February 9, 2017
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Dear ones in Christ, If you do nothing else with this week’s edition of the Tidings, could I ask you to read the following article, written by Jim Wallis and published in Sojourners. Click here Sustainability and Solidarity in the Trump Era Here at St. Catherine’s, I have been focusing on internal unity in the face of extreme polarization in the public and social sphere. I do so with an awareness of the many challenges that many of us face in our personal lives, and wanting for our common life to be a reflection, not of partisan politics, but rather of an authentic response to our Baptismal Covenant as the way we articulate our adherence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Nonetheless, the question is posed for each one of us, both as individuals and as congregations. Who are we called to be, as a community faithful in following Jesus, given the realities of our world today? And once we know who we are called to be, how do we live into that call in a way that is authentic and faithful? Speaking for the vision of Sojourners, Wallis says: Sojourners aims to be a nurturing, connecting, and sustaining place as we call for faith, resistance, and healing. We want to support and sustain all those who are using their many callings and gifts in multiple ways to push back against bigotry, protect the vulnerable, preserve our values, stand up for the truth, and keep the faith. We need to live and act in solidarity — together. This is equally compelling as a vision for St. Catherine’s at this time. This year, and as we approach the Lenten Season, I ask you for support, commitment, and willingness to move into some of those uncomfortable spaces for the sake of the Gospel which is the foundation of our Christian identity. In Christ, Lenten Study: America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America, by Jim Wallis Our Lenten book study this year will be open both to St. Please e-mail me here to sign up, and let me know whether you would prefer a day time or evening time slot. Click here for a more in-depth description of the book: click here. Click here for an introduction to Jim Wallis’ work as a pastor, Christian activist and founder and editor of Sojourner’s magazine: Patricia+ Pancake Supper at the Bunkhouse on Feb. 28
Ash Wednesday Service Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 1st. This year we will have two worship opportunities for the day:
Dorene’s address (correction)
Thanks to everyone sending cards and letters. The is the correct address: P.O. Box 230877 St Catherine’s Choir Looking for Pianist and Singers We need a pianist! Please ask among your friends and Any volunteers to sing or for information on a pianist please contact Jim Berg, 503-368-4035, bergmark14@gmail.com or Kathy Park, 503-368-4086, dkpark@nehalemtel.net. Kathy Park Food Bank Update
Sharon Smith Labyrinth Coming to St Catherine’s
The Labyrinth Committee is sponsoring an orientation for using the Labyrinth as a spiritual practice on Sunday, February 26th at 11:00 am. We are borrowing the floor labyrinth from Grace Episcopal Church in Astoria and will be setting it up in the altar area. We’ve also invited Karin Temple, who coordinates the Labyrinth Ministry at Grace, to speak about the labyrinth as a spiritual practice and how they have incorporated the labyrinth into their congregation and wider community. The labyrinth will remain up during the evening worship service and there will be a few designated times when the labyrinth will be available for walking the following week. We will be inviting the larger community to this event; please invite neighbors or friends you think would be interested in learning more about the labyrinth. If you have questions, or you’d like to become involved in bringing an outdoor Labyrinth to St. Catherine’s, please contact Molly Oliver at 503-314-7318 or mollymoliver@gmail.com Molly Oliver |
Catherine’s and the wider community. We will read and discuss Jim Wallis’ book, America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America. The group will meet on Wednesdays, with the possibility of both a morning or early afternoon group and also an evening group to accommodate various scheduling needs. The series will begin on Wednesday, March 8, and conclude on Wednesday April 12th. The book can be purchased on Amazon, and is also available as an electronic download.
All are invited to a pancake supper at the Bunkhouse Restaurant on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 5 – 7 PM. Just like last year, Gabriel will have a simple menu (so you can order pancakes or something else), and each one of us will pay for our own meal. This is a great fellowship opportunity and a fun way to get us into the Lenten season.
acquaintances, even strangers. We also need more willing singers. Consider joining us. Rehearsal time is currently fluid, meaning we can adjust it to fit the group. 
Thanks to all who helped fill the food donation basket in the narthex this week. Five large grocery bags were delivered to the North Coast Food Bank on Tuesday morning. Many local people will benefit from your thoughtful gifts.
Labyrinth Orientation Sunday,