By Mary Owen
Silverton United Methodist parishioners plan to “jiggle” their way into First Friday’s Celebration of Cultures.
“There will be delicious Jell-O treats!” the Rev. Linda Quanstrom said. “Jell-O is often associated with two things: children and church potlucks. We remember the Jell-O treats our moms gave us when we were kids.”
It is also associated with the traditional church potluck, Quanstrom added. “Those red Jell-O salads with fruit compote, for instance. Many people roll their eyes at the thought of those Jell-Os.”
Quanstrom said it’s the same with church.
“Many people associate church with their childhood,” she said. “They went to Sunday school as a kid, but then lost interest – or were wounded by the church in some way. Many people associate church with something that is outdated and no longer appealing. So we thought it would be fun to use an icon – Jell-O – that is sometimes considered unappealing and good only for children and reveal how delicious and suited to adult tastes it can be, and then associate that icon with the church.
“Church . . . can be authentically delicious and fresh and good in a deeply satisfying way,” she added. “It’s also true that churches – like Jell-O – stand the test of time. There’s a sense of stability and tradition, but there’s also a dynamic of renewal and reinvention that keeps them relevant to the times.”
Close to downtown, the church will open its doors for people to “rest their feet and enjoy a treat,” she said.
“There will be lots of fun things for kids pre-school through sixth grade, including crafts and our annual Easter Bunny egg hunt, and we’ll be offering free parking in exchange for an apple or an orange. So we think lots of folks will drop in.”
Silverton Together’s 2012 Celebration of Cultures is April 6, 6-9 p.m. Like the First Friday event, Quanstrom believes church culture can be fun: J for joy, E for encouragement, L for laughter, L for Love and O for outrageous fun.
“Church culture is about attending to the basics that make for a good life and cultivating the spiritual side of ourselves,” Quanstrom said. “It’s also about establishing a relationship with God that leads to contentment and a sense of well-being, and enjoying relationships with others that lead to respect, appreciation and mutual blessing.
“Church culture is about nurturing children, affirming youth, attending to those who are in need of encouragement and support, serving others, and reminding ourselves that we’re all in need of God’s grace, and we can count on God’s love,” she added.
“We value our sense of humor,” she said. “We don’t have to take ourselves too seriously or think we have all the answers, or that we’ve got it all together, rather, we like to create things that incite joy.”
Quanstrom said members hope to highlight the Healthy Snack Sacks for Kids program.
“It’s a well-kept secret that this church packed over 2,000 snack sacks for kids last year,” she said. “These snack sacks are filled with healthy food and usually a little prize.”
The snack sacks are delivered to SACA where they are distributed to every child and teenager who comes in, Quanstrom said.
“Each sack is hand-decorated with seasonal themes. They’re fun. They’re good. And they’re making a difference in the lives of these children and teens.”
The program has expanded to include weekend backpacks, filled with family meals. Coordinated through the Silver Falls School District, packs are picked up at school by participating children and taken home.
The church has plans for May’s First Friday, too. For information, contact Quanstrom: 503-874-9151 or 503-400-1914.
