Lynchwood Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)
3815 SE 174th Avenue
Portland, OR 97236

Lynchwood Christian Church

December 2014 Link
(Disciples of Christ)
3815 SE 174th Avenue
Portland, OR 97236

Pastor Andrew Shepherd

Office Phone: 503-665-9534
Editor: Sharon Gifford
Email: Lynchwoodchurch@aol.com
Regional Co-Ministers: Cathy and Doug Wirt

Greetings!
Its exciting to finally be here serving as your pastor at Lynchwood. Its been a long journey (not to
mention the car ride) but its finally time for us to start working together. If youre like me, youve
been thinking a lot about this new time in the life of the church. What does the future look like?
Where is God calling us in this place? Wheres the bathroom? Maybe that last one doesnt hit you the
same way it does me.
What Im most excited for as we begin this journey together is getting to know each and every one of
you. What are your passions? Whats your story? Where are you from? How have you come to know
God? Whats most important to you in life? What does Lynchwood mean to you? These are the things
Im excited to learn, and the things that will inevitably guide us down the path God is calling towards.
My own faith journey into ministry has meant getting to know myself a little better, figuring out the
places where God is most active, and listening to the spirit as it calls me further into the grace of God.
Are you ready to start that journey together? I know I am!
I bet youre wondering how to get a hold of me. Its really pretty easy. Heres some helpful info!
Office Hours (feel free to drop in, or give us a call- 503-665-9534):
Tues.-Fri. 9:00am-12:00pm
Monday and Saturday will be my days offunless its an emergency any communication I receive on
these days will be put on hold until my next day in the office. I know you understand ;)
Send an email if you ever need anything. I check these regularly: rev.andrew.shepherd@gmail.com
Finally, Ive made my decision in the Civil War debateI will be rooting for the Duck-Billed
Platypuses! Go Platypuses!!!
Blessings,
Pastor Andrew

ASSISTING IN THE SERVICE FOR DECEMBER

CHILDRENS MOMENT
7
Kathi Allen
14 Pat Smith
21 Dan Stults
28 Jenny Stults

ELDER
7 Chuck Rhoads
14 Ed McFarlane
21 Julie Piper Finley
28 Dan Stults

ELDER OF THE MONTH

SANDRA VINCENT
PAM KNIGHT

WORSHIP LEADER
7 Rick Berg
14 Pam Knight
21 Karen Weiland
28 Julie Piper Finley

DRIVERS FOR DECEMBER

7
Earl Sass
14 Dan Weiland
21 Michelle Nichols
28 Mark Tidwell
DIACONATE FOR DECEMBER
7

14

(P) Glenna Patton

(C) Eunice Johnson
(U) Cheryl Hilsenbeck, Peggy DiNucci, Jeri Gentry
(G) Karen Weiland, Ivy Davis, Wendy Cooke
(P) Julie Berg
(C) Evelyn Sass
(U) Teri Gerber, Earl Sass, Alissa Blair
(G) Rick Berg, Marge Owens, Michelle Nichols

21

(P) Wendy Cooke

(C) Eunice Johnson
(U) Bill Sears, Peggy DiNucci, Michelle Davis
(G) Beth Taylor, Dan Weiland, Cheryl Hilsenbeck

28

(P) Julie Berg

(C) Glenna Patton
(U) Jeri Gentry, Sue Feist, Rick Berg
(G) Cheryl Shore, Karen Weiland, Michelle Nichols

Happy DECEMBER
Birthday!
4
5
6
9
12
14

19
25

26
27
28
29

Dan Stults
Andrew Finley
Jody Simons
Pauline Aymen
Betty Boyce
Jeanie Smith
Lavane Ellsworth
Caitlin Rhoads
John Simons
Cheryl Hilsenbeck
Joe DiNucci
Kevin Gifford
Erica Theiss
Jenn Allen
Amanda Sedwick
Ben Finley
Judy Zecha
Allene Hays

Elders Breakfast December 13

@ 8 AM
Breakfast will be prepared by
Sandra Vincent & Pam Knight
Study Leader
Sandra Vincent & Pam Knight

Mens Breakfast
December 27
@ 8 AM
Breakfast will be
prepared by
TBD

OUTREACH CAN PROJECT

As you may already know, Lynchwood has an
account with Bottle Drop Redemption to
recycle cans and bottles
(plastic, cans & glass that have the Oregon
.05 cent bottle deposit) for Global Ministries .
If you dislike returning your cans and bottles,
just bring them to the church!
Sharon Gifford will assist you.
Your response to this has been incredible!
Thank you!
This year you have donated over $200
to Global Ministries!

EASTMONT CHURCH WOMEN UNITED

On Friday, December 5, CWU will be meeting at
Gresham United Methodist Church, 620 NW 8th, in
Gresham. The General Meeting will begin at
10:00am and the Program will start at 11:00am. At
noon there will be a Potluck luncheon, so bring your
favorite dish to share. This will be a wonderful way
to fellowship with women from other East County
churches. There will not be a January meeting for
CWU, so watch for details of the February meeting in
the Link.

Christian Women's Fellowship/Disciples Women

Thursday, December 18, CWF will have as special
guests, Cathe Wiese, Executive Director of My
Father's House, and Sarah Greene, their Volunteer
Coordinator. They will bring us up to date on the
programs at the homeless shelter just a few blocks
from our church. At this meeting we will give them
the Christmas stockings and stocking stuffers we
are currently collecting. This is also our Christmas
Potluck luncheon, so bring your favorite dish to
share. Group 1 will do Set up and Group 2 will do
Clean up. This is the month to bring your Blessings
Boxes. There will not be an Executive meeting.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL OFFERING
Offerings received for the special Christmas
Offering will go to our Regional Ministry. On
Sunday, December 14, and on Sunday,
December 21, you will have an opportunity to
give a special gift that will go to support all the
work of our Regional Office. Their ministry is
especially important to Lynchwood Christian
during our time of transition in ministers. Please
give as generously as you can.

Lynchwood Christian Church

Book Club
The book selection for December
The Source
by James Michener
Please join the Book Club, December 21,
at 9:30 AM in the Library.

Love in Stitches
At 7 PM, every 2nd Monday of the month, happy
hands meet together at the home of Lael Hays
to crochet & knit gifts for others. A few items we
make are prayer shawls, comfort dolls and
sweaters. If you cannot come to Laels home,
you are welcome to make your gifts at home.
If you need a pattern, we have many that we
can share. We have a great time together and
invite you to join us.

Mitten Tree in Narthex

Bring your mittens, gloves, hats, and
scarves to adorn the tree located just
outside the sanctuary doors. Each year we
gather warm articles to distribute to folks
who suffer in the cold. Lets try to
completely blanket the tree with generous
gifts.

Thank you so much for everyones ongoing thoughts, prayers,

concerns, and cards for our family, during this very sad time of the loss
of our dear Mom, Barbara Gifford.
We are very thankful and grateful that our Mom is in peace in Heaven
with God, and singing with the angels. It is with great joy to know these
things.
Brian, Sharon, Kevin, Loren & Barbara
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Family and I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and
prayers during this difficult time. We would also like to thank everyone
who helped with My Dads service. We could not have done this
without you. Thank you, Beth Taylor

Items for My Fathers House Christmas

Stockings.
Candy Canes
Candy Bars
Chewing Gum
Small packages of candies or nuts

MY FATHER'S HOUSE CHRISTMAS

STOCKINGS
Again this year our CWF group will be filling
100 plus stockings for the homeless families
at My Father's House, a shelter located near
Lynchwood Christian. A list of possible
"stuffers" will be in the Link and Bulletins.
Watch for the big Christmas Stocking in the
narthex in which to place your items. All
people of the church are welcomed and
encouraged to help with this project.

Lynchwood has again adopted a family from

Lynch Wood School for the Christmas
season. This year we have a mom and three
kids. The particulars and desires are listed
below. Please deliver your gifts wrapped to
the receptacle in the narthex no later than
Sunday, Dec. 14. Questions?
Call
Evelyn: 503-761-8822
Mom, age 30: Pants size 16, shirt size 2XL,
shoes size 8. Needs clothing,
socks and a radio. Would like earrings,
makeup, photo frames, perfume and hand
lotion.
Boy, age 15: Pants size 33 (skinny), shirt
size M, shoe size 9.5. Needs
clothing. Would like gift cards, movie tickets,
x-box games.
Girl, age 12: Pants six 6 junior (skinny),
shirt size XL junior, shoe size 6.
Needs clothing. Would like nail polish, movie
tickets, scarves, earrings, art
supplies, hair stuff.
Boy, age 7: Pants size 12 (husky), shirt
size XL (14-16), shoe size 3.5.
Needs: clothing and a jacket. Would like
"Skylanders" toys, games, movie
tickets, ninja turtle stuff.

Hand soap
Deodorant
Shampoo
(small Sizes)
Combs
Toothbrushes (really need)
Toothpaste (really need)
Fingernail clippers or toenail clippers
Emery boards
Hand lotion
Decks of cards
Small tools (screwdrivers, tape measures, etc.)
Small calendars
Small notepads
Ballpoint pens
Kitchen towels
Kitchen utensils
Small toys:
Matchbox cars
Jump ropes
Hand-held games
Puzzles
Coloring books
Pencils

Play-doh
Bottles of Bubbles
Yoyos
Crayons
Books

Items for Babies 0-24 months:

Baby powder
Baby Shampoo
Feeding spoons
Sippy cups
Baby toys

Coming to This Neighborhood!

26th Annual
Live Nativity
Dec. 13, 14, 15

Outdoor set up date: Sat. Dec 13

Men, young, old, have you started your beards?
Contact Cathy Sears @Wer2fun4u@comcast.net
if you have any questions.

Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels

Quilt Tying 9 AM
Choir 7 PM

10

Love in Stitches
7PM

Emanon
6:30 PM

Choir 7

11

Fri

Sat

5
CWU

12

13

BlueSkys
Ministries 7 pm

Elders Breakfast
8 AM
BlueSkys
Ministries 7 pm
Live Nativity

14

15

16

17

18

Live Nativity

Live Nativity

Live Nativity
Clean up

Finance 6 PM
Choir 7 PM

Mens Dominos
10:30 AM

Christmas Special
Offering

21

20
BlueSkys
Ministries 7 pm

CWF
Program 11 AM

22

23

Book Club 9:30

AM
Board Meeting
Christmas Special
Offering

28

19

24
Link
Deadline for
January

25
Christmas

26

27
Mens Breakfast
8 AM
BlueSkys
Ministries 7 pm

Choir 7 PM

29

30

31

New Years Eve

Again this year we invite you to share

poinsettia plants to add to the beauty of
our sanctuary during the Advent season
and Christmas. It is simplest if you
purchase the flowers, mark them with your
name, and bring them to church by Dec.14
along with a note designating whom you
wish to honor with the flower. After
Christmas you are welcome to take them
home or give them to a loved one.