Psalm 133:1 "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!"
This weekend, thirty members of the Portland Metro Chapter of ReconcilingWorks gathered to get to know one another better. We enjoyed bible study and song, shared meals, and shared ideas in training sessions on living out the call to welcome the LGBTQ community in churches and our community. Thank you to Finn Lambourn, Carl Dahlquist, Rebecca Griffin, and Jon Erickson for helping to lead the training sessions.
We had the opportunity to sit with Psalm 133, in a wonderful bible study by Pastor Amanda Zentz-Alo of Central Lutheran, in Portland. We were inspired and encouraged in the life-saving work of making sure all people could participate fully in the community. We lifted our voices in song, led by Finn Lambourn, Pastor Amanda, Timmy Straw, Jeff Schultz, Lee Anne Shaw Krause, Allison Katsufrakis, and Kristi Mowe. I'm pretty sure we lifted the roof off the church.
Our bellies were full and the lovely building of Bethel Lutheran was ready and hospitable because of the faithful ministry of Phyllicia McGowan, Deb Schultz, Faith St. John, Finn, Lee Anne, and many others. Thank you!
We give great thanks for leaders who step forward to help this mission thrive, and elected the 2015-2016 officers for our local chapter. Jon Erickson, from Mission of the Atonement in Beaverton, Oregon, renewed his term as treasurer. Carl Dalhquist from St. Andrew Lutheran in Beaverton, Oregon and Erica Tuff from Milwaukie Lutheran, in Milwaukie, Oregon, both joined the board. Finn Lambourn, Pastor of Queering Sacred Spaces and myself, Leo, will continue to participate in the chapter leadership in advisory roles. The passion and energy of these new officers was obvious, and I'm excited to see what this new year will bring.
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| Chapter Officers Erica, Carl and Jon |
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| Finn, Leo, and Carl coordinated by wearing bow ties for the day |
We also rejoiced in continued leadership and presence of our Southwest Washington Synod liaisons and Portland Metro chapter members, MaryAnn and Rick Nelson.
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| Rick, Leo, and MaryAnn |
Interested in having an event like this is in your area? Let's talk!
Until next time, may you feel the loving embrace of God, and know that you are not alone in this work. Though we may not always be together in the same place, our hearts are united in the body of Christ.
