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Celebration of Light - Advent Dinner Counselor's Corner - Guest Writer Other News, Events & Ministries at St. Luke's
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I am a pretty eclectic reader although I am pretty weak on the historical romance section of the library ( I leave that up to Brenda.) I am finishing Tony Hendra’s, Father Joe, (The man who saved my soul) and the three new men’s groups are reading Ronald Rolheiser’s, The Holy Longing. Monday night’s class is reading God’s Politics by Jim Wallis and the Board of Trustees (plus staff and board chairs) are reading Reclaiming the “L” Word by Kelly Fryer. Not to be outdone, this fall’s Spirituality Book Club, which will meet Saturday, November 10 at 4:00 p.m., has jumped into Parker Palmer’s The Company of Strangers. (There are still some copies available in the narthex for $16.00, please join us.) To be finished, started or reviewed are: The Golden String, Bede Griffiths; The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini; The Spirit of Disobedience, Curtis White; and The Passion Driven Congregation, McGriff and Willard. Oh, in the midst of all it is helpful to take a whimsical break and periodically be blessed by a rendering from Does God Have a Big Toe? Or check out a new swing key from Golf Digest; or a political insight from George Will or Leonard Pitts Jr. Of course, scripture is always the best place for holy inspiration. Whatever I am reading I am looking for some truth that is capable of generalizing into the rest of life. I am increasingly convinced there is a unity of knowledge that transcends the boundaries of disciplines and the sciences. The big word used to describe this conviction is “consilience”. (Mark H. taught me that word, I have yet to dare use it in a conversation!) In the world of faith we sometimes think of this as revelation or epiphany — that is, where and how does God show God’s self? How and where is the thumbprint of God revealed to us? In scripture, in nature, in literature, in the face of the poor, in…? The point? Pilgrimage … we are all on a pilgrimage — and what we learn along the way matters. It matters as to how we live our life, how we bless others, the enlightenment we attain regarding the nature of life and how the Spirit of Jesus breathes through us. We all need to keep learning - about ourselves, about God, about our place in this brief spin through this life. Truth is truth, wherever it is found — in scripture or the Hubble Telescope. And truth is of God; wherever we encounter it we are blessed in our pilgrimage. What are you reading? Where are you looking for the truths of God?
Associate in Ministry - Roselyn Olson A Passionate Life – (Once in a while or every day?) At a women’s retreat at Yachats, Oregon we based our teaching and discussions on the book, A Passionate Life by Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad. For three days we discussed how to make our life of faith more real. We used shapes to remind us of our faith life and help in being disciples of Jesus. Some of you participated in a similar class at St. Luke’s. The circle reminded us to notice and learn from “kairos” moments in our lives. The semi-circle reminded us to rest before work and to live in a rhythm with life. From the triangle we learned to balance our relationships of life (with God, other Christians, and with others). The square taught us to define the priorities of life and reminds us that all of us are leaders sometimes and followers at other times. The pentagon helps us to know our role in life and in God’s kingdom (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher). The hexagon reminds us of the six parts of the Lord’s Prayer and reminds us to pray without ceasing. From the heptagon we learn to practice the principles of a vital life (MRS GREN – movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition). Our spiritual life is as important as our physical life. The octagon encourages us to live a life with a mission. We look for the “person of peace.” This is someone who the Holy Spirit has prepared to be open to hearing or talking about faith. When we find a “person of peace” we can listen, share from our own lives, and build a relationship. It is up to the Holy Spirit to do the work of conversion. Saturday evening we had a service of healing and we knew that the Holy Spirit was there with us as we anointed and prayed for each other. One of our prayer requests was that the Holy Spirit would whisper (or shout) to each one of us during the retreat. What is the Holy Spirit whispering (or shouting) to you today? Is the Holy Spirit communicating something you can do or change to have a more passionate life for Jesus? Are you listening? Shalom,
Passion is defined as a powerful emotion or appetite, such as love for family and friends or great joy in helping others. Passionate is defined as being capable of or having intense feelings, or showing and expressing strong emotion. If you are passionate about something you want to share your passion with others and educate them. For example, if you are passionate about ending homelessness you will volunteer at homeless sites and talk to others about ending this problem. The same passion can be applied toward different organizations or the church. You may be passionate about fellowship opportunities and make sure that there is coffee and donuts after services. Everyone has a passion for something, and of course mine is for youth. I want to see them grow in their faith and understand for themselves why God sent Jesus to die for our sins. I want them to understand why Lutherans have confirmation when most other Christian groups don’t. The Youth & Family Ministry Board is asking for your help. We are developing a new program called Learning, Serving and Giving (LSG). LSG is an approach to youth engagement and education. It integrates intentional learning about Christian and social stewardship with meaningful service and giving. The vision for LSG is to be a community where Spirit, service and giving come together. As part of this program the youth would research and visit non-profit, social service organizations, choose one to work with and learn ways to help — perhaps by cooking and serving meals, praying with them and donating money. This is just in the preliminary stages but we are looking for anyone who would like to bring their passions to the youth of St. Luke’s. There are several youth events in November including: November 4th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. — Youth Council meeting and fiesta November 11th — miniature golfing November 18th at 5:00 p.m. — Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and tree set-up for Kid’s Holiday Festival
If you have any questions about these events or LSG please give me a call or write me an e-mail. Take care and God bless! Ben Richards, Director of Youth Ministry
Nursery Update At this time the Faith Formation Ministry Board is evaluating the Nursery Ministry. The nursery is currently located in the library and is available to children three and under with parental supervision. The Narthex is also available as a cry room where the worship service can be heard. For children three to six the wiggle room is located in the northeast corner of Pierson Hall. Children who wish to go to the wiggle room after the children's sermon may do so and then rejoin their parents for communion.
Mark Your Calendars! November 4th is filled with activity! At All Saints’ Sunday we will be celebrating the baptized people of God, living and dead, who make up the body of Christ. During the worship services on this day, the saints who through death have joined the Church Triumphant are remembered as a bell is tolled. As a part of this year’s All Saints’ Sunday services, we also will be dedicating the new Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) hymnals. You will find the sanctuary filled with the new hymnals that morning for the dedication. Thank you to all who have purchased hymnals in honor and memory of loved ones. All Saints’ Sunday Service and Potluck Join us for a potluck after the second worship service on November 4th for an opportunity to share memories of loved ones who have passed from this world. Please bring pictures or other memorabilia. Join us on November 20th at 7:00 p.m. for an open Worship and Music Board meeting as we continue to encourage input and participation in our growing and changing worship services. This is a continuation of the Adult Forum that was held on October 21st in which information was presented around our life of faith together in worship. November 25th is Christ the King Sunday. We will celebrate Christ as the King of kings, and Lord of lords! This also marks the end of the Season of Pentecost and the church year. The new church year begins with the first Sunday in Advent on December 2nd. We welcome all to worship with us every Sunday at 8:30 (traditional) and 11:00 (informal). All services always include the celebration of Holy Communion. Good news for those at the 11:00 a.m. Informal Worship who have been looking for music to help them in their worship experience… it is coming! We have invested in programs to help us provide music where it is feasible. (Not all of the songs we use are scored.) Please be patient, we are currently working out the details to make your worship experience feel more hospitable and inspiring Peace be with you, ~Amy Corsini, Worship Coordinator
Comparison Income and Expense 2006/07 and 2007/08 Program Year
We are now 3 months into our new program year and for the first time I can say that we have made up a little over $2,000 of our deficit! People are honoring the pledges they made on New Consecration Sunday and the ministry areas are monitoring their expenses. With your continued support we will be able to reduce our deficit. Carolyn Norton Treasurer 
In case you haven’t noticed, the remodeling of the nursery and Memorial Hall area has begun!! The administrative offices (Pastor Tom, Roselyn, Ben, Jodi, Pam and Edie) will be moving up to this area when it is completed in mid to late November. This move will allow for enhanced security for the office staff as only the south entrance doors will be open during the day. They will now have sight access to anyone entering the building. Pastor Tom and Roselyn’s present offices will be used as classrooms, the old office will become the Nursery and the Library will stay where it is until the next phase. This remodel is the first phase of our long-range plan to enhance St. Luke’s ministry opportunities which includes additional classroom space. This phase will be paid for before we begin the next phase. As with all remodel projects, you always run into the unexpected and this remodel is no different. We have discovered electrical conduits coming out of the concrete slab of the original church building and we have also discovered mold and dry rot in the Nursery area where the dirt is piled up against the brick wall on the outside. These two “discoveries” have had an impact on the original completion date and most likely the cost. You will soon see a 2-3 foot wide gravel drainage area and a new retaining wall in front of the old Nursery area. We are very aware of the costs of this remodel and are doing all that we can to hold those costs down. We have elected not to do any demolition work in the Nursery area as had been planned as we can work very effectively by leaving the configuration as it is. Pastor Tom has very graciously agreed not to put a bathroom in the old janitor’s closet. We will be using all the cabinets from the existing office in the new offices therefore saving approximately $23,000 in cabinet costs. The HVAC portion of this remodel is going to be our costliest expenditure as we also must add heating and ventilation to the existing bathrooms to eliminate and prevent further mold problems. Because the HVAC equipment must be mounted on the roof, the roofer will be involved to ensure that our warranty on the new roof is not negated. The Building Committee appreciates your support during this remodel, and we will keep you updated as “milestones” occur. Debra Caldwell, Co-Chair
We asked and you gave and gave. The Facilities Committee Coffee Hour and Taste of St. Luke’s on October 21st was an overwhelming smash. With several members volunteering to bring delectable goodies from our own St. Luke’s cookbook, we were able to raise $1,501.88! And on top of this we will be receiving $1,281.00 in matching funds from Thrivent for a total of $2,782.88. This money will offset some of the unforeseen cost of repairing dry rot in the old nursery. We will be moving dirt away from the building and installing a retaining wall that will prevent moisture from coming in contact with the brick exterior. Again, THANK YOU to all who baked, bought and worked for this very successful fundraiser.
University of Washington Lutheran Campus Ministry at the UW is finishing their fundraising, and only need to raise $8500 to meet their 2007 budget. This ministry just keeps growing and thriving on campus! Please consider a gift to help Lutheran Campus Ministry reach their goal for the year so they can turn all their attention to ministering to students! Here is some basic information from Campus Ministry. Gifts can be sent to: Lutheran Campus Ministry, 4525 19th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. If you are a member of Thrivent, please indicate on your check so that part of your gift may be matched! effective ministry, especially as you consider the size of our budget.
(We meet in the northwest room of Pierson Hall at 9:45 a.m.) November 4 My Life, My Plan: Creating a Life Path Based on Your Values This workshop is a continuation of the Values Workshop facilitated by Thrivent and Marv Romsland. It will challenge 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.
November 18 Congregational Meeting Sunday School and Confirmation will still be held.
November 25 Navigators Video and information with Kevin Kotecki and/or Bruce Amundson. Kevin plans to go to Kenya as a missionary with the Navigators. Note from Roselyn: Save Saturday, January 12 for a retreat (Formation for Spiritual Companions)
Advent Dinner and Ninth Annual Lucia Celebration Monday, December 3 Punch and informal Secret Prayer Pal Gift Exchange at 6:00 p.m. Dinner and Program at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale November 11, 18 and 25 Adults: $7.00 Children: $4.00 Reservations are required.
Welcome to all daughters, mothers, grandmothers, aunts and friends! All girls ages three through senior high are welcome to be part of our traditional Lucia Pageant. One of our senior girls will be chosen to be our Lucia Bride. To participate or for more information, call Nancy Quale at (425) 746-6559 or Carolyn Saxegaard at 425) 9650. Please bring two dozen cookies which we will share with Kid’s Holiday Festival and the Feeding Program. Lucia Maidens’ Robes Calling all girls who would like to be Lucia Maidens at our Advent Dinner. If you participated last year and have a robe to share, please bring it to Pierson Hall to “pass down” so we can swap. If you are participating for the first time, let us know. We have patterns for making robes. Please call Gina Jannetto at (425) 427-2776 with any questions. Would you like to help the ladies? Now is your chance to show off your “waitperson” skills by serving dinner to the women and girls of St. Luke’s at the Advent dinner. Please call the office to volunteer.
This year Kid’s Holiday Festival will consist of two activities. On Saturday, December 8 approximately 30 children from the Y-Village (families who were previously homeless) will come to St. Luke’s for a holiday party. Similar to prior years, they will visit with Santa, make holiday crafts and decorate (and eat!) sugar cookies. They will get to pick a toy or similar item for themselves. During this time, the parents may participate alongside their child or take time out to enjoy some quiet time and have a cup of coffee and a cookie. Each family will receive a gift basket that includes a gift card for a local grocery store. Secondly, we will have a giving tree which will be set up in early November. This year it will fulfill the needs of Santa’s workshop for the Y-Village children, the wishes of two families from the Eastside Domestic Violence family program whom we will “adopt”, as well as provide gifts for other Eastside Domestic Violence families. Our annual Thanksgiving dinner will be held on Sunday, November 18 at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited for turkey, dressing and the works! Stay to decorate trees for Kid's Holiday Festival. Turkey bakers are needed! Sign up at church to bring side dishes and dessert. The set-up time for the Kid’s Holiday Festival will be at 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, December 8. Please review the sign-up sheet for Kid’s Holiday Festival included in this Communicator and return the completed form to the church. You may also call one of the chairpersons listed below to sign up as a helper. The memories for the individual children and families we serve will be very special. We appreciate and thank you for your generous support. Ethel Brende (425) 828-6222
Other News, Events and Ministries At St. Luke's The Lutheran Magazine for November is now available in the office for you to check out.
All Saints’ Sunday November 4 Daylight Savings Ends November 4 Elections Day November 6 Veterans Day November 11 Congregational Meeting November 18 Thanksgiving November 22 Christ the King Sunday November 25 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. Are you ready for yet another fun event? That’s right it’s time for BINGO. On Friday, November 16th we will be having a traditional church social event for the whole family. Spaghetti feed and bingo will be the theme of the evening. The cost for the spaghetti feed is $10.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under twelve. After a robust dinner we will be playing the time honored game of bingo. O4 heaven’s sake don’t miss this one; sign up in the Narthex B4 it’s too late and we will C2 it that you have a great time How Faith Communities Can Create Housing to Help End Homelessness: A Toolkit Approach - November 17at Bellevue City Hall 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Debra Caldwell and Roselyn Olson plan to attend. Will you join us? This is part of the 10 year plan to end Homelessness in King County. For more information, visit www.thechurchcouncil.org or contact Ann Erickson at (206) 525-1213 x 3035 or AErickson@thechurchcouncil.org.
WELCA ThankOffering Sunday - November 18 ThankOfferings are given in thanksgiving to God--who blesses us to be a blessing to others. God is calling women disciples to go beyond charity by educating and equipping ourselves to do more effective ministry. Our ThankOffering is given to the national Women of the ELCA. They use it to provide programs and resources that help women grow in faith and use their gifts in active ministry in daily life. We live in a culture where those in need are in competition for help. ThankOfferings not only serve you; they also serve to support the total outreach of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Special envelopes will be available for you to use. Bells of the Sound Concert—Saturday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. An important event as we conclude our 50th Jubilee year will be hosting the musically acclaimed group, Bells of the Sound. This concert will be in lieu of our St. Luke’s Choirs producing a Christmas Concert this year. This will be a terrific night of fun for the whole family. Bring friends — it’s guaranteed you will leave that evening with a wonderful sense of the season. This is an event for all ages. On Sunday, December 2, plan to spend time during the education hour from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in Pierson Hall. You will have an opportunity for fellowship and creating different crafts to get prepared for Christmas. There will be no regular Sunday School classes or Adult Education on that day.
St. Luke’s Bell Choir will have room for THREE new bell ringers beginning this month. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:50. Call the church office now so Patsy Jackson can train you for November. No experience needed. Everything is going swimmingly at my new job. Just a reminder, I am working at an agency called OliveCrest: Homes and Services for Abused and Neglected Children. It’s right up the street on 116th. I started as a Support Counselor and was visiting some specific children who had high needs because of their behavior. I was hourly and didn’t always get the full 40 hour work week. Now I am a Case Manager, a promotion that I received after a week and a half of working here. I am managing a caseload of about 20 children. All the children we work with are in the foster care system, but I am working mostly with babies who have the potential to be adopted by their foster parents. This is such an amazing place and I love my job! Just in case there is anyone with interest in becoming a foster parent, you know who to talk with now. Just look us up online! I do miss you all but I know that there is an amazing person out there who is going to come in and work wonders with the Children’s Ministry at St. Luke’s. Blessings and love to you all.
A Sequel to the Author’s Reference Work Seamen’s Missions: Their Origin and Early Growth
Roald Kverndal Dr. Roald Kverndal has had an association with the sea from childhood. As an adult he was a merchant seafarer, marine lawyer and, subsequently, seafarers’ chaplain, serving in various ports around the world. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, Kverndal served as Executive Secretary of the North American Maritime Ministry Association, also as Maritime Ministry Consultant for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran World Federation. About the book The sea has, through the ages, been both a source of bounty and a bridge of communication. The Way of the Sea explores the unique role of seafarers in promoting the revealed plan of the Creator and Redeemer of both land and sea. Ordering information When ordering, reference order number WCL366-9. Copies may be ordered by calling 1-800-MISSION or email at STL@WCLBooks.com for $20 plus shipping. If you would like to pay by check, you can send it to: Send the Light/WCL, 129 Mobilization Drive Waynesboro, GA 30830
Our Youth Serving Christ's Church I want you to know how well the voting members of the 2007 Churchwide Assembly worked to represent the diverse views of our synod at the assembly. I especially want to commend the two young members of our delegation: Mark Ogren of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor, and Allison Sutton of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Bellingham. Mark and Allison were stellar in the preparation, attention and response to the variety of experiences that make up a Churchwide Assembly. Mark's preparation meant that he was a resource to others as they responded to the issues and elections. Allison shared her stress-relieving "play dough" with me during the secretary election process. Both of these young leaders displayed the best qualities of our synod. As you meet them, thank them for their work. Mark also brings the following report to the synod from this experience: Being one of two youth members from the NWWA Synod to attend the Churchwide Assembly in Chicago, I was already on a bit of a high as we made our way into the windy city. Seattle is a beautiful place, but Chicago has its merits as well. The Assembly overall was extremely well run: from the magnificent hotel accommodations, to the plentiful meal options, and the spur-of-the-moment copying of papers that the voters demanded to see. Cheers to all involved in that process; if only more events could be run so smoothly and effectively. I feel so grateful that I was elected to participate as a representative of our synod along with all the others who made me feel so welcome. It was a wonderful experience to be involved in the larger picture of our church body, and I encourage anyone to take a chance to see the ELCA in action, even as a visitor (although you wouldn't be able to use neat voting devices). Yours in Christ, Mark Ogren Next year we will elect the members to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis. I would ask that we again consider insuring that one of our eleven members is a youth. This year we were represented exceptionally well by two young leaders. They served us and Christ's church very well.
Guest Writer for the Counselor’s Corner As some of you may know, I have wrestled with fibromyalgia syndrome for a number of years. If you don’t know what fibromyalgia is I will give you my definition: unrelenting chronic pain, every day. Fibromyalgia affects your sleep; and when you sleep poorly, your fibromyalgia pain is worse. Other medical conditions I have that are directly related to my fibro are restless leg syndrome (yes, there is such a thing) and irritable bowel syndrome. I had only been working at the church for about six months when it came on with a vengeance after minor surgery. Each day I would work and then go home and collapse. I was told by one doctor that I didn’t even have fibromyalgia — I was just getting old! After hearing that I was pretty much done with doctors. Fast forward ahead. I found a wonderful rheumatologist and I’ve been seeing him for the past four years. He not only believes in fibromyalgia (many doctors still do not) but he is an expert. Recently he asked me if I would like to talk to some drug representatives about what my life is like living with fibromyalgia. There is a new drug on the market that is the first one specifically for fibromyalgia. I met with the representatives, who because they are aware of the resistance in the medical community, wanted to learn about the condition before going to doctors’ offices. It was fun to do and I had a very captive audience. Apparently I made an impact with the drug representatives because I was asked by the company preparing the presentations for the launch of the drug to make a video talking about my experiences and how this new drug was working for me. A producer and video director flew from New York and with a local crew came to my home where the video was made. About a week later I was flown (first class!) to Orlando for the big production. After seeing my video, I surprised over 3,000+ representatives from all over the country when I was invited out on stage. (This was called a “patient reveal.”) It was truly a life-changing experience for me. It was so fun and exciting and I was treated like a rock star. Later that evening there was a large party and I was constantly stopped to have my picture taken or answer questions. I felt I really connected with them. This article is not to focus on the trip and all the fun that went with it. It is about how much it meant to me to tell my continuing story of living with chronic pain. We all suffer from one thing or another and sometimes it doesn’t show. Chronic pain is so insidious as it takes away your energy, concentration and joy of life. It can lead to isolation. I have learned how to pace myself and have sometimes forced myself to socialize when I would rather stay home. It is possible with medication, exercise and prayer to have a full and happy life with limits. Whatever your “pain” may be, I hope you too can find relief and have people in your life who understand and support you. And God is always there to help you and me.
November 2007 Thanksgiving Living and being alone can be a good thing. It offers many freedoms and provides solitude that many people crave. Many people have solo adventures, where they test themselves against the elements and, hopefully, triumph. Being single is frequently a very satisfying lifestyle. Sometimes, however, there are needs, or even threats which activate powerful attachment reactions even in singles. When someone who is single desires connection, they call a friend or family member. If serious injury or accident happens, they dial 911. Even a stranded solo adventurer welcomes search parties when they arrive. We don’t survive long without community. We might think of ourselves as self sufficient islands, but we are really members of an archipelago. It was not good that either people or the creatures of the earth were alone. So God did something about it. We need and long for someone who can hold our heart, in joys and in troubles. God gave us that longing and then made all the animals and all the people helpmates to each other. God embedded in all of us a not just a desire, but a need for others so that we would reach out for safety and companionship. Perhaps this Thanksgiving, it would be good to thank God for the wisdom to create us as creatures of community, so that we would seek and receive the safety that insures our survival.
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