St. Luke's Communicator February 2007

Here I am, your pastor, in the midst of the business of life, trying to have a spiritual thought… if I’m struggling I can only imagine what it’s like for you out there in the world. Hokie Dinahs!

Yet, wouldn’t you know it, I did get one (a spiritual thought), the problem is that it came at 4:30 this morning… that’s A.M. I think it’s the story of scripture when the prophet has a dream or a vision… what actually happens is that God kind of shouts in your ear, your heart jump starts and there is no way in God’s green earth you can put the thought down. Not a chance in Hades you can go back to sleep after that.

Isaiah is describing the opposite of community, church, communion; the consequence of each of us doing life on our own is that we perpetuate sin; we remain fractured. We might be nice, very respectable people who have great success stories but, regardless, the someone who pays the price for that is Jesus. Curious isn’t it? According to the story of faith the good that is holy, eternal and prepares for thy kingdom come is something that happens in communion with us, Christ’s church. “Each of us turned to our own way” is not what God has in mind for us. Not only is individual success not something that impresses God, it ends up being part of the story for which Christ worked out our redemption. As St. Paul once painfully noted, individual accomplishments he counted as “filthy rags”.

This church is enormously blessed with talented and generous people. No arguing there. Yet, this is an aggressive and service-driven ministry, ever willing to be challenged and called up to a greater vision. It is folly to suggest that it is the consequence of a few spiritually motivated people… that is death, for us all. Rather, when we are in communion, community, when we are the church with each other what we accomplish is God blessed and holy. It is eternal.

Pastor Paul Pierson’s Memorial Service was a couple of weeks ago. His death stirred my imagination. What is his pastoral legacy after 27 years… what will mine be after 20 something years? It doesn’t matter. The only legacy that will count at all in God’s books is first Jesus atonement for us all and then the life of Christ’s Church (us) we hold in common, in communion.

There are many of you I miss… remember, the consequence of “turning to our own way” is the laying of our iniquity on our precious Savior. The Bread and Wine await us all.

We have enjoyed the blessings of a number of authors over the past months. Our current read is The Hammer of God, by Bo Girtz. There are copies available in the narthex, cost is $13.00. Come and join us for some spirited conversation and a fun learning environment.

Pastor Tom began a Bible study on The Acts of the Apostles on Monday, January 22. It is not too late to join us. Class will continue through February.

If you are having some trouble opening your scriptures for regular devotional reading Pastor Tom strongly suggests you try this wonderful narrative of the entire scriptural story. Dr. Peterson is a world renowned pastor, theologian and writer. He as translated all of scripture into a narrative that makes for a fun read of the scriptures. For example, the following is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, second chapter:

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death – and the worst kind of death at that – a crucifixion.

Up, in and out! That's what I want my Christian walk to be. Up, in and out! When I see a triangle, I am reminded to strive to keep my life in balance.

Micah 6:8 says, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Today's New International Version). "To act justly" is our relationship with the world. What can we do to make the world better? It doesn't have to be a great act, just a small gesture helps. "To love mercy" refers to our relationships with those close to us. "To walk humbly with your God" refers to our relationship with God.

All three of these areas of our lives are important. Jesus demonstrated all three. He lived his life in communion with God. He often talked to God and listened to his Father. His time with God helped strengthen him for the rest of his life. Jesus loved those close to him. He spent time with his disciples; he taught them, gradually giving them more responsibility. Jesus didn't limit his time to God and his close friends. He ministered to those who did not believe in him. He talked to strangers; he healed many who came to him. He acted justly in his relationship with his world.

In my own life, I find it is easy to focus on two of these three areas at one time. For awhile I have focused on my life with God and family and close friends, forgetting about the world around me. At other times I have become so busy helping the world and my family that I have neglected my relationship with God. At still other times I have concentrated on staying in relationship with God and ministering to others that I have put my own family on the back burner. Balance! That's what I want in my life. When I achieve balance, everything in my life works better. The triangle helps me remember all three.

One of the small groups at church that helps me maintain balance is the Women's Study and Social Group that meets on the third Wednesday of the month. This is a group of busy, working (at home or outside the home) women who set aside an evening once a month to study God's will for their lives, socialize with each other, and reach out to the community. In December we went Christmas caroling to people in nursing homes. Presently we are reading and discussing the book, "You matter more than you think: what a woman needs to know about the difference she makes." Dr. Leslie Parrott, the award winning author, who works with her husband, Dr. Les Parrott at Seattle Pacific University shares with us some of the things she has learned in her Christian walk with God and others. She helps us to see that each one of us is important to God and to others. She has appeared on Oprah,

January was a busy month with retreats and fundraisers for Ensenada, but it was fun. One of the retreats was the senior high youth group trip to Apex Ski Resort in British Columbia, Canada. We had a great time skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and watching the Seahawks play on Sunday. (Bummer that they lost.) The best part of the weekend for me was getting to know the youth better through our conversations. I am proud of all of them for what they have achieved so far in life. They all have goals for their lives after high school. Some may not choose to go to college but they all have something they would like to do. I told them that God has a plan for them. They may not know it yet but He does and He will guide them. They should just be sure to keep an ear out so they can hear it and a close eye out so they can see it.

If you are interested in coming to Ensenada with us this year, please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. We need your help with fundraisers — especially the pizza drive that ends February 1. We will be making the pizzas on Saturday, February 3^rd and will have them ready to give out on Super Bowl Sunday, February 4^th.

I hope you all are doing great and I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday morning for worship.

Meet the Youth of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church

This month we meet Amy Mitchell and Katharine Buckmaster.

Amy Mitchell is 16 years old and is a junior at Lindbergh High school. Her favorite ice cream is rainbow sherbet and her friends think that her sense of humor and happiness are what they like most about her. Her favorite Bible verse is Ecclesiastes 3:4 and her friends are what keep her coming to St. Luke's.

Katharine Buckmaster is 14 years old and is in 8th grade at International School. Her favorite ice cream is chocolate chip cookie dough and her friends think that her honesty and openness are what they like most about her. One of her favorite people in the Bible is David (and of course Jesus is her favorite).

Their pictures including all this information are on the bulletin board which is located by the nursery. Check it out!!!

My name is Chandler Kokosz. I am 16 and a sophomore at Bellevue Christian High School. My mom and I have been members at St. Luke's since I was 2 and I was confirmed this last October. We went to Ensenada when I was 10, I have been to Wilderness Ranch twice, Daroga numerous times, Apex three times, helped with VBS two summers, and I am on one of the teams that feeds homeless people monthly in the Crossroads area.

My school is partners with the John Perkins Foundation in Jackson, Mississippi. Every year a group of high school kids go on a Mission trip to Jackson & Mendenhall, Mississippi to:

I am planning to go this year, and the cost for my airfare, room and food is $700.00 If anyone has any work that they need done for a small donation to my mission trip, please call me at home at (425) 889-5025. I live near the church. I can wash cars, rake leaves, mow lawns, etc. We leave on Friday, April 6th. Anyone who feels they would like to donate, please contact my mom, Valerie Kokosz.

Love is in the air! When people think of Valentine’s Day I am certain they think of their special someone, chocolate, and flowers. However, this year I encourage you to think about the love that you have for your Creator. God has given us so many blessings and shown love for us in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Let us show our love and devotion to God during this month and always!

On February 11^th, during the Sunday School hour, we will be having Parents’ Day! This is a chance for parents to attend a small discussion about Christian education in the Fireside room. Then, parents will have the opportunity to attend their child’s class and meet the teachers, as well as get a firsthand look at the “Life Together” curriculum that is being used. If you have any questions about this event please contact me.

The Faith Formation Board is looking for your input! When Edna Dorothy passed away there was a fund established in her name. This fund is to be used for the children at St. Luke’s. If there are ways that you want to see this money used please direct your suggestions to me or anyone on the Faith Formation Board. If you could put your suggestions in written format it would be greatly appreciated.

The season of Epiphany takes us into February, and ends with the Transfiguration of Our Lord on February 18^th. We will continue using the Now the Feast and Celebration (NFC) liturgy at the 8:30 Worship Services through Transfiguration. Please join us each Sunday at either the 8:30 Traditional or 11:00 Informal Worship Services, both of which includes the celebration of Holy Communion every week.

February 21^st marks the season of Lent this year with our Ash Wednesday Service, Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes. Please join us for worship at 7:30 p.m.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday, the Season of Lent functions as a time of preparation for the Easter festival. The Sunday morning liturgy during Lent will begin with Confession as we are gathered, and continue with Word and Sacrament.

On Wednesday, February 28^th, we continue our tradition of soup and bread dinners at 6:15 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. gathering where we will sing hymns and be presented with a time of learning. More details will follow later in the month.

Blessings and joy to you!

~Amy Corsini, Worship Coordinator

Why ashes?

On Ash Wednesday many pastors dip a finger or thumb in black ashes and make the form of a cross on the foreheads of worshipers. Many Christians keep the symbol on their head for the entire day. It is a reminder of one’s sorrow for one’s sins. It is a sign of humility and the need for forgiveness. Also, the cross on the forehead reminds us of the death of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins.

This year Ash Wednesday is on February 21. Please join us at 7:30 p.m. for worship.

If you have not yet picked up your envelopes, please do so. If a box is assigned to you and you do not need it, please make a note of that to Jodi in the office. If you need a box, please choose one without a name and mark your name next to corresponding number.

Have you seen the new renderings of the proposed changes to our facilities that have been on display in the narthex? If you haven’t, please take a moment and look at the future of St. Luke’s as we enter into the next 50 years of service in our community. Information regarding these facilities upgrades will be announced Sunday, February 4th by guest Pastor Charles Lane, Director of Steward Key Leader, a ministry of our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We look forward to seeing everyone there as we kick off the St. Luke’s capital campaign “Fan Into Flame”. The campaign committee is pleased to have Pastor Charles Lane lead the congregation in worship concerning our campaign mission and vision. Everyone is invited to a social gathering between services to ask questions and meet Pastor Lane.

As many of you know, the old roof on the old section of the church building has many leaks. A huge thanks to Irv and Nancy Quale, Dan Lofgren and all the others who have poured buckets of tar in various places trying to stop them.

With all the wet weather this winter it has become extremely clear that something has to be done, and done now.

The total cost for a new roof is $58,941 (plus fixing any water damages). As we enter into “Fan into Flame’ — our new capital program — the roof issue is the highest priority. Currently we have $40,000-$42,000 that can be used for proceeding with the roof immediately. We need to raise approximately $20,000 in additional funds to pay for this project and allow for any water damage. As the campaign gets underway, contributions coming in will be put toward the new roof and repayment of any monies used.

The process we have decided on is a membrane application. We do not need a permit and it doesn’t count as another layer of roof since it is so light-weight. The old roof will have to be torn out in areas of past leaks to repair damage caused in the ceiling but this application seems to be the most reliable. We are using the same roofing company that did the roof over the new narthex and sanctuary. The angled parts of the old roof will look like the new sanctuary and the flat parts will look the same as above the new narthex. We will be repairing the entire old roof, from the old sanctuary and narthex, through Pierson Hall and down the office wing.

Please prayerfully consider making an early contribution to “Fan into Flame” to be used for the roof as a part of your pledge to this capital program. It will be counted in that program and will make a difference in our facility and our ministry.

Alaska Cruise

Are you thinking about your vacation? Are you beginning to set times, dates, possible destinations? How about those who were signed up for the now postponed Israel/Italy trip? How about joining us on our Alaska Cruise? We leave from the Seattle Waterfront on July 1^st and return on the 8^th. Just think – seven days and nights on a cruise ship in Alaska – all the food you can eat, long days and short nights for sightseeing, no mosquitoes, the warmest time of year for Alaska (hopefully!), great activities for the kids, free time for Mom and Dad to spend time together - - what more could you ask?

Ports of call include Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau and Victoria, B.C. As an added perk, Janis Wold, a member of our church comes from Alaska and will be in Alaska while we are there. She is willing to do a tour for us that will get us to the more interesting spots not necessarily covered by the cruise line tours. I always like the “off the beaten track” stuff, don’t you?

The prices are for individuals based on double occupancy and range from $949 to $1,109 for the inside cabins, $1,399 for an obstructed ocean view (usually obstructed by a lifeboat, etc.), $1,574 for an unobstructed ocean view, and $1,849 to $1,899 for balcony cabins. If you want a single cabin the cost will be approximately 160% of the single fare, i.e. you will pay the full cost for yourself and approximately 60% of the cost of the second person. Many of the cabins do accommodate 3^rd and 4^th persons, i.e., Mom, Dad and one or two kids. The prices are $699 to $899/person based on which cabin you choose. Jackie Roberts will be able to clarify that for you when you call to make your reservations.

Which brings me to that all important question – “How do I/we sign up?” Call Jackie Roberts at (425) 391-9275 or email her at robert.jk@comcast.net. We would like to have 15 to 20 cabins occupied by St. Luke’s members and friends. I think we can do it. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you on the cruise.

Judy Pagnotta

A group from St. Luke’s is going to a workshop put on by Stephen Ministry on Saturday, February 10 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Renton. We will hear sessions on:

The Parish Health Ministry wants you to have a healthy heart and will be sponsoring a free blood pressure screening on Monday, February 26th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Everyone has blood pressure. It’s the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Your heart creates this force as it pumps blood to all parts of your body. Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms at all. There are no specific warning signs. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked. Your doctor can measure your blood pressure or come in on the 26th for your free screening.

Dry skin can be recognized by tightness, roughness, itching, flaking or scaling, cracking, severe redness and even deep fissures that sometimes bleed. Catch some relief from dry skin by knowing the causes and implementing some preventative measures.

Factors That Cause Dry Skin

Dry winter weather or desert region living
Central heating and air conditioning, wood burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces draw moisture out of skin
Frequent, hot and/or long showers and baths
Harsh soaps or detergents—especially deodorant and antibacterial soaps
Skin disorders and conditions like Ichthyosis, Asteatotic Eczema and Psoriasis
Thyroid disorders which reduce the activity of sweat and oil glands
Use of alcohol, caffeine and some prescription drugs like diuretics and antihistamines
Nutritional deficiencies in essential lipids like omega-3 fatty acids and zinc
Dehydration

Preventing Dry Skin

Take a bath or shower and wash your face no more than once daily.
Use warm, not hot, water.
Limit the length of your bathing to 15 minutes or less because the longer you are in water, the more oil your skin loses.
Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Use skin cleansers and shower gels with added
moisturizers.
Clean your face using your hands or a cleansing sponge as washcloths can irritate the skin.
Pat yourself dry after a bath or shower and immediately moisturize your skin.
Apply moisturizer after bathing, washing your face, before going out in the cold
every time you wash your hands.
Moisturize your house with a tabletop humidifier or one that is built into your heating and cooling system.
Wear clothing made of natural fibers like cotton. Wash clothes in detergents free of dyes and perfumes to reduce irritation of the skin

Ensenada Mission Trip

The Ensenada Mission trip is off and running again. Last year’s trip was a wonderful experience for all adults and youth involved. Last year St. Luke’s supported 32 people that adventured down to Mexico building two new homes for families in need. To date the teams have built a total of 17 houses.

Thursday, May 3rd, a group of 30 people will be heading to Ensenada again returning Monday, May 7th. They will spend their time working with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) building houses and getting to know the people of Mexico.

Each person is responsible for the cost of all the building materials, food, water, supplies and transportation. Our total cost is about $950* per person. We are trying to supplement the cost with a new sponsorship program. This new program is called the Amigo Program. Would you consider being a part of this program by becoming a St. Luke’s Amigo Sponsor?

As an Amigo Sponsor you will:

Support the Ensenada Mission trip financially:

Club de los Amigos (Friends Club up to $30);
Club de los Discipulos (Disciples Club - $31-$99);
Club de los Apostles (Apostles Club - $100-$249);
Club de Amor del Dios (Love of God Club - $250-$499);
Club de los Evangelistas (Evangelist Club - $500 or more).

Keep the adults and youth in your prayers.

As an Amigo Sponsor you will receive:

An Amigo pen pal that will contact you through a personal letter to thank you for sponsoring this year’s Ensenada Mission trip.
A postcard from your pen pal during their Mexico Mission experience.
A special invitation to be the guest of your pen pal at a free thank-you Amigo luncheon. At the luncheon you will have the opportunity to hear many of the stories the students and adults will have to share about their mission experience.

Pictures of the people participating in the Ensenada Mission trip will be displayed in the narthex each Sunday beginning Sunday, April 22. Not only will you see your own pen pal but the entire group that is going to Ensenada. St. Luke’s Ensenada participants thank you for your prayerful consideration and support of the upcoming Mission trip.

Blessings,

Natalie Larson

Bruce Amundson

Tim Hower

*Cost of actual trip is $750; additional charges are for building materials, etc.

Thank you to Jodi Daub and Carolyn Norton for “reorganizing” the narthex. Display areas are now separated and a book/seating area is set up so you can peruse the books that are available for sale or are being used for study. Jodi has also been responsible for the Jubilee collages on the wall with information provided by Roberta Johnson. Take some time and learn the history of St. Luke’s and other fun information for a particular year. Soon work on the Witness Window will start over by the window area. Please keep the area clean and orderly and if you are done with a particular display or sign-up, please remove it. Also if you are setting up a new display, please see Jodi before you begin.

The Compass Center in Seattle is seeking donations of new or gently used towels for the residents of the Pioneer Square Men’s Program. Washcloths and twin flat and fitted sheets are always needed as well. Please bring to the church office and we will see they get delivered.

Saturday, February 24 — 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood. The program includes sharing from our four Chaplains, dinner and special music. For tickets and program information call Anna Marie Klein at (425) 821-2831 or check out next month’s Communicator.

Lutheran Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in Olympia

Tuesday, February 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Day starts at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia. Let’s get a group from St. Luke’s to attend this rally in Olympia. Registration is $15 which includes an advocacy packet and lunch. Contact Roselyn Olson ASAP for more information and to arrange carpools from St. Luke’s.

The Caldwell family has transferred their membership from Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Please welcome Barry, Debra, Josh and Luke to St. Luke’s.

Greetings in the name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for the generous amount of money you sent to us so that we might get back on our feet and find another home. After going through the flooding we are still in temporary shelter as we wait on FEMA and our Lord’s guidance. I will let you all know when we are in permanent housing. Once again, thank you so very much.

As I have been meeting with congregational councils over the past two years, I am encouraged by the almost universal participation of our congregations in local efforts to deal with hunger and homelessness. While we live in the richest nation in the world and perhaps the richest region of this country, the scandal of hunger and homelessness is present in virtually every community we serve.

There are a number of political questions that might be raised in the face of this fact. I raise this so that whatever your political perspective, we, the members of this synod might speak to the issue. The legislature is meeting this month. Please be in touch with your legislator and ask them how they plan to address this scandal. In talking to them, be sure to list the numerous things that your congregation or your neighboring congregations are doing for the whole community to address these issues.

The number of food banks and meal programs being housed and supported by our congregations is growing. We do not have a complete list, but from anecdotal conversations, it is impressive. Several congregations have hosted the various tent city activities or have provided meals or other in kind support to those who find these shelters as their alternative to homelessness. The Saint Andrews Housing Group and the Lutheran Alliance to Create Housing (LATCH) are significant efforts to address the long-term housing issue. Of course, the Compass Center is a leader in addressing these issues and the complex situations that create hunger, poverty and homelessness.

We are a church that is responding. There is much more that we can and should be doing. I would ask you to begin by being the conscience of our communities and calling our political leaders to be active participants in addressing this complex problem. We have money, buildings and a commitment to the poor. We also have voices that can be raised to advocate from our own political perspective for solutions to this reality.

Thank you for the many and various ways you contribute to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and housing the homeless. Do not grow weary of doing good. Now I would ask you to take the next step and raise your voices to Olympia or your local government on behalf of those who need your voice. We do raise our voices to God in prayer. Now let us aim a bit lower and speak the word of God to those who are called to care for all of God’s people.

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Mt. 5:16.

After the passenger ships leave in September, we have a few months here in Anchorage when tankers and bulk carriers continue to come until the pack ice gets too much for the ships to negotiate.

In late October, the last bulk carrier came with cement to offload. About that time, the weather turned quite cold, hovering around 0 with a brisk wind blowing almost 24 hours a day. We visited the ship the first day, following the suggestions of the dock personnel to bring used clothing for the ill-equipped crew. With the wind blowing cement dust into swirls out of the hold and into our eyes and mouths, we carefully walked along the ice-encrusted deck to the living quarters. The crew was thrilled with the clothes, but the communication was hampered because of our lack of speaking Korean or Chinese.

We were able to take the cook and steward shopping for produce that afternoon. Trying to get it to the ship without freezing it, them or us was certainly the leading challenge of the day! Many more times in the 10-day period they were here, we tried to board. The dock workers advised against it because of the danger. The pack ice was building up very fast, the wind continued to blow, the water on the ship was frozen, and the crew was absolutely exhausted.

Our dear Korean brother in Christ, Mr. Ham, also tried to visit. He made it on board once in the wind and the Captain, who is a Christian, apologized for the tiredness of the crew. When they weren’t working or eating, they were sleeping. We got some New Testaments and other Christian literature on board one day by sending them up in the cherry picker. The crew waved back as they braced themselves against the wind.

It’s during times like this that we pray they see Christ in our actions, because they certainly were too exhausted to sit down with us. Through our brief encounters, we know there were Christians on the ship. We pray they can do the talking because all we could do was the showing.

If you have some awareness of the life of the merchant mariner whose work includes bringing cargo we need to our shores, you will know that life on board can be more than challenging. Loneliness is such a big factor: being far away from family and friends and their own country, needing to talk about illness, loss, trauma, as well as their good news.

In Alaska, the Seward Seaman’s Mission has diligent chaplains who serve those who come into port there, in whatever ways needed and all in the name of Christ. This column is a little different this time - with quotes from seafarers’ letters they have received, exactly as written and indicating their country of origin:

Thank you for the prays on me, it is a beautiful sensation to know somebody is thinking about me. Italy

Thank you for your kindness to give your help to me and God bless you all, you have done a great thing to me. Bali, Indonesia

Someone has been calling my name for several years but I don’t know who it is. I haven’t opened the door yet. Australia.

I have this fire (for Christ) covered by ashes and they’re being blown away. India

I hope and pray that your ministry is shining more as channel of blessings. Indonesia

I’m loving this place. The only problem is we come only every two weeks. India

For two years I’ve been thinking about the bad things I’ve done. I been saying “God change me” I was so afraid about God. Honduras

I need help from God. I ask for help, he no answer. Maybe he take a nap. Thailand

Meeting you and visiting the mission has been the highlight of my contract. Slovenia

Our Northwest Washington Synod has a Lutheran Maritime Ministry Committee for Puget Sound.

During WWII, a British psychiatrist, John Bowlby, was puzzled about why children separated from their parents for long periods of time (to keep them from the bombs of London) appeared to be either so apathetic or so angry. In the process he learned much about attachment, grief and mourning, and began to develop the answers to some of the most fundamental questions of human emotional life.

He learned that fear and uncertainty activate attachment needs. When people get scared, they try to find emotional safety by trying to connect with others who care about them.

But what if we turn to others and emotionally, they aren’t there? Well, he also learned that isolation and loss are inherently traumatic. Deprivation, loss and abandonment by those we need most have an enormous impact on us! (Think of Jesus’ agony on the cross or Mary’s tears over the loss of Lazarus).

But he also learned that secure attachment offers a Safe Haven, that is, comfort and security. Closeness to those we feel safe with actually calms the nervous system and offers a buffer against stress and uncertainty. It is also the best place for personal growth to take place. (Does this sound like your church? We hope so!)

Where are the Safe Havens in your world? (Does, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus?” ring a bell here?) For whom are you a Safe Haven?

Put this article down for a few moments and reflect on Safe Haven in your life. Seek out these Safe Haven people, be and become a Safe Haven person. Remember that you have a Safe Haven God.

Lutheran Counseling Network

(425) 455-2960

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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