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Congregations for the Homeless Other News, Events & Ministries at St. Luke's Pastor Tom's Monday Night Bible Study
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Happy New Year! I’m sitting in my new office… instead of a wall of windows, I have a window. Instead of a wall of books somewhat arranged according to my preferences I have boxes and piles of books on the floor. Oh, did I mention nothing on the walls yet? Does this sound like a whine? Okay, I’m over it; I had my day of whining last week. Now, now I am trying to learn. Once I get over my sulk I typically gravitate to my organizing question of “What do I have to learn?” This is like a new life stage for me. I have just spent over one third of my life, half of every day for six days a week in that space, as my second home of sorts. That space was my sanctuary, it was where I knew how to meet the saints (both militant and victorious) and how to best use prayer to access the nearness of the Kingdom. I guess the best way to describe the change is disorienting. Kind of like a new life stage. So now I will change… I just don’t yet know what it will look like. Looking out upon the Memorial Garden with the interned saints and the water fountain is nurturing; knowing that the vacated wing will be more functional for ministry is encouraging; and having the business offices in the front of the building has enormous advantages. All of this is consistent with the master plan we adopted for ministry a decade ago. Far more important though than bricks and mortar is how this is all part of being more effective in our outreach into the community. Eastside Academy (they begin classes in January after the holidays) is just one of the more recent examples. We will begin offering children’s after-school music programs in the new year as well. We have also begun supporting a young man in ministry in Kenya through Navigators. New Year, new ministries, and I have more to learn, so much to learn. It is hard to change sometimes, especially when the routine is comfortable. The new office is just a metaphor for life, got to learn new things in order to continually be blessed in new ways. I have gone from the north side of the building to the south. The sun just broke through the clouds and shined through my window, never happened before… hmmm. Happy New Year!
Pastor Tom's Monday Night Bible Study (and dessert) Pastor Tom will be leading a seven-week experience into the Old Testament beginning January 14 and concluding on March 10. Two Mondays are skipped (January 21 and February 24) during this session. Study books will be provided. We will focus on Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, the last four books of the Pentateuch. You are especially encouraged to attend if you will be participating in next fall’s trip to Israel with Pastor Tom. Regardless, you will benefit from a deeper understanding of the shaping of community and faith of the First Testament people and how we are heirs to their story. Class will begin each Monday at 6:45 p.m. with a dessert offering in preparation for the 1¼ hour class beginning at 7:00. Sign up in the office that we might have enough study books on hand. Our next Spirituality Book Club will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 4:00 p.m. The book is Why the Mystics Matter Now by Frederick Bauerschmidt. Books will be available for sale in the narthex.
Associate in Ministry - Roselyn Olson
A New Year – Again? As a new year begins I’d like to share some of my thoughts. I’ve long given up making “New Year Resolutions” because I don’t follow through. It just gives me one more area in my life to be unsuccessful. But something I do like to do is have a little talk with God. I tell him about my year, what went well, what didn’t go so well, and what I’m not sure about. Then comes the fun part, the most important part — I listen. I listen to what God is telling me. No, I don’t get a telegram and I don’t hear words out loud. But I get a feeling of what to do or not to do. I call it discernment. It’s a simple process. I talk; God listens. God talks; I listen. Sometimes it happens at one time; sometimes it takes days, weeks, months, or years. God’s timing is always perfect. Sometimes I’m led to pray more; sometimes I’m led to go home and “clean my own house.” Do I always listen? Do I always take the correct action? No! I need daily guidance to help me. Gratefully, there is always “grace.” Does that sound like “pie in the sky?” Let’s get down to earth and think about some ideas that each of us can do to help us discern God’s direction for us. We can pray; we can listen to God; we can read books. Most important we can read “the” book, the Bible. We can take classes; we can visit with others; we can join groups; we can even start groups. There are opportunities in our community. Some of those opportunities are at St. Luke’s. Let me tell you of a few of them. You decide if any of these would work for you. There is the Spiritual Book Club; every month we read a book and on a Saturday afternoon Pastor Tom leads us in a discussion. I’ve been exposed to books that I never would have read on my own. Some were inspirational; some were difficult to read; all helped me see life from a different perspective. The Women’s Health Support Group meets every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to noon. We begin and end with prayer. In between we share our goals for the week and the progress we’ve made (or not made) the previous week. We’ve all grown in living lives in the way we believe God wants us to. There is always room for one more in this group.
The Catechumenate begins in January and continues through the Easter Vigil. This is an opportunity for new members and those contemplating membership in St. Luke’s to meet weekly in small groups to become better acquainted with one another, to study the scriptures and to hear some talks from Pastor Tom about faith and life in the church. You may participate as a “seeker” or a “sponsor.” Each new person is paired with a sponsor. The Alpha program is a set of entertaining, educational DVD’s that are available for home use.
Shalom,
Have you ever wondered how to express your faith outside of the church? I know that this is a big question for the youth in middle school and high school. Well the answer is easy — just ask yourself in any situation What Would Jesus Do? I will give you an example. When I was in high school I have to admit that I was afraid to tell people about my faith in Jesus but when somebody asked me if I was a Christian or if I believed in God I told them the truth because that is what Jesus would do. Sometimes they would ask more questions about Jesus or Christianity and I would answer them to the best of my ability. Other times I got teased by those people because of it; however, you can’t let their teasing bother you. If you believe in something with your whole heart then what people try and tell you about it should not sway you to believe something different. There are two things you can do if someone is teasing you about your faith: one is to walk away; two is to start asking questions of what that person or persons believe in. Hopefully they will either stop or you will get in a good conversation about faith. Galatians 3: 26-28 says: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Paul reminds us that everyone that is baptized is one with Christ. Remember that when someone is teasing you about your faith, ask them if they were baptized as a baby and then welcome them with open arms and say we are brothers or sisters in the same faith because that is what Jesus would do. There are a lot of events coming up so please find the youth calendar and write them down. Congratulations and thank you to Carolyn Norton for winning the VIP parking spot for all of 2008. She bought it at the auction that was held in November. If you have any questions about the youth program please come talk to me or e-mail me at ben@slukes.org. I am always looking for feedback. Take care and God bless! Ben Richards, Director of Youth Ministry
The schedule is set for those families who wish for their children to receive instruction for receiving the Lord’s Supper. Roy and Marie Barsness have graciously agreed this year to work with Pastor Tom leading the class. St. Luke’s has adopted a consistent sacramental understanding for the receiving of Holy Communion. If a child places outstretched hands to receive the meal they are fed. Such is the nature of grace. This is not at all to diminish the importance for instruction with regard to the significance for this meal. According to the commitment every parent has made in their child’s baptismal covenant St. Luke’s wishes to support families by providing appropriate instruction. The best standard of when your child is ready for this class is when they start asking about the meal. Parents will know best when their child is ready (with parental participation) in a learning experience. The church calendar for High Festivals in 2008 is early. Since the instruction culminates with receiving communion as a family on Transfiguration Sunday, February 3, the schedule will be fairly tight in the new year. Sunday January 6 at 4:30 PM Sunday January 13 during Sunday School Hour (9:45 a.m.) Sunday January 27 during Sunday School Hour (9:45 a.m.) Saturday February 2 at the Barsness Home Sunday February 3 January 20th has been skipped due to Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday. Please call the office to register your child.
Are you interested in leading our worship services as the Assisting Minister? Watch for further announcements regarding a training session in January for those who are interested in this fulfilling experience. While the Christmas Season has come to a close, the church has more reasons to celebrate during the month of January! January 6th – Epiphany of Our Lord The remaining two weeks in January are designated as the Time After Epiphany. At the 8:30 Traditional Worship Services we will be using the familiar Now the Feast and Celebration liturgy during the entire month. We will continue to learn new music, including liturgical songs at the 11:00 Informal Worship Services. All Sunday morning services will continue to include the celebration of Holy Communion every week. Please join us! Amy Corsini
Comparison Income and Expense 2006/07 and 2007/08 Program Year
November reflects a month of a giving that included the “Back into the Black” auction. The net amount of proceeds received that evening was $24,466. Thank you so much to those who attended and supported this event. Expenses ($50,489) are staying below what has been budgeted. Ministry areas are monitoring them and are aware of the deficit situation we are in. Normally December is the biggest month for giving. We pray that will continue this year also. Carolyn Norton 
Well it’s the start of a new year and I want to take this opportunity to thank the Facilities Committee, its members, its leadership, its volunteers and especially the Wednesday Work Group. Since I began with the church two years ago, one of the first things that I was charged with was to be the staff resource for this amazing committee. This committee is responsible for so many “behind the scenes” projects, as well as being on the front line for comments and complaints when things in the facility are not up to par ( I know...I know, I have ordered softer toilet paper). Over the past year we installed the new sign facing Bellevue Way, hired a gardener to maintain our flower beds throughout the year, fixed the irrigation, repaired the moveable walls in Pierson Hall and eliminated bees’ nests on the patio. We also contributed funds to the Building Fund to offset the unforeseen dry rot repair cost incurred in the current remodel. The WWG was also mostly responsible for the major renovations on the downstairs classrooms along with ongoing maintenance projects within the facility. This upcoming year will present those of us on the Facilities Committee with some new and some familiar challenges. Our esteemed leader, Dana Kim has resigned her position as Chair of the Facilities Committee after four years of dedicated service. We will miss her charming and concise direction, as well as her “field trips” around the building. Anna Coy has agreed to step into this position and we look forward to her leadership. Anna has been a member of the committee for over 18 months and has been a valuable asset to this group. You may have noticed that the Facilities Committee has hosted several fundraising breakfasts, as well as asking specifically for money for special projects. The reason for these fundraisers is that the Facilities Committee is self-supporting. (We do apply for all Thrivent matching funds available.) We are not covered under the general budget. All our money comes from your giving when specified for Facilities. We want to thank all of you who give regularly to our ministry. We also wanted to take this chance to remind and inform all of you of our mission and that we will always need your “specific” support. Please remember Facilities in your giving! Jodi Daub
Who would benefit from this class? If any of the above pertain to you, pick up one of the brochures in the narthex or contact one of the coordinators of the Formation for Spiritual Companions program. The beginning retreat is Saturday, January 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The deadline to register is January 7. Nancy Quale (425) 746-6559 or nquale@comcast.net
Would you become part of a movement to transition men to independent living in the Bellevue area? A small cadre of life coaches are working with men with great results — 24 men moved to independent housing in the last 12 months. At Congregations for the Homeless (CFH) we need more coaches. We have life coaches who are working and retired; one couple coach together and have had a tremendous impact. In-depth training is provided but what is really needed is just a desire to serve men who desire and need assistance in moving back into the mainstream. If you are interested, call Paul Tomlinson, Life Coach Director at (206) 295-1820 or careerlife@msn.com. Training starts this month. Please note: The men from Congregations for the Homeless will be at St. Luke’s during February.
January 6 Introduction to the Catechumenate For those registered and those interested in learning more about becoming a “seeker” January 13 The Gideon’s International Come and learn more about this organization that distributes Bibles worldwide and how you can donate a Bible in memory or in honor of someone January 20 Pastor Tom Kidd
January 27 Lutheran Public Policy Office
(Our new member class — we’ll teach you how to spell and pronounce it) St. Luke’s Catechumenate program begins Sunday, January 6th with an orientation during Adult Forum in the Northwest Room of Pierson Hall. Be there from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. to find out what this is all about. Who should attend? You are welcome if you meet one of the following criteria: Requirements for sponsors are a willing heart to meet and walk beside someone, and to attend as many of the sessions as you are able. The program runs from January 6 through March 22 ( Easter Vigil — the night before Easter). We usually meet during the Education Hour from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. During those times we will meet in small groups with a Catechist for a Bible Study and getting acquainted with one another. On three separate weeks we meet for a light lunch after the 11:00 a.m. worship service and listen to a talk from Pastor Tom. We do not meet the weekend of the Women’s Retreat (February 29 to March 2). Childcare will be offered for those under three years during the Education Hour and after the lunches (during Pastor Tom’s talks) if requested in advance. Following is a preliminary schedule. You will receive a finalized schedule after you have “registered.” For more information about this program or to volunteer to be a sponsor, contact the coordinator, Judy Pagnotta at judypag@comcast.net or (425) 361-1920. Sunday, January 6 Sunday, January 13 Sunday, January 20 Sunday January 27 Sunday, February 3 Sunday. February 10 Sunday, February 17 Sunday, February 24 Sunday, March 2 Sunday, March 9 Sunday, March 16 Saturday, March 22
I hope everyone will take time to welcome the students and faculty of Eastside Academy as they make St. Luke’s their new home for the next year and half to two years. ESA will start their winter quarter in the renovated classrooms downstairs, in the old main office, and Roselyn’s old office. Their class and office hours are as follows: Class Time: 8:30 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. You are invited to attend their chapel services which are held from 11:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. They will also be using the kitchen for cooking classes which are taught by St. Luke’s very own redheaded chef, Anne Bly. To learn more about the very talented and dedicated staff, please go to their website at www.eastsideacademy.com
Eastside Academy Staff
Tuesday, January 29 This promises to be a another thrilling year politically, both locally, statewide, and nationally. Our state's legislature starts the 2008 session in early January. There will be legislation items on the agenda covering issues of healthcare, housing, environment and sustainable agriculture, tax reform, economic justice and more. 2008 is also gearing up to have some of these issues raised at the national level with the elections swiftly coming upon us. One may ask, "How can I make a difference with all the endless social and political issues that seem to be overwhelming and left to politicians to fight it out?" This is just a rhetorical question and unless you are running for office at some level, do not feel obligated to answer. One could consider the option of becoming a advocate of our faith by attending and participating with others in Faith Advocacy Day. The Lutheran Public Policy Office is sponsoring this event along with other church organizations in Olympia on January 29. Last year several of us attended and found the day educational and rewarding. You will have the opportunity to: Learn about advocacy as an individual and church community. As part of the faith community, we are called on in faith to be advocates on behalf of the poor, powerless, and those who suffer, and to engage with our decision- making bodies to develop policies that strive to bring forth economic and social justice and care for all creation. Consider being part of an advocacy group and share in Faith Advocacy Day. Information and sign-up lists will be available in the narthex. Carpooling will also be available. Note: Find out more about Lutheran Public Policy Office on January 27th. David Coombs from LPPO will be speaking at the adult forum.
Thanks for all the cards, the messages, and the “Happy Birthday” sung, all on my 90th birthday. There are benefits — you might wonder — of reaching this age. There are all the memories of friends and good times which go back 44 years at St. Luke’s. If there is a down-side it would be not being involved in the activities any longer. My only activity now is belonging to the exclusive Quilting Society. And, I don’t want to forget — being able to make an occasional batch of cookies for special receptions. Reaching 90, you see, can be wonderful. God’s blessings to you, as I have been blessed all these years. Oranda Nelson
Thank you to all who so generously gave of their time and talent for our Advent Dinner and Lucia Celebration. Those who sold tickets, organized the maidens and their gowns, set and decorated tables (Lucy Gregg created the beautiful centerpieces), took part in the program, and a special thanks to Carnel Hagen for preparing a delicious dinner---and to all the St. Luke's men who served and cleaned up. There were 110 in attendance and 26 St. Luke's girls and friends who were part of the Lucia Festival (four could not participate due to illness or weather). They were led by the 2007 Lucia Bride, Amy Mitchell. The cookies you brought were shared with our Kid's Holiday Festival and the Salvation Army Feeding Program. Many thanks, Carolyn Saxegaard, Nancy Quale, and Gina Jannetto.
You are cordially invited to a New Year Open Office on Friday, January 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.. This is an opportunity to see the improvements in safety and communication made by your building funds. And you’ll also see where your pastor and staff toil away every day to bring God’s message to you. Please join us for coffee, punch and cookies. St. Luke’s Women’s Retreat Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend Need some extra time in your day? Well, mark your calendars, because it is coming February 29th, and what better way to spend it than with your St. Luke’s sisters. Join us for a time of escape from routine; a gift to spend as you wish. The weekend will be full of rich conversation, relaxing recreation and rejuvenating crafts. There will be multiple opportunities to experience your gift of time and to give that gift to others. Sign-up will begin Sunday, January 20th. Contact Gina Jannetto (425-427-2776), Heather Erickson (425-453-8680), or Roselyn Olson with questions
It won’t be long before St. Luke’s missionaries leave for Ensenada, Mexico to build more homes. The dates to be put on your calendar are May 1—5 and be sure to let Bruce Amundson know you are interested. St. Luke’s Youth will be holding a fundraiser on Super Bowl Sunday to provide you with super sub sandwiches to eat while watching the game. Order forms will be available in the narthex beginning Sunday, January 6 so you can custom order. Funds raised will be used for the youth to attend the Western States Youth Gathering in Anahem, California in late July.
If you are interested in childcare for children under three years of age during Sunday morning worship services, please contact Roselyn Olson.
The St. Olaf Choir from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, will be appearing in concert on Wednesday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m. at Benaroya Hall in Settle during their upcoming annual national tour. Tickets are available at stolaftickets.com.
St. Luke’s Israel Trip The Israel trip is now only nine months away and we have room for four more pilgrims for this life-changing adventure. On Sunday, February 10 at 5:00 p.m. we will be hosting our second social gathering at the church. Pastor Tom is working on the program for the evening and it will give us a chance to meet travelers who were not able to come to the first event and those who have since made reservations. Please RSVP to Jodi at the office.
Chad and Cynthia Olson are opening their home to a weekly showing of the Alpha DVDs by Nicky Gumbel. They would like to begin on Wednesday evenings in February. Contact Chad for more information at cadracing.com or (425) 895—7231. Congregations for the Homeless One of St. Luke’s missions is to host this program for homeless men during February. Bruce Amundson and Prentis and Patty Drew are the folks who head this ministry. Watch for sign-up sheets in the narthex and, if you would like to make a cash donation, indicate so on your check. Our St. Luke’s Library has been boxed up for quite some time and is in need of organization. Mary Florence has stepped forward and volunteered to lead us in this endeavor. She will need help. There will be a meeting on Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m. This will be for anyone interested in learning or helping with this project. If you are interested but are unable to attend this meeting, please contact Mary at (425) 450-6577 or florencemk@yahoo.com. As a former school librarian, Mary is excited about making the library a useful and inviting resource. Let’s make our library a best seller!
HEARTS FOR SOLDIERS At this time, it is said that voters seem to see the U.S. economy as more important than the Iraq situation. However, for the increasing number of troops who have been involved in active military engagement and have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the issue continues to be extremely relevant. The effects of the violence of war on them cannot be put on the back burner. “War means something different to those of us that have looked through the sights of a rifle at another human face,” said an Iraq veteran who has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The condition of PTSD shows itself in several ways, like addiction, undesirable behavior such as sudden fits of anger, depression, even suicide. A record number of soldiers in the U.S. army took their own lives in 2007. More than 30% of the soldiers returning have PTSD. Soldier’s Heart Seattle is apolitical. They base their work on a book by Psychologist Edward Tick, War and the Soul. Soldier’s Heart and Antioch University are sponsoring a three-day workshop on February 8-10, at Interfaith Community Church. For more information call Sally Jo Gilbert de Varges at 206-905-4036 or visit www.soldiersheart.net. The Wounded Warriors Act has been approved in the Senate and at the time of writing is on its way to the President for signing. He’ll establish justice in the rabble of nations and settle disputes in (The Prophet Micah 4:3-4, The Message Bible)
Submitted by Ruth Kverndal January 2008 COMFORT Very literally, the work derives from the Latin, meaning, “With Strength.” It sounds so powerful yet so cozy. Yet it is a word always with a point of contrast. Comfort always comes with a need for it. Comfort in contrast to… as a relief from… Other people can be such a comfort at times of need. We can be so helpful to others as givers of comfort. Yet comfort can be a tricky match to whatever the need is. Exactly what kind of comfort is needed or even wanted? If we determine what the other needs, our guess may be correct, but it might not. If we listen for what the other needs, we may hear correctly or we may not. Then again, sometimes what we or the other wants, may not be what the real need is. Complex, eh? Sometimes even the best comfort is not up to matching the need. What comfort was there for Rachael weeping for her children, or people trapped on the upper floors of a Twin Tower in flames? What do we do when the only real comfort involves changing the past? It is at times like this that we desperately search for meaning, often turning to God for some sort of rational explanation. “There must be a purpose!” we say. “This cannot be just random!” But the fact is, evil happens. This year we will explore the need for and the reality of comfort and comforting in our lives. May these articles help you find and find ways to give comfort in the midst of our ever-present need for it. |
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