St. Luke's Communicator June 2006

Cacophony… it’s about dissonance. The dictionary will tell you it is about harsh and discordant noise. For many the word describes exactly what certain modern styles of music sounds like, sadly sometimes it is the noise that people of faith make.

Recently, as a local municipality was considering issuing a permit for a 90 day stay for Tent City IV (after they were to leave us) there was a significant amount of critical comments. In and of itself that did not terribly surprise me. (Though I confess I had hoped our generally positive experience would have set a new standard.) What truly disturbed me was the number of people who began their public comment with, “I am a Christian, but…” Beware the “but”.

“I am a Christian, but… these people are terrorists” (seriously, our friends were accused of this and more), “I am a Christian, but these people don’t belong here!” And so it went, on and on. After awhile it was a cacophony, a discordant conversation where many claimed to be followers of Jesus and then would say something absolutely contrary to the gospel of loving as our Lord has loved us. It made me sad.

There is currently a movement underfoot to repeal a law passed this year which granted civil rights to homosexuals. The cacophony around the topic can be deafening, but it will sound pretty similar, “I am a Christian, but…” I confess these are often difficult subjects that touch a variety of personal issues for us all. My point is rather simple and straightforward. There can be no “but” to our Christian faith. Jesus never said “but” to loving or sacrificially dying for us. There was no caveat to grace, none… never.

This either works by grace or it doesn’t, not kinda or mostly. Consequently, we each need to be critically mindful of layers of standards that either intentionally or inadvertently get in the way of our being able to declare, “I am a Christian, I follow Jesus and I will as honestly as possible seek to live in his example”. I believe one of the consequences will be less rhetoric, less discordant conversation and far fewer “buts”.

P.S. I love to receive postcards from your summer travels (gives me the opportunity to work on the sin of envy).

The Best Mother’s Day Ever

When I learned that the scheduled time for going to Ensenada this year was over Mother’s Day weekend, my first thought was that I didn’t want to give up that special day. As I recalled the experience of a year ago, I decided that what I truly wanted to do was go to Ensenada and help build a house for a needy family. Little did I know that this would be my best Mother’s Day ever. The whole experience was a wonderful Mother’s Day present, better than any purchased gift.

Our adult son, Karl, went to Ensenada for his third mission trip; I went for the second year, and our grandson, Chris joined us and 26 others. We were all doing this trip in the name of Jesus and St. Luke’s. It was a dream of mine to have my grandson experience a mission trip and learn the satisfaction of helping build a house for someone who needed it. The team we were on built a home for a family of five; husband, wife, and three children (ages 3, 1½, and 2 months). The other team built their house for a family with five children.

When we arrived at the site, we stood on the cement slab and prayed with the family. Then it was off to work. We divided into three teams, each with specific tasks. I picked painting because I love to paint. I’m not too neat so the drips fell on the ground or on my clothes. Capable “builders” from YWAM (Youth with a Mission ) directed us in what needed to be done and in what order. There was a good balance of direction and opportunity for us to make our own decisions.

One of those “Kodak moments” was watching the three year old boy in the family accept and stack the 6 x 6 inch squares as they were cut. He proudly held out his hands as someone handed him a pile. He looked sad when they ran out of material to make any more squares. When the final count was made, there were a few extra to be used for “trivets.”

When the house was complete, at the end of the second day, we prayed again and shared our thoughts with the family. The mother received the keys and opened the door to her home. Through an interpreter she and her husband said with words what their body language made clear. Britney and Ali presented the family with the housewarming gifts from St. Luke’s. Included with the gifts was a quilt from the Quilters at St. Luke’s. They were grateful and overwhelmed with their new home and the gifts. We also gave them cash, enough to have the electricity hooked up to their new home.

On Sunday we attended worship at Pastor Nino’s church. Pastor Nino’s sermon was directed to the mothers at church. He affirmed them and attempted to show them how important they were as women and as parents. After the worship service we had another opportunity to visit with the families we had built homes for. They had walked over a mile in the dust to get to church. I couldn’t help but think of how easy it is for me to get in my car and drive to church. Would I have the same commitment to attendance if I had to walk over a mile to get here? They were thankful for a ride home by members of our group.

After church, we followed Pastor Nino and his wife to the property that St. Luke’s helped purchase several years ago. His dream of building a school and kitchen for the poorest of the poor in Mexico is taking form. The foundation has been started. This summer a group from a church in Hawaii is coming to help him with the foundation. Many of us hope that someday we can help with this project.

The daily devotions planned and led by Natalie helped me remember the reason I went on this mission trip. This was my best Mother’s Day ever. One son and daughter-in-law entrusted their ten year son to our team for the five days we were gone. Karl took on the responsibility of supervising his nephew and others helped. I enjoyed the trip, especially seeing God work through the members of our team.

Shalom,

I’m really happy with the youth program — more youth are coming to events and want to join in the fun and discussions. Looking back to a year ago when I started at St. Luke’s, I can see that the program is growing. Not everything is perfect but we will continue to work toward our goals. Thank you to everyone who has helped with this ministry; we couldn’t have done it without you.

Next year Confirmation is going to be restructured a bit. We need to have at least two parents per grade (7th, 8th, 9th) as small group leaders. These parents will lead small group discussions with information that is provided. If you are willing to volunteer or have any questions, please let me know.

I am also asking the parents of youth 6th through 12th grade to volunteer once a month to help with snacks on Sunday morning and to make some phone calls during their month. We will need one middle school and one high school parent each month. A sign-up sheet will be on the youth board.

Pick up a copy of the summer youth calendar from the narthex to see what we have planned for the summer.

Please continue to lift the youth program up in your prayers. Take care and God bless!

We are wrapping up the year of Sunday school. Now it’s time to CELEBRATE! Come to the Sunday school “End of the Year” party on Sunday, June 4^th during normal Sunday school hours. We will begin with a small award ceremony, play some games, eat cake, and have fun!

We also will be honoring our teachers on Sunday, June 4^th at both services during the Children’s sermon. If you are a teacher (or if you know one) be sure to attend one of the services. If you have an interest in being a teacher next year, look for sign-up’s or talk to Natalie Larson.

Vacation Bible school is getting closer. It will be from August 7-11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sign-up’s are found in the narthex or by contacting Natalie. Don’t forget to turn in a registration form. There are many different ways that you can help. You can donate items for crafts and games (a list is found on the sign-up table), or you can be a teacher (middle and high school students as well as adults are needed). Let’s make this year the most awesome VBS ever!

Calling all inspiring musicians and artists!

Do you want to contribute to the new Informal Worship Service? If you play an instrument of any kind, or want to sing with the Worship Team, please contact Amy Corsini at acorsini@comcast.net or leave a message at the office. We also want to hear from those with non-musical artistic talents. Watch for an artist’s forum coming soon.

Prayers at the Rail

During the June 18th worship services, all are welcome to come to the railing for prayers during the distribution of communion. A prayer minister will lay on hands and anoint you with oil, praying for healing or other needs. You may fill out a prayer slip found in the pews for specific requests.

Amy Corsini, Worship Coordinator

Throughout the past 15 years or so there has existed an intentional conversation within the St. Luke’s community about the relationship between how worship is the primary door of entry into the church for the unchurched. It is actually pretty logical; most people who become involved in any faith community do so through the activity of worship. Since as Christians we are charged with bringing the Good News of salvation to a population who do not yet know of God’s love for them, the conversation, with regard to worship, then becomes centered around worship styles. Are there worship styles that are more effective at communicating the Gospel to the unchurched?

These are questions this church has been very intentional in its discussions and planning. In part, the new sanctuary was designed and built with these issues in mind. In keeping two services this summer we are giving ourselves a three month window during which we can introduce a regular “informal” service and assess its effectiveness in both witness and efficacy. This is not a new conversation, it was a part of the building of the sanctuary and the result of feedback the congregation offered over an extended time of discernment. We have been preparing over the past two years by learning to use our new space and gathering resources that we might begin.

Since we are called to witness to salvation in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and worship is the principle means of entering into the life of faith, how about inviting a friend to church? Make it a goal for this summer… one friend, one unchurched family member, invite one person into the experience of worship this summer. One person… how about that for a personal faith witness goal for the summer of ’06? C’mon, you can do it… for Jesus.

Facilities Update

St. Luke’s will soon be getting a new sign for Bellevue Way which will be seen from both directions. If you would like to make a donation toward the new sign, please mark “sign” in the memo portion of your check. The sign will invite the many travelers along Bellevue Way to our worship services and other special events.

St. Luke’s Tour to Israel/Rome - Information Meeting June 4, 7:00 p.m.

We currently have space reserved for 30 people, including Pastor Tom and Brenda for a tour group to Israel , March 15-24 next year (2007). And for those who are interested there is the possibility of a three day layover in Rome returning the 27^th.

Pastor Jim Lindus, Trinity Lutheran, Freeland, Whidbey Island has graciously consented to be present to explain the trip and answer any questions. He has personally led five trips with congregational members. He will be available to speak to issues regarding costs, accommodations, security, etc. Brochures are available with the itinerary.

After the ten day Israel trip there is the possibility of an extra three days with Pastor Tom in Rome . Come and find out more. What an exciting opportunity! This is but one of many activities being planned for next year to celebrate St. Luke’s 50^th Anniversary.

After years of planning, St. Luke’s Memorial Garden is being dedicated. Part of a vision that merged eight years ago to expand our church’s ministry, this beautiful garden including columbarium niches and a memorial wall for name plaques is about to become reality. On this morning the 10:30 service will conclude in the garden with a “Service of Dedication.” Steve Erickson has done a wonderful job in the design and construction. Information is available in the narthex if you are interested in the purchase of a niche. There will be an open house preceding dedication on Thursday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m.

A weekly study group will meet Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. from June 6 through August 1 (4th of July excluded). All men and women are welcome. Childcare will be provided upon request. For more information call Paula Wells at (425) 503-7949 or Roselyn Olson at (425) 822-7907 to reserve a book. Our first book will be “To Walk in the Kingdom: God’s Call to Discipleship from Luke 12” by noted theologian Marva Dawn. It is out of print; however, we have a few copies for $5.00 each. As a group we may decide to study other books later on. One suggestion has been “The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation” by Barbara R. Rossing.

We will meet on Wednesday, June 14th at 7:00 p.m. This is a change from our regular date. We will study purposes 4 and 5 of “The Purpose Driven Life.”

We will gather for our annual Congregational Budgetary Meeting between services on Sunday, June 25th. As we conclude our first year of a July 1 – June 30 fiscal/program year, a proposed program budget will call for your approval, as well as an update on the St. Luke’s Development Master Plan.

“M’m! M’m! Good!” That’s what everyone says about our summer Sunday brunches. This year, members of our Board of Trustees will be recruiting help each Sunday to offer you a great breakfast. Brunches will start on June 18 and will be served from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Next meeting Wednesday, June 21st at 1:00 p.m. Join us for a relaxing time of knitting (or any other project you wish to work on) and visiting. We will not meet during July and August.

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. The next meeting is June 21st. Feel free to join us once or on a regular basis.

Come one or all days — by the beautiful Columbia River — swimming, boating, beachcombing, lawn recreation, covered area for eating and trees for shade…

Note: The Adult Education Committee is meeting during the summer. Contact Nancy Quale, Jean Gillette or Roselyn Olson with suggestions or questions.

(The radio ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Need a change of pace? A fresh start for your week? Tune in to Grace Matters. Sunday mornings at 7:30 on KKOL-AM 1300 for 30 minutes or listen online at www.gracematters.org.

A neurologist says that if a stroke victim is gotten to within three hours the effects of a stroke can be totally reversed. Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

You can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

Ask the individual to SMILE.
Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (coherently). Example: It is sunny out today.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

Thank You For Responding
by The Reverend Wm Chris Boerger, Bishop

I have just received a report from the ELCA offices informing us that in 2005 the congregations and individuals of this synod contributed $979,000 to the World Hunger Appeal or the Lutheran Disaster Response Appeals. Most of that total went in response to the South Asia Tsunami and Gulf Coast Hurricane disasters. On behalf of those who are being helped I want to say thank you.

Across the church the total given to these projects was $53,000,000. This is remarkable when we realize that this is individual and congregational giving over and above the regular mission partnership support that congregations share with the synod and the churchwide organization. Giving to the Synod last year was $1,471,694 (unaudited). This was not what we had budgeted, but it was a slight increase over 2004.

These numbers tell me that we are a church with the financial ability to do much in the name of Jesus Christ. We are not a poor church. Our abundance needs a missional focus, but it does exist.

Over the next two years we will be intentionally talking about our abundance and our wealth. The synod has received a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to train its leaders and its members in "whole life stewardship". That means we want to talk and plan our annual financial stewardship and we want to plan for how our estates and wills can also reflect our values and our faith.

I again want to thank you for your generous response. God is calling us to do much more than we can imagine. We have the challenge to start new congregations, to train leaders, rostered and non-rostered, to support our social ministries, and to support congregations in daily ministry. The ELCA is the denomination in this country that is most dependent upon the weekly giving of its members. As the numbers related to disaster response and world hunger indicate, you the steward do set the course this church is able to go. Thank you for responding to the vision.

Just above our kitchen sink I have placed a very small picture. In spite of its size, it is very refreshing to me. It is painted as though I am standing just inside a cottage door.

Below the window to the right is a wooden chest with rope handles. Lying on its lid are a few shells. A breeze is blowing in through the window, ruffling the flimsy, white curtains. A round stone on the floor to the left holds the rustic door open. Just outside, there are some grasses growing and beyond them are the beach and then the open sea.

We don’t need to have a real picture to look at to be refreshed. We can use our imagination instead. Imagine your favorite place and “go there.” “I don’t have an imagination,” a person told me years ago. “You probably do have one; you just haven’t found it yet,” I answered.

Imagine the place in the world that seems the most peaceful for you. It might be a sun-lit meadow full of wild flowers, and you’re lying on the sweet-smelling grass—without any insects of course! (I like that one.) It might be the mountains and taking in a panorama in front of you. It could be the Grand Canyon . Or you are in a sailboat, with just the right wind for it to glide along. Maybe animals are part of your favorite place, or music. Perhaps sitting with a grandparent, or looking into a baby’s innocent eyes. Perhaps you would like to be exploring a tropical forest, or wander in the Butterfly Garden at the Pacific Science Center .

Whatever your favorite place, you have the freedom to go there in your imagination whenever you want to. Our imagination is a gift from God. Use this simple tool, especially in stressful times.

Getting married doesn’t take much commitment. Being married is quite something else. When we say someone is getting serious, do we mean that the couple is serious about getting married or do we mean really serious about being in a relationship?

Are these people really willing to accept the inevitable disappointments that come with seeing who their partner really is, grieve the ideal they held and settle down with another real human for 50 or 60 years? Or, worse, to settle in with themselves and who they really are for 50 or 60 years? Seriously? Well, let’s get serious; no one is really prepared for that!

More to the point, are they prepared to believe in a God who has enough grace to cover that much adjustment? Really investing in a relationship will stretch and test anyone’s faith, sometimes to the limit. Ah, but the rewards!

So maybe we should really ask whether they are ready for a really serious relationship with God! The relationship with God will have to grow or the container of grace for the marriage won’t be large enough. We will have to rely on resentments and irritability to keep our partner “in line.” Soon, that relationship will sour!

It is not just our or our partner’s imperfections that will test us. Entwining with another life leaves more room for difficult things happening to a spouse as well as yourself. Sickness, job loss, death, problems with children can all be part of life’s unexpected turns. Relationships sometimes crack under such strain.

Navigating such challenges is a journey of faith. Fortunately, God is very serious about providing grace for the journey. Seriously!

		Light in a world of darkness
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