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Formation for Spiritual Companions Job Opportunity in Children's Ministry Lutheran Community Services Banquet Other News, Events & Ministries at St. Luke's Pack your sandals! Israel trip is back on Wednesday Evening Women's Study and Social Group
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Hope your summer was renewing. Mine was. I am kind of out of pithy stories right now… what I have is a rather significant list of bullet points as I look to this fall’s program. Maybe by the time I get through my list I will again be connected with the right side of my brain. (Oh! If you are interested ask me about my new Mickey and Minnie story – especially for you farmer types.) Included is a list of changes, upcoming events and issues worthy of your consideration or response…
Office relocation and classroom renovation is getting really serious ... to be completed by the end of the year when
This is but a sample of activities, ministries and events we are in the midst of planning for the upcoming year. Are you setting aside 20 minutes a day for prayer? Be mindful of the blessed opportunity we have to daily intervene before God’s throne with prayers of petition as well as thanksgiving. Here is your teaching thought for the day … How does godliness translate in scripture? Gratitude.
Associate in Ministry - Roselyn Olson I didn’t want to ask----------------but I did--------------and-------------Wow! Have you ever had difficulty asking someone to do something? I really wanted to offer the Alpha program this fall. I knew how good it was and I knew that many people had been blessed by it. I also knew that the way it worked best was to have a meal together so people could visit and become better acquainted. I was hoping that “someone else” would organize an evening at church with a meal and a program. Then I could add my part but I wouldn’t be “responsible.” I was just ready to “bag it.” I was tired; there was a lot going on. We’ll just skip it this fall and offer it another time. Then I recalled the comments from people who had attended in the past and some of the special small group discussions. After a discussion with Pastor Tom, we decided that it would work to have Alpha on the same night as his Monday night Bible Study with a meal for everyone. What we needed was someone to be in charge of the meal every week so we could concentrate on the programs. I hesitantly called Debra Caldwell. After a short explanation she said, “Sure, I’d be glad to.” My whole attitude changed. Wow! It’s so great to hear someone enthusiastically accept a challenge. I know there are people out there who would make good discussion leaders and helpers for the program. Hopefully they will call me; maybe I’ll call them. Now I’m not afraid to call; just looking for the time. That’s the way it is with God. He doesn’t bug us; he just waits for us to ask, and then he says, “Sure, you can ask me.” His answer may not be exactly what we wanted however it may be a lot better than we expected.
Shalom,
Come to Rally Sunday, September 9th
Are you mesmerized yet? I hope so because exciting events are planned for this fall and they start with Rally Sunday. This day always signifies a new beginning for the program year. We must continue to remember God’s Word as we start this new program year. This fall we are starting a Youth Council. On September 9th at 7:00 p.m. we will hold our first meeting in which the youth can vote for their leaders. Please encourage your youth to attend and be a part of this important meeting. At the meeting we will also plan events for the next two months and any mission trips for the next year. The youth will have more control of their program and hopefully they will want to come and learn more about God and each other. For more information about this meeting please come and talk to me. Be sure to be at Sunday School on Rally Sunday for Confirmation 7th -9th grades and High School Youth Conversations with Ben. There are classes for adults as well; please watch for those. Take care and God bless! In Christ,
It’s that time of year and everyone is going back to school! Here at St. Luke’s we are also in Pre-K/ Kindergarten, 1st/2nd Grade, 5th/ 6th Grade. If you are interested in helping out with those classes please let a member of the Faith Formation Board know ASAP! (Lisa Ziehl, Heather Erickson, Nancy Quale, Roselyn Olson, Gwen Smith, Ben Richards) This year we will be using a curriculum similar to the Life Together curriculum that was used last year. It is titled Seasons of the Spirit and is a family of Revised Common Lectionary resources using the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Seasons of the Spirit aligns the primary activities of congregational life: worship, faith education, and preaching. It keeps everyone on the same page. Seasons of the Spirit helps congregations weave worship, education, home faith enhancement, and more into one seamless faith experience. On a more personal note, I would like to thank the members of this congregation who have helped make my time at St. Luke’s super-enjoyable! Some of you might not know that I just graduated with my Masters in Counseling/ Psychology from
I have had such an amazing time here, and met so many super-special people. The children and families at St Luke’s have such amazing hearts for Jesus, and I was truly blessed to see relationships grow and faith abound in this community! May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent from the other. ~ Genesis 31:49 Blessings Upon You All,
Job Opportunity in Children's Ministries Due to Natalie's departure, we are in desperate need of someone to serve as Children's Ministries Coordinator. This is a flexible, paid, part-time position. Ultimately, we need to fill this position on a contract basis, but if you'd like to "test drive" it for a little while, we'll pay you for that too! Strong organizational skills are a must. The Sunday School kids really need you, so if you, or anyone you know, are interested, your Faith Formation Board would like to hear from you! Please prayerfully consider this and, if so moved, contact me via email at Lisaziehl@comcast.net.
On Monday evenings this fall we are offering two popular learning opportunities at the same time — Pastor Tom’s Bible study and the Alpha program. Beginning September 10th, you are invited to a simple supper at 6:15 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. you may join Pastor Tom’s class or the Alpha class. Childcare will be provided if requested in advance. Pastor Tom’s class will be a study entitled, “Living God’s Politics”, based on the book by Jim Wallis, "God’s Politics". The class will run for nine weeks. Each participant is encouraged to purchase your own book (God’s Politics) and read it in anticipation of the class. Classes will conclude by 8:30 p.m. With a national election looming, there may be no more important study we could be about at this time in our life of faith. Classes will be held on the following dates: September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 22 and 29, November 5, 12 and 19. Classes are canceled on October 15 so Pastor Tom and Roselyn may attend the Bishop’s Convocation. During the same hour the Alpha class will consist of watching an entertaining video by Nicky Gumbel from
Here’s a partial schedule of topics for Alpha: September 17 Who is Jesus? September 24 Why Did Jesus Die? October 1 How Can I Be Sure of My Faith? October 8 Why and How Should I Read the Bible? October 22 Why and How Do I Pray? October 29 How Does God Guide Us? November 5 How Can I Resist Evil? November 12 Why and How Should We Tell Others? November 19 The Holy Spirit November 26 Does God Heal Today? Remember, child care will be arranged upon request. Sign up in the narthex so we can have the necessary books available for the Alpha class. Contact Debra Caldwell at (425) 451-0664 for helping with the meal. Contact Roselyn Olson at (425) 822-7907 for helping with the Alpha program. There will be training for small group leaders and persons helping with the Alpha program on Wednesday evening, September 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Did We Sign You Up? Hopefully, the answer is “Yes!” We began a new Worship Assistant volunteer system this summer that is being expanded into the fall. We no longer are asking you to “sign up” – rather everyone is being “scheduled” based on your willingness to serve. If you’ve been scheduled for a worship service that you cannot attend, you simply notify us and a replacement will be found. A September schedule has been distributed via email, and the remainder of the fall schedule is underway. This schedule will be updated regularly and posted in the narthex. The posting will include information on how to request changes to the schedule, as well as how to get involved if we don’t currently have you on the list. Thank you to Laurie Mitchell for pulling the schedule together, and to Judy Kiesz for being instrumental in getting our list of volunteers more complete.
This summer we have attempted to reduce the number of bulletins printed for each worship service. On some Sundays we have been quite successful. This is just a reminder that if you are comfortable relying on the overhead projection for following along in the service, please help us save resources by not taking a bulletin. The weekly announcements will continue to be printed for everyone.
Yes, we are heading for a paperless service in terms of minimizing the bulletin. This is one of the most important reasons to invest in the new hymnal. Technology today has things moving at the speed of light! However, there are individuals that cannot see the projection clearly, as well as those who can see it but prefer to read the music when it’s available. If we want to move away from printing everything in the bulletin, this means pulling out a hymnal. As the new primary worship book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship will serve as the centerpiece of an unfolding family of worship resources, both in print and in various forms of electronic media. These resources will celebrate our growing diversity and help us to be intentional about reaching out to welcome and serve others. This is a new ELCA resource that is quickly filling the pews across the country. We are very excited to be a part of it. Peace be with you, ~Amy Corsini, Worship Coordinator
Comparison Income and Expense 2006/07 and 2007/08 Program Year
We have begun our new program year of 2007 – 2008. Our offerings were up in July due to our Jubilee Sunday worship service. Expenses for the same period of time were somewhat higher because there were some June expenses that were paid in July. Our goal for this program year (Back into the Black) is to keep expenses at the level they were last year while our giving would go up 7.5% or more (based on pledges from New Consecration Sunday). This will allow us to reduce the deficit we are still facing. We have a challenge ahead of us this year, and I am confident that with faith, prayer, your support and help, God will show us the way. Carolyn Norton Treasurer
Going green for some green Starting this fall we will be participating in a recycling program for inkjet cartridges, as well as old cell phones, PDA’s, pagers and other personal electronics. By partnering with a recycling company we will be provided with postage-paid collection boxes and envelopes. Once we collect enough items, we simply ship the boxes off and we are paid for each item that can be refilled or refurbished. All we have to do is get the word out to friends, neighbors and colleagues to direct their castoffs to us. You can even place collection boxes at your office. Not only is this good for the environment (86% of cartridges are dumped into landfills each year), but it’s good for St. Luke’s. Start saving your ink cartridges and hang onto your retired cell phones, we’ll be looking for them soon. Listed below are items that can be recycled for $$: Ink jet cartridges (if it doesn’t, fit in the palm of your hand it is not an ink jet!) Cell Phones Please call Jodi in the office if you have any questions.
The trip to Israel is back on….September 21 – October 1, 2008.
We are setting this trip up for fall of ‘08 in order to give us ample time to make the best possible arrangements, generate excitement and to prepare for this life-changing trip. The tentative itinerary is as follows: Sunday – September 21 Seattle / London Monday – September 22 London Tuesday – September 23 London / Tel Aviv Wednesday – September 24 Caesarea / Megiddo / Tiberias Thursday – September 25 Sea of Galilee Friday – September 26 Jordan Valley / Dead Sea Saturday – September 27 Jordan Valley / Jerusalem Sunday – September 28 Jerusalem / Bethlehem Monday – September 29 Jerusalem Tuesday – September 30 Jerusalem Wednesday – October 1 Israel / Seattle The approximate price for this trip is based on per person/double occupancy from Seattle: Air & Land — $2,840. A deposit of $100 is all that is required at this time to reserve your space. An additional deposit will be required after the airline seats have been booked. All money is refundable up to 100 days prior to the trip
Beginning September 9, Dr. Bruce Grigsby will lead Adult Forum on “John” at 9:45 a.m. Dr. Grigsby is active in several local churches as an adult education specialist and occasional preacher. He is currently teaching at Trinity Lutheran College and directing Trinity’s biannual study tour of Greece and Turkey. His research has appeared in numerous theological journals, including Biblica, Evangelical Quarterly and Novum Testamentum. He is preparing several manuscripts for publication. We are pleased to have him lead the Adult Forum in September. September 9 John’s Prologue: An Amazing, Other-Worldly Portrait of Jesus September 16 Wedding at Cana: Water to Wine as an Anticipation of Calvary and the Eucharist September 23 Walking on the Lake: Jesus Shows us the Way to the Father September 30 Healing of the Blind Man: Our Baptism as “Enlightenment” We invite you to bring your coffee with you and join us. Stay awhile after the 8:30 service or come early for the 11:00 a.m. worship. This is an opportunity for spiritual growth without making an extra trip to church.
Upcoming Events We have been celebrating for almost a year and have created wonderful new memories through a variety of events. There are a few more programs planned as we go into fall that will continue to help us commemorate this very special time in St. Luke’s history. On Sunday, September 9th there will be a Founder’s Day Dinner to be held after the late service. All former and current members will be celebrated for their contributions to St. Luke’s ministries. Slides of St. Luke’s history will be shown that afternoon, as well as some fond and funny reminiscing of where we started and how far we have come in 50 years. The cost of the meal will be $6 for adults; $4 for children. Please RSVP to the church office. Put Saturday, November 3rd on your calendar for an evening of Broadway Show Tunes by St. Luke’s Choir and songs and dances performed by our youth. Music will fill the evening. It will be preceded by an auction and hors d’oeuvres so be sure to keep that date free. Watch for more information. This is an event you won’t want to miss. St. Luke’s 50th Anniversary Pictorial Directory In an effort to defray costs of printing, advertising space is being sold in the new pictorial directory. Prices range from a full page ad for $150 to a three inch ad for only $25. Anyone interested in placing an advertisement, please contact Karen Richards at (425) 828-9493 or driftmier@comcast.net. Orders are being taken until September 20th. The new pictorial directory will be ready for distribution in November followed shortly by a book containing all the Jubilee moments in our history. It has been a year of much joyful jubilation and a lot fun. Let’s keep this 50th year enthusiasm going for our 51st year and into the future.
Wednesday Evening Women's Study and Social Group We have a winner! Our next outing will be to Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle on Saturday, September 22. The park transforms a nine-acre industrial site into open and vibrant green space for art. This new waterfront park gives visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of sculpture in an outdoor setting, while enjoying the incredible views and beauty of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Our next regular meeting date is Wednesday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Formation for Spiritual Companions Are you interested in developing a spiritual relationship with another person? We have been providing information for the last month about a new program starting at St. Luke’s called “Formation for Spiritual Companions.” Spiritual companionship has elements of spiritual direction, but it is a relationship of peers. Over a span of time the relationship can bless companions in a number of ways. For example:
This program will show participants how to be companions and offer spiritual formation through worship times and presentations. Our goals for this class are: 1) to offer an opportunity to enrich your spiritual life; 2) to strengthen your gifts of listening; and 3) to focus on the process of sharing your spiritual life with a companion. The opening retreat will be held Saturday, September 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Six weekly meetings will follow on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon: October 10, 24, 31 and November 7, 14, 28. The cost is $25 and two texts will be available for $30. Pick up a brochure in the narthex and sign up now! Childcare is available during the weekly meetings if requested in advance
The first annual gathering of those who have purchased niches (or are interested in purchasing a niche in the St. Luke’s
We will gather to celebrate life and also celebrate the lives of those who are interned there. This will be an event where we can share stories and plant some plants on the lower level to help beautify the gardens. This is a time to celebrate with our “neighbors in eternity” and have some wine and cheese. If you have not yet purchased a niche and are interested in doing so, this is the time to do it. Currently a single niche is $850; double is $1,600. As of January 1, 2008 the prices will be $1,200 for a single and $2,300 for a double. If you would like to purchase a plant for the lower level, please call the church office for a list of the plants that are needed.
Other News, Events and Ministries At St. Luke's Do you know someone with dementia and you wish you could communicate better? You may want to attend this workshop on essential caregiving skills. It’s repeated three different times at
Join the Care Team at St. Luke’s. We meet at 2:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the months of September, November, January, March and May. In between we visit people who are unable to attend church. Eucharistic ministers also bring Holy Communion. (Special training is available for this.) At our meetings we share with and learn from one another. Sometimes we have guest speakers. Our next meeting is Thursday, September 6. Feel free to join us at the church. If the time isn’t convenient and you wish to help, contact Dorothy Orr at (425) 454-8595. If you need a ride to a medical appointment you may also contact Dorothy. She keeps a list of people who are willing to transport others. This group meets regularly on the third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Our next meeting will be on September 19. For more information contact the leader, Bob Smith at (425) 415-6190 or Roselyn Olson at (425) 822-7907.
This ministry will meet on Wednesday, September 19 at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to bless shawls that were knitted during the summer months and decide how often and when this group will meet. If you are unable to attend or are interested in an evening or weekend group, please contact Donna Kobelin at (425) 822-4536 or Roselyn Olson prior to the September 19 meeting. This group meets weekly on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to noon. You are welcome to join us. We begin with the Jesus Prayer, then share and listen to one another. We support each other in leading healthy lives: physically, spiritually and emotionally. At the conclusion we pray for each other. Newcomers are always welcome. Come and see if this is a group that you may wish to join occasionally or regularly. Contact Karen Richards at (425) 828-9493 for more information. Are you interested in attending a new format of the LifeShapes class? It will be offered at a time and date convenient for the first few people to contact Roselyn. We will use a new workbook recently published. LifeShapes is a class that offers a method of looking at our Christian faith and seeking to increase our understanding and faith. It simplifies the facets of our faith into seven shapes in order to more easily remember. 2007 LATCH Auction Tickets are on sale now for the Thirteenth Annual LATCH Auction on Saturday, October 6 at Qwest Field. It will be a fun-filled evening of gourmet food, wine and silent and live auctions, with over 500 exciting items to bid on. This is all in support of safe, affordable housing. A few of the auction items are: A luxurious vacation to St. Moritz in Switzerland “Early Bird” special ticket prices are $75 if you purchase before September 14. All other RSVP’s must be in by September 28 and the price is $90. The price for a church table of 10 is $750. For tickets contact Jackie Schultz at (206) 789-1536 x 105 or Jackie@latch.org. Annual Fall Banquet 6:00 p.m. Social Hour For information and reservations:
On Thursday, September 6 our choirs will resume practice. Bell Choir meets at 6:30 p.m. and Vocal Choir meets at 7:50 p.m. Singers and ringers are always needed so contact Patsy Jackson or the office if you are interested in this ministry.
Remember the gifts we received by hosting Tent City IV from February to May 2006? Tent City has moved on to other churches, having somelegal difficulties along the way, but also receiving warm welcomes fromt he congregations and neighbors. It is now located at the Community Church of Issaquah. As when we hosted them, certain items are in short supply. Among them are: paper plates and cups; items for breakfast and lunch; and useable 7 x 7 dome tents. In November they will need new sheets of plywood. For donation questions, contact Danielle Tilden at d.tilden@comcast.net. If you are interested in helping with meals, check out Tent City’s website to see what is open (http://prem.calendars.net/tcmeals). Call Karen Akishin at (425) 235-4842 or email her at kakishin4842@msn.com to get it on the calendar. Also if you have any extra fruit or vegetables from your garden, give Karen a call. Another urgent need for Tent City which could ultimately mean the shutdown of both tent cities, is maintaining “Big Blue,” the 1984 Econoline van that carries all of tent city’s blankets at the same time. The Health Department regulations require that all blankets be removed from a shelter at the same time weekly, so maintenance of the van is imperative. A volunteer mechanic is really needed so put the word out to all your friends and relatives! The contact person at the Community Church of Issaquah is Elizabeth Maupin, Outreach Minister. She can be reached at (425) 392-6447. Please call to see how you can help.
by The Reverend Wm Chris Boerger, Bishop “’Ananias,’ Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!’ Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard.’” ~ Acts 5:3-5 NRSV One has to be very careful how we interpret these words from Acts 5. I remember once preaching on this text and saying that the first death in the church did not happen as a result of a public witness to Jesus, but as a result of lying about poor stewardship. How we use the gifts that God has given us is important. Often our discussions of the stewardship of time and money are about our discretionary time or money. The Biblical basis of our stewardship has been assumed. It is time for that to change. I hear a number of congregations asking for help in their stewardship education. I hear members with surprise and joy discovering that the Bible speaks of their use of money and wealth. In an age when financial consulting is big business, we need to use the scriptures as the norm of our faith and life. On Saturday, October 6, Dr. Foster McCurley will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood presenting Today’s Steward—Biblical Images. Dr. McCurley is a retired professor of Biblical Studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg. This is the annual stewardship event that our stewardship team and Phil Reitz, deployed stewardship specialist in Region 1, has put together. There will also be a number of workshops to address specific stewardship concerns. The time is right for this discussion. The program is in place to help facilitate this discussion in your congregation. I invite you to send several persons to this event. A discussion involves more than one person. This discussion also involves the scripture and the Holy Spirit. I am excited about the possibilities. Editor’s Note: To find out more about Today’s Stewards—Biblical Images, please visit www.lutheransnw.org and click on Calendar. On the event you will find a link to the brochure, costs and registration information.
FORGIVENESS - TOUGH AND YET BENEFICIAL These days our family has a special challenge: forgiving a person who is finding ways to hurt a close family member and at the same time stay on the side of the law. That evokes feelings of powerlessness – and anger. Professor Christopher Hall, in his book The Angry Christian, says that anger is like dynamite – essential at times, but can blow up in our face if handled haphazardly. So, we allow ourselves to be really angry at injustices. It firstly prepares us for the next step. Secondly, it keeps us physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. Thirdly, when we are angry at evil, it can give us the courage to move forward in finding and enacting solutions. As we move on, we work on releasing our anger and, as a consequence, making room for the Holy Spirit’s gift of a “lightness and peacefulness” (psychologist Hope Threadgill). The art of ongoing forgiveness 1) is not dependent on the other person’s asking for it or not; 2) does not mean forgetting the wrongs, and 3) certainly does not hinder finding God’s way to “do justly” (Micah 6:8). Many years ago in Brooklyn, NY, two elders got into a heated argument at a congregational meeting. This is what they wrote in their newsletter: “The apostle Paul has said, ‘do not let the sun go down on your anger.’ It did not. We concluded over coffee and after prayer that we will very likely continue to disagree on many things. We are different persons but with a mutual concern for our church’s mission and we recognize in each other a brother in Christ.” In the situation this column started with, the adversary disclaims the Christian faith. All the more reason for compassion – coupled with assertively rejecting the destructive behavior.
Ruth Kverndahl
September 2007 The Gospel in the 2 x 4
Teddy Roosevelt said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” I reach out nicely, and if you don’t respond, I try nicely again. But if that fails to work, well, more drastic measures may be necessary. Bowlby identified what he called an attachment system. It is a kind of protest that something is wrong with the connection and the person wants it back, Now! Notice that even a cat or dog that has lost one of its young will yearn, search and cry in protest until the missing young one is found. This system is fundamental to the survival of all animals, including humans. A wife may begin to whack her husband with an emotional 2 x 4, demanding that he come out of his emotional hiding place. She wants him to see that they are disconnected and she wants him to do something about it, Now! Unfortunately, all he feels are the whacks! He hears the critical complaining and he withdraws farther. Nag, nag, nag. But he misses the longing underneath. What she is saying is, “You are important to me. I need you. I feel so lonely when you are so far away and I can’t reach you. But I won’t give up! I will knock on your door till you answer!” Can you hear the Gospel here? You are loved, important, valuable. Don’t you see? If you answer the door she won’t have to keep knocking! Seek and ye shall find, ask and it shall be given, knock and it shall be opened onto you. How much more grace can you imagine?
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