St. Luke's Communicato rDecember 2006

Where will the water take it?” It was the thesis sentence asked by a boy about my age. Walking into Miss Mueller’s fifth grade class and seeing the reel-to-reel movie projector was always good news. Probably every kid my age would get excited when we knew we were going to get to see a movie… kind of like a mini vacation from the rigors of the demanding fifth grade curriculum at ol’ Hawthorne Elementary.

Anyways, as the young boy in the film placed his crudely shaped boat made from wedges of wood in the waters and watched it bump its way down the stream, so obviously caught in the current, he asked, “Where will the water take it?” It took it from the headwaters down the mighty Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico. It was a great geography lesson.

I wonder if 50 years ago, when this ministry was founded, one of our foremothers asked a similar question, “I wonder where God will take this ministry?” Maybe it isn’t really too different than the questions a parent asks when filled with anxiety over the future of their child. All any of us ever can do is make the best decisions we can at the time, ask God to bless them and then persist in living with a hope of God’s providential grace.

The point of the movie was that the waters ended up exactly where they were supposed to – in the ocean and then evaporated back up to again fall as rain there to start the journey all over again. The life of a Christian is, again, similar. We will end up where we are supposed to, though not necessarily where we had planned, but along the way we will encounter sometimes turbulent waters. Exactly like that little wedged boat in the movie. The life of faith is the life lived trusting in God’s provision and plan for the journey.

This is Advent, the four weeks in preparation for the Christmas celebration. Imagine, God ordains that the Savior, the baby Jesus was to be born amidst the vagaries, hardships and challenges of primitive Palestine 2000 years ago and he will end up exactly where He had planned… sitting at God’s right hand. Along the way there would be a few hardships, a cross being one of them. Through it all God was honored.

This will be St. Luke’s 50^th Christmas celebration. Have we ended up where our foremothers and fathers had imagined? Not sure, yet I do know we will end up exactly where God has laid plans for us. That alone is comforting as we continue to discern our future asking and praying for God to bless our decisions. I think that is enough.

Come join us! We will be reading Silence by Shusaku Endo, a very challenging and interesting historical novel about Christianity in Japan in the 16th Century. Copies are available for $13.00.

Give me your harried, your hassled, your sleepless, your “where is my valium”, and I will give you the profile of a teenager’s parent. I want to help. (No, I cannot help with prescription drugs.) I think there are some wonderful resources out there to assist you in the most holy of assignments of parenting. The conversation I had with Confirmation parents the beginning of this past fall program was enormously helpful in identifying significant issues. If you would be interested in such a group designed to offer support, education and conversation, please let me or the office know. We are currently gathering names to begin such a support group in November. Call the office, I believe this effort will not only be helpful but fun. Hmmm… there’s a novel notion, parents of teenagers having fun, hmmm…

"Does the thought of Christmas add stress or lessen the stress in your life?"

Have you noticed that there seem to be more articles about reducing stress during Advent? (That's Christmas to the rest of the world.) In my life there are several things that I do that help lower my stress prior to Christmas. You may not want to do all of them however there may be one idea that works for you.

About 35 years ago, when Ken started a new business and Christmas was approaching, I wondered how I would survive the holidays. I was so busy helping with the business that I didn't see how there would be time for all the traditional things I wanted to do - like baking, decorating, deciding on just the right gift.

One thing that helped during that time was to ask myself. "How important is this to me, to my family, or to our faith? The first thing and the most traumatic to go was baking cookies. There just wasn't time. I thought Christmas wouldn't be the same. A few days before Christmas, a neighbor brought a plate of cookies to our family. That was a “gift from God.” My family had the special treats they wanted. The next year it was easier to skip the baking. My family received plenty of goodies from other places during the holidays. And when I needed some, they were available in the stores. A bonus for me was that the temptation of having baked goods in the house wasn't there. When it came to the Christmas tree, I decided I didn't need the most beautiful tree but I did want one and the old fashioned ornaments were meaningful to me.

Besides the things that I eliminated, there were a few that I kept or added. Rarely have I left out our family Christmas letter to those I seldom see. That's because I love to hear from others and catch up on friends and family who I haven't communicated with for awhile. My tradition is to write and send a letter to relatives in Norway and others during Thanksgiving weekend. Somehow that time slips away and some years it just doesn't get done.

The Advent concert at Trinity Lutheran College the first weekend in December is on my "must do" list. It's a wonderful concert that helps me prepare for the coming of my Lord. Whenever possible, I also enjoy the PLU Christmas concert, another fine treat. Advent at St. Luke's begins with a change of parament colors, Advent Fair, and Women's Advent Dinner and Lucia Festival - all on my must do list. I always look forward to the Choir Concert and the Sunday School program. The year, I can see and hear both of them on a Sunday morning.

When our children were in our home, we started the tradition of an Advent wreath and a candle lighting ceremony before the evening meal. My stepdad, Al, made us a special wooden holder for the weekly candles and the "Christ" candle. My very favorite party is one that occurs after Christmas. It's sponsored by an organization of people from the area of Norway my parents are from. It's held between Christmas and New Years. We watch the children perform, eat a potluck meal, and then (the highlight for me) walk around the Christmas tree singing Christmas songs and hymns in Norwegian and English. This brings back memories of when I spent Christmas in Norway at the age of 10. Then there's lutefisk! While I realize that it isn't a treat for many of you, Ken and I enjoy attending one of the dinners in the area.

You may not make the same decisions that I did. In fact you may think that you could never go without baking. However, if you're stressed, stop and think, "Is there one thing I can eliminate this year?" Or is there one thing I can add that will help me put the Christ back in Christmas.

Shalom,

Roselyn

“Oh happy day, Oh happy day.” I like to walk around the church singing those words every now and then, and in fact I find myself singing a lot more lately. This is because I am excited about what is coming throughout the month of December. This month is full of joy and servanthood at St. Luke’s while we get ready for Kid’s Holiday Store and other areas to help in our community.

There are many opportunities to participate in the youth program if you feel God is telling you to become more involved. We always need help with driving to and from events, chaperoning (which is driving and staying through the event), and also help with some of the administrative pieces. So if God has put it in your heart to get more involved, please let me know and we can figure out where the best fit for you would be in youth ministry.

Please look at the youth calendar for upcoming events. Some specific events to watch for are:

I hope you all have a great month and a Merry Christmas. Take care and God bless!

January 26-28. This has become a tradition and favorite for families, singles and youth. A sign-up poster will be available in the narthex the beginning of December. All are welcome and we encourage you to invite a friend. We have reserved 40 beds. Contact Tim Hower at (425) 427-1253 for more information.

Annie Saunders is 16 years old and is in the 11th grade at Forest Ridge. She enjoys mint chocolate chip ice cream and her friends say that her best qualities are her optimism and kindness. Her favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” Annie comes to St. Luke’s because it is her desire to deepen and strengthen her faith.

Sydney Brovick is 12 years old and is in 7th grade at Chinook Middle School. She enjoys mint chocolate chip ice cream and her friends say that her best qualities are her character and humor. Sydney keeps coming to St. Luke’s because of her parents.

Ahhh, the holidays! Isn’t it fun when we start to put on our mittens and scarves, and begin to light fires and sip our favorite warm beverages? It’s my favorite time of the year! There are so many activities indoors that allow us to stay warm, have fun, and grow in faith.

The Christmas Program, entitled “What God Really Wants for Christmas”, will be on Sunday, December 17^th during the Sunday School hour. We are having practices for the Children’s Christmas Program on Sunday, December 3^rd and Sunday, December 10^th following the 11:00 a.m. service. There will be lunch provided and the practice will last about an hour and a half including lunch. Please have your child attend so they will know what to do in the program. Children from pre-school through sixth grade should attend.

Our Advent Fair will be on Sunday, December 3^rd during the Sunday School hour. There is no Sunday School that Sunday. The Advent Fair is a time that the kids and parents have to do crafts in Pierson Hall, eat cookies, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy fellowship with one another.

Also please note there will be no Sunday School on Sunday, December 24^th or Sunday, December 31^st.

If you have any questions or thoughts on any of these activities please contact me.

The new church year begins on December 3^rd as the first Sunday in Advent. The days are getting shorter and the nights longer. The church’s liturgical color has changed to blue, symbolizing the season of hope as we wait for the newborn King.

The lighting of the Advent Wreath is a great tradition on each Sunday in Advent. The following excerpt is an interesting piece of history about the wreath’s symbolism and its meaning of bringing light and hope into this dark season.

The Advent wreath has its roots in the pre-Christian practices of northern Europe. People sought the return of the sun in the dark time of the year (at the winter solstice) by lighting candles and fires. As early as the Middle Ages, Christians used fire and light to represent Christ's coming into the world. Using this same symbolism, the Advent wreath developed a few centuries ago in Germany as a sign of the waiting and hopeful expectation of the return in glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The wreath, a circle, came to represent the eternal victory over death through Jesus Christ. The evergreens were a sign of the faithfulness of God to God’s people, even in death, and the lighted candles were a reminder of the light of Christ brought into the world. (from “The Advent Wreath” – www.elca.org

As we move from Advent to Christmas, please be mindful that (1) the Christmas Eve schedule is slightly altered from years past, and (2) the morning schedule for the last two Sundays this month will only contain one service at 10:00 a.m. on each of those days. Please make note of the following worship schedule:

We still have openings for communion assistants, ushers, acolytes, readers and greeters at our four services on Sunday, December 24 (10:00 a.m.; 4:00 p.m.; 8:00 p.m.; and 11:00 p.m.); Christmas Day at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday, December 31 (10:00 a.m.) Call Sally Otten at (425) 828-4921 to volunteer.

On the morning of December 17th, for both the 8:30 and the 11:00 services, the St. Luke’s choir will present their annual Christmas message in song. Come celebrate the birth of Christ with us. Bring your friends; invite your neighbors. Our December message will also lead us into the upcoming Lenten and Easter message. The Winter Rose, by Joseph Martin, reveals Jesus Christ to be the Rose of Sharon who has come down to earth as a babe but is destined to change mankind. Our vocal choir will be embellished by guest instrumentalists and the bell choir. Come, Lord Jesus.

David Harsh Christmas Concert
A Christmas concert for all ages! Friday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m.

If you missed David’s concert on November 12, you won’t want to miss this one. David is a National Award winning Christian songwriter and guitarist who was fir trained as an opera singer and transformed himself into an acoustic Christian artist. He’s become known as the guy who plays a guitar with his feet”. (You need to come for this alone!) David’s vision for his ministry is to “share God’s love through music and through my life with a spirit of total excellence, for His Glory, until I am completely poured out.” He will share an evening of original Christmas music with a few classics thrown in for good measure! Be sure to check out his website at www.davidharsh.com for more information on this amazing Christian musician. A freewill offering will be taken for the Emergency Feeding Program of King County/Seattle.

October saw some special gifts received by St. Luke’s, some to benefit the general fund and some to benefit designated ministries outside of St. Luke’s. What a blessing for all.

St. Luke’s received over $6,000 in income for the use of our grounds (parking) and building (weddings, funerals, pre-school,etc.). As I reported at the Annual Meeting we do have a local company renting parking space from us during the week. This brings in $1,200 to $1,300 per month to the general fund. This income is truly a gift for us to use in the support of our ministries.

As most of you know, the stock market has done very well this year. If you have been blessed more than you anticipated, consider making a year-end contribution to support our ministries. Your special year-end gift will make a genuine difference in the ministry and mission of St. Luke’s. So if you were not able to pledge as much as you would have liked on Consecration Sunday—or would simply like to give something extra—there are many opportunities. You can contact me, Carolyn Norton, (425) 898-7184, and I would be pleased to discuss these opportunities with you.

The Board of Trustees has contracted with the ELCA church-wide stewardship resource called Stewardship Key Leader Program to lead our next capital campaign. The national church executive of this program, Rev. Chuck “Chick” Lane has made a commitment to personally lead this campaign which will begin on Saturday, January 27^th (training of the campaign leaders) and conclude five weeks later on Sunday, March 4^th, Commitment Sunday.

This will be our fifth campaign as we continue to pursue our vision to grow this ministry for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our two co-chairs for this campaign are Bob Stanbary and Chris Reid. There are a number of leadership positions yet to be filled. Opportunities are many and we pray your heart is open to this time-sensitive (and limited) commitment.

It is estimated we are looking at a goal of $800,000 for this campaign. A more detailed list of costs and program expectations will be forthcoming. The campaign cost will be somewhere in the range of $7,500. (This compares to $24,000 to $35,000 paid for previous campaigns).

We have already received an initial kick-off gift of $35,000 towards this campaign. These monies represent an extraordinary gift which allows us to re-engage our architect and proceed toward our vision.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Big and Brawny Breakfast and work party on Saturday, November 4. Even though the weather was atrocious, many of the chores got done and the Facility Committee raised $625 (after breakfast expenditures). Thrivent will match $600. A special thank you to Carnel and Judy Hagen for the great breakfast that got everyone in the mood to start working it off!

We plan to make this a semi-annual event so if you missed out, be sure to come next time.

A great new group is taking shape here at St. Luke’s. It is the Wednesday Morning Handyman Group. What’s that you ask? On the second and fourth Wednesday of the month a number of men are meeting at the church. Their purpose is to take on projects; some big — like patching the roof, and some small — like changing out light bulbs, putting away janitorial supplies, fixing doors and sinks. This gregarious group of guys take time and thoughtfully plan out their projects for the day (read: drink coffee, eat doughnuts, and “discuss deep philosophical issues”). The schedule is flexible and perfect attendance is not mandatory (read: retired, going away for a couple of weeks to…Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, taking care of the grandkids, etc.). If you think you might be interested in joining the group (read: wife wants you out of the house), contact Jodi Daub in the office or anyone in the group for more information.

Thank you to Irv Quale, Jack Doidge, Carnel Hagen, Ron Norton, Walt Lisle and Dick Jackling for starting up this group.

Have you noticed the new sign? Yes, it is finally here and we are so thankful for all of the diligent efforts of Joan Jackson. Joan has persevered through all the various sign companies, permitting process, removal of the old sign and finally installation. A brick base will be added in the near future to complete the project. We will be taking suggestions and developing a procedure to decide what will be featured on the sign. If you would like to submit a suggestion that will be viewed by the 25,000 people who pass by the church daily, please stop by the office and pick up a form and leave it in Jodi Daub’s mailbox.

Sunday, November 12^th, David Harsh gave a performance that was so dynamic it is really hard to describe or write about it. It is one of those, “you had to be there” to understand the depth of this performer’s gifts and talents. It was a wonderful witness in using the gifts that God has given to you. We have asked him to come back and perform his Christmas Concert for us on December 22^nd. He will be sharing some original Christmas music as well as some Christmas classics. Be sure to mark this on your calendar and bring your family and friends out for a wonderful evening of music and fun.

Photos are needed for the 50^th anniversary celebration. If you have photos of the church, members, events and celebrations — especially ones that were taken from 1986 and on — we would love to have you share them with us. Each week we are putting together the jubilee moments and these photographs are an important part of our history. If you have any photos that we could use, please place them in Roberta Johnson’s mailbox. Mark the photos with your name and address and also identify who, what and where. All photos will be returned.

In your “Fire in the church” brochure inserted in the Communicator, please make the following changes in dates:

Carnival Night originally scheduled for January 20 will be held on March 31st.

The Bowling Tournament originally scheduled for March will be held January 21st

We have an exciting and fun-filled trip planned as part of our 50th Anniversary celebration. A number of people, though, have had to withdraw from participating. As such we have dropped below the number necessary for a group tour. In order to confrim our plane reservations or lose our deposit money, we must make a decision to proceed by December 1st. An immediate deposit of $300 is required with the total payment due by December 12th. Brochures are available in the narthex. If we have to cancel we will see if there is interest for an autumn trip.

The construction of our sanctuary Witness Windows begins Thursday, January 18 at 7:00 p.m. with our orientation meeting. Artist Joe Hester will be leading 22 teams in the construction of our stained glass windows which, when back lit, will provide a dramatic witness to the thousands of passersby who daily commute by our site. This is our very intentional gift to our community envisioned years ago as “a light to a dark world” which is meant to communicate our desire to share our life of faith.

We want you to get a team together. Each team should have a minimum of four and as many as eight. Joe will teach us how to build the 22 sections of stained glass that will provide a powerful witness. We are encouraging families, ministry boards, Sunday School teachers, Sunday School classes, support groups, etc., to form groups to participate in the creation of this enduring witness. Each person will be asked for a $50 donation toward the cost of their materials. The project will be completed and installed 3-4 weeks later. For that period of time Joe will be onsite every day working with teams according to their schedule. We are also looking for housing for Joe during that time. Any travelers need a home sitter during that period? For more information call the church office.

Saturday, December 9, is a special day for many. This is the day we host families-in-need as they shop and wrap gifts, decorate cookies, make crafts, enjoy hot chocolate and have a visit with Santa – all at St. Luke’s. The benefits are not just for the families we serve, but also for those who help make it possible – we all benefit!

Your gift of giving -- money, gifts or time -- is greatly appreciated. To offer assistance, call Ethel Brende, 425-828-6222, or Kim Johne, 425-957-1107.

All girls ages three through senior high are welcome to be part of our traditional Lucia Pageant. One of our senior girls will be chosen to be our Lucia Bride. To participate, please call Karen Dunning at (425) 822-7502.

For information please call Carolyn Saxegaard at (425) 454-9650 or Nancy Quale at (425) 746-6559

Please bring two dozen cookies which we will share with Kid’s Holiday Store and the Feeding Program.

Please come and be part of the festivities at the annual St. Luke’s Adult Christmas Party.

Bring a white elephant gift for the gift exchange . . . last year some gifts were strange . . .can we get stranger?

The Compass Center in Seattle provides Christmas gifts for over 250 homeless and low-income individuals each year. Because of the love and support we receive from our community each holiday season, we are able to bring joy, warmth and light into the lives of those less fortunate. Please remember the Compass Center and the clients we serve when preparing for the holidays this year. Many of our clients wear Large, Extra-Large an Extra-Extra-Large sizes!

Men: Backpacks; coats; underwear; socks; sweatshirts; flannel shirts; bathrobes

They can also use gifts cards in denominations of $5.00 or more to establishments such as Starbucks, Tully’s and McDonalds.

Please clearly mark any items designated for the Compass Center and bring to the church office. We will see they are delivered.

Health Ministry Program

Over the past three years, the Board of Trustees has invited a number of healthcare professionals to speak to them regarding a Health Ministry program. The board felt that this would be of great use to the congregation and the community and have been encouraging the congregation to find ways to develop this ministry.

In September, the Health Ministry Committee was formed with members, Dr. Allen Jackson, Sally Shinstrom, Judy Pagnotta, Karen Richards, Roselyn Olson and Jodi Daub. The mission of the Health Ministry is to promote health and wellness by providing resources, aid and education to the congregation and the neighboring community. In order to facilitate this ministry, a grant proposal was submitted to Wheat Ridge Ministries. Wheat Ridge Ministries (originally the Wheat Ridge Foundation) is an independent Lutheran charitable organization that provides support for new church-related health and hope ministries in pursuit of its mission – Lutherans seeding new ministries of health and hope in name of the healing Christ.

The vision for this ministry is multi-leveled. The initial level will be to focus our efforts on education, with monthly healthy living classes and workshops provided by both trained parishioners and outside health professionals. These classes will be augmented with preventative health screenings, health and wellness counseling and referrals. Another level in the vision is to provide more support to the Care Team Ministry via Parish Nurse Volunteers who would conduct home visits. Our long-range plan would include hiring a Parish Nurse who could provide regular home visits and limited respite care for caregivers.

Over the course of the next 12 months the Health Ministry Committee intends to:

Conduct at least two hypertension screenings
Identify, develop and provide need-based spiritual, health and wellness programs
Identify two persons to train for the Basic Parish Nurse Certificate
Recruit health professionals to speak at health and wellness programs
Provide flu vaccinations to members and neighbors

We just recently received word that we have been awarded a grant from Wheat Ridge Ministries in the amount of $2,000. We are asking for your prayerful support of this new ministry and for help in securing the matching funds with your generous gifts.

Jodi Daub
Office Administrator

Lutheran Community Services Northwest

Every day the staff of Lutheran Community Services Northwest reach out in service to our neighbors and our communities. Here is one of the stories of just some of the lives touched through their ministry.

“I had been in an abusive relationship for 13 years, and I had tried over

and over again to leave. If it hadn’t been for LCS, I probably would have

fallen back and still be there, me and my children, getting hurt. But now

we’re thriving, we’re happy, and we’re moving on, physically, emotionally,

mentally and spiritually. LCS is very important, not only to me, but to

women and children out there who need the support that LCS offers.

Without it, people would be lost.”

Rachel and her children were helped by LCS’ Domestic Violence Family Services who, through counseling and education, work to heal the psychological damage to women and children caused by domestic violence.

The caring staff at LCS provides a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools, businesses, congregations, neighborhoods and communities. Their programs are tailored to address specific needs in each of the communities they serve.

Just a few of their programs are: advocacy and social justice; crisis intervention; alcohol/drug treatment and education; disaster response; mental health counseling; parent education and support; senior outreach and support; violence prevention and counseling; and family support centers and services.

For more information check their website at www.lcsnw.org. The North Puget Sound Office which serves King and Snohomish and surrounding areas can be reached at (206) 694-5700. Judy Kiesz is also a resource person for this organization and she can be reached at (425) 889-2627.

Bellevue’s First Congregational Church which is located at 752 108th Ave NE is creating a first-ever, day shelter for Eastside homeless women. Hopefully by December 4, homeless women may come inside to a warm and welcoming day center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hot lunch will be provided by eastside churches, business and church organizations. Hot showers, as well as laundry accommodations, will be available along with phone and computer access. The YWCA is the fiscal manager of this site. Volunteers are needed to spread the word and get things started. If you are interested, please call Margaret Schwender at (425) 828-074`.

The holidays are not just a joyful time of celebration; they can also be a source of seasonal stress. It is easy to get worked up over the accumulation of tasks that accompany Christmas like gift buying, wrapping, decorating, mailing cards and entertaining.

On Saturday, December 2nd, Bruce Amundson will be holding a sample sale for new t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, etc. Prices are really low (some items $1 or $2). Mark the date on your calendar so you can start your Christmas shopping.

You are invited to join the Women’s Study and Social Group as we go to a local nursing home to visit and sing. Even though you may sing a little off-key, just sing with enthusiasm and have fun. Meet at church at 6:15 p.m. for carpooling. Questions? Call Judy Ness at (206) 779-6971

Our study on Tuesday morning is canceled. We are trying to work out a time and day that is more convenient for all. Thank you for your participation.

We are pleased to announce that at the board meeting on November 14^th, the Board of Trustees affirmed Stephanie Hurst as our newest Elder. Please join us in welcoming her to her new position on the Board.

This group meets monthly to support one another in our losses. Sometimes it is a spouse; at other times it can be another person, a pet, or a dream. Bob Smith leads this group. Contact him at 425-415-6190 for more information.

This group of women meets on the third Wednesday of each month. We will not meet during December. If you like to knit or want to learn, if you are unable to come In January, contact Roselyn. Another group may be formed at another time. For further information contact Donna Kobelin (425-822-4536), Norma Peterson (425-885-5114), or Karen Richards (425-828-9493).

Have you asked your pastor how healthy he or she is?

After money, our health is one of those topics that we refuse to talk about. Our privacy about our health is a right we protect with legal status. That being recognized, have you asked your pastor, youth director or other church leader about their health?

I ask this because at the most recent Conference of Bishops meeting, John Kapanke, ELCA Board of Pensions, reported that the state of health for our clergy is not good. Our health care costs are increasing partially because the group we are insuring is not making good choices. We (and I include myself) are overweight, under exercised and poor in our food choices.

Just a few sobering statistics: 66 percent of clergy report being overweight; 61 percent report high blood pressure; and 65 percent report emotional health issues. There are other numbers, but few, if any, show signs of good decision making related to a healthy life.

I will be the first to confess that I do not exercise. I have more excuses than results. We live in a world that values productivity. If we work harder and take less time for ourselves, then we will be successful. This lie is ruining our life and our joy in our vocations.

God has created us with abilities and with the need for exercise and rest. We need time to pray and time to work. Balancing all of these things is part of our maturing as God's people.

I would ask you to look first to yourself. Are you getting the proper nutrition, exercise and rest? Are you taking time for prayer and devotions? As you examine yourself, ask your pastor to join you. Inquire of him or her how they are living the whole life that God has given them.

John Kapanke noted that when the ELCA was formed congregations shared nine percent of their income as mission support (benevolence) and four percent for health care of their workers. If the current trends continue in health care for our group's members, we will see congregations sharing five percent for mission support and eight percent for health care. We have a choice. We can pay attention to our health because it is what God intends or we can change our behaviors because our poor habits are affecting our church budget.

This report hit me with a new force. It is my job to respond to God's gift of life, not to abuse it. I will need to make observable changes. I invite you to do the same and to support your pastor in doing the same. In addition to all the program questions you ask him or her, ask your pastor if they have been to the health club or taken a bike ride. Encourage your pastor to live a healthy life with their family. You will be taking good care of God's gift to you and you will be saving money. I pray it is out of your stewardship of God's gifts that will motivate you. If it is only to save money, it is still a good idea.

The following hymn may not be well known but it does give us a valuable message, not least at this time of year when we strive to make the holy season holy. Text and music by Gloria Roe.

And some quotes from a little Hazelden booklet, The Majesty of Calmness, by George Jordan:

Life is a wondrously complex problem for the individual until someday, in a moment of illumination, he[she] awakens to the great realization that they can make it simple—never quite simple, but always simpler.

Happiness is the greatest paradox in Nature. It can grow in any soil, live under any conditions. It defies environment. It comes from within; it is the revelation of the depths of the inner life as light and heat proclaim the sun from which they radiate. Happiness consists not of having, but of being; not of possessing, but of enjoying. It is the warm glow of a heart at peace with itself.

When the worries and cares of the day fret you, and begin to wear upon you, and you chafe under the friction—be calm. Stop, rest for a moment, and let calmness and peace assert themselves.

Well, by now you have probably gotten that we don’t mean grim. Even if your family life is difficult during holiday times, we don’t mean an upgrade from “critical.” Although we do hope this holiday season won’t be the death of you.

But maybe it’s like that gourmet meal, exquisite in every way, delectable, the finest you have ever experienced. Or maybe we mean that we hope that you take your fear and pain very seriously and that this Christmas you will lay it in a manger with the most precious Christmas gift anyone can receive.

We hope that you are ready for a really serious relationship with God because God is serious about this walking together thing. So very serious that God’s self was emptied and Jesus walked among us, living in and with the same kind of relationship struggles that we all face.

God is serious about loving and caring for these creations called humans. God is serious about the consequences of sin and brokenness not being the last word. We find these consequences being a part of our everyday lives as we seek to connect with and love those closest to us. While these relationships are often broken and filled with pain, they can also be the deepest sources of joy and comfort and meaning.

Have a serious relationship this Christmas with those you love and who love you.

		Light in a world of darkness
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