St. Luke's Communicator September 2006

Thinking as a Christian is critical. In fact, it is the salient ingredient that separates you from the world. It is why I (and I believe you) desperately need the church.

This has been a grand summer. After two weeks of family reunion (Cape Disappointment… the irony of gathering family at such a named place was not lost on me) and some serious playtime at a resort in Idaho with other family and friends I am again reminded as to why I need the church. The church empowers me to think as a Christian.

That may sound rather self evident but it isn’t. Thinking as a Christian is tantamount to a heart transplant… you are alive – ostensibly, on the outside, looking the same – but knowing you are different because of that which beats within you that isn’t yours. Brenda and I had a wonderful time. Play, of all sorts, conversations, good food and a fairly regular glass of a good cabernet, combined with people we genuinely care for, made for some terrific memories.

One thing was consistently missing… people who think as a Christian. I have come to see how intrinsic this one somewhat intangible quality is to my very being. I listened to opinions and observations and insights and real regard from people who postulated and pontificated from positions of political opinion, materialistic presumption, humanitarian good will and inspired conviction of all sorts. Never once did I hear someone speak of Jesus. Never once did I hear anyone offer a word of grace given another’s failure, shortcomings or their lack of character. Oh, how I found myself longing for the church.

Keep in mind these were all wonderful (okay, every family has a few of… well, you know) people. Yet, no one was thinking as a Christian. They were thinking and speaking as Democrats or Republicans or Lexus owners or as veterans or, or, or… sadly, the comments that could come from the shadow of the cross were few and far between. Many of these same people could also claim a faith strand to the fabric of their life.

My point is simple. As much as I may sound self-righteous, my epiphany is not about standing in judgment of anyone except myself. I need the church to remind me how to think, how to view the world and how to stay grounded in forgiveness that is rooted in grace — the grace we experience in Jesus, in worship, in bread and wine, in each other as broken yet restored people of faith. We need to think as followers of the Savior.

With the heightened anxiety in the Middle East, a number of those who had made commitments have expressed concern about traveling to

Israel

. In light of those concerns we are changing the itinerary of our pilgrimage. We will now be spending 14 days touring Italy . Although we have not finalized an itinerary, stops in Sorrento , Florence , Venice and Pompeii while staying in first class accommodations are all possibilities. The trip will conclude with 6 days at the Domus Carmelitana in Rome . Although there is a measure of disappointment in not traveling to Israel at this time, the chance to tour Italy and visit sights such as the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome the bridge of Sighs in Venice, the excavations in Pompeii, the statue of David in Florence and the orange and olive groves of Sorrento will provide us with lasting memories. If you have already made your deposit for the Holy Land Trip and wish to continue with our journey now headed to

Italy

, new forms and a final itinerary will be sent to you. If you wish to join us for the revised trip and have not made your deposit or if you choose to cancel, please contact Jodi in the church office.

This year Ken and I took several mini-vacations. Everywhere I went there were reminders of what God was doing in my personal life. At an airport in California we expected to receive our previously reserved auto. We were anxious to pick up the car, drive the short distance to our motel, and call up Jen, the daughter of my college roommate. Candice (my college roommate) died of cancer several years ago so maintaining a friendship with Mike and Jen (her son and daughter) was important to me. Ken called the rental company, gave them our confirmation number, and received the reply, "Yes, they had a car waiting for us however we needed to travel to another city to retrieve it." That was not acceptable. I was upset; it was Jen's day off and she was waiting for our call.

At that moment I was not thinking that this was a "kairos" moment in my life. I was not asking myself, "What does God desire to teach me now?" I was upset and worried. My plans were not working out. As I sat on a bench with our luggage, Ken attempted to locate a vehicle for us even though we had been told there were none available. I called Jen to let her know of our delay. "We're in the middle of a muddle, I said." "So am I," she responded. "I'm in the emergency room of a hospital." At that moment my thoughts shifted from "chronos" time to "kairos" time. I was no longer concerned about the rental car; I was concerned for Jen. How was she? Did she need us at the hospital? What could we do for her?

We all have "kairos" moments in our lives. They are significant moments and may be wonderful or horrible. We remember them because of the emotion attached to them.

The shape of a circle (part of LifeShapes) reminds me to look at these "kairos" moments from God's perspective. What is God teaching me at this time? What can I learn from this situation? The circle reminds me to repent and believe. Repenting is a process. As a follower of Jesus I do not stand still; I keep learning. Repenting helps me to look at my failings and decide that I am going to change. The next time I meet a similar situation I hope to look at it from God's perspective and ask myself, 'What does Jesus want to teach me?" A part of repenting is observing what is going on in my life, reflecting on it from God's perspective, and discussing it with others.

Believing is also a process. It begins with a plan. My plan is to build my life on faith, not on worry. I need to be accountable to at least one other person for the changes I plan to make. Then I need to act. If you are interested in learning more about LifeShapes and the difference they can make in your everyday life, you are invited to do one or all of the following: Read the book, A Passionate Life, by Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad, join a group at St. Luke's that is studying this book, or talk to me. There will be more information about classes in the Communicator and in the Sunday worship bulletins.

To complete the above story, we did end up with a vehicle (a 12 passenger van) and had wonderful visits with Jen and Mike. I'm very aware that many of you have bigger life challenges than the above story. I'm hoping that learning to follow Jesus in the little obstacles of life will help prepare me for the really big challenges. Let us all choose to grow in our faith and support one another.

Shalom,

Are you excited? I am. The new school year is beginning and we have new youth programs starting and we are excited to see how they will grow. This year is the 50th Anniversary of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and I am in “awe” over the history and presence of how God has used and will continue to use this church to glorify His kingdom. Thanks to those of you who have been part of this congregation for many years. We hope you will give us a glimpse of what this church was like over the years.

As part of the 50th Anniversary the youth will be involved in piecing together some of that history. Through interviews and other means, they too will try to see what it was like. There are many events planned for this upcoming year; I hope that you watch and participate because it will be a fun ride.

The youth are in need of your help and prayers. Another article in this Communicator explains what the different needs are. I encourage you to look at it and see where your gifts lie and how you can help the youth. They are in need of guidance and support.

The biggest event right now is an all-parent meeting (middle and high school) on Sunday, September 10th at 9:45 a.m. We will be discussing youth ministry and what we see for the future. Come and listen to plans for youth ministry and ways you can help.

Please look on the youth calendar for any other events coming up and join us. If you have any questions please let me know via phone or e-mail. Take care and God bless!

Would you like to be more involved in the youth program? Here are some ways that you can help us out. We need help with youth events, our new mentorship program, more help on the youth and family ministry board, and confirmation guides.

Events are a big part of bringing youth to the church and we need help with all aspects of it. We need help with communication of the events and drivers to and from different activities. We are looking for two people per month (one for high school and one for middle school) to help Ben call youth for any event that month which could range from a movie night to a ski trip.

The mentorship program is still being developed but we are checking interest in anyone who would like to be part of this program once it is ready to start. The duties would be to follow a group of youth starting in 6th or 7th grade until they reach 10th grade. You would meet with them periodically and talk about their lives and see what their needs are and help them accomplish their goals. It is a time to pray and get to know the youth.

We also need help on the youth and family ministry board. We meet once a month to go over the schedule and make decisions about what ministries we are going to do in the next month or year. There are some people who have stepped down and we are in need of new members.

This year’s Confirmation class is going to be different from the past in that we have a parent who is taking the curriculum and fine-tuning it so the experience will be more meaningful. With that in mind we need small group leaders to help guide the youth. Everything you need for this position will be given to you. Please ask Ben Richards if you have any questions.

If we support our youth now, it can shape their future lives. Let’s all get involved in this process.

If you are interested in teaching in the fall we still need volunteers. We have 2^nd grade and 3^rd/4^th grade openings for teachers, and substitute teachers for all ages. Please pray about this amazing opportunity to get involved with children. Past teachers will tell you that they were blessed by the experience. Please think about how your gifts might serve the children in this church. Sign up in the narthex or contact me for further information.

Our Sunday school kick-off will be on Sunday, September 10^th. It will be so exciting to start Life Together, our new curriculum. Life Together is a family of Revised Common Lectionary resources using the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Life Together aligns the primary activities of congregational life: worship, faith education, and preaching. It keeps everyone on the same page. Life Together helps congregations weave worship, education, home faith enhancement, and more into one seamless faith experience.

Calling all Sunday school teachers to hear Susan Houglum speak about what it means to be a Sunday school teacher. Susan Houglum joined the staff at Trinity Lutheran College as an adjunct faculty member in September 1996. She became a full-time professor in August 1997 and is currently Department Head of the Christian Education Department, directing the college's degree programs in Christian Education and Early Childhood Education. The Faith Formation Board has asked Sue to come in and talk about what to expect as a Sunday school teacher, as well as help equip each teacher for the year ahead. Sue will be here on Sunday, September 10^th following the 2^nd service.

If you have any questions about these upcoming events please don’t hesitate to call me!

Beginning with Rally Day, September 10^th, we are back to the program-year worship schedule. Holy Communion will continue to be celebrated at both services.

Schedule Change:

Traditional Worship 8:30 a.m.

Informal Worship 11:00 a.m.

It was an exciting summer with the introduction of our new Informal Worship Service. As a congregation we have learned many new songs, and we will continue to grow in this experience. I believe that the development of two distinct worship styles is expanding the possibilities for those seeking a place of worship. Quoting from Pastor Tom’s June 18^th sermon, “We exist not for our sake but for sake of everyone out there who is waiting for the good news of this gospel.” It is my prayer that they will choose to stay and worship with us, not just once, but every week!

We are always looking for more people to join the Informal Worship Team. If you would like to share your talents and join in this wonderful experience, your life will be enriched by this opportunity. Please know that we are flexible, and you do not need to make a weekly commitment.

Send an email to amy@slukes.org, or leave a note in my or Stephanie Baxter’s box in the front office. Let’s make a joyful noise!

Amy Corsini, Worship Coordinator

Prison Congregations of America

On Sunday, September 24, Pastor Ed Nesselhuf will bringing the word to St. Luke’s from Prison Congregations of America. This organization is dedicated to establishing mainline congregations in the prison systems of every state in the United States . It was formed by the vision of pastors, prison officials, ex-offenders, family members and concerned citizens from varied denominations. The concept has proven worthwhile and viable as evidenced by existing and emerging prison congregations in Maryland , South Dakota , Pennsylvania , Iowa , Nebraska , Colorado , Minnesota and Washington . Come hear Pastor Ed’s message at the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services.

Facilities Update

How can we say goodbye to Dan? First let’s list some of his accomplishments during the 5+ years he has worked at St. Luke’s. Above and beyond the normal day-to-day sexton duties, Dan was the go-to-guy during the construction of the new sanctuary. He was on the Building Committee, Facilities Committee and Renovation Committee. He has been active in the remodel of Memorial Hall, Ben’s office and the youth area. Painting, changing lights, floor installation in the office and downstairs are just a few of the jobs he completed while here. He was always available for

set-up of church events, memorial services and weddings—including sound and lighting. The list goes on and on. There will never be another Dan at St. Luke’s but we wish him well in his new job with NOAA. He will be sorely missed.

Keep your eye out for the new sign that will be coming soon to St. Luke’s! We have the permit from the City of Bellevue so it won’t be long before all the cars passing St. Luke’s each day will receive our “message.”

Have you had a chance to check out Memorial Hall recently? The new lights are installed, Ben’s office is open and it all looks great. Thank you, Dan.

Even though we’re getting small numbers of volunteers to weed and clean, they are doing a remarkable job. Let’s work at getting the beds cleaned up for fall. Our next workday is Saturday, September 9 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Remember that you can “adopt” a bed and come and work on your own schedule.

Recently one of the gentlemen from Congregations for the Homeless stopped by with a card signed by the fellows who stayed here during February. There were special thank you’s to Bruce Amundson, Patty and Prentis Drew, Pastor Tom and Paula Hower. Some of the comments were:

“Thanks for opening up your church to me and the rest of the guys. God Bless You.”

When we host the homeless in February 2007, let’s remember what an impact we had on these men and all do what we can to make their experience at St. Luke’s a memorable one.

How time flies…we are fast approaching St. Luke’s 50^th anniversary! On October 22 we will kick off a 14 month jubilee. Events are being planned for every month that will remind us of our rich history, revive old traditions, celebrate fellowship, and create new memories.

Look for more information in this issue of the Communicator and in future issues and announcements.

The lindy, the jitterbug, the music of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey are all going to be at St. Luke’s on Saturday, November 11^th at 7:00 p.m. Join us for a fun evening of music and dancing from the big band era. Our own Prentis Drew and his band the Swingtime Express will be entertaining us along with raffles and refreshments. You are encouraged to dress in clothes that were popular in the 40’s, so put on your dancing shoes and join us.

Christian Songwriter and Guitarist, David Harsh, will be giving a Concert on Sunday evening, November 12th at 7:00pm. Visit David's website, www.davidharsh.com, for more information on this very talented Christian musician and join us for his concert.

One of the events we are looking at including in our jubilee program is a cruise to Alaska in July or August of 2007. No details are available yet, but if you would be interested in seeing the majestic sights of Alaska from the water, contact Judy Pagnotta.

There are going to be many opportunities to get involved in our anniversary celebration. A lot of exciting events are going to be taking place over the next year and we can use any and all volunteers. Please contact Carolyn Norton or Judy Pagnotta for more information.

Alpha videos will be shown in the library this fall. You may come for one or all of these. The videos begin promptly at 9:45 a.m. and there will be time for a short discussion at the end. Nicky Gumbel from England gives the lectures on the videos. This is Christianity 101. It is a good course for new Christians, those who want a review of the basics of our faith, and is an excellent course for non-Christians who want to learn what it’s all about..

Paul A. Anderson, M.C., LMFT, LMHC will be presenting a six session series on “Forgiveness”. Paul received his master’s degree from Seattle University (1981) and the same year began his clinical practice with Lutheran Counseling Network. In addition to his experience as a therapist he has been a behavioral health managed care case manager, county designated mental health professional, and manager of Virginia Mason’s Psychiatry Department. His areas of interest include working with families and couples; individuals in the midst of personal and career transitions; individuals adjusting to chronic health conditions; premarital counseling and facilitating men’s groups. He is an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bothell, is married and the father of three children.

The dates for the six sessions are: September 10, 17 and 24, October 1, 8 and 15.

Did you know?

Did you know that 18 women loose at a Mariner’s game can be really dangerous? Did you know that Jean Gillette can chair dance with the best of them? Did you know that it is utterly impossible for Karen Dunning to sit down and enjoy an event? She was so busy bounding around and making sure that everyone else had what they needed that I’m surprised if she saw anything of the game. Did you know that Margaret Snowden has developed a raving taste for garlic French fries? Did you know that she sucked the rest of us into trying them and we all (well – most of us) developed the same taste? Did you know that Ben & Jerry’s ice cream on top of a loaded hot dog can help with indigestion? Did you know that our own sweet Nancy Quale is great at explaining the game to those who are not so knowledgeable AND she can yell mild expletives at the umpires that had me looking over my shoulder at her in amazement? (Yes, she did tell me that her family is often embarrassed by her game behavior!) Did you know that both Margaret Snowden and I showed up at the game in opposite leg braces and were teased, even by the ushers that between the two of us we might have two good legs? Did you know that Jean Gillette threatened to take it personally when Oranda Nelson’s cane fell and hit her for the 6^th or 7^th time? We had so much fun just attending in a group that the fact that the Mariners won the game was a bonus – and yes, most of us stayed until the last ball was caught!

In case you were wondering – the St. Luke’s Women’s Study and Social Group and attended a Mariners game on Monday, August 7^th, and had a ball. What fun to get a group together for fun and games and just to get to know each other on a deeper(?) level. Seriously, this is a plug for getting involved in small groups. They are fun, they are educational (look at Nancy Quale’s contributions) they give us opportunities to build relationships and they are great for the church body as a whole. Look around – there are lots of opportunities to get involved in small groups – take the step and find out what you are missing.

Judy Pagnotta

Women’s Study & Social -

First meeting in the fall

Wednesday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s

Let’s get together and set a schedule for upcoming events.

Michelle has been on the staff of Lutheran Counseling Network the past 17 years. As a native Minnesotan, she received her M.A. degree at Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary in 1981. After moving her family to the northwest, she completed a post graduate program in Marriage Family Therapy from Presbyterian Counseling Service in Seattle in 1988. Her current interests include a holistic approach to counseling — helping clients integrate the spiritual, physical, emotional, psychological and relational dimensions of life.

Jan is a pastor in the NWWA Synod who presently serves as Assistant to the Bishop. Prior to that call she served First Lutheran of Richmond Beach in Shoreline and then St. Peter by the Sea in Edmonds . She became a pastor as a second career (or fourth) having been a teacher in Anacortes and Maple Valley , a drafter, and an environmental planner. Her special interests in ministry include transforming and renewing congregations, Sabbath and other spiritual disciplines, and leadership development.

The cost for the retreat is $110 for motel style lodging or $85 for dorm style lodging. Pick up a registration form from the narthex. The deadline for registration is September 1. A list of items you will need to bring and directions are also available.

The Quilters thank you who have donated fabric to our project. We’ll begin working again September 7 and will welcome now your sheets, particularly colored, and your help. You who have been thinking of joining this “interesting” group of women, can take pride in doing this to help the victims of tragedy around the world. Call Dorothy Orr at (425) 454-8595 or speak with a quilter you know.

As part of our continued emphasis on “The Spiritual Journey” of each person of faith, we will begin this fall reading, “A Passionate Life” by Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad. Everyone is welcome. Books will be handed out at the first class. This will be a wonderful study on practical methodology for the living of our life of faith (“By the numbers!”). This book will be used in a number of small groups this year at St. Luke’s.

Sunday, September 17th at 1:30pm. Twin Rivers Golf Course. Sign up in the narthex for this fun event. After golf, we'll have food and award prizes!

Edmonds Lutheran Church , 23525 84th Ave W in Edmonds , c all (206) 795-4288 to register. Saturday, September 23 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Watch for more information in the Sunday bulletin.

Rick will speak about how travel and faith have shaped his commitment and activism for peace. In the second part of the program, he will share the latest news on travel in Europe. 7:00 p.m. on October 8 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 17418 8th Ave NE in Shoreline. (A benefit for Lutheran Peace Fellowship)

Tickets: $15 in advance or $20 at door, $8 for students and limited income, $50 including reception with Rick at 6:00 p.m. Call (206) 720-0313 or visit www.lutheranpeace.org for tickets or more information. (Contact Roselyn if you would like to carpool.)

The 2006 LATCH Auction “Field of Dreams” is just around the bend. Mark your calendar today for this exciting evening of fun, food and fellowship. October 14 will be your chance to bid on hundreds of exciting items including Fighter Pilot for a Day, exotic vacations, food and wines, beautiful items for home and garden and, of course, all things baseball. This auction supports LATCH’s mission and ministry. Look for your invitation in August!

To be added to the invitation mailing list, or for more information about the LATCH auction, please call Ada Cole, development associate, at (206) 789-1536 extension 105 or email ada@latch.org

77th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Auction. Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Saturday, October 14th beginning with Silent Auction at 5:30pm. Tickets are $85.

2006 Fall Banquet, Saturday, October 28th at the DoubleTree Hotel - SeaTac Airport. For information and reservations contact; Judy Kiesz or Joan Jackson through the church office.

We meet once a month on the third Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to knit prayer shawls. If you like to knit or want to learn, come and join us. You may also knit on your own and have our group bless your shawl before it is given away. An evening or weekend group may start if there is interest. Contact Donna Kobelin at (425) 822-4536 or Roselyn at church for more information.

This ministry will meet on Thursday, September 7 at 2:30 p.m. This is a group of men and women who are available to help homebound persons with chores, errands, transportation or visiting. If you need help, or are able to offer and hour or more a month, call Dorothy Orr at (425) 454-8495 or Roselyn.

Summer is over and you have probably finished those classes in skydiving, bungie jumping and scuba diving. So what are you going to do to stay in shape, learn something new and have a good time? Consider taking a Yoga class!

We meet three days a week: Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and Friday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The class is designed and taught by Maude Pauletto, a licensed Yoga and Massage Therapist. Each member’s needs and abilities are taken into consideration when teaching yoga poses to fit age, injury, flexibility and ability. The cost is based on the number of participants during the month. We’ve ranged from a low of $4.50 to $9.50 a class.

Our membership includes men, women, sometimes a grandchild, and ages are 30s to 80s. We’re not only having a good time but we’re getting into great shape while exercising. To find out more talk to any of these folks: Jim and Judy Fergin, Jacquie Brase, Kris Issacson, Laurie Mitchell, Donna Kobelin or Karen Richards. Come for a free lesson and check us out. See you there.

If you can commit a few minutes to pass prayers on — plus praying for others each day — we need you. This is your opportunity to join St. Luke’s prayer chain. Prayers warriors are needed both day and night. Call Dorothy Scott at (425) 453-1425 or Marline Mattern at (425) 823-8112 for more information.

A special thank you to all the volunteers who have helped out in the Wiggle Room these past few years. I hope to see you back again this fall. Because of you, our little ones have had good role models to look up to, and your time shared with them has enriched their lives while enabling their parents to enjoy a peaceful service. Your time has been much appreciated. Thank you Chandler Kokosz, Spencer Matlock, Martin Kollmorgen, Amy Mitchell, Holly Dunning, Heather Dunning, Sarah Kim, Sharriee Saxegaard, Ben Kappler, Skip Matlock, Russ Jannetto, Julia Jannetto, Troy Mattern, Blake Erickson, Matt Dillon, Emily

Amundson, Megan Caffey, and to anyone else whose name I have accidentally omitted who has contributed their time to the children. May you be blessed because you have been a blessing.

Bishop Wm Chris Boerger
Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Let's Refocus

I have heard Dr. Peter Steinke say that a mission statement should be no longer than one sentence, in the vocabulary of a fifth grader, and repeatable in an instant. Steinke's point is that our mission should be clear to us and to those around us and that it should be able to withstand the anxieties that invade our lives.

I am seeing an interesting convergence of several issues around the issue of mission. What is our congregation supposed to be doing? How can we get people to support our congregation financially? Should we continue as a congregation or close the doors? All of these questions are about mission.

When congregations are in times of pastoral transition, we use the interim process as a means of clarifying and re-visiting the mission question. It is the needs identified in the mission profile that focus the call committee, and the synod office, in surfacing names for consideration for call. In other times of transition, the question of mission should be our focus.

I am not saying that having a one-sentence, clear and memorable mission statement will solve all our problems. I am saying that we need to be intentional in speaking our congregation's mission to each other and to the world. What is God calling your congregation to be and to do? How do you claim this vision in your worship, your structures, your stewardship and your prayers? Congregations that are clear in their focus are more effective in their work and in their outreach.

I believe that we have the ministry of reaching out to the unchurched in this mission field. We do that in a variety of ways, but I would offer that all of our programs ought to hold up this mission as part of our planning and our implementation. How does our youth program reach those who do not know Jesus or are we just trying to care for the youth that are already here? How does our Women of the ELCA or Lutheran Men in Mission serve to bring others to our church? How does our social ministry and our benevolence giving tell others of our response to God's command for us to be compassionate and generous? Our mission statement is seen in all of these activities.

As I am invited to visit your congregation, you can expect me to ask you what is this congregation's mission. That is not meant as a test or threat. I want it to be encouragement for all of us to refocus and speak clearly what God is calling us to be and do.

Dianne Seger, MS, LPC, LADC, works at the Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, a residential treatment center for 14- to 25-year olds in Plymouth, Minn. Recently, she wrote an article addressing “What to say when your child asks: “Did you ever do drugs?”

If a parent can honestly answer that drug use was not a part of their growing up it may seem simple, except that it can still be good to be prepared to use the question for a teachable moment. One fact, for example, is that the drug scene is very different today than in earlier years, just like vehicle use is different (seat belt use was not quite as crucial then). Also, we know so much more about the effects of abuse of drugs and addiction than earlier. Now we know, for one thing, that the younger people are when they start using alcohol and other drugs, the more chance there is for them to have long-term health problems.

If the parent did do drugs as a young person, Seger’s suggestion is to be honest but stick to essentials. Remember that your child does not have to repeat your past. Give factual information. The following are samples of possible types of answers (excerpted from Growing Up Drug-Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention, published by the U.S. Department of Education).

“Everyone makes mistakes, and when I used drugs, I made a big one. I’m telling you about this, even though it’s embarrassing, because I love you and I want to save you from making the same stupid decision that I made when I was your age. You can learn from my mistakes without repeating them.”

“At your age, between homework, friends, sports, other interests, there are a lot of fun things going on. If you get into taking drugs, you’re pretty much giving up those other things because you stop being able to concentrate and you can’t control your moods or keep to a schedule. You’ll miss out on all these experiences and you’ll never get those times back.”

“I did drugs because I was bored and wanted to take some risks but I soon found that I couldn’t control the risks—they were controlling me. There are much better ways of challenging yourself than doing drugs.”

To view the mentioned publication, go to - http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/family/drgfree/drugfree.htm, or call 1-877-433-7827 to order a free copy.

Ruth Kverndahl

“Want to hear a dirty joke?” said the second grader. “A pig fell into a mud puddle!” The child proceeds to roll on the floor laughing, watches you enjoy their reaction and then tells you the same joke again, hoping for the same reaction.

Of course what is serious is that we don’t want our children telling dirty jokes. What is funny is that the child doesn’t know what one is, but they know you don’t want them telling one. So they bait you with the opening line and then laugh, for reasons they could not even begin to explain. If there were not a serious prohibition against dirty jokes, there would be no humor in this at all.

Black humor is often the flip side of serious. When a tragedy strikes, sometimes a constant gaze at the pain is too much to maintain. We make jokes of it to keep it from overwhelming us. Death is a prime candidate for such treatment.

Sometimes we can even find humor when the joke is on us. We see a part of ourselves that we take very seriously and someone pokes fun at it. On occasion, we are able to momentarily step outside of our life and death perspective on whatever this is. We see that in the grand scheme of things, our having or not having this be a part of us will not be the end of the world.

A friend once received a card which read, “Laugh at your problems, everyone else does!” She saw the irony immediately, and found the card quite cheery.

Our problems can be humorous precisely because they are serious. Perhaps God is even laughing at your problems at this very minute. God can because God knows that serious is not the final word about our existence. Remember, that the serious side is only a side. It’s not the whole enchilada. Hey, Laugh! That was a joke!

This is not about the war situation. However, it is, in a way, about a different kind of “war.” A war that many prefer to call “recovery work.” September is Recovery Month.

Statistics show that 22.5 million Americans aged 12 or over were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year. Millions more live in households with people who have abused or had dependence on alcohol and other drugs. As many as 74% of Americans say that addiction to alcohol has had some impact on them at some point in their lives, whether it was their own personal addiction, that of a friend or family member, or any other experience with addiction.

To celebrate people who have confronted their problem (or are in the course of doing so), those who are on their recovery road, why not send a special greeting to such a person you know? Or give a special donation to a treatment center? Or go to an open support group to learn more? Or read a book related to the problems, so that you can be supportive in an educated way? Why not decide that you will not be a part of the deadly silence but rather have a heart of unconditional love and prayer for all who are struggling—and all who are beating the odds, one day at a time.

(Statistics from Addiction Professional July/August 2006, the official publication of NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals)

Christian Recovery Sponsors Wanted

Christians new to recovery from addictions meet for support every week in the Chapel of Steadfast Love at the Compass Center in Seattle . They would like to be joined by other Christians, with longer sobriety, who want a Bible-based recovery meeting with freedom to call their Higher Power by his name, Jesus. They also are requesting Christian sponsors. The Chapel of Steadfast Love Christian Recovery and Support Group for men and women meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays at 210 Alaskan Way South . Participants are also invited for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Call Pastor Sue Wanwig at (206) 357-3112 for details, or come to a meeting.

Do you know someone with an alcohol or drug problem?

Have you ever wondered about your own drinking habits? St. Luke’s hosts an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. You may also contact the Eastside Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous at (425) 454-9192 for a meeting schedule or someone to talk to. Family members who need support can call the Al-Anon office at (206) 625-0000 and get locations/times for Al-Anon meetings. There is also a flyer in the narthex “Information on Alcoholics Anonymous” which describes what AA is, what AA does, and what AA does not do.

Is AA for You? (Twelve questions only you can answer)

Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking — stop telling you what to do?
Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
Have you had to have an eye-opener upon awakening during the past year?
Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?
Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
Do you ever try to get “extra” drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don’t mean to?
Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?
Do you have “blackouts”?
Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

Did you answer YES four or more times? If so, you are probably in trouble with alcohol. Only you can decide whether you think AA is for you. Try to keep an open mind on the subject. AA does not promise to solve your life’s problems but they can show you how to live without drinking “one day at a time.”

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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