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The Communicator
October 2007

Communicator Archive Home

The Communicator is published monthly by St. Luke's Lutheran Church

Pastor Tom

Adult Forum

Advertise in New Pictorial Directory

All Saints' Sunday

Associate in Ministry

Broadway Tunes and Auction

Children's Ministry - Sunday School

Coffee Hour October 21st

Cngregations for the Homeless

Counselor's Corner

Faith and Everyday Life

Flu Shots

Help in the AV Booth

Hymnal Purchase

Job Opportunity in Children's Ministry

Jon Campbell Gift

Lights, Camera, Auction

Meet Steve Holmberg

New Role for Carolyn Norton

Other News, Events & Ministries at St. Luke's

Please Excuse our Mess

Recycling means money

Tastes of Tanzania

The Jesus Prayer

The Last Word

Treasurer's Report

Where Did I Leave That?

Word from the Bishop

Worship

Youth Ministry

Pastor Tom

Gack!! Yikes!!  Sugar!!  (The aforementioned are examples of pastoral expletives.)

For those of you who were around a year and a half ago when we were deep in discerning whether we should host Tent City IV you participated in a pretty powerful moment in our church history.  I am not writing about the hosting, per se, of Tent City rather, I am referring to the process of how we made that decision.  Whereas other congregations (Lutheran and other brands as well) have entered into similar conversations with fairly divisive results, St. Luke’s emerged with 94% of the body voting yea. (My guess is that if polled many of the 6% would in hindsight say it was all a good thing.)

The process, though laborious, proved pretty empowering and life-giving… here is my point, my only point in this letter:

When we, as a congregation, have a vision and get passionate about something,
 we can accomplish wonderful things for the Kingdom of God.

And when we don’t have a clear vision then… well, “Gack!!”

So, here’s the issue… it’s not new, actually many of us have been struggling with it quite awhile.  How come we struggle to get more people involved in ministry?  How is it that St. Luke’s has a very cool vision for doing ministry through ministry boards (e.g. worship and music, youth and family, facilities, etc.) where people are matched with passions and interests — too many ministry boards are underrepresented or non-existent?  And in turn it looks like a few are doing most things?

My raising these questions is about being transparent; it is not about blaming.  It is about trying to be public about how we do “business” so we can do it better.  A new member recently commented that when they came to St. Luke’s “I felt welcomed but I wasn’t sure I was wanted.”   What that reminded many in leadership was that while we may say we want more people involved, maybe we are somehow acting in a contrary fashion.  Maybe?

We are beginning a congregational study, Natural Church Development. The hope is that as many of you are asked to participate that you would say, yes.  And beyond that I am asking you to continue in your prayers for this ministry.  We have demonstrated that we can accomplish huge things when challenged by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Can you imagine what we could accomplish if 94% of us got caught in a passion to organize this ministry in ways that strengthened our outreach and worship life together? Where never again would we fail to do communication in a way that felt exclusive?

“Yikes!!”  Who would handle the traffic jam in the front of the church?  Okay, I do get carried away a bit, but it is a lot more fun to have that passionate life of faith in common than it is to feel there is not a place for me.  There is a place for everyone here… we’re just trying to better figure out how to make it happen.  Got ideas?

Spirituality Book Club

It is time to get started again with challenging reading and good conversation.  We would like to invite you to join us.  We are beginning this fall with the book, The Company of Strangers, by Parker Palmer.  This is an enlightening study for “the busy”, for those who struggle with maintaining any sense of spiritual centering in the active life.  Books are currently on order and will be available for purchase.  Check in the narthex for their availability.  Our first class will be held at 4:00 p.m. on November 10.

Pastor Tom

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Associate in Ministry - Roselyn Olson

God is good, all the time.  All the time, God is good.

Matthew 25: v. 36b “I was in prison and you visited me.”

On Saturday, September 8th, eight of us drove to the prison at Shelton to visit Living Stones, a Lutheran congregation.  This was a new experience for all of us and an evening we will always remember.  Each one of us was glad we went and thankful for the experience.  We went for a variety of reasons.  We had been asked.  We were curious.  We thought we could help someone.  Jesus asks us to visit people in prison.  Instead of blessing others, we found out that we were blessed by the experience.

We met at church and headed in two cars toward Shelton.  When we arrived at the prison we met Pastor Eric.  We showed our picture identifications which were checked against the list of approved persons.  Previously we had sent a list with our full names, birthdates, and social security numbers.  We deposited anything else into a locker.  There was a security check, much like the airport.  A few more steps and we gave our IDs and received an official visitor badge in exchange.

Next we walked to the chapel where we were checked in again.  It was a large light pleasant room with about 90 chairs.  At 6:30 the men were released to walk to the chapel.  We learned that they may only have “movement” every half hour for 10 minutes.  It was important that we be there on time so they could be released in order to have the full time for the worship service.

As the men arrived, several came over to us and introduced themselves.  The band set up and Pastor Eric prepared for communion.  The service began at 7:00 p.m. and continued until 7:45 p.m.  The liturgy began with Pastor Eric saying, “God is good” and we responded with “All the time.”  Then Pastor Eric said, “All the time” and we responded with “God is good.”  This was repeated several times during the service. There was wonderful music led by the praise band with the words on an overhead.  There was a time for sharing the good things God was doing in the men’s lives; there was more music, a thoughtful sermon from Pastor Eric, and a very special communion service.

At the end of the service we had 15 minutes to visit with the men individually.  Several initiated conversations and we had some good talks.  I recall one man saying how important having the chapel and prison ministry was to him.  A variety of printed materials were on the perimeter of the room which they could have.  Bibles were available.  As one man said to me, “There’s no excuse not to get help here; there are lots of resources.”  When an announcement was made at 8:00 p.m. that it was time for the men to leave, the man I was visiting with said, “It’s time to go back to my cell.”  That’s when I was reminded of the circumstances of these men.

After they left we walked back to the first building.  We received our IDs and went to a local restaurant to eat and visit more with Pastor Eric.  I left with an appreciation for the work he is doing and the privilege of participating.  There are so many churches that want to have this experience that our next planned date isn’t until November 2008.  The maximum number we can bring is 10 persons.  If a cancellation comes up before, we may receive an invitation.  If you want to be on a list to call in such an event, contact me.  Ask any of the eight of us who went about our experience.  (Pastor Tom, Russ Jannetto, Marty Heuchert, Judy Ness, Colleen Brunswick, Laurie Mitchell, Ken Olson and Roselyn Olson)


Shalom,
Roselyn

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Youth Ministry

Do you ever feel like you are running away from God’s calling?  For example: you could be really great with numbers but you  don’t want to be an accountant.  Or maybe you’re good with people and don’t want to be a salesman or you are good at teaching but don’t want to be a teacher.  There are many examples I could use.  God gave each of us a gift and we may run from it but it will catch up to us in the end.  I remember when I was in high school I could not figure out what I wanted to do with my life.  I knew that I was great with people and my faith was strong, so my mother told me that I should seek out youth ministry, and my immediate reaction was “no way.”  It took me three years to realize that God was calling me to teach youth more about Him in the church.  God kept bringing the idea of youth ministry in my head and I finally gave in.  I went to college and here I am now at St. Luke’s doing what God has called me to do.  If you feel God calling you to do something, please do not run from it.  God will continue to put thoughts in your head until you do what He has called you to do.  The end result will be that you are much happier for it.

Thank you to everyone who came to the youth vs. adult softball game.  What a blast!  The adults won the game 14-12.  The game was really close with many exciting moments.  Since the youth lost the game they had to cook dinner for the adults. (Of course it was only hamburgers and hot dogs, but at least it was edible.)  On October 14th the Youth & Family Ministry Board will be holding a parent meeting to update all parents on how the youth program is growing and answer any questions that parents might have.  Parents, please put this on your calendar.

The Youth Council has started and the first decision was to elect Mitchell Erickson as their chairperson.  Mitchell will be responsible for chairing the youth council meetings, acting as youth representative to the Youth & Family Ministry Board, and suggesting fresh ideas for the youth program.  With the second vote the youth elected Kellie Peterson to be their vice-chairperson.  Her duties include backing up the chairperson at meetings if he is unable to attend.  She will also take minutes at meetings and print a calendar of events. 

There are many fun events the youth have planned for October:

October 5th        Lock-in and X-bowling

October 14th       Murder Mystery Night

October 21st       Pumpkin Carving Contest

October 27th       Corn Maze Trip

Please see the youth calendar for times for these events.  Take care and God bless!

In Christ,
Ben Richards, Director of Youth Ministry
(425) 443-9744
ben@slukes.org

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Children's Ministry

Sunday School News

St. Luke's Sunday School year kicked off on September 9th and there is much excitement in the air with many new changes!  This year we will begin the Sunday School hour with all classes gathered in Pierson Hall for 15 minutes of musical fun with the talented Steve Holmberg.  Rewards will also be given during the musical opening for attendance and bringing a friend to Sunday School.

Steve will be orchestrating the first musical drama at the October 21st church service, "Do You Remember?...Memories of Sunday School Music".  It is certain to have the congregation nodding their heads and joining in for old favorite songs.

Teachers this year include:  Jana Johnseine, Russ and Gina Janetto, Carrie Davison, Ben Richards and Jeanne Gorder.

Jeanne Gorder

Meet our new Children’s Music Director—Steve Holmberg!

Steve Holmberg has been involved in church music programs since the age of four when he sang with the “Cherub Choir”.  (Picture seventeen 4 and 5 year olds in little angel-style robes fidgeting in front of the sanctuary and belting out “This Little Light of Mine”.) It was a great beginning for a career of over 40 years being part of the music of the church.

In recent years Steve has directed worship bands and youth and children’s music programs.  He teaches music in Bellevue at Clyde Hill Elementary where he is known as Mr. H.  He has also been a radio DJ, Alaska tour guide, bus driver and volunteer youth director.  He is a graduate of LBI (Trinity Lutheran College) and the University of Alaska where he was trained to teach in “the Bush”.  He and his wife, Cynthia are life-long Lutherans and moved to the Seattle area from Alaska 15 years ago. She is originally from Oregon.

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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..

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Worship

Mark Your Calendars!

On Reformation Sunday, October 28th, we are reminded that by grace through faith we are justified and set free from sin.  The 11:00 worship service that day will be a milestone event for this year’s confirmands.  During this joyous Reformation service, Kelsey Caffey, Mitchell Erickson, Julia Haugland, Amanda Webber and Hal Wright will be Affirming their Baptism.  Bishop Boerger also will be here for both services, so please join us in the celebration.  And don’t forget to wear red!

Both the 8:30 and 11:00 services will be particularly special on October 21st, as the children of our church family will be an integral part of the music for the morning.  Look for more information included in this issue of The Communicator about the work that Steve Holmberg has been about with our kids.  It is very exciting!

Hymnal Purchases

The new Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) hymnals are almost ready!  We are excited to announce that this beautiful worship resource will be engraved on the front with “St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.”  Now all they need is your special touch of a dedication or memorial.  Please see the display in the narthex that now holds envelopes where you can specify your inscription.  The cost is only $23.

We will be dedicating the new ELW hymnals and filling the sanctuary with them on All Saints’ Sunday, November 4th.

Peace be with you,

~Amy Corsini, Worship Coordinator


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Treasurer's Report

Comparison Income and Expense 2006/07 and 2007/08 Program Year

The contributions and expenses for August were within $1,000 of what we had projected for that time period.  We have not yet had the opportunity to decrease the deficit, but, the good news is, as of August 31st, we have not increased it either.  The ministry areas are very diligent about monitoring their budgets and we are all working together to make our goal of decreasing our deficit by $16,000 from the pledges we received.  Continue to pray for our ministries and the dedication of those involved in the ministries. 

St. Luke's received a generous gift of $30,000 from the estate of Jon Campbell to be used for youth minisitry.

Carolyn Norton

Treasurer

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Jon Campbell

Jon was a man who, to many people, appeared and acted gruff, but underneath all that he had a heart of gold.  I got to know Jon through our trips to Wilderness Ranch and found that heart of gold, along with a man who was not prone to letting too many people into his life.  He always drove the truck that hauled our gear up to ranch and was the “quiet cowboy” around the kids.  He loved watching the kids around camp, at campfire and out riding the trails.

His biggest love was “bush-whacking”, blazing a trail where no trail would ever have thought of being.  I was the recipient of a very memorable ride through such bush that I was sure I would never survive.  Jon was afraid of nothing when it came to being around horses, but it was that air of assurance that led him to break his leg while mounting his horse.  He was never able to go to ranch after that accident, but it always held a very special spot in his heart.  Every year when we got home I was expected to give him a full report on what occurred while we were up there.

His generous gift of $30,000 to St. Luke’s Youth Ministry is a gift from his heart.  The Youth and Family Board along with Pastor Tom and I will be meeting to discuss how this gift can best be used to honor Jon and his commitment to the youth of our church.

Carolyn Norton

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Recycling means money!

We have started the recycling program for inkjet cartridges as well as old cell phones, PDAs, pagers and other personal electronics.  There is a collection box located in the Narthex.  Simply bring all of your cartridges and electronics and leave them in the box.  (Please note that all electronics must power up.)  When the box is full we will pack everything up and ship it off. As a reminder the following things can be recycled for $$$:

Inkjet cartridges (if it doesn’t fit in the palm of your hand it is not an inkjet)

Cell Phones

PDA’s

Pagers

MP3 players

Digital Cameras

Laptop or Notebook computers

DVD movies & games

Digital Video Recorders

Digital Picture Frames

Portable DVD players

Video Game Consoles

Please call Jodi in the office if you have any questions.

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Please Excuse our Mess

The remodel has begun!  This is the beginning of the next phase of our over all vision for the building.  The first step is to move the staff and administrative offices to the front of the building.  The best news is that when the remodel is complete, we will have two additional, and desperately needed, classrooms.  Hopefully that will hold us over while we work toward the next phase which is finishing the area below the sanctuary.

Yes, it is going to cost more than expected, isn’t that always the case?  We can only estimate costs when we begin the architectural drawing process and human nature is to always think it will take less time and less money than it actually does.  We have a contractor who is committed to doing the best job for the best price.  Even as we get into the project we are finding issues that need to be resolved, but the Building Committee and the contractor are doing their very best to keep costs down.  The part of the building that is being remodeled is the oldest part of our structure.  There are many surprises behind the walls and under the floors!

Please do what you can to support the staff as the remodel continues – they

are disrupted on a daily basis.  We are hoping to be done with everything by

the beginning of November.

Please pray we find minimal surprises as we open up walls, ceilings and floors.

During the remodeling of the office suite you will see a new face around St. Luke’s.  Jon Sloboden is the superintendent for TCI Construction Co. — the contractor doing the remodel.  Stop and say “hi” to him.

Thank you for your patience and support.

The Building Committee

Anne Bly                                Chris Reid
Anna Coy                              Debra Caldwell
Arne Ness                             Joan Jackson
Bill Ziehl                               Todd Lozier
Ron Norton                           Bob Stanbary
Cathy Lisle

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“Lutherans drink coffee as if it were the Third Sacrament.” 

                                                                        ~ Garrison Keillor

On Sunday, October 21st the Facilities committee will be hosting coffee hours between services and after the second service.  We will be feeding your need for caffeine and treats while raising money to purchase a few new chairs for the sanctuary.  We would like to purchase several chairs that have arms and are a little taller for those who have difficulty getting up and down from the standard chairs and pews.  Just think, for the price of a latte, you can help others enjoy the worship experience even more.

Now where did I leave that?

With all the chaos and mess of moving the office we are discovering items that have been left for someone and items that are lost and not yet found.  We would like to have our new office area as clutter-free as possible.  When you leave an item in the office with someone’s name on it we are assuming that you have let that person know it is here.  We would appreciate it if you could check back to be sure that it has been picked up.

Also we often have people leave signs, equipment, books and other items in the office.  Please check to see where it belongs as we are trying to stay out of the storage business.

And finally the most important request — please do not “give” us any equipment you may think we need.  We have had to pay to get rid of printers, scanners, monitors, etc. that have been left for us to use.  We are presently working to upgrade our equipment and usually cannot use what you do not need.

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Adult Forum

October 7          Blessing of the Pets
                        The celebration of the Festival of St. Francis
                        Pastor Tom will be busy on the patio with a blessing for every pet you bring.  Join us.

October 14        Pastor Tom

                        “The Bible is not the word of God” 
                        (What could he possibly mean?)

October 21        Pastor Tom

                        “Scripture twisting” 
                        (Or how not to feel victimized by the Bible)

October 28, November 4 and 11: Values Workshop:

                        Helping people plan for and live meaningful lives
                        Facilitated by Marv Romsland and others from Thrivent

The choices we make and the lives we lead are driven by the values we hold.

On October 28 and November 4 and 11 we will introduce some Values Workshops facilitated by Thrivent.  These are informational workshops to help us plan for and achieve greater meaning and fulfillment in our lives.  Through self-discovery and discussion we will learn to articulate our hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future as the first step in making them a reality.  We will be given a variety of tools to help us learn how to live out our values in the way we manage our time, talents and finances.

October 28

Intermission: Embracing Life Transitions and Planning for the Future

This workshop will help participants look at their past and present lives and create futures that reflect what they want out of life.  Exercises assist them with identifying their values and goals, past influences and current priorities.  Personal awareness and planning help participants take control of their lives, embrace change and strive for greater potential.

November 4

My Life, My Plan: Creating a Life Path Based on Your Values

This workshop challenges people to think about who they are, how they spend their time and how to realize their potential.  Through self-discovery, participants explore key areas of their lives and create a plan for their futures, based on personal beliefs and values.

November 11

My Legacy Matters: Living and Planning a Meaningful Legacy

This workshop will help people recognize what they stand for today and plan for having their wishes carried out after they’re gone.  Exercises touch on legacy elements, such as family, values, beliefs, finances, relationships and intentions.  This provides the participants the opportunity to think about and document their hopes and dreams for the benefit of others.


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50th Anniversary

Broadway Tunes/Auction

What more could you ask for?  Broadway tunes sung by our own St. Luke’s Choir followed by an auction/reception.  Put Saturday, November 3 on your calendar right now and take a look at the list below for auction items that are needed and some that are already donated.

Lights, Camera, Auction!

In preparation for the auction we are asking for donated items.  Here are some ideas for you:

            Kid’s items; Restaurant Gift Certificates; Craft items;
            Christmas gifts; vacation home rentals; gift baskets;
            Baked goods

Ask your friends for their ideas and use your imagination.  We’re sure you can come up with some great items.

Here are some items that have already been donated.  (This doesn’t mean they can’t be duplicated!):

            Cabin rentals; Manicure/Pedicure; Nelda’s Lasagna; Rag Quilt;
            Book signed by Anne Lamott; Wine; Gifts Baskets

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New Role for Carolyn Norton

The Board of Trustees has approved Carolyn Norton to work as a consultant for 20 hours per week for the next few months.  As a consultant, she will do a number of things.  Some of her priorities are:

  • Manage Youth & Children’s Ministry staff
  • Develop a job description taking the following into consideration
  • Raising the Roof study
  • Our desire to increase our Outreach
  • Pastor Tom will be on sabbatical next year
  • Make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees for title and skill required for this staff position.

Carolyn has done this in the past for us.  If you remember she was the “Parish Administrator” before we hired that position.  She assisted us in defining the role and hiring the person to fill the position. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with Dana Kim, Anne Bly or Carolyn.

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Other News, Events and Ministries At St. Luke's

All Saints’ Sunday

November 4th after late service, join us for a potluck after the second worship service for an opportunity to share memories of loved ones who have passed from this world.  Please bring pictures or other memorabilia.

Congregations for the Homeless

Each February up to 30 homeless men sleep in our church and receive dinner, breakfast and a sack lunch.   What can we do to help these men get into housing and no longer be homeless?  Congregations for the Homeless is now using Life Coaches.  These are men who meet with a homeless man once a week to discuss their situation and offer encouragement and coaching.  Training to become a Life Coach will be offered in the future.  For more information, contact Ken Olson at (425) 747-3243.

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Help in the AV Booth Needed

You may have noticed one or two people pushing buttons in the AV booth at each service.  Those buttons control what appears on the screens above the altar and which microphones are activated.

We need two more people to be available to do this during each service.  Amy Corsini puts the beautiful PowerPoint presentations together for us each week.  All we need are the button pushers.  It requires one training with Amy which can be done after almost any church service.  Then, when I ask for your availability each month via email to provide at least one Sunday that you can operate the booth, you give me a date(s) that works for you.  I try to assign everyone just one Sunday a month.  Finally, while pushing the buttons is easy, it does require complete concentration on the service to push them at the correct times.  You do NOT need to be a computer expert to do this.

If you are willing to help us out once a month, please email me at jrjohns@verizon.net.

Thanks!  Roberta Johnson

Beat the Bug – Annual Flu Immunization Campaign

It’s very obvious that the weather is changing and we are entering the cold and flu season.  Again this year, the Parish Health Ministry is pleased to offer flu shots at St. Luke’s.  On Sunday, October 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Visiting Nurse Service of the Northwest will be on hand to administer the vaccinations to members, friends and neighbors.  The cost is $30.00 payable by cash or check.  If you have Medicare or Secure Horizons, both plans will cover the cost of the flu shot.  Medicare will also cover the cost of a pneumonia shot, which is available for an additional $40.00.  If you have a HMO or Private insurance, VNS will provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurance company. Sign up in the narthex or call the office for more information.


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Taste of Tanzania

You are invited to a festival – “A Taste of Tanzania” to be held at Our Savior’s

Lutheran Church in Everett on Sunday, October 21st from 3:00 to about 7:00 p.m.  The event will include a gathering,  program, and Tanzania dinner.  This is an opportunity to learn more about the Maasai Girls School in Tanzania.  Several from St. Luke’s heard their concert at Trinity Lutheran College.  This is sponsored by Operation Bootstrap Africa.  Contact Kathy Ostlund at Our Savior’s if you plan to attend (425-252-0413 or osle-everett@osle-everett.org).

Aging Wisely Seminar      

            Aging Wisely: CHRISTA Senior Living Educational Seminar

            Saturday, October 13 — 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. @

            CHRISTA Senior Living, Schirmer Auditorium

            19303 Fremont Ave. N.  Shoreline, WA 98133

This is a free educational seminar; however you must RSVP by email to seniorevents@crista.net or calling (206) 546-7495.  The program includes “Fraud Prevention Tips to Protect Your Money and Your Life” offered by the AARP Fraud Fighters and an interactive presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association entitled, “Maintain Your Brain.”  At the conclusion of the seminar, a complementary lunch and tour of the CHRISTA Senior Living Community will be offered.

Advertise in the new Pictorial Directory

This is your opportunity to showcase your business — let the St. Luke’s folks know where they can go for superior services.  Ads are being sold in the upcoming pictorial directory.  Prices range from a $150/full page, $75/half page and $15 for a three inch ad.  Contact Karen Richards at (425) 828-9493 or driftmier@comcast.net.  Call now as the deadline is very soon

                                                                            


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From the Bishop

by The Reverend Wm Chris Boerger, Bishop

Blessings to the Swartlings on Their New Journey

I want to invite you to come and pray God's blessing on David and Barbara Swartling at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 911 Stewart Street, Seattle.

I am thrilled that our good friend and faithful servant, David has been called to serve as Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. David brings the perspective of a non-ordained person to this office and the love of the church which will serve us all very well.

Often we, in the Northwest, have inferiority feelings about our role in the larger church. We are not as numerous as the Midwest and East Coast synods. We live in the shadows and frankly we often like it that way. One of my bishop colleagues noted that two of the final eight candidates for this call came from this synod. His joke was that we were trying to take over the church. That of course is not the case, but we do have a voice to speak with the whole church.

David's election also teaches us about the call process. Being open to the Spirit's call is what our lives are about. God calls us daily to serve in word and deed. David and Barbara's lives are now set in a new direction by the Spirit's call. Their plans are changed by God. I thank God that they are open to hear this call and excited to see what this call will bring the whole church.  My wife, DeDe, was quick to remind me and us all that David's call is also a call to Barbara. We are praying God's blessing on both of these faithful servants. David will be in the spotlight, but let us also remember the whole Swartling family and their church family at Bethany Lutheran Church on Bainbridge Island as they learn to live with the change this call brings.  More than 20 years ago David Swartling was on the Synod Planning group as an observer and then member when we began putting this new synod together. He was a prime author of our constitution. He has served us on the Synod Council, as our second Vice President, as our Synod Attorney, as our Synod Assembly Parlimentarian and, most recently, as the Director of the Lutheran Planned Giving Association of Western Washington. He has done even more that this.

We will miss that contribution to our common work. And yet we will share these faithful leaders with the church throughout this country and the world. I do believe that the cultural trends of this country are moving from the west to the east. Our context for ministry is moving to the “Lutheran heartland”. It will be good to have a leader who has seen it before leading our church into the future.

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Counselor's Corner                   

A LITTLE ABOUT STRESS MANAGEMENT

Not stress again, you might say. However, here we are in the middle of the fall period, with all the challenges of school, jobs and the rest having started up again. Many of us have to be multi-tasking (in spite of someone writing the other day that this was not a healthy condition!) and so many of us are surrounded by all kinds of needs waiting for a response. And yet again we might be discovering, uncomfortably, that we are not super-humans, although we wish we were; and also discovering that there are natural, God-ordained limitations. Again we find that prioritizing, although a worn word is a really helpful guide. Delegating also gets to be important once more, although it’s often difficult.

Try and break up your workday/project/tough assignment by closing your eyes a while (except while driving, using other dangerous machinery or dialoging with someone!). Get up and stretch and move all your muscles. If your work consists of walking and standing (like waitressing, nursing, retail work), use any opportunity to sit, lean, bend, if only for a few seconds. Whatever you can do that is different from your consistent postures is beneficial. When you are conscious of this, it’s easier to find a way. Ongoing computer users find that head-rolling, shoulder/wrist relaxing, closing eyes, standing up and walking around, every 15 minutes or so, can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, stiffness, etc.

Add your own discoveries. One person found that sitting on something high with her legs swinging (a pier is lovely but not always available) reminded her of her carefree childhood vacations. Lastly, anxiety originates in the brain, with our thinking. Watch out for what you are telling yourself.

I am only one, but I am one.
 I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
 I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.
                                                       ~ U.S. Senate Chaplain Edward Everett Hale

Ruth Kverndahl

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Faith and Everyday Life        

 October 2007        

A Culture of Grace

One of the purposes of anger is to get the other to pay attention.  But when the connection is broken or forgotten, the anger that comes out is something that kills connection. The research of John Gottman, Ph.D. has uncovered some shapes this misplaced anger takes.

One is Criticism. Instead of telling someone about something that they did that you don’t like, you tell them what they are. “You are the kind of person who…” You see only bad in them and actually believe that the problem is that they have a defective character.

A second is Contempt. In this response, you let someone know that their defects are considerably worse than yours, provided they could even find one in you. You are so much more moral, Christian, tidy, responsible…  Well, you know.

Criticism is hurtful but Contempt is pure evil. A kind of venom is embedded in it that actually diminishes the person, the health, even the life within the other. But when we are hurt, it can be hard to choose Life.

What is called for in the face of criticism and contempt is a relationship filled with grace. God’s grace is borne of a vulnerability that is secure enough in God’s love that one can dare to reach out, knowing that the other may not be able to hear at that moment.

It is not easy to be gracious when our connections are threatened.

Grace involves risk. Grace requires faith in God’s desire to have you, personally, securely connected with the other.

Put away criticism and contempt! Trust God’s intent for your heart and life.


Lutheran Counseling Network
(425) 455-2960

                                                                   

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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

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The Last Word

Love


Light in a world of darkness
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
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phone: 425-822-7907   e-mail:email@slukes.org    fax: 425-889-4493
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