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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 20, 2018)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2018 Siuslaw News Opinion P.O. Box 10 Florence, OR 97439 Volunteerism is about giving to greater good GUEST VIEWPOINT M ARISA B ARETT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER O n Jan.3, Coast Radio KCST hosted a program devoted to the Oregon Coast Humane Society. In the midst of the discussion, “Our Town” host George Henry broached the issue of volun- teerism by asking the question of why one would donate thousands of hours of volunteer service. He wondered why there was a need to have so many individuals volunteering on an almost full- time basis. “And I know it’s not because they don’t have other things to do,” Henry said. “ It’s what they want to do because they are pas- sionate about [volunteering].” I am grateful to Mr. Henry for initiating this dialog on the values of service and stewardship. We all live within a culture where success is often measured in terms of dollars and posses- sions. Countless hours are spent chasing after the more materialis- tic facets of the American dream while the other aspects of life — such as volunteerism — get the remaining dregs of available time... if at all. There exists an assumption that if someone disregards this paradigm, and instead spends the majority of time on other “less valued” pursuits, it is not out of choice but perhaps because they either lack the acumen to partici- pate or have “nothing else to do.” Challenging these misguided assumptions is a growing move- ment of people who choose to fol- low a call to arms aligned with a different set of aspirations more Watch “In Search of the Lord’s Way” Sunday, 7:30 AM KMTR Channel 12 closely supporting their values. They measure their lives by replacing “What have I accrued?” with “How have I served?” These outliers are working to build a different paradigm that puts the value of stewardship front and center while mandating action and personal responsibility as the major catalyst for living a “good life.” Accumulation of status, power and material goods holds no lus- ter for these types of individuals. They willingly choose to live a life with more intention, discern- ment and deliberation; they believe that through focused, per- sistent action they can make a dif- ference for the better. To some, these are the ideals associated with those stereotyped within our culture as minimalists, anarchists, hipsters, artisans, hip- pies, artists, poets, madmen or nonconformists who have no understanding of how “real” life works. There seems to be a prevailing belief that “practical” people have GUEST VIEWPOINT and experience the joy and simplicity of pre-denominational New Testament Worship. (Romans 16:16) Bible Study: Sunday, 10:00 am Worship: Sunday, 11:00 am www.churchofchristfl orence.org B Y D R . R AY M ANS P AST WLCF B OARD MEMBER S ix years ago, I was asked to join the Western Lane Community Foundation board. I had retired from my prac- J OIN U S I N W ORSHIP FLORENCE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST (3ABN) TV UHF Channel 48. 24 hour Christian TV highlights Bible studies of prophecy, inspira- tional music, health lectures, healthy cooking and more. Friday Evenings – 6 p.m. SINGSPIRATION You are invited to come and sing your favorite Ole Time Gospel songs. Come and enjoy a time of fellowship & refreshments before we sing. Bay Berry Square is 1.5 miles north of Fred Meyers’ Store 88906 Highway 101 N, Florence, OR (milepost 185N) For Info: Jack - 541-999-8278 + Ron - mccrary9483@gmail.com THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Located at Munsel Lake Road and North Fork Road Worship Services 10:00 AM Sunday All are welcome! 541-997-7268 87738 Hwy 101 at Heceta Beach Road RUAUU? All are welcome to explore the answer. Sunday Worship Service ~ 10:00 a.m. www.FlorenceUUF.org - (541) 997.2840 FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Worship Services 10:30 on 1st Sunday of each Month 9:00 and 10:30 each following Sunday Adult Classes at 9am; Children’s Sunday School at 10:30m Coff ee Fellowship Following Service 2nd & Kingwood • (541) 997-6025 FOURSQUARE CHURCH 1624 Highway 101 (next to A&W) –- 997-6337 Pastor George Pagel – Something for the entire family. Sun. Services: 10:45 a.m., Wed. Bible Study 7 p.m. Website:fl orence4square.com COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 4590 Hwy. 101, Across from Fred Meyer –- 997-7418 Sunday School, 9:30a.m. – Worship, 10:45 Wed. Prayer - 6:00 p.m. –Wed. Ministries 1-8 Grade 7 p.m. NEW LIFE CHURCH-UPC tice of optometry the previous year and have always felt the need to be involved in my com- munity and profession through the years. So when asked to join the board, I felt I had the time and knew that the WLCF was a stellar foundation in giving back to the people of the Florence and Mapleton area. I felt I knew — but discovered I didn’t really know and under- stand — the true purpose of the foundation. Yes, it helps commu- nity groups, as well as the schools and organizations that are helping adults and children, and manages a great number of scholarships. However, it also gives those people who want to help now and into the future a way for their money to be managed safely and in the way they want. People who give can leave a legacy in giving to their favorite cause. The foundation had less than $5 million in managed assets when I began in 2012. When I left the board at the end of 2017, the assets had grown to more than $6 million. This is invested money, with the founda- tion drawing only on the interest generated — so the principal remains to carry on for those who wish to see their causes funded even after they are no longer here. I really did not understand the full function of WLCF, although I had been donating through Rotary for over 30 years. Three years ago, the board cre- Senior Center, 1570 Kingwood • 541-991-9398 Sunday Services: 10am and 6pm Wednesday Bible Study 7:00pm CROSS ROAD ASSEMBLY OF GOD Corner of 10th & Maple –997-3533 Wednesday, 7 p.m. - Family Connections Adult Bible Class, 9:30am on Sundays. Sunday Services, 9am and 10:45am. fl orencecrossroad.org • offi ce@fl orencecrossroad.org NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH, E.L.C.A. 21st & Spruce Street – 997-8113 Adult Forum 9 a.m. – Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship services; Sun. 10:30am & Mon. 5:30 pm Pastor Lori Blake www.lutheranchurchfl orence.com FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH - SBC 1935 25th St. – 997-7660 • Pastor, Dr. Marvin Owen Series “People of the Bible.” on Wednesdays 6 p.m. A friendly place to worship, vacationers welcome. Sun.; 11am & 6pm, Sunday school 9:45am. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE SIUSLAW Traditional Worship Service 10:00 a.m. , Reverend Greg Wood Sunday School and Nursery – Organ and Choir All Welcome. Come as you are. 3996 N Hwy 101 997-7136 FLORENCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS) 2nd & Ivy – 997-2961 –Non-Denominational “War is still not the answer.” FCNL We worship in homes at 11am Sundays Call 997-4237 or 902-9511 for locations. Worship Service: 9:00 am & 10:30 am Middle School and High School youth groups meet on Wednesday. RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH, L.C.M.S. FLORENCE CHURCH OF CHRIST Pre-Denominational (Romans 16:16) 1833 Tamarack Street (2 blocks east of Hwy. 101 on 18th St.) Bible Study: Sunday 10 a.m.; Worship: Sunday 11 a.m. www.churchofchristfl orence.org Every Sun., Bible Class 9 a.m., Worship Service 10 a.m. 85294 Hwy. 101 S. – 997-8038 DVD of Weekly worship service available. Pastor Randy Benscoter FLORENCE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 12th and Nopal –997-9020 Worship Service 10:30 a.m. 10 am Wed., Women’s Bible Study Saturdays, Mens’ Breakfast @ 8 a.m. Online Worship Service@ www.fl orencenaz.com 2135 19th St. –- 997-6600 8:30am, Tuesdays, Morning Prayer Sunday Services: 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. - Wed, 11 a.m. Everyone Welcome – Come walk our Labyrinth. FLORENCE EVANGELICAL CHURCH 1318 Rhododendron Dr. –- 997-2523 – Worship at 11:00 AM –- Sunday School at 9:30 AM – Variety of Sunday evening activities - 5 PM Wed. Bible & Children classes at 6:00 PM Call for details. Join Us In Worship 4 lines, approx 15 words, $10 a week 4 week Minimum Deadline 3 p.m. Mondays. 4445 Hwy 101 (South of Fred Meyer) – 997-3951 Worship on Saturday 10:30 A.M. Adult/Children’s Sabbath School 9:15 A.M. FLORENCE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP BAY BERRY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP pate. Do not make volunteerism and stewardship a goal for an unknown future or when you “have more time.” The protection of this won- drous planet and all the life it con- tains deserves to be more than a nebulous goal for an unspecified future. Words and good intentions do not replace action. Commit, plan and most impor- tantly, be a willingly volunteer. If this level of stewardship is preceived by some as impractical ideas spawned from deluded thinkers, then without hesitation I proudly wear the hat of the village idiot. (Editor’s Note: Viewpoint submissions on this and other topics are always welcome as part of our goal to encourage community discussion and exchange of perspectives.) What I didn’t know about the WLCF Then visit the Florence church of Christ 1833 Tamarack Florence, Oregon WATCH! 3 ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK no time for the impractical idea of volunteerism. Ultimately, we are a species with infinite appetites living in a world with finite resources. Feelings of entitlement have led us to bend the world to our will, with no regard to outcomes. The fulfillment of human whim has steadily and increasingly superceded the wellbeing of our planet and its inhabitants. If we do not make the time to try to heal the disarray that we have created, then who will?’ If we do not all make a com- mitment to dedicate at least a por- tion of our lives for the greater good and each other, what type of future will we leave behind? It is naivé to believe that some- how things will all work out for the better. And no one needs to make out- rageous sacrifices in order to make a difference. On the con- trary, a few hours a month, while seemingly too minor to make an impact, can make a tremendous difference when we all partici- SAINT MARY, OUR LADY OF THE DUNES CATHOLIC CHURCH Masses: Sat. 5:30 p.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. 1.5 miles south of river on Hwy 101 – 997-2312 To be included in this directory contact the Siuslaw News at 997-3441, or drop off information at 148 Maple St., Old Town, Florence. ated a video explaining the pur- pose and functioning of WLCF. (available at wlcf@wlcfonline .org) I would highly recommend viewing this very informative and entertaining video that gives viewers a better understanding of the WLCF — and why I will miss being a part of its board. I do know that the foundation will continue to flourish with the people involved. The past two years I have been involved with the scholarship committee and have noticed a glaring need from people wanting to go back to college or advance their skills with vocational train- ing. Most of our scholarships are designed for the graduating high school students to help them in the first year. What’s lacking is the help for those who have been out in the real world who now recognize the fact that, for them to do better for themselves and their family, they need more education. There are also those who are going to school and holding down two or three jobs to pay tuition and make living expenses. I hope, as a foundation and with the help of people in our community, WLCF can be a part of address- ing this need. (Editor’s Note: Viewpoint submissions on this and other topics are always welcome as part of our goal to encourage community discussion and exchange of perspectives.) LETTERS More Letters from 4A L ET THE MAYOR BE THE MAYOR Recently, some residents of Florence have chided the mayor for not signing his name to sup- port the Paris Climate Accord (Climate Mayors), or not making special proclamations about Florence’s sanctuary city status. I’d like to suggest that, if the mayor changes his mind, there are a few other issues he might consider putting his name on. For example, there are about 14 Christian churches in Florence. Maybe those 2,000 to 3,000 parishoners would appreci- ate Mayor Henry recognizing the “world-wide persecution of Christians” (Mayors Against Christian Persecution.) I’m sure all atheists see the humanity in that. Also, President Trump seems to be running into a lot of fric- tion. How about Mayor Henry signing a proclamation, “Florence Supports our President.” After all, the majority, (47 per- cent vs. 43 percent) voted for him here. Any democrats here on board with that? NRA, GMO, PETA, NARAL, PLO, Israel, Iran, North Korea — there’s a long list of national and international causes and concerns that thousands of Florence resi- dents would appreciate the mayor getting behind. And thousands that wouldn’t. How about we just let the Mayor of Florence be the Mayor of Florence. —Jeff Ashmead Florence SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS , AFFORDIBLE HOUSING NOT THE SAME I think one of the main chal- lenges to affordable housing is that, when the conversation starts about building housing units, immediately the waters are sul- lied with discussion about how to end homelessness. The latter is a huge socio-eco- nomic issue; the former a devel- opment opportunity for those who are able to navigate the ter- rain of land procurement, codes, investors, banking, etc. Why should housing develop- ers be denied an opportunity to make a profit on their projects just because of the incredible boondoggle related to serving people who are experiencing homelessness for any of a variety of reasons? — Ivy Medow Florence 5 A
