St. Luke's Communicator February 2006

Remember the old story about a group of Lutherans being asked, “How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb?” To which there was a collective gasp, CHANGE??”

Sometimes change can be instantaneous in terms of an event and consequences, for example, a tragic accident. In other moments change can be no less dramatic but feel imperceptible due to its pace (or lack thereof).

It is now over two and one half years since your former associate pastor (Deanna) left. That is a fair bit of time. It was two and a half years ago that the decision was made to not form a call committee which would have presumably returned us to the same staffing configuration we had grown used to over the past ten years. Instead, a process was initiated that was intended to aid us in a church/program evaluation that would result in making suggestions about what alternative staffing configurations might look like which could hopefully involve more people with gifts and passions for ministry.

As of January of this year, instead of the ministry of one associate pastor, we are being blessed with the gifts and passions of Natalie (Director of Children’s Ministries), Amy (Worship Coordinator) and Jodi (Office Administrator and bookkeeper). Obviously, these are in addition to Ben, Youth Director and Roselyn our Associate in Ministry. This marks a huge shift in the commitment we have made as to how we will do ministry. It is about making greater use of the passions and gifts of you.

I recognize that for most whose church participation is limited to showing up for a service a few times of year this will probably mean little. None the less, I do not want this moment to pass by without at least an acknowledgement of a new chapter, or corner turned, in the life of this church. After all, when was the last time you made a decision that took two and one half years to see completed? More importantly it is my hope that when you think on your church’s ministry you could find confidence in both the intentionality with which we work as well as a fierce spirit of vision to be open to change. “CHANGE??”

Do you have a gift that sits unopened in your home? If so, there is probably a good reason that it hasn’t been opened. Perhaps you are waiting for the recipient to arrive. Perhaps you forgot to give it away? Or--?

There is a gift that is offered, yet I wonder why we don’t open it and accept it more often. It is the gift of prayer. God allows us to talk, listen, and converse in a way that no one else can. There are many opportunities for prayer. We can daily commune with God on our own. We can talk to God with our families. During many of the small groups at St. Luke’s there are opportunities to pray for each other and be prayed for.

On the third Sunday of the month, we usually have a healing service. There is an opportunity to have Pastor Tom pray out loud. There is another opportunity during the service. Before or after communion there is time to go up to the rail and have an individual prayer with Pastor Tom or one of the prayer ministers. That opportunity is like an unopened gift and sometimes as I stand by the rail, waiting for people to come, I wonder why more don’t come forward.

What are your reasons? Is it fear? Do you wonder what happens? It’s out in the open. The congregation can see but not hear the prayers. So far, everyone who goes up to the rail has survived. We have not once called “911” or “carried anyone out.”

Is it because there are no needs? It doesn’t have to be a life and death need for God to be concerned. God cares about all the little issues in our lives. I always have something I can use prayer for. Am I that different than others?

Is it because you don’t want others to see or wonder what your prayer is for? All prayers are confidential. All of the prayer ministers are trained in confidentiality so your prayers are between you, the prayer minister and God.

Is it because it’s inconvenient? If you are at a healing worship service, it involves going to the rail before or after receiving communion. Are you unable to walk up to the rail? Tell an usher and they can ask the prayer minister to go to your seat. Are you worried that kneeling is difficult? Just stand at the rail. That’s ok.

Next time the package of prayer is available, open it up. Be adventurous. You won’t know what is in the package until you open it.

This last month has been a busy one. Thank you to all who bought sub sandwiches, we hope you liked them. If you do not already know, the youth went to Apex Resort in British Columbia , Canada in the middle of January and had a great time. We got to know each other better and even kept to the schedule (which totally surprised both the youth and adults who went).

During the month of February St. Luke’s will be hosting two homeless programs which will ultimately not only benefit the people but the church as well. We have a responsibility to God to help those who are in need. The youth of St. Luke’s will be right there helping with both of these programs to better understand the world and to get to know more of God’s people.

Thank you to everyone who is involved with the youth program and especially the chaperones — we could not do it without you. Take care and God bless!

Sandi Amundson and I had the privilege of traveling to Moscow to be with Pastor Lotov, Bishop Springer, Renate and the parishioners of St. Peter and St. Paul for the first service in their sanctuary since 1932. We met some wonderful people including an elderly parishioner named Olga. When Olga heard the organ play for the first time in this magnificent cathedral, she cried. And for good reason. When she was a young girl attending this church with her family her father was the organist. All these years later she had lived to hear holy music in her church once again. Olga turned to me with a trembling smile and said, "I think my father is smiling in heaven today."

There must have been 400 people that came to worship and commemorate the day. Many 'dignitaries' ( including myself!) were invited to speak before the congregation. I was a bit nervous about speaking but Sandi and I prayed to find the message I would share. I am printing it below so you will know how I represented St. Luke's.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered awhile, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Pastor Lotov must have liked our message. Russians are not very forthcoming with their trust and can often seem a bit distant. But on that Sunday, before we left, Pastor Lotov came to me and took both my hands in his. He looked me warmly in the eyes and said "Thank you for coming. I want you to know that you are welcome at my church any time. Please come again." At that moment I knew God had opened the door to a long and lasting partnership.

The permit is in and by the time you receive this “Communicator” we will have had our on site inspection and our "meet and confirm" with the Bellevue Police Department. We hope to also have had our first all volunteer meeting.

Anne and I are in the beginning process of "what needs to be done." Temple Benai Torah is turning their data base and organizational materials over to us so we don't have to reinvent the wheel. There will be needs large and small in which we can all participate. We sincerely cannot thank Benai Torah enough for all the help and support to us.

This is a wonderful opportunity to involve our family and friends, neighbors and co-workers. Please invite them to participate in some of the events we have planned.

Moving day is February 15 and we will need trucks and strong bodies to assist us in the move. Some other volunteer activities where you could be helpful are:

Anne and I are setting up an email list for volunteers. If you would like to be a volunteer email us at:

God's work is not done and this is an opportunity for us to honor Him and in some small way improve someone else's life. I hope and pray He will be pleased with us.

Is your ministry group interested in furnishing meals for Tent City IV? Or do you know any neighborhood or social group who would like to help? Please call Paula Wells at (425) 503-7949.

As Worship Coordinator, Amy heads up the Worship Planning Team (WPT) which works under the guidance of the Worship and Music Board. The WPT meets regularly to craft each worship service. This involves planning appropriate uses for our traditional liturgy, finding new ways to use what is familiar and crafting new liturgy to meet our worship needs. Selecting hymns appropriate to the scheduled scriptures for each service is another large responsibility of the WPT.

Based on the decisions made during WPT meetings, Amy works with Pam to translate all of these details into our worship bulletins. Amy then customizes PowerPoint slides for each service and completes detailed instructions for all of the audio/visual functions, including microphone and lighting settings. Many volunteers are needed to make our worship service a success. Amy works with Pastor Tom before each service and gives instructions to the volunteers in an effort to create a meaningful worship experience for everyone present.

As the Office Administrator and Bookkeeper, Jodi will be working in conjunction with the Facilities Board developing and maintaining the scheduling and use of the building, rooms and equipment. She will also be acting as a resource and staff support for the ministry boards to ensure they have the support they need to achieve their goals.

Jodi is also taking over bookkeeping responsibilities from Kathy Finnegan. Any questions on statements, etc. may be directed to her at the church. Her work days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Natalie will be working directly with the Faith Formation Board, as well as being accessible to parents and children from birth to 5^th grade. She will be deciding on curriculum, planning Vacation Bible School , helping with Rally Day, Advent Fair, the children’s Christmas program, Easter events, Nursery and Cradle Roll (Splash!).

She is super-excited and has a strong desire to help children and their families grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. If you ever have questions or ideas she would love to hear them! Just give her a call (425) 281-8100.

The Trollhaugen Lodge is only accessible by Sno-Cat (Little Ole), and takes us from the private parking lot at Stampede Pass up to the Lodge. There are private rooms that sleep 6 – 10, plenty of common space for games, great sledding hills, cross-country ski trails (rentals available), hot tub, ping-pong, and large kitchen to use for preparing meals.

Costs will vary depending on how many go, but we reserve space for 40. If we fill our reservation, it will be about $40 each for two nights stay. Parking is also $15.00 and collected when you arrive.

There will be a sign-up sheet for what to bring for shared meals, and deposits are encouraged to secure an entire room.

We arrive Friday evening March 3^rd this year, and will have dinner between 6:30PM and 8:00PM . Driving instructions and details to be provided upon sign-up.

Put this one on your calendar now, and bring a family or friend with you to joing us in continuing the Trollhaugen tradition.

Facilities Update

The Facilities Committee has concluded that St. Luke’s roof cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced. This matter has been referred to the Board of Trustees so the re-roofing can be included in the next capital campaign. The quote to fix the current roof is $50,000. We are looking at additional bids and also the possibility of adding a peak to the roof so leaks are minimized in the future.

Since the weather is getting better, we are once again holding our monthly work parties to clean up St. Luke’s outside and in. Our next “party” will be February 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Come prepared to work (gloves, tools, etc.) and stay to eat doughnuts and drink coffee.

In April we will be holding a special “Easter Clean-up” on Saturday, April 8. This is the last opportunity to get the grounds and church looking really spiffy for Holy Week.

A packet of information is now available for those interested in purchasing a niche or a memorial plaque in the St. Luke’s Memorial Garden and Columbarium. Please call the church office and we will send the information to you.

The cost for a single niche is $850; double niche is $1600 and a memorial plaque on the memorial wall is $350. We will accept check, cash or credit card.

You will see it starting to take shape by the end of this month. We are planning for its dedication around Easter.

St. Luke’s is offering you the opportunity to be a permanent part of our history. We are ready to sell more brick pavers for the front entrance to the sanctuary. If you missed the opportunity before the building was dedicated, or are new and would like to purchase one, or would like to purchase one in honor or memory of someone, now is the time to do it. We will be accepting requests until February 19^th.

The cost is $80 for the first paver; $65 for the second paver and each additional is $50. The price of each paver includes one line of text with 20 characters. For an additional $5 you may add a second line of text. We will take cash, check or credit card. The purchase of these bricks is 100% tax deductible and the proceeds go toward the reduction of our existing mortgage.

We have completed six months of our new fiscal year. Our average total monthly income for the six months was $40,628 and average monthly expenses were $40,861. Our monthly expenses remain consistent. Our income, as noted in the chart above with the exception of December, falls below our monthly expenses. With your help and support we can report that our monthly income exceeds our monthly expenses for 2006. Thank you for your continued support

of our ministries.

Men’s Breakfast at Denny’s Restaurant - Overlake area (148th and NE 24th St) - 8:15 a.m. - 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday of every month.

You are welcome to join the men from St. Luke’s for breakfast and informal visiting on the first and third Wednesdays of the month (also the fifth when there is one). Mark the dates on your calendar now so you don’t miss out!

This group will meet Wednesday, February 15th at 10:00 a.m. Contact Bob Smith at 425-415-6190 or Roselyn Olson at church for more information.

This group meets weekly at church 11:00 a.m. to noon. New members are welcome. Contact Karen Richards 425-828-9493 or Norma Peterson 425-885-5114 for more information.

If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, gain weight, or eat healthily, join the Senior Lunch Bunch on Friday, February 24th at 11:30 a.m. Place to be announced.

This is a group of women who meet the third Wednesday of the month to visit and study. Presently we are studying “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Join us on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. New members are invited to this group. For more information contact Diane Dillon at 425-820-4538 or Judy Ness at 206-779-6971.

This is an opportunity to gain practical caregiving skills and learn about the Stephen Ministry . Contact Roselyn Olson if interested. The price is $15.00 per person or $50.00 for a group of four or more from our congregation.

Sharing Our Treasure

by The Reverend Wm Chris Boerger, Bishop

The 2005 Synod Assembly passed a resolution which encouraged congregations of the synod to work to meet a goal of sharing 10 percent of undesignated giving to the ministry of the synod and the larger church. This resolution was passed annually for several of the early years of this Synod’s life. It speaks to the common ministry that we do together.

The statistics for the ELCA shows that in 2004 over $1.7 billion was contributed as undesignated contributions to the congregations of this church. That is a significant amount of money, yet it represents roughly 1.8 percent of ELCA members' household income.

The trend in recent years is that congregations are sharing a smaller percentage of these gifts to the work of the larger church. In this synod roughly 7 percent of these gifts are sent on to the synod and through the synod to the churchwide organization. That is slightly higher than the national average, but still short of the goal the members of the assembly, from your congregation, set for our common work.

When I was serving in the parish, I confess that I did not preach or teach financial stewardship as I could or should have. The seldom expressed, but assumed, threat that members or visitors think that all the church does is talk about money paralyzes far too many church leaders. We do not talk about money and our use of wealth as often as Jesus did in the gospels.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).

Jesus is often misquoted as saying where your heart is there your treasure will be. He placed it in a different order. As we share of our treasure, our hearts are changed. God calls us to recognize the power of money in our lives, even our faith life.

Congregations serve as models for their members in their stewardship. We live in a needy world. We live as abundant people in this needy world. I want to remind and encourage our congregations to meet this goal of tithing to the work of the church outside the congregation. I want to challenge you, the members of this synod, to move toward tithing of your abundance to the work of the church.

I noticed that we were the only family with children in the restaurant. Other customers were quietly eating and talking as I sat Erik down in a high chair. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, “Hi dere.” He pounded his fat baby hands on the highchair tray. His eyes were wide with excitement and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin. He wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw a man in a tattered rag of a coat. His pants were baggy and dirty and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt matched the rest. We were a considerable distance from him, but I was sure he stunk. He was waving his hands. “Hi there, baby, I see ya, buster.” My husband and I exchanged looks, “What do we do?” Erik continued to laugh and repeat his greeting. People in the restaurant noticed the scene, looked at us and then at the man. He was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.

Our meal came, and the man began shouting from across the room, “Do ya know patty cake? Do ya know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo.” Nobody thought the old man was cute. Perhaps he was drunk. We were embarrassed. We ate in silence, all except Erik who was running through his repertoire for his admirer who, in turn, continued to reciprocate with his comments. We finally got through the meal and my husband went to pay and meet us at the car. The old man sat between me, holding Erik, and the door. “Lord, just let me get out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,” I prayed.

As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over, reaching with both his arms in a baby’s “pick-me-up” position. Before I knew it, he had propelled himself from my arms to the man’s. Suddenly a very old, ragged man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik, in an act of total trust and love, laid his tiny head upon the man’s ragged shoulder. The man’s eyes closed, and I saw tears. His aged hands, full of grime, pain, and hard labor – gently, so gently, cradled my baby’s bottom and stroked his back. It seemed that no two beings had ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms. Then his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm, commanding voice, “You take care of this baby.”

Somehow I managed “I will” from my constricted throat. He pried Erik from his chest – reluctantly, as though he was in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, “God bless you, ma’am, you’ve given me a gift.” I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran out to the car. My husband wondered why I was crying, and saying, “My God, my God, forgive me.” I had just witnessed Christ’s love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, made no judgment, a child who saw a soul and a mother who saw only rags. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, “Are you willing to share your son for a moment?” when He shared his for all eternity. And the old man – unwittingly – had reminded me that “to enter the kingdom of God , we must become as little children.”

Remember how we do this? I use the word serious and you expand the meaning. Go!

The poet who penned the words, “Life is grim, but not necessarily serious” was dying of leukemia. His condition was not only serious, it was terminal. The cancer treatments ravaged his body. He moved back and forth between looking death in the face and trembling, at times laughing at his condition and at times wondering, “How Could I Not Be Among You?” which was the title of his poem.

Has anyone ever told you, “Don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill.” or “Get a Life!”? The message is clear. Don’t take it all so seriously. Don’t take yourself so seriously!

If someone has said that to you, you might want to consider how much of your seriousness was really an intensity that was driven by fear or pain. We snap at others who try to lighten the mood with humor. We criticize them for being “disrespectful.” Really, might we be saying, “Don’t you see my pain, fear or even my terror?”

Perhaps the problem is that we aren’t taking our own pain or fear seriously. The pain may be telling us how much we need to reach out to others, but the sting of it is so strong we believe that we dare not feel it, lest it overwhelm us. So we don’t reach out.

But what if it won’t overwhelm us? What if we are unnecessarily scaring ourselves? What if God was serious about being with us in our hour of darkness? Could it be that we could afford to lighten up, and reach out for comfort because things were grim?

Perhaps life is not necessarily serious after all. Maybe, just maybe, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden,” was a serious invitation after all.

The Jesus Prayer

The Jesus Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,

You are the light of the world;

fill my mind with your peace,

my heart with your love,

my body with your healing. Amen

		Light in a world of darkness
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