1. education
2. homework and study tips

CALVIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Hilltop Notes
2015 Lenten Study
“The Four Acts of Prayer”
Calvin Presbyterian Church
10445 SW Canterbury Lane
Tigard, Oregon 97224
Rev. Dr. James L. Wallace
Pastor
Rev. Tim Jantos
Pastor of Congregational
Care
503.639.3273
www.calvinpresbyterian.org
A weekly DVD series with Walter Wangerin, Jr.
Wednesday Evenings: February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1
►
6:30 - 7:30 pm view the DVD, group reflection and prayer. Fellowship Hall.
From the publisher: “Both new and experienced Christians find praying to be something of a mystery and often wonder about how to pray. Wangerin teaches that prayer is more than communication; it is a conversa-tion between God and each one of
us. And because it is a conversation, it is made up of these four acts: we speak, God
listens, God speaks, we listen. In The Four Acts of Prayer Wangerin uses stories to
explore these vital elements of the complete circle of praying. He shows us that these
four simple acts, practiced and de-veloped with diligence, bring us into a close communion with God that supports us in our daily living.”
Walter Wangerin, Jr. is the award-winning author of 34 books, including the bestselling The Book of God; the National Book Award-winning The Book of the Dun
Cow; and, most recently, Saint Julian. Wangerin held the Jochum Chair at Valparaiso
Uni-versity, where he was writer-in-residence.
The class will be facilitated by Pastor Jim Wallace and Pastor Tim Jantos.
Weekly Focus
February 18
Join in
worship
February 25
Introduction
The First Act of Prayer-We Speak
Part 1. Praying with Others
March 4
Part 2. Praying the Prayer of Others
Part 3. Our Own Prayers
March 11
The Second Act of Prayer-God Listens
The Third Act of Prayer-God Speaks
Part 1. God Speaks Your Name
March 18
Part 2. The Words God Uses
Part 3. The Ways God Speaks
March 25
The Fourth Act of Prayer-We Listen
Part 1. The Pieties
Part 2. Emptiness Before God
April 1
The final class falls during Wednesday of Holy Week.
Participants are invited to conclude the series by
gathering in The Chapel for a 30 minute prayer
service.
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FROM PASTOR JIM
“U-Turns Permitted”
One of the differences I’ve noticed between Iowa and Oregon is that U-Turns are
permitted. Just about everyone who has ever driven a car knows about U-Turns.
That’s where you find yourself going one way, but what you really need to do is go in
the other direction. And so at some intersection you double back, by making a “U.”
In Iowa they are not allowed. If you are heading the wrong direction and want to turn
around, usually there will be a sign in the highway median that says “U-Turns Not
Permitted.” But around here over almost every intersection you will find a sign saying:
“U-Turns Permitted.” Of course, that can be a little tricky with traffic turning from the
side street, but, with a little caution, it can be done.
Throughout Lent one of the things we talk about doing is making U-turns in
terms of our life and faith. Perhaps we don’t like the direction things are going. Maybe we realize we are heading the
wrong way. Possibly we recognize how our actions and attitude are pulling us away from the Christian life.
Nothing short of a change in direction will do. In church-speak we call that repentance. While repentance may include
some inner measure of regret, the word literally means a complete change in direction—making a U-Turn.
Each Sunday we provide that opportunity—it is called the Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Forgiveness. And
during the season of Lent we give a sustained emphasis to turning things around and heading a new way when it
comes to Christian living.
Turn around. Go a new way. Take a new direction. In the Christian life: U-Turns Permitted.”
Pastor Jim
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Ash Wednesday Service
The Sanctuary
February 18th ——— 6:30 pm
This day ashes are placed on the foreheads of the faithful
to represent repentance.
We’ll share a wonderful pancake meal before service at 5:30 pm.
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HI LLT O P NO T E S
Friday Night Homeless Shelter News
We have been open for 6 weeks now and things have been going well. This year we have had a more consistent group
of guests than we did last year.
Here are our stats for the first 6 weeks.
Total
Ave per
night
Number of
Guest
Number of
Guest who
had dinner
Number of Guest
who received
McDonald cards
Volunteer
hours
106
95
84
407
18
16
14
68
Although things have started well, we are in need of several volunteers for the month of February and March. Currently
we have only 22% of the volunteer positions filled. Please take a look at the sign-up sheet on the board and see if there
is something you would be willing to volunteer for.
The Non-Food Donation / Friendly Listener volunteer position is a great way to help out and see how the shelter
operates for someone who has not volunteered before.
If you would like to donate items to the shelter we are in need of double and triple A batteries, men and women
deodorant, men and women cotton underwear and $5 McDonald gift cards.
If you would like more information about volunteering or donating feel free to call me at 503-430-4100.
Trent Plummer, Chairperson
Grace Notes
Sing in the Shower? We need YOU!
If you sing in the shower, you are qualified to sing with our shut ins! No audition or interview needed, just the love of
music and interest in bringing joy to others.
For over five years Grace Notes has sung in homes, foster care homes, assisted living facilities, etc. for those who are
dealing with health issues. Usually our folks live in the Tigard area. Primarily we sing hymns but also include secular
songs such as "You Are My Sunshine", "Edelweiss" or "This Land Is Your Land". We encourage our folks to suggest
songs they love.
A binder of music is provided. A small fee of ten dollars is used to defray the costs of materials. We encourage potential singers to come sing with us for a week or two to see if you are comfortable. Currently, we have seven members -some are retired and some work full time. Each of us has a busy schedule and we don't expect everyone to sing every
week. Most often we have 3-4 singers. When we have a larger number of singers, we will schedule a group to sing
every other week.
There are no rehearsals unless needed. No church affiliation is required, so if you have a friend who is interested and
not a member of a church, please share this information. We are so blessed to share our caring through music and
feel strongly that it is more rewarding for us than for those with whom we sing!
Come join us to try it out! Please feel free to phone or email me for more information.
Julie Nader
julie_nader@yahoo.com
(503) 525-3882
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HI LLT O P NO T E S
Sunday Soup for Six at 6
February 22
On Sunday, February
22nd, Calvin will celebrate
the second “Sunday Soup
for Six at 6”. The idea is
for six people to have a
soup supper together on
that day in homes in order
to make new friends and
enjoy old friends. Singles, couples and families
with children are invited to sign-up at the Good
News Center. You can be a host or a guest. The
host will provide the soup and guests will contribute, salad and dessert. The final day to sign up is
February 15th. We will randomly put participants
into groups and notify you the week of February
16th. Remember, this is a one- time event on
Sunday, February 22nd at 6:00 pm.
Our last Sunday Soup at 6 got great reviews, so
don’t miss this chance to participate in an enjoyable evening of fellowship.
To the Calvin Family
The caring support of the Calvin community has
been a major help to both of us as we adjust to the
loss of our son, Robert. His sudden death was a
shock to all of our family. Friends at Calvin have
accepted and supported us in the grieving
process; and we greatly appreciate this help.
We also thank the folks at Calvin for helping us
with the memorial service on Dec. 22. Both of our
pastors were available whenever we needed them.
The office staff printed bulletins and made
necessary arrangements. The Deacons committee
brought cookies and served at the reception
following the memorial. We had music, food,
technology, and good fellowship and memories
at the memorial service.
Thank you Calvin!
Bob and Bonnie Acker
Holiday Mission Marketplace
The Mission Committee thanks all who participated
in the 2014 Holiday Mission Marketplace. Again
this year Calvin’s generosity was overwhelming.
We were able to send enough money to World
Vision to purchase 72 Ebola Kits!
Additionally, we purchased:
27 bus passes for TRC
28 hot breakfasts
20 flocks of chicks
1 heifer
1 entire community water well and 4
additional shares
$45 for vaccines for children
3 irrigation pumps
1 small business loan
5 promise baskets (geese, ducks,
chickens and rabbits)
1 pair of goats
$48 to Union Gospel Mission
$106 dollars to the Oregon Food Bank
Including the Fair Trade food and gift items, nearly
$8,000 was collected. The Mission Marketplace
began in about 2002 under Pastor Dale Southorn.
Since then, you, the members of Calvin have purchased well over $100,000 in mission gifts of animals, food, medical care, social support and so
much more. We are truly blessed to be a blessing.
Your generous hearts have blessed people all over
the world.
Circle of Ruth
Circle of Ruth is open for membership at any time.
We currently have seven members. We meet on
the 3rd Tuesday of each month in King City at Pacific Point Retirement Center. Merna Trachsel and
Co-chair Greta Wood welcome new members. We
use Horizon Bible Study books, and are now reading “Reconciling Paul”. The group promotes friend-
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HI LLT O P NO T E S
ship for women and fellowship with our members,
Pickle Ball Beginners Class
every one is “Welcome”. If you have any questions
please call Merna 503-620-6031 or Greta 503-628- A four week class for beginners who are interested
in learning how to play pickle ball will begin on
3228.
Thursday evenings, February
Wednesday Dinners
5th at 6:15 pm in
To all the small groups and committees that help
the Celebration
with our dinner support, thank you.
Center. A professional coach will

4:45 to 6:00 pm, 3 or 4 people needed to cut give personalized instruction to a class of 12
desserts and serve dinner (usually the TRC
people on three courts. There will be loaner
men set the tables early in the day).
paddles available, gift certificates, merchandise,

6:30 to 7:15 pm, 3 or 4 people to clear the
books and videos. Plus, your personal video taped
tables and do light clean-up.
sessions. The cost is $59.00 in advance for the

8 desserts delivered by 4:45 pm. They do
first twelve people who sign-up. Refreshments and
not need to be homemade.
munchies included! You may call Tom Widden at
503-718-4496 for more information.
Upcoming dinner helpers are:
Feb. 4
Feb. 11
Feb. 18
Feb. 25
March 4
March 11
March 18
March 25
April 1
April 8
April 15
April 22
April 29
Chancel Choir
Music & Worship Committee
Ash Wed. Men’s Chorus
Youth & Youth Committees
Mission Committee
Men’s Thursday Bible Study
Prayer Chain
Personnel & Evangelism Committee
Community Life and Stewardship
Committees
Sisters in Song
Homeless Ministry Committee
Buildings & Grounds & Tech
Committees
Spinnaker Mariners
Hilltop Notes Articles
DUE by the 15th of each month
Your writing is so appreciated! Please bring, send,
or email articles to the church office
(sbarsi@calvinpresbyterian.org) on or before the
15th of each month to find a place in the Hilltop
Notes. Thank you. Sonja Barsi
Night of Entertainment
This year's Night of Entertainment will be on April
18th. Come dressed appropriately to enjoy a fun
filled gathering reminiscent of the 1920's. This is
a fundraiser for the youth mission trip to New
Orleans. Be sure to support the mission with a
generous contribution while having a grand ol’ time
with your extended church family!
PAGE 6
Health Ministry
Bonnie Acker, Parish Nurse
HI LLT O P NO T E S
ADVANCED DIRECTIVE WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 4 & 11
Ann Kister, a Providence Community Care
FLU IN OREGON
Liaison, is coming to Calvin on Wednesday Feb. 4
Although the flu season started slowly in
and Feb. 11 at 6:30 pm to lead a workshop on
Oregon, the first couple of weeks in January showed
Advanced Directives. She will discuss their
a rapid increase in flu-related hospitalizations.
importance in our changing health care world, and
Hospitals in the Legacy, Adventist, and Kaiser
then help us each fill out the form according to our
systems have already begun restrictions on visitors
own wishes. At the second meeting we will complete
due to an increase in flu cases. In addition, the state
the forms, and learn where to file and keep them so
has received reports of more than 20 flu outbreaks at
they are available if needed for our care. We all
long term care facilities. Since the peak of the flu
should have an advanced directive saying what
season is probably still to come in Oregon, precautypes of medical care we want or don’t want in a
tions to prevent its spread are especially important.
health care crisis, as well as designating who we
The federal Centers for Disease Control and
want to make health care decisions for us if we
Prevention as well as Oregon health officials recomcan’t make them for ourselves. Plan to attend this
mend that anyone 6 months of age or older get a flu
important workshop.
shot. Although this year’s vaccine is well matched in
only about 1/3 of the cases seen so far, it is thought
BLOOD DRIVE
that it will be effective against other viruses that could
The Red Cross has scheduled a blood drive
surge in late winter or spring. Dr. Ann Thomas, a
to be held at Calvin on Saturday, March 7. This will
physician with the Oregon Health Authority, stated in
be a community blood drive using Calvin’s facilities.
the Oregonian (1/9/15) that the vaccine “should still
They will not bring a bloodmobile, but will use Fellowprovide some protection” and people should not “be
ship Hall to set up cots for drawing blood. The Red
swayed by the fact that it’s not a perfect match.” ReCross will schedule all appointments. You may
member, it takes 2 weeks after a flu shot for maximal
schedule an appointment directly with the Red Cross
protection to take effect.
if you want to give blood at Calvin.
Other important precautions to take against
the flu include hand washing and staying away from
APRIL SHOWER
anyone who is coughing. Soap and warm water
Calvin’s April Shower to benefit babies and young
used to thoroughly wash one’s hands is the best way
children in need in Washington County will be held
to get rid of viruses that cause the flu. Using hand
on Sunday, April 19 this year.
sanitizer is a good second choice if water isn’t readily
available. Flu viruses are spread on hands, on anything hands touch, and in the air, usually from coughing. Care when coughing helps to limit the spread of
the virus. Cover a cough with a Kleenex, discard it in
an appropriate receptacle, then wash one’s hands
thoroughly. If one is coughing frequently it is
important to stay home, and limit one’s contact with
other people.
HI LLT O P NO T E S
PAGE 7
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
2
3
4
5
6
10 am, Communion Sunday
No Children’s Sun. School
11:15 am, Newcomers Gathering
11:30 am, Adult Forum
5:00 pm, Middle School Youth
Group
7:00 pm, High School Youth
Group
11 am, Bible Study
9 am - 1 pm,
Pickle Ball
3:30 pm, Exercise
4:30 pm, Bible Study
4:30 pm, Confirmation Class
5:30 pm, All Church Dinner,
Chancel Choir are the dinner
helpers
6:30 pm, Adult Enrichment,
Advanced Directives
7:30 pm, Chancel Choir
7 - 8 am, Men’s
Bible Study
10 am, Bible
Study
10 am, Grief Support
1 pm, Anniversary
Committee
11 am - 3 pm,
Pickle Ball
2 - 4pm, Knitting
8
9
10
11
12
13
10 am, Worship
10:15 am, Children’s Sunday
School
11 am, Jubilee Singers
11:30 am, Adult Forum
5:00 pm, Middle School Youth
Group
7:00 pm, High School Youth
Group
11 am, Bible Study
9 am - 1 pm,
Pickle Ball
3:30 pm, Exercise
4:30 pm, Bible Study
4:30 pm, Confirmation Class
5:30 pm, All Church Dinner,
Music & Worship Committee
are the dinner helpers
6:30 pm, Adult Enrichment,
Advanced Directives
7:30 pm, Sister’s in Song
7 - 8 am, Men’s
Bible Study
10 am, Bible
Study
7 pm, Deacons
2 - 4 pm, Knitting
7 pm, Mission
Committee
6 pm, Homeless
Shelter
15
16
17
18
19
20
10 am, Worship
10:15 am, Children’s Sunday
School
11 am, Jubilee Singers
11:30 am, Adult Forum
5:00 pm, Middle School Youth
Group
7:00 pm, High School Youth
Group
11:00 pm, Bible
Study
9 am - 1 pm,
Pickle Ball
7 - 8 am, Men’s
Bible Study
10 am, Bible
Study
3:30 pm, Exercise
1:30 pm Stephen
Ministry
3:30 pm, Exercise
4:30 pm, Bible Study
4:30 pm, Confirmation Class
5:30 pm, All Church Pancake
Dinner, Men’s Chorus are the
dinner helpers
6:30 pm, Ash Wednesday
Service
10 am, Grief
Support Group
2 - 4 pm, Knitting
22
23
24
25
26
27
10 am, Worship
10:15 am, Children’s Sunday
School
11 am, Jubilee Singers
11:30 am, Adult Forum
5:00 pm, Middle School Youth
Group
7:00 pm, High School Youth
11:00 pm, Bible
Study
9 am - 1 pm,
Pickle Ball
7 - 8 am, Men’s
Bible Study
10 am, Bible
Study
3:30 pm, Exercise
1:30 pm, Stephen
Ministry
3:30 pm, Exercise
4:30 pm, Bible Study
4:30 pm, Confirmation Class
5:30 pm, All Church Dinner,
Youth & Youth Committee are
the dinner helpers
6:30 pm, Lenten Series
7:30 Chancel Choir
11 am - 3 pm,
Pickle Ball
2 - 4 pm, Knitting
6:00 pm, Soup for Six at 6
3:30 pm, Exercise
7:30 pm, Men’s
Chorus
3:30 pm, Exercise
7 pm, King’s
Ringers
1 pm, Dominoes
7 pm, Buildings &
Grounds
1:30 pm, Stephen
MInistry
7 pm, Youth
Ministry Team
7 pm, Evangelism
Committee
7 pm, Endowment
Committee
7 pm, Health Ministry Team
7 pm, Session
7 pm, King’s
Ringers
7 pm, King’s
Ringers
7 pm, Homeless
Ministry
6:15 pm, Beginner
Pickle Ball Lesson
Sat
7
6 pm, Homeless
Shelter
14
11 am - 3 pm,
Pickle Ball
6:15 pm, Beginner
Pickle Ball Lesson
11 am - 3 pm,
Pickle Ball
21
6 pm, Homeless
Shelter
6:15 pm, Beginner
Pickle Ball Lesson
6:15 pm, Beginner
Pickle Ball Lesson
6 pm, Homeless
Shelter
28
HI LLT O P NO T E S
PAGE 8
Calvin Youth Ministry
Beginning in February, the youth of the church will be serving coffee during the coffee hour on the second
Sunday of every month. This is a wonderful time to encourage our young people in church and to meet
new friendly faces. Please make sure your kids are able to be at church on the Second Sunday of every
month until summer. It'll be a fun experiment in intergenerational ministry.
We had a wonderful overnight event a couple weeks ago called “Destination Unknown”. This year we
went to Comedy Sports in NW Portland, 'Ice Blocking' in SE Portland, and then Bowling in Beaverton until
almost 2 am. After that, we went to Hillsboro Presbyterian and watched movies until it was time to make it
back to the church by 6 am for breakfast. Keep your eyes open for the next Destination Unknown. You
won’t be able to know where we are going, but you can join us for the fun!.
As announced at church in January, this year's Youth Mission Trip is going to New Orleans for Katrina
relief. This is the 10 year anniversary of Katrina and there is still much work to be done with many meaningful projects to be completed. The dates for this trip will be June 21 - 27. The estimated cost for the trip
is about $900 per person with fundraising to cover about half the cost. A deposit to secure your spot must
be in the church office by February 4th (just a few days away), so we can get
a good deal on plane tickets. Please let Ryan Caldwell know if you have any
questions/concerns about the trip. You may want to read about our fundraiser
this year in the Night of Entertainment on page 5.
Grace and Peace to you.
~Ryan Caldwell
Welcome New Members
Don & Wendy Moore
Bret Coffin
PAGE 9
HI LLT O P NO T E S
Endowment Grant Applicatiions
The time has come for our church Endowment
Committee to consider special requests for 2015.
If you can think of a special need that should be
considered, please stop by the church office and
pick-up an application for grant requests. They are
simple and easy to complete. The deadline for
accepting these requests is February 27, 2015.
Please return completed applications to the church
office, to Sherri or Sonja.
Approval and funding level of applications is based
on meeting the criteria and the advice of church
committees. Criteria is:
1. The organization is a 503(c)3 if the
request is not for a Calvin activity.
2. The Endowment Fund is the prime funding
source.
3. The request benefits this church.
4. The request spreads the Word of God.
5. The request provides for an enduring
impact.
6. The request has a strong community
outreach component.
7. The committee favors providing initial
seed money to new programs, but does not thereby
suggest it will be the source of funding if the new
program is an ongoing activity in subsequent years,
after the initial grant from endowment funds. Application for that should be made in the regular church
budget process or a means found to make the activity self-sustaining through fundraising, fees, direct
donations, etc. Repeat grants will require unusual
circumstances for justification.
If you would like to make a “forever” gift to Calvin,
please consider a gift to our Endowment Fund. The
assets that go into the fund are never consumed,
only the income from these assets is utilized.
Your gift would have an impact on this church every
year….. forever more!
For more information contact committee members:
John Grabow, Chairman
Pat Stange
Derryck Dittman
Scott Richmann
Bill Rommel
503-624-6117
503-682-4991
503-590-5440
503-317-4326
503-639-1053
Session Highlights
Congregational Conversation
On January 18, 2015, 107 participants, including 22
moderators and scribes, munched on home baked
cookies and discussed three questions for 45
minutes.
Responses to the first question, “What is your most
meaningful experience at Calvin?” ultimately
centered on four themes. They were involvement,
connections with others, spiritual connections, and
watching families grow.
Responses to the second question, “What is most
noticeably different about your life since coming to
Calvin?” also centered on four themes. They were
deepening faith, being able to serve, belonging to a
church family, and being aware of people’s needs in
the congregation, in the local community, and
around the world.
Finally responses to the third question, “What is your
best hope for Calvin?” centered on three themes.
They were greater diversity economically, racially,
and generationally, community outreach, and church
growth. Of note, there were many comments expressing a wish to return to an intergenerational
church.
22 facilitators, 4 babysitters, 7 cookie bakers, 8
refreshment servers, 1 data keeper, and 4 evaluators made this conversation possible. A very huge
thank you to each and every one of you. This event
would not have happened without your great help.
Judy Miller
Community Life Elder
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PORTLAND, OREGON
PERMIT No. 180
10445 SW Canterbury Lane
Tigard, Oregon, 97224