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The
Chronicle
Ainsworth United Church of Christ - May 2015
Fight for Marriage Equality Starts at Supreme Court
The legality of marriage equality nationwide is
the major question, as the Supreme Court began
hearing arguments that could shape the national
scope for equal rights and the freedom to marry.
Leaders and advocates of the United Church of
Christ, who have worked tirelessly in the last
decade to realize that freedom for equal rights,
know that today could be a turning point in
history. The Rev. J. Bennett Guess, a national
officer of the church, can sense it. "This is a
significant milestone moment in the long, hardfought campaign to win marriage equality for
same-gender couples," Guess said. "We're not
there yet, but we are getting very, very close."
"We have waited long enough for all couples to
have the same rights," said the Rev. Mike
Schuenemeyer, UCC executive for health and
wholeness advocacy, who explained the UCC's
interest in the cases. "The time is now. We are on
the doorstep to history—but this case is more
than history—it is justice and equality for all
people."
Amid a throng of marriage equality supporters
and opponents lined up on both sides of the
Court, the nine justices are hearing cases from
four states in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals —
Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.
It was almost one decade ago that the General
Synod adopted the resolution to support and
affirm marriage equality for all people,"
Schuenemeyer said. "That resolution called on
our leaders to oppose the laws that restrict the
freedom to marry, and that’s what we’ve been
doing, culminating with the hearing of the cases
today."
The cases reached the Supreme Court after the
Sixth Circuit ruled in November that bans in
those four states against same-gender marriages
were constitutional, creating a split among
Current State of Same-Sex Marriage. Those
states in darker shade currently prohibit samesex marriage, while all others have authorized it.
federal rulings. The circuit is the only appeals
court to uphold state same-sex marriage bans
since the Supreme Court in 2013 struck down
part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The
Fourth, Seventh, Ninth and Tenth circuit courts
all have ruled that same-sex marriage bans
violate the U.S. Constitution.
In 37 of the 50 states in the U.S., LGBT couples
enjoy the freedom to marry. At this time last
year, there were just 17 states, including the
District of Columbia, where same-sex marriage
was recognized, but state and federal judges have
since struck down marriage bans in 20 states.
More
than
216
million
Americans—
approximately 70 percent of the country—live in
a state with marriage equality.
"I am so proud of our church for the significant
leadership role it has played in every state, in
every difficult legislative, judicial and electoral
battle, every win and temporary setback, to till
the soil so that marriage equality will soon be
offered to all couples," Guess said. "I am so
excited that it is highly likely that we will be
celebrating a national marriage equality victory
(continued on page 6)…
Ainsworth United Church of Christ
A Multiracial, Multicultural, Open and Affirming Community
2 AUCC Chronicle
From the Pastor:
Recently,
at
our
Leadership Retreat, Rev.
Cecil
Prescod,
our
Minister
of
Faith
Formation, led us in a
closing devotion. He
shared the Still Speaking
Devotion for that day by Rev. Kenneth Samuel,
one of my favorite Still Speaking authors. The
scripture -"How good and pleasant it is when
God's people live together in unity!" - Psalm 133
(NIV) was the basis for his reflection, but also
provided the scripture for what we were
about. We gathered as elected leaders, staff and
folk who had not been elected and someone who
had yet to join our congregation officially, but all
gathered to reflect, share and work together to
help Ainsworth UCC live out our identity as a
multiracial, multicultural congregation with
greater intentionality.
That is what we, Ainsworth United Church of
Christ, are about- living as part of the Beloved
Community, unified in faith and purpose, with
all of our diversity. Our conviction about that
means we will continually seek ways to confront
racism, sexism, classism, homophobia within
ourselves and without (confronting some other isms too). Living out the scripture, calls us to
seek God’s realm in our midst. Rev. Samuel
presented some glimpses of God’s realm in our
world where the unexpected goodness appears.
Let me suggest some of our own:
† When our rainbow of children gather for
Sharing the Story and to teach the rest of us
about love and sharing, caring for the earth and
so many other things.
†
Where Ainsworth UCC members and pastors
attend PFLAG Portland Black Chapter’s
anniversary and are asked to bring prayer, are
first on the dance floor and our strong with our
message that God loves everyone.
† Where
May 2015
online at www.ainsworthucc.com
our small, but dedicated committee
prepares a great meal and raises money for
scholarships and where we see what seeds had
been planted when recipients return to share, to
give back, to help.
† Where our youth interview some of our elders
that are taped by another youth who shares his
expertise, and other adults are lovingly
organizing and supporting this Legacy Project.
† When very dedicated elders visit and/or write
to men on death row, and share passionately
about them.
† When a dedicated AUCC group meets to plan
and guide us to living as the Beloved Community
more intentionally.
† When Ainsworth people go out into the world
to serve in mission at the border, in our
community, in Salem, in organizations, shaking
things up and helping make our world a better
place.
These are pieces of God’s realm. Jesus told us
that God’s realm is at hand and so it is. Come
join us to realize it, to make our part of the
Beloved Community reflect it, to celebrate and to
share it.
--Pastor Lynne
Jubilee Oregon
http://jubileeoregon.org/
May’s Bible Study Schedule
5th
John 15:9-17
th
12
John 17:6-19
19th
Acts 2:1-21
26th
John 3:1-17
June’s Bible Study Schedule
2nd
Mark 3:20-35 9th
th
16
Mark 4:35-41 23rd
30th
Mark 6:1-13
Mark 4:26-34
Mark 5:21-43
All are welcome to attend. We meet for Bible
Study at 10 am on Tuesdays, in Cambric Parlor
at Ainsworth UCC.
* Worshiping God
* Ministering to Each Other
* Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys
* Promoting Justice
* Serving the Local & Global Communities
3 AUCC Chronicle
May 2015
online at www.ainsworthucc.com
May Sundays
M
A
Y
3
M
A
Y
10
M
A
Y
17
M
A
Y
24
M
A
Y
31
Immigrant Justice Sunday
Sermon: by guests Pat Rumer and
Edgar Centano
Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:17-22
Liturgist:
Ushers: Eldon Potter, Don Parks,
Adelina Taylor, Mabel Johnson
Mother’s Day
Sermon: by guest, Derek Spears
Scripture:
Liturgist:
en Español: Ines Campoverde
Ushers: Nick Putnam, Bruce
Poinsette, Willard Valentine,
and Beverly Perttu
Sermon: “Power of Prayer”
Scripture: John 17:6-19
Liturgist:
Ushers: Judi Pitre, Pearl Wilson
and Norma Godfrey
Pentecost
Sermon: “Spirit for All”
Scripture: Acts 2:1-21
Liturgist:
En español: Nadia Gutierrez
Ushers: Carolyn Hinton,
Jean Scott, Nadia Gutierrez
& Tim Loveless
4-Seasons Birthday Celebration
Sermon: “Mystery”
Scripture: John 3:1-17
Liturgist:
Ushers: Ainsworth Youth Corps
Four Seasons Birthday Celebration
Sunday, 31 May.
Come for fun, fellowship and a lot of good food!
“Hold in
Prayer…”
Brian Crosby-Payne Susan Madison
Joe Craig
Leland Lundgren
Elaine Ordal
Verlin Byers
Steve Beaman
Elaine Bates
Anita Chimuku
Peter Chimuku
Shelly Penix
Lisa Gates
Illeana Dorn
Valeriana Bandwa
Norma & Jessie Godfrey Pearl Wilson
Marcy Ross
Doug Trotter
Arnold & Judi Pitre
Michael Eagan
Ellen Yarnell & nephew Jeremiah
Judy McKenzie’s nephew Seth
Rev. Hardy & Highland UCC
The people of Baltimore
All those in Nepal affected by last month’s
powerful earthquake.
and the UCC, in all settings
If you want prayers said for yourself or others,
feel free to call on the Prayer Chain members.
E-mail Peggy West @ jpwest@teleport.com or
call her at 503-659-7922.
Memory Bricks for Ainsworth Garden…
The Garden committee is sponsoring a memory
path from the garden gate to
the fountain. We invite all
who wish to purchase a
brick (or more if you wish)
in memory of a loved one.
You may have 18 letters no more than 3 lines for
a total cost of $30 ( the cost of the brick and the
installation). This offer will be open through the
month of May.
If you have questions please talk to the Garden
committee: Elvira, Hudson, Ellen, Hansen, Linda
Lewis, Alice Vetter, Shannon Hillis.
* Worshiping God
* Ministering to Each Other
* Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys
* Promoting Justice
* Serving the Local & Global Communities
4 AUCC Chronicle
online at www.ainsworthucc.com
Four Seasons Birthday Celebration...
Sunday, May 31st
If you didn’t know it, this
fundraiser is one of the
biggest, longest traditions
of our congregation. It
began with St. Andrews
UCC members who were a
“mostly
black”
congregation before they and the “mostly white”
church called Second UCC joined together to
become the Ainsworth UCC that we know and
love today. For 30 years, this fun event has
brought joy to the table and funds to the mission
and ministry of our church.
We’ll meet in Michel Hall for some wonderful
home cooking and friendly competition. Money
raised goes to boost the church’s operating
budget. This party is one huge birthday party for
everyone all a once – we divide the twelve
months of the year into four seasons, each with a
table full of goodies prepared by volunteers from
that season.
You get to roam around Michel Hall eating
anything you want and hopefully ‘voting’ for the
winning season with a check. Some of us are
very loyal to our birthday season and write a
check for a dollar for every year we are old
(hardest on us seniors, they’ll tell you with a
smile!) But you are free to donate any
amount you wish.
May 28 to 29
All Church Retreat at Camp Adams
Are you . . .
 Looking for something fun to do for
Memorial Day weekend?
 Hoping to experience fabulous
fellowship?
 Wanting to spend time in nature?
If you answered yes to any of these questions,
then plan on attending the all church retreat at
Camp Adams, May 22nd to May 23rd.
--Elana Brazile
May 2015
Ainsworth Church Clean-up Day
May 16th. Everyone is invited to pitch in to
spruce up the church. Many hands make light
work.
Bruce Poinsette (Administration
Commission) is coordinating this effort.
Ainsworth UCC 30th Anniversary…
This is our 30th year of being Ainsworth UCC
and to celebrate we are planning a weekend. The
previous date of May 17th has been
cancelled. Instead, we are going to celebrate in
Ainsworth UCC style with Ainsworth in the
City, an evening gala event on Saturday, October
17th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Northeast
Portland and then on Sunday, October 18th at
our own church. We will dedicate our 10:00am
worship service to our celebration and then share
a meal while viewing our Legacy Project video.
If you would like to be a part of this event, please
contact Norma Godfrey to assist- 503.708.5403
or blackvelvet6602@aol.com. If you would like
to help with the planning of our Ainsworth in the
City Gala, please contact Ashley Cooper –
971.300.3892
or
Kathy
Saunders
at
tailcedar55@hotmail.com.
Ainsworth UCC Membership Exploration…
If you are new to Ainsworth UCC or have been
attending, but never became a formal member
and would like to know more about our church
and the United Church of Christ, this series of 3
classes is for you. We also welcome members of
Ainsworth UCC to attend at least one of the
classes if you would like to get to know new
people who are attending, share a bit about your
experience of Ainsworth UCC and hear and
share your faith journey. The first class will be
held Sunday, May 17 from 12- 2pm, and at that
time we will schedule the other two classes. This
prepares you for membership, if you are
interested, but does not commit you to taking
that step- that is up to you.
RSVP to the church office, or Pastor Lynne at
pastor@ainsworthucc.com or 503.284.8767. If
you need child care, please let us know that also.
* Worshiping God
* Ministering to Each Other
* Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys
* Promoting Justice
* Serving the Local & Global Communities
5 AUCC Chronicle
online at www.ainsworthucc.com
May 2015
Ministry With Older Adults
You are invited to the monthly meetings of the
Ministry With Older Adults (MWOA). The
group meets at 11:15 a.m. in Cambric Parlor on
the 4th Tuesday of the month. The next meeting
is May 26th. Light refreshments are served.
Discussions about various topics related to 'aging
more
consciously'
are
lively
and
interesting. There's lots of good humor and
sharing among friends.
Ainsworth UCC's Ministry With Older Adults
was started in 1997 by Rev. Jack and Mary
Takayanagi. The focus is on people ages 55 and
over, but the group welcomes contributions from
persons of any age. Elders and youth can learn
much about life and faith and joy and love from
each other. The Statement of Purpose notes that
"Particular attention will be paid both to the
special gifts older adults have to offer, and
special needs many have as they age." One of the
MWOA goals is promoting intergenerational
service and fellowship.
At the March MWOA meeting, we had a fine
time learning much from Ricky Casias as he
shared a variety of thoughts and treasures from
his Native American (Ute and Aztec)
heritage. At the April meeting people engaged in
a thoughtful exchange of insights on "Images of
Aging: Positive and Negative."
We're NOT a group of elders that sits around
talking about the "good old days." We are
celebrating our lives and gifts and working to be
helpful to others. Come join us on Tuesday May
26th!
Equal Exchange on 2nd Sundays
Support our Youth Group: Buy coffee
and tea, or chocolates. Our Ainsworth
Youth Group will continue to sell
coffee, tea and assorted chocolates in
Michel Hall during fellowship hour.
It’s that Time of the Year
It is time to think about summer plans and
camping opportunities. This summer, you and
your family will have opportunities to participate
in wonderful camping experiences at Camp
Adams (near Molalla, Oregon).
Full Family Camp (all ages):
June 28-July 4 $183 youth/$220 adult
(maximum $888 per family)
Half-Session Family Camp
July 1 – July 4 $83 youth/$111 adult
(maximum $444 per family)
Genesis/Seekers (2nd and 3rd graders)
July 5 – July 11
$365
st
Taller & Smaller (K-1 grade, with Adult)
July 8-11
$83 youth/$111adult
Discoverers (4th and 5th graders)
July 12 – July 18
$365
Sojourners (6th, 7th and 8th graders)
July 19 – July 25
$365
th
th
th
th
Exodus (9 , 10 , 11 and 12 graders)
July 5 – July 11
$365
Camp registration is now open! Go to
campadams.org and click on the red registration
button on the home page. You may register
without paying the whole amount.
Financial assistance is available from Ainsworth
and Camp Adams. Please fill out the attached
scholarship forms and return them to me. The
deadline for scholarship requests is June 1.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any
questions.
–Rev. Cecil Prescod
Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice:
http://www.imirj.org
…Because Love Has No Borders
* Worshiping God
* Ministering to Each Other
* Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys
* Promoting Justice
* Serving the Local & Global Communities
6 AUCC Chronicle
online at www.ainsworthucc.com
Service Commission
Strengthen the Church Offering…
On Sunday, June 28th, we will be collecting an
offering for the work of the National United
Church of Christ and the local Conference:
Strengthen the Church. The offering monies are
used to support youth ministries and fulltime
leaders for new churches, in parts of the country
where the UCC voice has not been heard.
Your generosity will start new churches, support
new ideas in existing churches, and develop the
spiritual life in our youth and young adults.
Warm Clothing Still Needed…
Ainsworth UCC is very involved with the NE
“Food Bank.”
There is a Blue box in the
narthex for collections of food, paper and plastic
bags, and even toiletry items. They especially
need diapers and shampoo. The food items in
most demand are canned tuna and peanut butter.
Spring will bring warmer weather, but the need
for warm clothing continues. Please, consider
donating blankets, sheets, and towels.
Questions? See Barbara Rogers (503.841.5895),
or rogersbjoyas@comcast.net. You can also talk
to me about the details at church.
--Service Commission.
Ainsworth Directory Updates
If you have a change for the directory, such as a
new home or email, let us know. Send a note to
the church office, or call us.
May Birthdays
5 Rev. Ann Duffy
6 Susan McHarris
7 Hector López
7 Nyleah López
8 Pearl Wilson
11 Jackie Dvorak
13
13
15
15
17
17
Garnett Trotter
AJ Brazile
John Rogers
Joslyn Baker
Antonio Chimuku
Lynn Brown
May 2015
Marriage (continued from front page)…
when the UCC is gathered at General Synod in
Cleveland in late June. What joy that will be."
The Supreme Court ruling on the issue could
come down in late June, likely just before the
beginning of the UCC General Synod 2015 in
Cleveland, when the church will celebrate the
anniversaries of two major milestones in its
LGBT equality movement: the 10th anniversary
of the denomination becoming the first mainline
church to affirm equal marriage rights, and the
30th anniversary of a resolution calling UCC
congregations to become open and affirming of
all persons regardless of sexual orientation or
gender identity.
"Nationally, in the United Church of Christ,
we’ve been fully invested in this work for a full
decade now, helping to change hearts and minds,
which has proved absolutely essential in making
this day possible," Guess said. "Public opinion is
now on our side."
The latest poll from the Public Religion Research
Institute shows 62 percent of white mainline
Protestants supporting same-sex marriage,
including 68 percent support from UCC
members. Nationally, more than three out of five
people believe all couples should have the right
to marry the person they love.
"Our country is ready for marriage equality,"
Guess said, "and I feel hopeful that the Supreme
Court will finally recognize that a couple's
marriage is not something that they should have
to leave behind at a state border."
---article by Anthony Moujales of the UCC
website. Map from Human Rights Campaign
18
20
22
23
25
25
Wendy McHarris
25 Noah Puggarana
Brenda Lefebvre
26 Catherine Draper
Margie Holmes
28 Willie Poinsette
Derek Spears
28 Liene Verzemnieks
Lisa Poch
31 Molly Cogburn-Frary
Jane Hickey
* Worshiping God
* Ministering to Each Other
* Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys
* Promoting Justice
* Serving the Local & Global Communities
7 AUCC Chronicle
Sunday
CP
S
May 2015
online at www.ainsworthucc.com
Monday
Cambric Parlor
Sanctuary
Tuesday
MH
GL
Wednesday
Thursday
Michel Hall
Goodling Libary
Friday
Saturday
May 2015
1
2
2 pm
Memorial
Service for
George
Curran (S)
3
4
10AM Worship
5
6
7
10 am Bible
Study (CP)
8:30-10 am
AM Lectionary
Study Group
(CP)
6:30 pm
Adult Choir
Rehearsal (S)
12 pm
Commissions
Meetings
9
6:30 pm
Lesbian Choir
Rehearsal (S)
Immigrant
Justice Sunday
10
8
11
10AM Worship
12
13
14
10 am Bible
Study (CP)
8:30-10 am
AM Lectionary
Study Group
(CP)
11 am
Thursday
Fellowship
(CP)
6:30 pm
Lesbian Choir
Rehearsal (S)
6:30 pm
Adult Choir
Rehearsal (S)
Mother’s
Day
15
16
Spring
Church
Clean-Up
Day
(Bruce
Poinsette,
Coordinator)
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
10AM Worship
6:30 pm
‘Ainsworth in
the City’
planning
meeting (GL)
10 am Bible
Study (CP)
8:30-10 am
AM Lectionary
Study Group
(CP)
6:30 pm
Adult Choir
Rehearsal (S)
ALL-Church
Retreat at
Camp
Adams
ALL-Church
Retreat at
Camp
Adams
6:30 pm
Church
Council (GL)
6:30 pm
Lesbian Choir
Rehearsal (S)
29
30
12 pm
SCORE_PT
Meeting (GL)
12-2 pm
Membership
Exploration
(CP)
24
25
10AM Worship
Pentecost
Sunday
Memorial
Day
26
27
28
10 am Bible
Study (CP)
8:30-10 am
AM Lectionary
Study Group
(CP)
6:30 pm
Adult Choir
Rehearsal (S)
11:15 am
MWOA (CP)
6:30 pm
Lesbian Choir
Rehearsal (S)
31
10AM Worship
Four Seasons
Birthday Party
(MH)
* Worshiping God
* Ministering to Each Other
* Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys
* Promoting Justice
* Serving the Local & Global Communities
8 AUCC Chronicle
Ainsworth
United Church of Christ
2941 NE Ainsworth St.
Portland, OR 97211
503-284-8767
Church Business E-mail
office@ainsworthucc.com
Pastor
Lynne Smouse López
Minister of Faith Formation
Rev. Cecil Prescod
Office Administrator
Shawn Burchfield
online at www.ainsworthucc.com
May 2015
The Chronicle is a publication of Ainsworth United Church of Christ, a
multiracial, multicultural, open & affirming congregation.
Mark your Calendars.
Next Submission Deadline:
Sunday, May 17
Submission is easy!
Place in the Chronicle box in Gooding Library.
e-mail to Clinton at:
crockey629@gmail.com
Please include your name and phone number on all submissions.
Remember to support Ainsworth in your will. Consider a
bequest to ‘Ainsworth United Church of Christ.”
Office Assistant
Mary Conlow
Minister of Music
Cynthia Butts
Accompanist
Dan Gaynor
Custodian
Doug Trotter
Ainsworth United Church of Christ
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Also online at: www.ainsworthucc.com
Ainsworth UCC is online, at www.ainsworthucc.com
AUCC Webmaster
Ellen Yarnell
Chronicle Editor
Clinton Rockey
Health Ministries
Coordinator
Margaret-Ann Jones
Ainsworth United Church of Christ
2941 NE Ainsworth St.
Portland, OR 97211
Church Website
www.ainsworthucc.com
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* Worshiping God
* Ministering to Each Other
* Nurturing our Spiritual Journeys
* Promoting Justice
* Serving the Local & Global Communities