Reconciliation Church

Prayer for Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones in Newtown, Ct. and Clackamas, OR

Nathan — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 19:01:40 +0000

At Recon we are praying for those who have lost loved ones in these recent tragic shooting. Our pastors are standing by to counsel, pray and to comfort any of you who request a meeting. Pastor Nathan Lewis is compiling … Continue reading →

Autistic Stephen Wiltshire Draws Rome from Memory

Nathan — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 22:37:54 +0000

Stephen Wiltshire drawing Rome from memory

Paul Spivey: A Charge Upon His High School Graduation 2012

Nathan — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 04:02:58 +0000

At the Commencement services of St. Stephen’s Academy in Beaverton, OR, Pastor Nathan E. Lewis issued this charge of Paul Spivey, one of the graduates and member of our church.

In 1911 Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss phychiatrist was the first person to use the term, “autism” to refer to a subset of schizo-phrenia. In the 1940’s American researchers began to us the term to describe children with emotional and social problems. These misconceptions of autism remained with us until the 1960’s. In 1964 Dr. Bernard Rimland linked autism to biological disorder. In 1977 Sir Michael Rutter and Dr. Susan Folstein published the first study revealing a genetic basis for autism. In 1992 the American Psychiatric Association finally refined the diagnostic criteria for autism. From 1991-1997 multiple case reports of individuals with chromosome 15 anomalies observed in children opened the way for precision in identifying the genetic causes and stamps of autism. In the 1960’s and 70’s autistic patients were treated with LSD, electric shock therapy, and behavior change techniques of pain and punishment. In the 1980’s these barbaric techniques were replaced with the arranging of controlled learning environments for children with autism.

Paul, I remember when you were born and I watched you grow in the 1990’s. I remember your parents’ concerns and fears, which many of us shared. We learned to love you and we worked hard to understand you. Because you are autistic, I read about the life and work of Temple Grandin. From her I have learned much about how to value, understand and love you. Temple wrote, “I am a believer in an integrated treatment approach to autism.” And so, we mainstreamed you into our church and school family. Grandin wrote, “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good teacher.” At St. Stephen’s you have been given a few fine teachers. Grandin also wrote, “I obtain great satisfaction out of using my intellect. I use my mind to solve problems and to invent things.” Paul, you also, like Temple, have a beautiful mind. In the classes in which I have had the privilege of teaching you, your responses to my questions have been qualitatively different than those of the other students.

Temple Grandin is internationally and particularly known for one simple and profound quote: “I am different, not less.” Paul, you are different not less. In each chapter of life, you will face challenges and trials including your being misunderstood and underappreciated. Don’t foster a victim mentality. You are different not less. Find ways to integrate into the mainstream of society. But also identify the unique ways God has made you and use your strengths and different perspective and gifting to productively contribute.

Tonight I have the privilege of saying publicly how proud I am of you; how grateful to God I am for you; what a privilege it has been to be your Pastor and teacher; how my life is different, not less because of you. To quote Spock: “Live long and prosper.”

Alex Lyons Baptized on Feb. 12, 2012

Nathan — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:12:52 +0000

On February 12, 2012 Keith Thomas was ordained and he baptized Alex Lyons upon profession of faith in Christ Jesus.

Fresh Start Microloans

Nathan — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:48:29 +0000

Several years ago nine members of Evergreen, our sister congregation, organized Fresh Start Microloans, working with our Mission to the World teams and with Joy to the World Ministries to help Malawians start sustaining businesses. Working with the church and supplying adequate training and accountability are priorities of Fresh Start. (During the holidays Evergreen joins our community in relieving the needs of our neighbors and fellow church members throughout the world. This past Thanksgiving Day 2011, Evergreen collected $1,800.00 for Eirene Ministries in Guadalajara, supplying dental and medical services to the poor, a school for the children of the pueblo, Santa Ana Tepetitlan, and an orphanage in Camichines. One time gifts and holiday generosity are important in expressing the love of Christ Jesus. The organizers of Fresh Start dreamed of creating a different expression of God’s solidarity with the poor.) Fresh Start allows us to help sustain families in Malawi year round, for a lifetime through loaning $200.00 or less to an approved candidate proposing the start up of a business that will provide for his family as he/she works diligently. (As the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, “If a man does not work, he shall not eat.” Michael Dougherty of Reconciliation (you know, our rock ‘n roll guitarist) has created a new look for Fresh Start on the web. Link to our new site and share it with your friends.

A Home for the Developmentally Disabled

Nathan — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:17:55 +0000

Reconciliation welcomes a growing number of developmentally disabled adults who are making a home, providing positive contributions to our mission and fellowship. Our informal, interactive worship encourages acceptance and meaningful participation. In our open time of prayer, our developmentally disabled members are sharing requests and praying for each other. Our weekly sharing of dinner allows for fellowship and gives everyone an opportunity to take a turn at preparing and/or serving a meal. Caregivers regularly accompany our members and join our worship and fellowship. We are conveniently located on bus lines 76 and 78 and Tri-Met Lift regularly brings our members to our meetings.

Prayer Reminders

Nathan — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:30:17 +0000

Our orphanage in Camichines, Mexico is in need of a person to help for the next few months.

Ted W. needs a job!

Robert S. is excelling in his cable TV education.

Pray for God’s comfort to rest upon the Tuttles as they mourn the loss of their son, Jeff.

Pray for peace in the world: North Korea, Lybia, Egypt, Sudan, Palestine
Pray for those in need throughout the world: Norway, Somalia, Pakistan, Japan, Haiti…

Pray for those serving in harms way.

Pray for the ministry of reconciliation to heal our relationships.