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T H E O R E G O N C H R I S T I A N C O N V E N T I O N Issue 3 Fall 2012
Heritage Newsletter
Pastor/Mentor Retreat October 11, 2012—Thursday, 9 AM-3 PM Featuring Dan Allender Learn more about Dr. Allender at www.theallendercenter.org
We are SO blessed to bring an amazing speaker to the Pastor/Mentor retreat this year: Dr. Dan Allender.
“Dan has pioneered a unique and innovative approach to trauma and abuse therapy over the past 25 years. Central to Dr. Allender’s approach are the categories of Faith, Hope and Love and their converse betrayal, ambivalence, and powerlessness. Through engaging these categories and in learning to identify them in one’s personal story, healing and transformation can occur by bridging the story of the gospel and the stories of trauma and abuse that mark so many.”
For Dan, the power of story from the Scriptures is a powerful prescription for healing!!
Dan’s Amazon page will show you how his talks will dove-tail so well with our ministries, from Senior Ministers, on up to Youth, Men, Women's and Small Group teams. (Go to amazon.com and search Dan Allender)
He has partnered with great theologians like Tremper Longman and great counselors like Larry Crabb. Ultimately his goal is seeking to reach, not the ivory tower, but the brokenness we all encounter or experience.
When? Thursday, October 11, 9-3 Where? Oregon Christian Convention; 5605 Jubilee Dr.SE, Turner, OR Cost? Only 30 bucks with lunch included. Students enrolled at a Christian College or University are only 15 bucks! Who should attend? Your WHOLE STAFF. 3 Ways to Register: Online at oregonchristianconvention.org. Mail in your registration. Call the OCC office at 503-743-2101 Contact Dianne at [email protected] or me at [email protected] Blessings,
Terry O’Casey Co-Pastor at High Lakes Christian Church Directory of Christian Ministry, Northwest Christian University
Dr. Dan Allender received his M. Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University. He taught in the Biblical Counseling Department of Grace Theological Seminary for seven years (1983-1989). From 1989-1997 he worked as a professor in the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling program at Colorado Christian University, Denver, Colorado. Currently, Dan serves as Founding President and Professor of Counseling at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology in Seattle, Washington (www.theseattleschool.edu). He travels and speaks extensively to present his unique perspective on personal narrative, sexual abuse recovery, love and forgiveness, leadership, Sabbath, and other related topics. He is the author of numerous books including The Wounded Heart, The Healing Path, How Children Raise Parents, Intimate Mystery, To Be Told, Leading with a Limp, and Breaking the Idols of Your Heart. His newest work, released in January, 2009 is Sabbath: The Ancient Practices. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Puget Sound area and have three adult children and three grandchildren.
"You don't just have stories. You are a story. We are called by God to understand how He has revealed Himself to us through our stories. Our stories are revelatory, which means that your story reveals something about the heart of God. Will you look into the heart of your story, into the midst of great heartache and great joy, to find the promises and presence of God?"
Dan Allender on the Power of Story
Why Convention?
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If you are taking the time to read this, you more than likely have already experienced one or more conventions and have your own list of reasons to plan on being there for the next gathering.
So here is my plan; let’s see if I can help encourage and equip the choir to preach.
You are the best source of invitation for next year’s newbies. They will need to hear you say in your own voice how this is truly a premier event unlike any other in the nation, and yet right in our own backyard.
Let them know that the 161st Oregon Christian Convention has a rich history. So rich that the use of “Oregon” in the name meant the Oregon Territory and so includes the invitation for brothers and sisters in Christ from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Northern California to gather in one location every year to hear Christ preached.
Help them understand that this gathering is first and foremost Christ centered, with programs for the entire family that are both faith and family affirming.
Make sure you mention that this year, the focus will be on understanding the dynamics of, and becoming better, “Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth”.
Then close your sermon with a personal story about how you have made friends and built on relationships that help to strengthen you personally. And before you say those words “in closing,” remind them that the greater church needs these kinds of gatherings to afford us the opportunity to demonstrate unity.
Thank you, choir, for singing and preaching your invitation for others to attend the Oregon Christian Convention in 2013! Don Courtain Pastor, Saint Helens Christian Church
Youth at Turner:
1934
2012 week of convention: Being a Family
EnterPraise! 2012 Convention
The joy of playing together
Elder-Pastor Conference January 26, 2013 Saturday, 9 AM-4 PM
ONCE AGAIN OCC WILL HOST MORE THAN 100 CHURCH LEADERS ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 FOR OUR 4TH ANNUAL GATHERING OF ELDERS AND PASTORS. This year’s meeting will begin at 9 am and end at 4 pm. After an opening thematic session, participants will have the opportunity to visit with
five different elder teams. The teams will present and share some aspect of their work;; reflecting special emphasis, strength, or success in their roles as elders in their congregation. This year’s conference will afford more time than in the past for participation and interaction among those attending. More details to follow.
Country Churchmouse Bazaar November 9-10 and 16-17 Friday and Saturday 9 AM-4 PM Join us for our annual Country Churchmouse
Bazaar featuring more than 50 arts & crafts vendors! Enjoy a wide variety of handmade crafts, holiday gifts, toys, gifts for family, friends and co-workers, stocking stuffers, candles, baked goods, jewelry and much more! Find something special for everyone on your list.
Different vendors both weekends. Food available. Free admission. Contact: (503) 362-4807, email: [email protected]
Technology Conference February 16, 2013 Saturday, 9 AM-3 PM Featuring: Matt Payne, socialbridgemedia.com The Oregon Christian Convention is excited to bring Matt Payne back for our second annual Technology Conference. Matt will expand on the theme “The Church in a Networked World” as participants interact and learn about social media, software, applications of programs and current possibilities for use of technology in the life of the church. This will be a practical, encouraging day that will give your staff, volunteers and leadership solid tools for effectively utilizing technology and social media in the 21st century.
Be a Visionary!
I HAVE A QUESTION: “WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE CONVENTION AND THE FACILITIES?” I am really excited about the training opportunities that OCC now offers to Christians all year long. The week of convention continues to be encouraging, empowering and relevant. Yet, to believe that things will always continue as they are is not realistic.
So, my question is: do you have a vision for the future of the Oregon Christian Convention and its yearlong use of the grounds and facilities? Would you be willing to share your ideas with us?
I have four young children who love the week of the convention. My desire for them and their children is that they would have the opportunity to partake of the enrichment, renewal, training, growth and fellowship by Christians from all over the Northwest gathering at the unique, historic convention grounds for decades to come.
Will you help plan a great future by sharing your ideas and visions for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years from now?
Pray for the OCC Leadership Team as we plan to be good stewards of the things God has given us. There have been changes at the Oregon Christian Convention over the last 160 years. They will inevitably change again. Will you pray for good and godly changes to ensure a great future to go along with a great heritage? Sincerely in Christ,
Wayne Rowe Minister, Marcola Christian Church
P.S. To share your visions and ideas email them to us at [email protected]
Building a Strong Foundation
“...the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith…” Ephesians 4:12-13a
A “THUMB-NAIL” SKETCH OF WHAT YOU WILL BE MISSING IF YOU DON’T COME TO THE 2013 OREGON CHRISTIAN CONVENTION!
Recently I heard a comment that took me by surprise—“Isn’t the theme for the 2013 Oregon Christian Convention, ‘Witnesses . . . Into All the World’ a kind of duplication of the ‘Week of Missions’ at Wi-Ne-Ma?” My immediate reaction was defensive but upon further reflection the comment made is absolutely correct. In fact, if I could have my way all the time (which will happen only this 2013 year), I would focus on ‘The Mission’ at every convention.
When the late Dr. Medford Jones hit the road doing cluster church growth consultations he began by asking two fundamental questions: First, “What business are we in?” And secondly, “How’s business?”
One can hang his or her shingle as a consultant for most any enterprise by beginning with these two questions. The purpose of the 2013 Oregon Christian Convention is to help you get answers to these two questions and also to help answer a third: “How can we do better?”
We all have limited exposure to world mission. If we pooled all we know collectively we would still possess a mere sketch of what our Lord is doing in the world through his church. My goal is to provide snapshots of a variety of mission efforts—to inspire us to new visions of how we can more broadly participate in the ‘restoration’ of humankind as envisioned by our Creator.
Our evening keynote speakers are Joni and Nangsar Morse who will be sharing their work--past, present and future among the hill tribe peoples of Northern Thailand and Myanmar. Theirs is a three--going on four--generation story about the transformation of these tribal people groups into servants of Christ. Their legacy runs from Exodus to a Hidden Valley days in Burma to the founding of over 150 churches in Northern Thailand, the establishment of Bible schools for training indigenous church leaders, children’s homes, Bible translation, hospital health-care liaison services, health clinics, and clean water projects for hill tribe villages. This team has been called by some ‘the most effective missionaries among the independent Christian churches’.
The 10:45 morning session will introduce four different works: 1) The work of Rich and Regan Reed to the inner city of greater Los Angeles and how Jesus can transform the abandoned
and disenfranchised close to home in our cities. 2) Christopher Lapel who will share along with board member Jim Price the story of how Cambodia has gone from the
‘Killing Fields’ of the Kymer Rouge to the ‘Harvest Fields’ of today with a strong Christian presence and estimates as high as 30% professing Christians!
3) Troy Dean from NCU will share the work by our churches to rescue children from sexual slavery in Southeast Asia. Troy, working with Rahab House and the International Justice Mission, has actually infiltrated the pedophile-serving brothels of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to identify children to be rescued.
4) Cory Lemke will be sharing the current work, methodologies, and strategies of the Christian Missionary Fellowship throughout the world underscoring the need for a holistic approach to ‘saving’ the world.
All this will be undergirded with teaching by this year’s Bible lecturer, Dr. Joe Grana during the 9:00 a.m. sessions. Joe brings to our table many years’ experience as a mission’s board member, mission’s field director/ teacher, Associate Director of the Southern California Evangelistic Association, preacher, and college professor. He is currently the Dean of the School of Biblical Studies and Ministry at Hope International University.
As I stated at the close of the 2012 Convention: “Our speakers for the 2013 Convention will be presenting us a smorgasbord of examples for our being witnesses to a needy, broken, Jesus-hungry world. Whether your church is large or small, this is a convention you will not want to miss. Mark it on your calendars: June 25-30, 2013! ”So what business are you in? . . . .How’s business?
Gene Sonnenberg, 2013 Convention President Now’s a great time to register and secure housing.
oregonchristianconvention.org
G M ...
Hilda Huff Bob and Betty Gregory Margy Petersen
Wayne La Farge Lorna La Farge Paul and Susie La Farge
Cecil Large Alda Large
Jack McIntosh Bob and Betty Gregory
Louise Pulsifer Dorothy Grover Lori Moretti Galen and Joann Siddall
Ray Pulsifer Dorothy Grover Lori Moretti
Ray and Helen Smith Ward Hill
Carole Smutz Jerry and Becky Rudberg
I H …
David and Melody Bruce Frank and Virginia Musgrave
Bob and Betty Gregory anonymous
John and Dianne McIntosh anonymous
Red and Barbara Terrell Bob and Betty Gregory
Save the Date! for 2012-2013
Sunday, October 7, 2012 Fall Rally @ 5:30 PM
Thursday October 11, 2012 Pastor/Mentor Retreat
November 9-10 and 16-17 Country Churchmouse Bazaar
January 26, 2013 Elder/Pastor Conference
February 16, 2013 Technology Conference
March 16, 2013 Mission Seminar
April 11, 2013 Office Professionals Retreat
May 9, 2013 Seniorfest
May 24-27, 2013 Nehemiah Project
June 25-30, 2013 week of the 161st Oregon Christian Convention
OCC Financial Update:
After a great convention this last June, your prayers and financial help are needed. The Oregon Christian Conventions’ year round ministry of equipping the church through conferences, retreats and seminars has grown and become an important element in connecting the churches of the Northwest. Expanding and enthusiastic involvement of church leaders and staff is gratifying and a measure of our effectiveness in serving our constituents and supporting congregations.
Church and individual financial support has diminished in the past few years. OCC strives to be good stewards of the resources available and ended the last fiscal year in the black. Yet there are pressing needs such as a foundation repair to Centennial Lodge and the need for reserves to see the convention through the winter months. We are very grateful for your continued financial support. Will you please pray that our financial base will be sustained and increased for this is our need if we are to progress in maintaining and expanding the ministry of OCC.
The OCC Leadership Team (Board) and administrator Dianne McIntosh have worked diligently to shape a budget that is both realistic but also visionary enough to require faith to achieve our goals.
The extensive work of volunteers, minimal but effective staffing, aggressive marketing of our grounds for camps, weddings, reunions, concerts, and many church events have helped stabilize our financial and operational situation. However, it is all still by faith. We need faithful prayer and financial partners if we are to continue serving the Lord effectively. Will you pray for OCC and consider giving a gift today?
Sincerely in Christ, Wayne Rowe Minister, Marcola Christian Church
Thank You!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ANN CECIL WHO HAS BEEN THE OCC TREASURER FOR
THE PAST SEVEN YEARS. Given the demands of her regular job, Ann is stepping away from her role as treasurer for OCC.
Ann has faithfully overseen the finances at OCC with professionalism and caring. Her heart of ministry combined
with her skills and gifts have been a wonderful blessing to the Oregon Christian Convention.
Alger and Betty Fitch. Alger and Betty Fitch. Alger and Betty Fitch. Note Note Note the globes still on the towers.the globes still on the towers.the globes still on the towers.
Oregon Christian Convention P.O. Box 413 Turner, Oregon 97392-0413 (503) 743-2101
Email: [email protected] Website: www.oregonchristianconvention.org
We accept Visa and MasterCard RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 106 Salem, Oregon
October 7, 2012 @ 5:30 PM Autumn Gathering This years’ ‘Fall Rally’ is going to be a time of singing and celebrating heritage and unity as the family of God. We will come together 5:30 pm on Sunday, October 7th in the Tabernacle for our ‘Autumn Gathering”—a blue grass gospel sing!
Music will be led by the ‘Nile Valley River Boys’ from Newport, Oregon. Here’s the fun part: Anyone with a musical instrument is invited to join in (all the songs and hymns are in the keys of G and D with a C thrown in occasionally to befuddle the Neophytes (not to be confused with the Hivites, Perizzites or Gergashites—if you care about that sort of thing).
In addition to the sing-along several churches have been asked to provide special music. If your congregation has a ‘kids’ group, worship band, or choir that would like to bring a special, then let us know by calling me, Gene, at 714-393-1516 by October the 1st.
One more added bonus: to insure that your energy level is up before you head home, the evening will conclude with cobbler and ice cream in Jubilee Lodge.
I’m looking forward to being with you on the 7th of October for a great evening of extolling, praising and renewing (musicians come at 5:00 PM to tune up).
Your 2013 Convention President, Gene Sonnenberg
LOOK INSIDE FOR DETAILS ON UPCOMING EVENTS, WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OCC AND HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE!
2012 Fall Dates!
October 7-Autumn Gathering October 11-Pastor/Mentor Retreat November 9-10 and 16-17- Country Churchmouse Bazaar
Check it out on our Updated Website www.oregonchristianconvention.org
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