be a mission than on global. There was a misconception that budget monies part of a dinner group. You can were spent on the Kenya Mission trips (only monies raised from fund give us your name by signing the raising efforts were used). CHP, Habitat and IHN were well supported. insert in the bulletin and we will What do you want to see different in worship? wait until we get enough for a More distinction between the 8:30 and 11:00 traditional was named group (8 to 10). We will then call as a strong desire. There were several requests for more sermons on you and ask one of you to be the money and more combined services. (Who would have thought?) There facilitator. Or you can ask were several requests for the services to stay at one hour only. 8 to 10 people in the church to join you in becoming a dinner What would you like to see at First UMC that is not here? group. I would only ask that you There was a general request for more signage and advertising of our let us know that you are meeting activities so the people of Salem can know what is happening here. A so we can be aware of the suggestion was made to have “historical tours” for the public. fellowship that is happening. What do you understand about the church’s finances? The arrangements for how you Most people felt that they didn’t know about the finances. Some didn’t meet, where you meet, when you care; most wanted to know more. There was a spoken desire for pie meet are up to the group. We charts in the Spire that perhaps could help in our understanding. It hope that they will be monthly was evident that some thought the MICAH building was costing us meetings, but it really is a group money when, in fact, it provides us a significant amount of income. decision. Please feel free to call Scott has a more complete report if you are interested. Your responses Pastor Sue if you have questions. and input are always welcomed by the leadership. Blessings on the fun!

“Money is a person’s personal energy reduced to portable form. Money can go where you cannot go; speak languages you cannot speak; lift burdens that you cannot touch; save lives with which you cannot relate directly.” —Harry Emerson Fosdick The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008 5

Come join us!! Summary of the Vison Retreat Event We are going to have a There were 55 people in attendance on Friday night and about 40 on membership Sunday on Easter. Saturday. We were led most ably by Dr. Steve Lewis in discussing our We have a list of prospective new vision for ministry in the midst of today’s world. The evaluations all members and there may well be indicate that it was a rich and provocative experience. some people who have been We were involved in a process that led us to four area of strongest visiting our church with whom concern for the future. They were: we have not connected. If that is • Communication for those in-house and those who want to reach the case, please contact Rev. Sue the community or our chair, Don • Building a stronger sense of community among ourselves Inlay, to discuss how the church • Being increasingly missional, both locally and globally can serve you best and how you • Having ever-increasing avenues for spiritual development can serve the church. If you would like to join the church on The Vision Team listened carefully and well. They now will talk about Easter Sunday, please call these four areas and will suggest ways that we as a congregation could Don at 503-375-6399 or Sue at address them. The work of making the visions come to fruition, of course, 503-581-1731. is shared by us all. Most of these reflections and ideas will be forwarded to the appropriate committees for work. If you would like to be involved in any of these efforts to bring God to bear, please let us know. Earth Concerns Make your Lenten sacrifice an offering of food meeting scheduled The Lenten season is upon us. Lent began on (Feb. 6) and The Earth Concerns Group is ends on Good Friday (March 21). On that day Jesus sacrificed his life to meeting on Monday, Feb. 18, at show just how far God will go—giving up an only Son—to prove the 5:30 p.m. Contact Diane Rolph intensity of His/Her love for all of us. Jesus’ self-sacrifice poses a question for meeting location, address, for us: What are we willing to sacrifice to show our love for others? and any other information (503-588-5038 work phone, or One answer to that question comes with the recognition of one of the [email protected]). greatest needs in our community: hungry people. Some people choose to eat less during Lent by . Why not donate the food you don’t eat to our third Sunday food collection on Feb. 17? This food is distributed by the Jason Lee Food Bank to people for whom fasting is often a necessity rather than a spiritual exercise. The Oregon Food Bank conducted a Hunger Factors Assessment in April 2006. It learned that 52% of Oregon households receive food stamps; of these, 64% report that their monthly food stamps last two weeks or less. The average allotment in 2005 was $89/person per month—98 cents per meal; the average cost of a meal under the United States Department of Agriculture Low-Cost Meal Plan is $1.67. About 1 in 5 children live in food-insecure homes; 50% of all food stamps go to children and more than 80% of all food stamps go to families with children. These statistics demonstrate that it is not just homeless people who need food, but families on food stamps as well. In January we received 249 pounds of food and $105. That is a good beginning for this year. It translates into 879 lbs. of food. (One dollar buys six pounds of food.) In the spirit of Lenten sacrifice, let’s increase that to 1200 lbs. (both food and dollars) in February. Hosts will be Paula and Bill Sullivan. 6 The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008

A special invitation from FUMC children’s Help support women’s ministries Mini Kids’ Camp… retreat and “discover” some cool stuff! Come join us and “Dive In with Mini Kids’ Camp” at the Dallas Aquatic Center! Read that book a “bazillion” times? Have all the tunes on that Who: All children K through 5th grade are invited to this fun-filled day! CD memorized (or downloaded on Invite your neighbors or classmates to join us too! your computer or iPod by now)? What: Enjoy a morning packed full of games, crafts and fun activities! Got a CD of that vinyl record or Please bring a sack lunch. After lunch we pack up and head to the cassette tape? You now have a Dallas Aquatic Center for water park madness! We plan to return to DVD of that favorite movie you’ve the church at about 4 p.m., but care is provided until 5 p.m. had on VHS tape “forever” or you have a DVD the kiddos (or you) Where: Arrive at the FUMC Activity Center as early as 9 a.m. have “outgrown” by now? Bring When: Monday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. them on in! Used books (paperback or hardback), DVDs, Cost: $20.00 for each child VHS tapes, CDs, cassette tapes, Details: vinyl records (yes, some of us still • Please… pre-register right away! To pre-register or if you have any use cassette, vinyl, and VHS). The questions, contact Phaedra Parrish at 971-240-1504 or sky’s the limit! Help defray costs [email protected]. for the Women’s Retreat at a • Please… send your child with their swimsuit under their clothes. fundraiser on Feb. 24 in the Also send an extra set of clothes they can change into when we get dining room. Please bring your back from our adventure since we won’t be using the locker rooms at items to the church office no later the pool. And last… than Friday, Feb. 22. A suggested price on your items is encouraged. • Don’t forget to send a sack lunch with your child and please be Get rid of some stuff AND maybe prompt in picking up your children from the Activity Center by 5 p.m. find something new (used) for Can’t wait to see ya! yourself, too! Phaedra P.S. There are more field trips to come! Save the date and bring a friend to OMSI on March 7 and the Oregon Zoo on April 25! Attention 2nd through 6th graders! You are invited to particpate in a performance of Allen Pote’s musical A Technicolor Promise, which tells the story of Noah and the flood through music, motion, drama, costumes and scenery. We will have six rehearsals prior to presenting our musical at the 11 a.m. worship service on May 18. If you have additional questions, please contact Kristin Pack at 541-870-9456. We need a good crowd of people to make this work, so please join us on Feb. 17 at 12:30 in the choir room for our first rehearsal! The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008 7

Residential retreat Earn a FREE week at any OIUMC camp offered by Center for Last week, two different people e-mailed me regarding an article they Spiritual Development found in the gocamping.org website. It was an idea for scholarships to summer camps. We were so struck by the idea that we decided FUMC The Center for Spiritual should give it a go. The proposal is similar to the one from Clarkes Development will offer a , but we tweaked it a bit. Here’s how it works. weekend residential retreat in contemplative practices from the Any child, grade 1 through 12, is eligible for a free week (with the Christian and Sufi traditions exception of the registration fee) at any Oregon Idaho UMC camp. These camps are no more than one week in length and span the Feb. 15 to 17 at Alton L. Collins conference from the Rocky Mountains to the Oregon coast. The idea is Retreat Center. Co-led by the Rev. that the kids earn their scholarships through different categories. Canon Marianne Wells Borg, Sufi These categories include: teacher Khadim Chishti, and • Worship and Sunday School involvement Spiritual Director Jack Kennedy, • Sharing God’s love through service this retreat is open to people • Learning about God through the Scriptures from all denominations and faith traditions. Cost is $280 (includes The commitment on behalf of the child/youth and their parent will span all meals and lodging). For more three months and will include various options that will be age and information and to register, call child specific. Each child working toward a scholarship will be expected the Center at 503-478-1218 or to complete each of these categories each month during the months of online at www.center-for- March, April and May. If the student completes all three requirements, all three months, then 100% is paid. If the student completes all three spiritual-development.org. requirements for two months, then 66% is paid. If the student completes all three requirements for one month, then 33% is paid. The Confirmation requirements will be given and monitored by the staff of FUMC. Each family is expected to pay the registration fee, but after that, the Information children and youth can earn the rest of their scholarship. There will be meetings on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. or Friday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. Attention! Parents of Parents and their child should be in attendance at one of these meeting possible confirmation if they are willing to participate in this program. candidates—youth in grades 6, 7, or 8! Please return We hope you’ll join us as our children invest in their own spiritual growth. your confirmation Peace, registrations to the church office no later than Friday, Susan Feb. 15. Habitat for Humanity home dedicated On a Saturday in January, the homes of the Saldana and Brownlee families on Wendy Street were dedicated and blessed. The Brownlee family has moved into their new home, and the Saldana family will move into their new home sometime in late February. There are many thanks to be extended to the members of our congregation, from those who volunteered their time and energy at the construction site, to those that contributed financially and by keeping this project in their prayers, to those who contributed food and snacks. We are blessed to be able to help Habitat for Humanity give families a hand up. Thanks again for all your help. —Julie Biskie, Habitat for Humanity coordinator 8 The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008

Reflections of homelessness Tanya is a disabled woman who lives in a tent in the woods. She used to have a low-income apartment when she was receiving Social Security disability. For some unknown reason her disability check was discontinued. Without funds she could no longer maintain her apartment. The shelters became unavailable to her because they have time frames on how long a person can stay. After a person’s time is used, they are forced to leave. Life in the tent is not easy. She heats with long-burning candles when she can get them. Water is at a premium because she can only carry Bread for the World one small jug “home.” There are no laundry facilities and she cannot Conference come into town to participate in some meal sites because she has no money for bus fare. Feb. 23 When the homeless count team asked her how often she eats, she 9 a.m. to noon began to cry. Tanya revealed that she had no food and had not eaten Room B21, Walton Hall in three days. Her allotment of food stamps had been used up and she Willamette University was waiting for her next allotment, which was five days away. Tanya, Contact Matt Newell-Ching for like many homeless people, lives in constant fear that the police will information at 503-922-2182 or find her and she will be uprooted again. Erecting a tent is illegal but [email protected]. she has no other place to go. Learn ways you and your friends, Many of the luxuries we are used to do not exist in Tanya’s world as church and campus colleagues, food stamps only allow food items. Soap, toothpaste, bathroom tissue, and others can help reduce and other sundries are not items available through the food stamp poverty and hunger throughout program. How much more difficult can it get for a person? the world by convincing Congress In order to receive federal funds, the government requires cities to to fund effective poverty-focused conduct a count of its homeless. On Jan. 30, 2008, the City of Salem development assistance conducted such a study. There were 60 volunteers who were divided programs. Hear stories that show into 12 teams. Each team selected a known homeless spot. We arrived how people are taking hold of with coffee, sandwiches, granola bars and warm clothing. As people solutions. Get the advocacy tools, came out from the woods, a questionnaire was completed. It reflected the creative spark, and the their lifestyle and hardships. knowledge you need to make a difference in ending hunger and This information will be compiled and the results will be made public poverty! This workshop is offered for all of us to see. free of charge, and is sponsored Last year, the homeless team found 2000 people in Salem. The by Bread for the World and the Salvation Army turns away approximately 250 people per month due Office of the Chaplains at to lack of space. As we continue our work with the homeless Willamette University. RSVP to population, it is obvious we need to become more proactive in Matt Newell-Ching by Feb. 22 alleviating the pain and suffering these people feel. at 5 p.m. —Carol Stoebig, Congregations Helping People The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008 9

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES Love, Serve, Learn, Celebrate Women are invited to participate in Quilting and Fiber Arts S.P.A.H. the following events. Meets every other month, WOW Groups: when and where Fridays, 5 to 9 p.m., Women’s Weekend Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Women of Wisdom, Wonder, Spirituality, Pampering, and Health Worship, Welcome, Work, Will, Contact: Laurie Havel, 503-361-7277 Witness, Whatever! Mary Martha Prayer This is the kind of retreat that is Pinochle Pals and Meditation Circle truly a retreat. Pamper yourself Every Wednesday, 2 p.m., Third Fridays at 5:30 p.m. with a weekend away. Workshops at Willson House, for supper at La Marguerita are professionally led and offer 1625 Center St. NE. Restaurant followed by prayer concrete tools to promote better Contact: Helen Hoffhines, at 7 p.m. in the Carrier Room. nutrition, effective exercise 503-364-0977. Contact: Kristen Bonn, 503-375-3349. practices, positive body image, and Wednesday’s Word YUM Women spiritual health. Guest makeup A prayer and share group for both (Young United Methodist Women) artists, professional workbooks, men and women meets every First Saturday of the month at the delicious meals, and opportunities Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. in Beanery on Liberty Street downtown, for massage set this weekend apart. the UMRC Willson House Craft 10 to 11 a.m. Contact: Catherine Wesley Meadow Lodge at Room, 1625 Center Street. For more Howard, 503-588-1690 or Suttle Lake Camp information, please contact Donna [email protected]. Herbert, 503-362-8220, or Betsy Friday, April 11, 2008 through Connections that Count Stuller, 503-364-7460, a resident at Sunday, April 13, 2008 Women who want to knit or learn to Jason Lee Manor. knit (crocheters are welcome). Fee: $125 Susanna Wesley Moms Group Fourth Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m. in the Register online or print out a Second and fourth Wednesdays of Carrier Room. Contact: Sharon registration form and send it in. the month from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Everett, 503-391-4733. Spaces are limited, so sign up as in Room 222. Child care provided. soon as possible. Contact: Sue Corner, 503-375-3734. Mia Adjali Circle Mia Adjali Circle Mia Adjali Circle will meet at Second Wednesday, at 7 p.m. 7 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2008, at the in homes of members. Contact: church. We plan to gather in Room Connie Bork, 503-364-8623. 225 to learn more about the Even Erbele Circle Start Family Literacy Program at Second Mondays, at 11:30 a.m. in Baker School. Visitors are welcome. the Carrier Room. Bring a sack For more information contact lunch. Contact: Joan Zelmer, Connie Bork at 503-364-8623. 503-364-6204. Knit a Blessing Ministry An invitation Second Mondays, following Erbele All women are invited by Trinity Circle, 2 p.m., in the Carrier Room. UMWomen to a one-day retreat on For instructions, call April 10 to be held at the Christian Bonnie Shaw, 503-375-6390. Renewal Center near Silver Falls State Park. Put the date on your Stretch & Glo calendar and watch for further Mondays and Wednesdays, information. We will plan to carpool 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Dining from the church parking lot. Room. Contact: Donna Armstrong, Information obtained by Donna 503-364-3583. Herbert through Marilyn Sams. 10 The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Spiritual Formation Class Forum Theology Roundtable (222) 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. (Carrier Room) 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. (225) 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Session 4—Learning and Phil Hanni and the Forum This is a place to delve deep into Practicing Benedictine Prayer Committee (mostly Phil) have been those theological quandries we find ourselves in. The Spiritual Formation Class will be hard at work planning new Forum perusing A Guide to Consecrated Life programs. Here is the line-up for the Session 4: What Everyone Needs in Prayer of the Heart by William coming months. to Know about Islam Ryan as we follow his workshop (via Feb. 10 to Mar. 16 Case Veldhuisen facilitates an eight- audio) on Prayer of the Heart. Here Up Close and Personal week class on Islam that began is an introductory quote from Bill: (a six-Sunday Lenten Series) Jan. 6 and ends Feb. 24. “We are already in God. God is fully Presenters: Selected 1st United In this time of war and uncertainty accessible to us; we are not Methodist Church members will about Islam, there is a considerable accessible to God. This is the crux of reflect on their Christian journey amount of misunderstanding, much the human condition. This is the and share their life stories. of it driven by fear. Bookstores central tension that fuels the Mar. 23 (Easter) contain many books designed to spiritual journey.” We welcome you A Friendly Conversation: Reflections heighten the misunderstanding and to journey with us into the Prayer of on Death and Resurrection the fear. People of faith should be the Heart, the ancient practice of Presenter/Discussion Leader: able to search through the chaff to inner communion with God. Dr. Phil Hanni the essence of Islam. The questions Kaleidoscope we will try to answer are: Adult Bible Study • What are the basics of Islam? These rotation model Sunday School (123) 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. • What is the history of Islam? classes are available for children Led by Gary Onstot, this study is • What are the primary themes? four years old through third grade. suitable for the beginning Bible • What are the divisions within Session 4—New Teachings: study student, and also offers Islam? Parables of Jesus concise explanations that will be • Do Christians need to fear Islam? Family Matters valuable for more experienced • Are there things we have in (B8) 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. students. common? Sue and Jeff Corner head up this Mad monarchs The text we are using is What very popular family-focused From Saul to the exile, there were Everyone Needs to Know about Islam Sunday school. If you are new to some pretty crazy kings ruling by John L. Esposito. (Dr. Esposito is church and have children under the over the twelve tribes of Israel. Do professor of Religion and International age of 25, this fellowship time may you have questions about why Affairs at Georgetown University. He is be just what you’re looking for. these kings are even in the Bible? the founding director of the Center for Do you wonder what’s this whole Christian-Muslim Understanding.) In Thriving Marriages thing concerning Jesus, son of addition we ask that participants Feb. 17 David? And who’s this David guy purchase an inexpensive modern Share Photos and Memories who supposedly wrote the book of English language copy of the Qu’ran Psalms anyway? Learn more about The rest of Feb. and the month of (also spelled Qur’ran or Koran). David, Solomon and the other March will be spent in a study led To register, call the church office kings whose egos ran amuck. This by Chuck Foster entitled “What during regular office hours and ask for six-week study during the Sunday Faith Will Our Children Have?” Susan or call Case at 503-576-1124 school hour begins on Feb. 24 and Lots to look forward to! for more information. ends on April 6. Come join Gary in discovering how these mad monarchs led their nation into one crisis after another. The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008 11

SKYBLUE FISHER Independent AVON Representative (541) 936-0228 Donna Cuff - Consultant (503) 375-3222 (503) 393-4999 [email protected] “We Decorate Lives” www.youravon.com/sfisher www.homeinteriors.com/donnacuff

Karen McCoy–ABR, GRI Dean H. Otto (503) 930 -7001 Senior Loan Officer 3400 State Street, Suite G-780 4285 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 9730I Suite 100 Kathy Tooley–Broker www.evergreenhomeloans.net Salem, OR Tel: 503.588.2667 (503) 949-3970 Fax: 503.588.2236 503-391-1350 Cell: 503.949.2830 Email: [email protected] Toll Free: 888.821.9251

® NIKKEN Discover it. Live it. Wings of the Soul A Store With A Heart For Him Tara McGuire - Independent Consultant n Elegant Home & Garden (503) 393-0755 OR (503) 931-5686 n Tiffany Lamps & Jewelry 345 SE Owens St n Infant & Children’s Treasures n Book, Bibles & Crosses www.mynikken.net/taramcguire (Across from Create-A-Memory) n Bath & Body Products Transform Your Home to a Nikken Wellness Home Treat yourself to a heartwarming time of shopping. Rest & Relaxation 503-589-4959 Great gifts for those you love! Fitness-Environment-Nutrition Sonja Tapp Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am to 6 pm Owner Saturday - 11 am to 5 pm Lynn Iaquinta Virgil T. Golden ID No. 66758633 Funeral Service & INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT Oakleaf Crematory 3208 Jay Court NW Salem, OR 97304 Pre-Planning Traditional & Phone: (503) 990-2694 Memorial Services, Cremation. Carol Ann Munson DESIGNER 605 Commercial St SE 503.393.7081 [email protected] Personal Assistance • Events (503) 364-2257 Photo-Safe Albums & Supplies • Careers When you need a creative approach to graphic design. www.golden-funeralservice.com www.creativememories.com Mary Kay ® give the girls a call Looking for a fun way to enjoy a little girl time? Plan a Mary Kay Party! Invite your girlfriends. 2138 Lancaster Dr NE # 103 (503) 566-8700 Enjoy free makeovers. Exchange beauty tips. It’s a beautiful way to bond! Offering weight-bearing equipment for a better workout. Tanaya Brooks Massage For Her by Licensed Massage Therapists & Detoxifying Independent Beauty Consultant Footbaths (you'll have to try it to believe it!) (503) 871-0149 www.contoursexpress.com/salemor www.marykay.com/tanayabrooks First UMC / Salem # 30February 2008 Please support our sponsors Heavenly Printing 509-926-4201 The Spire (USPS 863-560) published twice monthly, except in Nov. and Dec., by the First United Methodist Church, 600 State Street, Salem, Oregon. Periodical postage paid at Salem, OR 97301. Postmaster: Please send change of address to

It’s not the steeple, it’s the people.

First United Methodist Church 600 State Street Salem, OR 97301

Sunday Services . . . . 8:30 a.m. (Sanctuary), 11:00 a.m. (MICAH), ...... 11 a.m. (Sanctuary), 6:04 p.m. (MICAH) ...... Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Location...... Corner of Church and State Streets Phone...... 503-364-6709 Fax...... 503-364-7268 Prayer Line...... 503-362-8149 E-mail ...... Church: [email protected] Sue Owen: [email protected] Susan Boegli: [email protected] Kirk Hurd: [email protected] Chad Caubin: [email protected] Web page...... www.salemfirstumc.org Office hours...... Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m...... Friday 9:00 a.m. to Noon 12 The Spire • Feb. 12, 2008

First United Methodist Church Spire deadlines A diverse and inclusive community of faith, seeking to follow the example Please submit your articles by of Jesus Christ by Welcoming all to a walk with Christ, Nurturing each NOON of the deadline date. other in Christian love, Equipping persons with a faith that works in real Articles received after the deadline life, and Serving God in the church, the community and the world. will be held for the next issue. Deadline ...... Publication date Church Staff Feb. 19 ...... Feb. 26 Lay Leaders...... Marci Ling and Chuck Hudkins March 4 ...... March 11 March 18 ...... March 25 Lead Pastor ...... Rev. Sue Owen April 1 ...... April 8 Minister of Discipleship ...... Rev. Susan Boegli April 15 ...... April 22 Director of Contemporary Music and the Underground ...... Kirk Hurd May 6 ...... May13 May 20 ...... May 27 Youth Director ...... Chad Caubin E-mail articles for The Spire to the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries ...... Phaedra Parrish church office, [email protected]. Director of Music ...... Kristin Pack Please include the word “SPIRE” Organist ...... John Ranney and the subject of your article in the subject line. Be sure to include Finance Managers ...... Sandy Tatti & Ellie Carson a phone number with your article. Office Manager ...... Katie Carpenter Articles longer than 300 words will Stephen Ministry Coordinator ...... Fran Eriksen be cut to fit. Director of Human Resources ...... Carol Stoebig Campus Custodian ...... Total Solutions