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The Messenger of Tabor Heights The Story of Mother’s Day Contrary to popular belief, Mother’s Day was not conceived in the boardroom of Hallmark. It first dates back to a spring festival of the Greeks. Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In the United States, Mother’s Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health in her community, a cause she felt would be best advocated by mothers. She called it “Mother’s Work Day.” When she died in 1905 her daughter began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that the daughter remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, “I hope and pray that someone sometime, will found a memorial mother’s day.” Anna’s daughter lobbied businessmen as well as politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers. At one of the first services organized to celebrate her mother, at her church in 1908, she handed out her mother’s favorite flower, the white carnation. In 1914 Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday. At first this holiday was observed by people writing letters to their mothers and attending church and eventually increased with gift-giving, cards, presents and flowers. The daughter of Anna Jarvis became enraged as she believed the day’s sentiment was being sacrificed at the expense of greed and profit. Before her death in 1948 she is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the mother’s day tradition. Despite her misgivings, Mother’s Day has flourished in the United States. It is now the most popular day of the year to dine out, and telephone lines record their highest traffic, as children everywhere take advantage of this day to honor and express appreciation of their mothers.

Inside Get connected Pg. 2-3 Last Month Highlights May Anniversary &Birthdays

Upcoming Events Pg. 4-5 General Conference 2016 Monthly Calendar May/June

Prayers for Your family Pg. 6 People’s Journal Pg. 7-9 Gay Disco Pete Morrell Larry & Valri Darling Senior Outing Thoughts from Newcomers

Community News Rahab Sisters Eastside Village PDX Safety Improvements on SE Stark/SE Thorburn Street

Reviews Pg. 12-13 Book, Psalms for Praying Movie, Risen Pastor John’s note

Looking ahead Spring is a traditional time to clean up and prepare for the possibility of new. That is what several members were involved in recently. We meet to review who we see ourselves as and what we are willing to try as a faith family at Tabor Heights. The group looked at many projects from last year and chose the ones that we felt the most connected to in terms of heart and hands. We identified Rahab's Sisters, Transition Project, Mt. Tabor

Courtyard and Advent festival & ‘Christmas in July’ as efforts that we wanted to continue with extra energy. Jim Buchanan and his mother,

DEDICATION TO JEAN Let me tell you a story of a lady I know, Just a simple soul – no glitter or show, She’s had a hard life, this gallant lass, For courage and cheer, she’s in the top class, She’s known the bitterness of war, She’s seen the loss of those she bore, Not for her – the self pitying way, Every dawn brings another day, Once more her cheerfulness is put to the test, Another crisis to give of her best, She’ll face up to this, I have no doubt, Once more, old man gloom will be cast out, Her smiling face will always be seen, Good luck, God bless you, Darling Jean.

We thank Jim Buchanan for sharing this poem written by a friend about his mother, Jean, in England in 1977.

Several suggestions on how to strengthen these ministries were given and groups (mission teams) that support these efforts will follow up. New opportunities to be the church in our community were suggested. Tie into neighborhood events already happening: 60th & Stark Pie Party in October Arts walk - Mt. Tabor Art Walk, May 21-22

Street/neighborhood fairs: HAWTHORNE—August 28 @ 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM, MONTAVILLA STREET FAIR – July 31 Sponsor refugee family Hold more events outdoors Host: parenting classes, snacks for AA, NA, other community groups, etc. We also talked about how could we join different ministries together for more impact in a particular area of focus. If you find yourself thinking that you would like to know more or help in any area, talk it over with Pastor John or someone already involved. Explore your interest ; it may lead you to serve God in our neighborhood. Tom Lohkamp, The Vision Board Chair

Saturday Event On Sat. April 30, United Methodist Women met in the Gathering Place to create scarves for the homeless this winter. The scarves do not require sewing, we use fleece and we just cut them out. They are finished by cutting a little fringed edge. They are so soft and warm. We completed one hundred and fifteen. They will be used at our sock wrap in December. They will be put in bags, along with socks, gloves, hats etc. contributed by many of our United Methodist Women and other generous people. Then they are distributed to the homeless. When the work was done we enjoyed a salad luncheon and great fellowship.

Date Larry & Valri Darling 12 May

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May Date Pat Regan 1 Essie Ewart 3 Sam Marks 5 Fay Henderson 6 Bruce Sueoko 6 Gay Disc 9 Sally Schenk 9 Danielle Jensen 13 Lou Anne Hanriques 15 Hanh Pham 15 Bernie Hubbard 17 Sandra Morrell 19 Beverly Betzer 20 Charlotte Eisert 20 21 Pete Morrell

GENERAL CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHTS If you are interested in volunteering, go to http://westernjurisdictionumc.org/gc2016/.

Mother’s Day Worship May 8 @ 11am Guest Speaker, Rev. Jun Equila, Singapore

Reservoir Ministry @ 1pm

General Conference May 10-20

Pentecost Worship May 15 @ 11am Guest Speaker, Bishop HeeHee-Soo Jung, Wisconsin

Worship &Potluck May 22(Sunday)

Transition Projects May 24 (Every 4th Tuesday)

Annual Conference June 15—18

Senior Fellowship June 16 @ 11am

Father’s Day Worship June 19 Guest Speaker, Rev. Ralph Lawrence, Boise

United Methodist Men Exhibition needs volunteers at the Convention Center from May 10-14. Please contact Marvin Doering for the details. *There will be also a prayer room at the Convention Center for the work of the church. Tuesday, May10, 2:00 Opening Worship Wednesday, May 11, 8:30 am Episcopal Address Thursday, May 12, 7:30 pm Climate Change Candlelight Vigil The vigil will be held on the convention center plaza. Friday, May 13, 8:45 am Laity Address & Connectional Table Address Saturday, May 14, 8:45 am Young People’s Address Monday, May 16, 3:00 pm 150th Anniversary of United Methodist Women May 16, 5:25 pm Africa University Choir Wednesday, May 18, 9:30 am Imagine No Malaria celebration Thursday, May 19, 6:30pm Korea Night Dinner Friday , May 20, 4:20pm Closing Worship 4

Sun 8Worship 11am. Guest Speaker, Rev. Jun Equila

15Worship 11am. Guest Speaker, Bishop HeeSoo Jung,

Mon

Tue

9 Walking group 9:30am

16 Walking group 9:30am

Wed

Thu

Fri

10 Dove Circle 10am. Tuesday Bible Study 1:30pm

11Friendship Circle 12pm. Courtyard Bible Study 6pm

12 Men’s Coffee Group 10am. Choir 7:30pm

17 Tuesday Bible Study 1:30pm

18 Courtyard Bible Study 6pm

19 Men’s Coffee Group 10am. Choir 7:30pm

20 GC Closing Worship @ Convention Center 4:20 pm

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General Conference 2016

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Sat 14 Men’s Breakfast 8 am.

General Conference 2016

22 Worship 11am. Potluck 12:30pm

23 Walking group 9:30am

24Tuesday Bible Study 1:30pm Transition Projects 7pm

25 Courtyard Bible Study 6pm

26 Men’s Coffee Group 10am. Choir 7:30pm

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28 Game Night! 6pm

29 Worship 11am.

30 Walking group 9:30am

31 Tuesday Bible Study 1:30pm

1 Courtyard Bible Study 6pm

2 Men’s Coffee Group 10am. Choir 7:30pm

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5 Worship 11am. Holy

6 Walking group 9:30am

7 Tuesday Bible Study 1:30pm

8 Courtyard Bible Study 6pm

9 Men’s Coffee Group 10am. Choir 7:30pm

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11 Men’s Breakfast 8 am.

13 Walking group 9:30am

14 Dove Circle 10am. Tuesday Bible Study 1:30pm

15Friendship

16 Senior Fellowship 11am

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Communion

12 Worship 11am. Reservoir Meeting 1pm.

Circle 12pm. Courtyard Bible Study 6pm 5

Annual Conference in Salem, OR

Our lives are filled with joys and sorrows, peace and pain, laughter and tears. As Christians in a church family of caring, loving people we celebrate together even as we endure each other's pain. We pray that God continues to bless us with the many blessings life brings to each of us as we worship Him together. We come to God with gratitude for: The altar flowers provided by, and often arranged by the church family members throughout each month and for the many volunteers who assume leadership positions within the church. The ongoing musical abilities of Howard Ashley as he directs our faithful and talented choir. Our children who share their own musical abilities and bring their enthusiasm to us every week. Their teachers, leaders and those who offer children’s moments. The 60 days of prayer brought to us daily online by the Upper Room. We share in expressing heartfelt sympathy to: Ruth Nelle Waldroff's grieving family and her friends at the Courtyard. Sally Schenk and family We thank God for His continued healing of those enduring physical and emotional pain: Harley Disco and family, Matt Reihs, Joanne Mattson, Georgia Koehler, The Long Family and friends We lift in prayer the General Conference and all delegates and participants in this event of fellowship, love and direction. We offer prayers of peace for earthquake victims and those suffering war, homelessness and hunger throughout the world. Pray for guidance, direction and peace for leaders of all nations. With Christian Love, Your Church Family

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Birthday Greetings to Gay Disco On Mother’s Day, May 9, 1937, I was born into the Sturgen family. I was the first daughter and the middle child in a family of nine children. My father ran a small dairy farm and worked full time for Alcoa Aluminum. He raised a huge vegetable garden, had fruit orchards and provided well for his family of eleven. After high school, I entered nursing school and married a fellow nurse. I raised three biological children, a foster daughter and three stepsons. After 35 years I reconnected with my first sweetheart and rekindled our love for each other. We were both divorced from previous marriages and our children were all adults. We spent Bill’s last years happily traveling the United States in our RV. My new life in Portland is just another great blessing in my life’s journey. Thanks be to God. - By Gay Disco

Hello I was asked the other day to write a short autobiography for the Herald since May is my birth month. It got me to thinking who am I? Am I my parents son? Born, what for me, is a long time ago. Am I the boy who would rather play than most any other thing? Am I the young man who would spend hours upon hours wandering in The City? Am I the man whose wanderlust led him across a continent to marry the most wonderful person that I have ever known? Am I the father to two great children who are now adults themselves? Am I an IT professional, working in a career that is three decades old? Am I a woodturner, who will talk your ear off about it when given the chance? The answer is yes, but then again no. Those are parts of me. Facets that represent some of who I have been. Some of them are memories that accompany me like an old pair of shoes. Battered and worn, yet molded to fit exactly. And sometimes they pinch too. Some are the people that I am moving through life with. Fellow seekers that help me grow and learn. Each day teaching me things about life and the world. For I am also a traveler. So in a larger sense, who I am is really yet to be determined. The answer won't really 7 reached. By then the question will have be known until the end of the journey has been changed to 'who was that unmasked man?' - By Pete Morrell

Larry and Valri were married on May 12, 1962 at the Ladd's Addition Evangelical United Brethren Church by Pastor Roy Dunn. They grew up in the same neighborhood in northeast Portland. Larry worked in a grocery store that stood next to the home of Oscar and Elois Carlson. It was due to the Carlson's that Valri started attending the Ladd's Addition EUB Church. In 1967, Rev. Lloyd Uecker combined the Ladd's Addition, Blanchard and Alberta EUB churches to build Tabor Heights Church. So Larry and Valri have been a part of this congregation for many years. They have three children: Kathleen, Will and Patrick, and five grandchildren: Meghan, Jacob, John, Patrick and Kathleen. It is noticeable for some repeats there. Kathleen named her youngest son Patrick after her brother and her brother Patrick named his daughter Kathleen after his sister! Then this last August, Larry and Valri became the proud great-grandparents of a little girl named Kennedy May. She is a wonderful new addition to our family tree!

Senior Outing to Fort Vancouver! Join Us Next Time!

On June 16th at 11AM, Senior Fellowship will have a speaker to tell us more about Eastside Village PDX. Plan to attend!!!

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The Tender Mercies of God

by Marilee Miller

On April 9th of this year, an estimated 60,000 to 75,000 people met in a stadium in Los Angeles for 15 hours of fervent prayer, calling on God to have mercy on our land (and the world), and calling the US (and the world) back to God in repentance and prayer. Many years of prayer had gone into the preparation for this meeting. The people in attendance felt God was saying this prayer meeting was going to bring to pass a mighty move of God. And the effects of the prayer-time also reached many thousands by live-streaming. Beyond that, by design, other prayer meetings issued forth in several other prominent cities on the same day. I don't know how to find out what the “prayer thermometer” of Portland is. Are there people here who are desperately praying for a moral makeover and a humbling, God-filled revival? Do we understand the power of united prayer? May we dare to believe God has promised that the fervent prayer meetings and prophetic words that came out of the Los Angeles assembly are but a beginning of a mighty move of God nationwide, worldwide? Will I, will we, believe for a move of God to touch us, change us, transform us? Will I, will we, be willing to let Jesus Christ the Messiah have full control over our lives? Restoration must be God's work, not ours. But we can ask God to fulfill himself, his plans and directions, within us. So that we may truly be surrendered to his will. I'm willing to be molded by the Lord. Will you join me in earnestly seeking the face of the Lord? The world is growing darker and uglier. May we let Our Maker focus our little lights until they are fully merged into His greater Light. Even so, Lord Jesus, come!

A Note to remind us: Take a moment when you are in the fellowship area to look at the selection of CareNotes. All of them contain helpful information regarding a particular subject. Please feel free to take one that could be of help to you. The Care Team 9

RAHAB SISTERS “Rahab’s Sisters mission is to offer RADICAL HOSPITALITY to vulnerable and exploited women in the Portland metro area especially those who are impacted by the sex industry, substance abuse, poverty, domestic violence and homelessness.” The Tabor Heights group of women, interested in helping these unfortunate people, have been providing a meal every fourth Friday, bimonthly. We have found, however, that we are unable to continue doing this due to age and physical limitations. We are dedicated to continue our help with hospitality and providing supplies for the women’s needs. We are, therefore, asking anyone interested to help by providing supplies that are given to our guests when they visit every Friday evening at St. Peter and Paul Episcopal Church at 82nd and Pine. Bring any of the following to church and they will be taken to our “sisters.” A box will be provided and labeled “Rahab Sisters” near the Snow Cap food barrel in the narthex. Your help is appreciated. Bath Soap, Deodorant, Facial tissues, Hair conditioner, Hand Sanitizer, Laundry soap (Small packets), Lotions, Razors, Sanitary pads, Tampons, Toilet Tissue, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Socks & Panties of all sizes

Eastside Village PDX

“We’re not a Place, We’re a Plan for aging in place!”

Eastside Village PDX is a program of Villages NW, a 501c3 non-profit which serves as the Hub for a network of seven community based Spoke Villages throughout the Portland Metro area. We know that most seniors want to live in their home –aging well, safely and connected to their community. Eastside Village PDX was developed for seniors to do just that. Created and run by local volunteers, we are a one-stop shop service resource to finding all the help and support you may need. Individuals and couples pay an annual fee for social or full service membership. Whether it’s gardening, pet walking, a ride to the grocery store, doctor or pharmacy, a little computer help – trained and background-checked neighbor volunteers are ready to assist. To learn more about membership and or volunteering, please join us at one of our monthly information sessions. Third Saturday, 10am to 12pm. Woodstock Wine and Deli (SE Woodstock & SE 41st) – July 16 and September 17. Hotlips Pizza (SE Hawthorne & SE 22nd) – June 18 and August 20. 10

Contact Eastside Village PDX to learn more. (503) 866-0571.

Safety Improvements on SE Stark/SE Thorburn Street A group of concerned citizens have been working with Portland Bureau of Transportation to address unsafe motorist and pedestrian conditions on SE Stark-Thorburn Street between SE 62nd and SE Gilham. In March of this year, in response to these concerns, the the speed limit was reduced from 30mph to 25mph. The next step will be the installation of speed bumps to slow the traffic down. Unfortunately, City funding for projects such as speed cuhions is very tight and would take approx 5-6 years to secure. The City advised that if funds were donated to cover the cost, the speed cushions would be installed Fall of this year! A fund has been set up through SE Uplift to accept donations to cover the $30,000 cost of the speed cushions. All donations are tax-deductible, checks and credit cards are accepted. Here’s how to donate: Go to: www.seuplift.org Click on DONATE (top tool bar-left side), click on THORBURN SAFETY PROJECT, and follow prompts for credit card or checks The plan is to fund the speed cushions first. Once they are installed and the traffic is slowed down, PBOT will continue their analysis and recommendations for additional safety and pedestrian improvements. Improvements being considered in this 1-3 year phase of the safety project include a two much needed crosswalks at the intersection in front of the church. We will push for City funding for the big ticket safety improvements when the time comes J There will be a community meeting in June here at the Church (date TBD) where residents will have the opportunity to hear PBOT’s plan first hand and to ask questions. PBOT asked for this meeting to ensure that this project has broad community support. In the meantime, let’s show them our 11 Tell your friends! enthusiasm with widespread donations. By Debora

PSALMS FOR PRAYING An Invitation to Wholeness

By Nan C. Merrill

Several years ago Pastor John introduced this book to us. It has brought new meaning and understanding of the Psalms to those who read it daily and others who search its pages. It is easy reading, flows as poetry and brings joy to the heart. The words aspire us to live in a spirit of cooperation, co-creation and companionship with the Beloved, rather than invoking a spirit of competition with God, other individuals and nations which is so much a part of the Hebrew Scripture Psalms. It is clearly a loving movement toward peace, harmony and healing in our wounded world. Yet, let it be understood the Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness is in no way meant to replace the well-loved, still meaningful, and historically important Psalms of the Hebrew Scripture. Let it stand as a companion and a dialogue of one age speaking with a later age. May it serve as an invitation to listen to the Voice of Silence that speaks within your own soul.

“Blessed are those who walk hand in hand with goodness, who stand beside virtue, who sit in the seat of truth; For their delight is in the Spirit of Love, and in Love’s heart they dwell day and night.”

“THE RISEN” The Crucifixion and Resurrection is expressed from the view of a non believer. He is a tribune from the Roman army given the task of finding Christ’s body. After hearing many stories from Christ’s followers, he begins to question his beliefs. Although this is an adult movie and not necessarily a “must see,” it is very solid and worthwhile viewing. Available on Red Box soon. -By Char Blakely 12

Dominus vobiscum

“Peace I leave with you; Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27 Dominus vobiscum, “May the Lord be with You!” This is an ancient salutation and blessing traditionally used in liturgies like Holy Communion. At our General Conference here in Portland, we will open our gathering of worship with Holy Communion. I believe that being reminded of this simple ancient salutation throughout our liturgy we will rediscover our value as a one denominational church both within and outside the faith community. Why does this ancient salutation matter in General Conference? How should we understand and translate this properly in today’s church, especially as we face divisive and challenging issues? There was a bishop in the Early Christian church in the 3rd century, named Cyprian of Carthage. He was born in North Africa where he received a classical education. Soon after converting to Christianity, he became a bishop in 249. He wrote an article about ‘the Unity of the Church.’ “This sacrament of unity, this bond of a concord inseparably cohering, is set forth where in the Gospel the coat of the Lord Jesus Christ is not at all divided nor cut, but is received as an entire garment, and is possessed as an uninjured and undivided robe by those who cast lots concerning Christ’s garment, who should rather put on Christ.” In the Gospel of John, when Jesus is arrested and his captors took his clothes, they split them in four parts. However, his coat was not split, as it says, “the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.” That coat bore with it a unity that came down from the top, which was not to be at all rent by the receiver and the possessor, but without separation we could obtain a whole and substantial entireness. As you know, it is at General Conference where delegates wrestle with today’s issues in scriptural teachings and the church’s understanding of that teaching. Here is where the church’s official stands and church policies are made regarding such issues as human sexuality, abortion, war and peace, as well as determination of ministries, funding and re-structuring. I believe the ancient salutation is not only a wish for the church, individuals or groups, but it is also an attitude and a gesture of our distinctive identity as the Church of Christ holding the future of Jesus’ garment, its whole entireness in a deeper understanding of God’s will. We’re having friends, sisters and brothers in Christ here in town. Many are coming, but we should remember that they are also sent from somewhere and by some groups as well. That means, they are sent with salute, “May the Lord be with You” Shall we lift up our hands and arms to pray for them? Shall we open our hands and arms to embrace them? Shall we lay out our hands and hearts to ask God’s blessings upon them? Shall we hold hands and put arms around each other’s shoulders? Shall we respond to them with a simple but authentic gesture saying, “Also with your spirit!” regardless of our differences? Before we talk with each other or walk hand in hand, let us share this simple, loving expression with one another. Let us greet each other with open arms and with hands reaching out to all with recognition and care. I prayerfully hope that Jesus’ garment will be never divided 13 of the Christ to the broken world. Under his although the churches are sent as broken pieces strength and peace, we can truly celebrate this sacrament as The One United Methodist Church. Dominus vobiscum! Pastor John