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Formation for Spiritual Companions Other News, Events & Ministries at St. Luke's Pastor Tom's Monday Night Bible Study
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Words are important. The words we choose to describe ourselves or our values are very important. It should be abundantly obvious that to self-describe as a Christian could suggest, depending on ones location, anything from a selfless servant to an assumed moralistic political position. The words we use to describe our faith will in fact say something clearly about how we live out our faith. Words are critical. In writing this I have to confess that sometime I am too casual with my words, or too willing to assume people will understand by virtue of my character. I am working on being more precise… maybe by the time I retire I will get it down? The following are a sample of words that are commonly used in the life of St. Luke’s Church… please take a moment to consider their implications:
These words say a great deal about how we believe we are called to be Christ’s ambassadors to this world. They say a great deal about how we welcome the stranger and provide hospitality, i.e. making space for others. Words mostly have value when they become incarnational – when they take on flesh in our decisions and relationships. You demonstrate the same in simple ways, e.g., like bothering to put on a nametag so someone new to our community can more easily learn your name. Or with more complicated concerns as you generously gift homeless ministries at St. Luke’s. The Board of Trustees has been prayerfully considering adding the name of St. Luke’s to two national/global church listings. The first is sponsored by Sojourners and is comprised of those churches whose ministry is called to issues inherent in the biblical call for justice and peace, the web address is http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm? The second directory listing is called Gaychurch. It is a world-wide listing of churches that are friendly and welcoming to gays and lesbians. Its web address is http://www.gaychurch.org. Neither listing calls for a church to adopt any position other than they are welcoming and open to all of God’s people. (If you do not have internet access, we would be glad to provide printed material upon request.) Ponder the words we use to describe who we are as a church as you consider these actions. Your BOT will vote on these two actions in their March meeting. If you have questions or opinions please feel encouraged to seek out a Deacon or Elder. Both of these groups (peace and justice disciples as well as the gay and lesbian population) are represented in our congregation. Prayerfully consider how we can, for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, continue to be more effectively incarnational of those words we hold self evident.
The
Our next gathering will be Sunday – February 10th at 5:00 p.m. at church. If you have signed up for the trip you will be receiving a separate mailing regarding this evening get-together. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Tom or Jodi.
Saturday, February 9 at 4:00 p.m. The book being read for this month’s meeting is Frederick Bauerschmidt’s, Why the Mystics Matter Now. The books are available in the narthex for $13. It has been suggested by a number of theologians and students of history that at the end of a period when power has become concentrated within the church, its death or loss of such position, is marked by a great awakening of spiritual life. This awakening of spiritual freedom apart from the formal institution of the church is a time of significant growth and empowerment for those whose lives are rooted in the discovery of God. It has also been suggested that we stand on the brink of such a new age. The sometimes vitriolic, even savage reaction of those whose religious disposition would lead them to damn, if not legislate against – in the name of Jesus – those whose lifestyles are deemed offensive/different have been viewed as a harbinger of a new religious age.
If there is at least some truth to this then an alternative is to explore what the life of a mystic is about. Mysticism in general and Christian mysticism in particular, has historically flourished during such a time of transition. Pick up a copy in the Narthex and join us for an enlightening conversation. Books for the spring season are currently being chosen for subsequent classes.
Pastor Tom's Monday Night Bible Study Walter Brueggemann, in his seminal work, Theology of the Old Testament, wrote, “It is not easy or obvious to identify what must be retained from the Old Testament for the truth of Christianity. But surely in some sense it is the “scandal of particularity,” by which the Creator of heaven and earth has sojourned with the Israelite community and has self-disclosd in the odd and concrete ways of Jewishness. The Jewish markings of Yahweh are what much of Christianity has wanted to scuttle.” (italics are this author) If you are interested in a conversation about Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy and how they can speak to us about a Jewish faith that has contributed to our confession as Christians you are welcome. Classes begin at 7:00 p.m.
Associate in Ministry - Roselyn Olson
From Lone Ranger to Three to Eight or What’s Your Passion?
Do you ever feel like a lone ranger? Is there something in your life that you think is so important yet others don’t quite have the same passion? Maybe it has to do with sports — playing, coaching, or watching your favorite team. Is it sewing, quilting, keeping a neat house or office? Maybe it has to do with music — singing, playing, listening. Maybe it has to do with others — helping, driving, cooking, taking people to the doctor. All of these are good and have a place in our lives. My passion may be considered odd to some. It’s listening. I don’t always listen. In fact, often I’m so busy thinking of what I’m going to contribute to a conversation that I don’t truly hear another person. Sometimes their story reminds me of my story and I want to share it. Or, my mind is elsewhere and I’m not concentrating on what someone is saying. As a teenager, one of our sons used to catch me daydreaming with a phrase, “Earth to Mom.” How did he know I wasn’t really listening to him? When I truly listen to another person, I am bonded with that person and I can be more effective. The person can be free to say what they need to say and I can help them verbalize it. I can concentrate on them and not on me. Most of us need someone to listen to us. And we have people in our lives we need to listen to. Last spring I discovered a book titled, Are You Really Listening? I read it and discovered that I wasn’t as good of a listener as I thought I was. This book was one of the reading assignments for the new program, “Formation for Spiritual Companions.” Through this program and the triad and exercises I learned some listening skills. Like any skill it has to be practiced and sometimes I forget. The other two coordinators of the program, Nancy Quale and Dorothy Scott, read the book also. Through our “triad” I not only practiced listening; I also experienced the pleasure of being listened to. On January 12th five participants joined us at the first retreat for our first class. I admire the ability of these persons to try something new. They will spend six weeks worshipping, reading, sharing, and learning to be better listeners. As a result of this I see more people in our congregation that want to listen to others. I truly believe that the Holy Spirit drew these five to join us for our first class. We laugh, we worship, we study, we share, and we listen – to God and to one another. There are many opportunities for growth at St. Luke’s. What is your passion? Where do you want to grow? I’ll never be a musician, an orator, a seamstress, a chef, or a marathon runner. However I can listen and I can do it to the glory of God and make a difference in this world.
Shalom, Formation for Spiritual Companions The first class is being held on Wednesday mornings and is full. More people were interested but the timing was not in synch with their schedules. If you are interested in future classes, now is the time to contact Nancy Quale, Dorothy Scott or Roselyn Olson about times you could attend. The new schedule will be planned around the first few who contact us.
There is a lot going on in the youth program. As you know we have just completed a sub sandwich drive to raise money for the Western States Youth Gathering in
Please check the calendar for the events coming up and see the youth bulletin board for the February Youth newsletter called The Experience. Take care and God bless! Ben Richards, Director of Youth Ministry
Be on a Winning Team Men from Congregations for the Homeless (CHF) will be sleeping at St. Luke’s during February. This year you have an opportunity to be on a team to help end homelessness. The life coaching program through CFH has benefited many men in the program. Many of them are working and their attitudes are quite positive. Housing as a possibility has really changed the mood. Jan Starr is teaching a 4-week class on Thursday night dealing with drugs and alcohol. Paul Tomlinson is starting a budgeting class on Monday night.
Last year we had no subsidized housing at this point. Today, 17 men are in housing, with six more imminent, probably this month. Steve Roberts was able to rent a house and men from First Presbyterian have remodeled it while others have painted. There are three men in, three more to enter soon, and one of our former shelter residents is the manager. We have funds to rent housing and that allows a couple of men to obtain housing who might not have had the opportunity because of historical debt problems. All men are still in and taking care of their apartments with pride.
Life Coaching -- 17 in housing (soon to be 23) and probably 33 by mid to late 2008. 34 men in the shelter so at the least 50 men to coach which is required by contract terms with our grant. We need a miracle and coaches. We hope to start a life coaching training session in mid-February. Call Paul Tomlinson at (206) 295-1820 if you are interested or know of people who are interested. The Theme for 2008
2008 is going to be Gr8!
Submitted by Paul Tomlinson Here’s another way you can help Congregations for the Homeless. Please be sure to sign up to serve dinner or prepare a hot breakfast for the men. Sign-up sheets are in the narthex or see Patty Drew or Bruce Amundson.
February 6th marks the season of Lent this year with our Ash Wednesday Service, Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes. In consideration of those that cannot attend an evening service, we have added a daytime worship that day. Ash Wednesday, February 6th Beginning on Ash Wednesday, the Season of Lent functions as a time of preparation for the Easter festival. The Sunday morning liturgy during Lent will begin with Confession as we are gathered, and continue with Word and Sacrament at both services. The 8:30 Traditional Service liturgy will feel familiar as the new ELW Holy Communion Setting Three was brought over from our loved LBW Setting One. Mid-week Lenten Services On Wednesday, February 13th, please join us for the first of five mid-week Lenten services at 7:00 p.m. The new hymnal holds many worship resources, including a Compline liturgy that we will use around a time of learning, as Pastor Tom teaches on a series focused on shadows. Soup and Bread A topic of current discussion is whether we will continue the soup and bread dinners that have traditionally preceded the mid-week evening services. If there is still interest in this time of fellowship, more information will follow for opportunities to contribute. Prayer and Meditation While Lent presents us with a focused time of reflective prayer and meditation, we encourage all to make use of the Sanctuary for this purpose at any time regardless of the season. The
Amy Corsini
Comparison Income and Expense 2006/07 and 2007/08 Program Year
The Board of Trustees would like to thank everyone who, with God’s help, contributed to the ministries at St. Luke’s during this past year. We started this program year with a ($60,000+) deficit and approved a budget that would help us get “Back into the Black”. I am very pleased to report that as a result of the auction and concert this fall and the very generous giving at year end we ended 2007 with a deficit of ($6,834). The early months of the year are historically pretty average giving months. With your continued support we can move past the deficit into a reserve situation. In the coming months
St. Luke’s ministry cannot move forward without your involvement by praying for and participating in the life of our church. God’s Blessings Carolyn Norton 
Gifts in Memory, Honor or Celebration During the past year St. Luke’s has been the recipient of a significant amount of Memorial Gifts. In doing this, families and individuals have had the opportunity to pay a lasting tribute to someone whose life has had special meaning or importance to them. I would like to thank those families and individuals and again emphasize that memorial gifts can be designated to a specific ministry or the family can help make a decision as to where the gift could be used that would best honor the memory of their loved one. This past year we have also been blessed with a very generous bequest from an individual for whom this church and its youth had a special meaning. Prayerfully consider including St. Luke’s in your will. . Looking for a special way to commemorate an anniversary, wedding, engagement, confirmation, baptism or birthday of someone who has special meaning for you or has touched your life in a special way? Consider making a donation to St. Luke’s in their honor. With bequests or donations you may designate a ministry or we will be happy to work with you in deciding where the tribute would be the most meaningful. Gifts received recently include: $5,000 in memory of Pat Ray to the Fan into Flame Capital Campaign $5,000 in memory of Wanita Heine to the Youth Learning, Serving, Giving program and Outreach Serving the Community ministries If you have questions, please call me. I look forward to working with you in honoring your loved ones. Carolyn Norton
Spring is just around the corner…primroses and daffodils are beginning to show themselves beneath the layers of frost. Birds are singing earlier and earlier each morning and Easter is on March 23rd! The spring season brings to mind getting our gardens into shape too. The Facilities Committee, along with the help of our own Steve Erickson, has been developing a landscaping plan. Since we have installed the retaining wall along the front side of the building, we have started to implement these ideas. The aim was to minimize the plantings in the front of the building (by the new offices). Over the years a number of annuals and perennials had been planted with very good intentions, but they were untended and ultimately needed to be moved or removed. We will also be adding ground cover that will have the ability to survive underneath the cedar tree and will require minimal maintenance. Our goal is to keep the landscaping natural and self-sustaining. This strategy of sustainability will also include the parking island closest to the sanctuary doors. This year we will be planting drought resistant plants that will not require watering on such a frequent basis. We have also appreciated your past donations of green plants for the interior of the building; however, please contact the Facilities Committee before donating any more plants. We are reevaluating our needs and will address each donation accordingly. Thank you to Joan Jackson, Emery Brase and Steve Erickson for your tireless time, talents, and especially your green thumbs. Your help keeps us GREEN!
Jodi Daub We are bustin’ at the seams! With
activity it is now more important than ever to schedule meeting times and places with the office. We have to carefully coordinate the available meeting space to accommodate all the various committees, ministries and programs. Even if you are meeting with just one or two people during the day or in the evening, please let Jodi know in order to insure that rooms are not double-booked. Your help in keeping our calendar up to date is very much appreciated. I hope by the time you are reading this we are completely settled into our new offices. It has been quite a challenge to move an office that had been firmly entrenched in its space for such a long time. A lot of purging, a lot of cleaning and a lot of reflection on past projects has taken place. We have taken great pains to reorganize and to upgrade our office to make it more functional. To give you a round-up here are a few key things:
Prayer Temperaments and the Way We Pray St. Luke’s Women’s Retreat 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 craft. We are honored to welcome Maria Thompson as our Saturday morning guest speaker. She will lead us through an exploratory process to learn more about prayer temperaments and discover which one fits each of us best. Your registration and a deposit are due by February 17. The cost for the retreat is $110, but all are welcome regardless of ability to pay. See the registration form for more information about payment options. Brochures and registration forms are available in the narthex. Contact Gina Jannetto (425-427-2776), Heather Erickson (425-453-8680) or Roselyn Olson (425-822-7907) with questions.
February 3 Jim Wiederaenders will lead — come and learn about
Development (NCD) — see article on page 9
February 10 Pray all ways: Where do you sense God’s presence? Read the article in the January issue of “The Lutheran.” Copies are available in the narthex. If you do not subscribe, pick up a copy, read the article, and come prepared to learn from one another. Colleen Brunswick and Roselyn Olson will lead. February 17 Pastor Tom Kidd February 24 Showing of 50th Anniversary video—Roberta Johnson
Giro D’Italia 2008
From the Roman Coliseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to the fabled canals of
The 15th Annual Rick Steves Travel Seminar will be full of fun, food and raffle prizes all in support of the mission and ministry of LATCH. Thursday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m. General Admission: $15
To register online: www.latch.org. For more information call (206) 789-1536 extension 105
LATCH Annual Report for 2007 The Lutheran
Who We Serve Currently, LATCH properties serve 500 people each year. 42% of our residents are children under 12, and 75% of our households are led by single mothers. Importantly, 80% of our residents are employed. However, many of their jobs are minimum wage, and the average annual income of LATCH residents is only $20,500 or approximately 30% of median income for a household of three. Resident Managed Cooperatives In addition, for many families and individuals, issues such as illness or domestic violence create the need for housing and the need for a supportive community in which to establish independence or regain self-sufficiency. To address this second need, LATCH has established three of our properties as resident managed cooperatives. On a management level, the residents take responsibility for governance and property maintenance. They keep the grounds clean, collect rent, interview prospective tenants, and participate in community meetings. At the same time, we believe that something more basic and important happens: in living and working together, the cooperative asks each resident to take responsibility for their community and it asks the community to take responsibility for each individual. 2007 Highlights: Affordable Housing DevelopmentAffordable housing development remains LATCH’s primary goal and, in the past 12 months, we have made significant headway in securing new properties. We are currently in negotiations for new property sites on
New Senior Housing Developer In support of our housing development efforts, LATCH welcomed Beth Boram as our new senior housing developer. With over 12 years of experience, Beth has led the efforts to build twelve affordable housing projects totaling 230 units throughout the
Cooperative Housing In 2007, LATCH launched the Personal Growth Grants Program which provides mini-grants of up to $250 for LATCH residents for trainings and seminars that enhance personal, educational, or professional skills. LATCH also developed a year-round youth program at The Courts in
New Church Members LATCH was thrilled to welcome
Thanks to Your Support LATCH wishes to thank you for your invaluable support of our mission and housing programs. None of this would be possible without your invaluable contributions. For more information, please contact John Lang, Outreach & Fund Development Director at (206) 789-1536 x 113 or john@latch.org. LATCH will complete a detailed 2007 Annual Report for distribution in the coming months. Lutheran
www.LATCH.org
Are you a wiz at web design? Are you looking for a way to dedicate your talents to a good cause? LATCH needs your help in designing the next generation of www.latch.org. The site will revolve around the theme: people of faith, creating housing, building community. It will serve as a platform for regular updates of LATCH stories and activities. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you. For more information, including a site map, please contact John Lang at (206) 789-1536 extension 113 or john@latch.org.
At
Our hope is that our mentors become another voice of influence and encouragement with the students. All mentors go through an application process, interview, and background check in order to see if they are a good match with our mission at
As
For more information, please contact Tony Martin, our
Some of you may be hearing this phrase around the church so let me explain. About a year ago Jan Nesse came to the St. Luke’s leadership retreat and talked to us about a program that helps congregations identify ministry areas that have opportunity for improvement within a church. The program, Natural Church Development (NCD) was developed by Christian Schwarz and has been utilized by more than 40,000 churches of many denominations worldwide. OK now stay with me while I continue. The main principle of NCD is that, like in life, we are only as good as our weakest point. Christian Schwarz believes that a growing church is effective in the following eight principles: Effective Leadership, Gift-Oriented Ministry, Passionate Spirituality, Functional Structures, Inspiring Worship Services, Holistic Small Groups, Needs-Oriented Evangelism and Loving Relationships. After listening to Jan Nesse’s talk and reading the book, the Board of Trustees thought this would be a good evaluation and improvement process for St. Luke’s to undertake. A committee has been identified, (NCD core team). We have a coach from the synod office, Phil Reitz and we have begun to learn the principles of this process.
The first step is to help educate our ministry boards and the members of our congregation, hence this article. You will also have the opportunity to attend discussions during Adult Forum on February 3. Some of you will be asked to take a survey. This is how we get an idea of how effective or ineffective we are in the above eight principles. If you are asked, please prayerfully consider taking the survey. If you are not asked, you might be asked in the future. We will take this survey several times in the next few years. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with any of the committee members: Jim Wiederaenders, Brent Anderson, Roselyn Olson, Jeff Probstfield, Bob Stanbary, Pastor Tom, Laurie Mitchell, Carolyn Norton, Anne Bly.
Wednesday Lenten Soup and Bread Suppers The tradition of Lenten soup and bread dinners beginning February 13 is in danger of NOT HAPPENING!!! In the spirit of “some things need to have a timely death” your Worship and Music Board is suggesting that this may be the year to let this lovely tradition have a good death. Last year attendance on some weeks was almost non-existent and on one Wednesday no one could be found to make soup. Mid-week Wednesday services will happen; Pastor Tom will be opening up scripture in a series entitled, SHADOWS OF THE CROSS. These classes will be combined with the Compline Service. Compline and study will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary and completed by 7:45 p.m. Mid-week service and study will be happening. During the last Sunday of January and the first in February we will pass out questionnaires at the services to test the waters for those who would be inclined to not only participate in the meals but take responsibility for provision. We will assume a “none” response is permission to let this tradition have its day. Sorry for the tardiness in communicating this need, everything is early this year.
St. Luke's is gifting a copy of the green Lutheran Book of Worship to anyone who would like one. Some of the hymn books have been placed on the book rack in the hallway on the way to the former Library (now Nursery). Please help yourselves to one (or more). There are many more in boxes stored in the basement and the book rack will be restocked as needed.
Women’s Study and Social Group All women are invited to:
Our next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, February 20 for casual reading and fellowship. Due to the Lenten Worship at 7:00 p.m. we will plan to meet at 7:45 p.m. A visit to the
St. Luke’s private library collection is coming out of boxes and is being readied for our use. The children’s books will be on portable shelving and ready for check-out in the narthex in mid-February. Other library materials will be shelved in the conference room. The ultimate goal is to catalog our entire collection and house the library in a central location. Mary Florence
From Bishop Boerger Respecting Our Indian and
In 1987 leaders of most of the Christian judicatories based in
We are now at the twentieth anniversary of that first document. Much has changed and much is still very much the same. On December 7 and 8 I participated with the leaders of other denominations in a gathering to listen again to our indigenous communities. The news of the apology was heard around the world 20 years ago. Leaders from our Indian communities in
It is important that we build on the apology in building relationships with communities that we as Lutherans have had limited contact, if any. Several of our members are working closely with native communities, but as a church we are slow to establish relationships. It is out of these avoidances that the sin of racism grows. The meeting last month decided that we would not re-apologize again. We meant it in 1987 and in 1997. Now we move toward living in restored relationships. That is always harder than saying we are sorry. In the coming months I hope that we will see dialogs to address common issues and to address the realities of life with our native sisters and brothers. Issues of health care affect both of our communities. The high rate of infant mortality among the native communities is a scandal that should be addressed by all of us. Facing the destructive power of sin is never easy. The damage that has been done between our communities cannot be ignored. We believe that the reign of God was established on the cross. As God's people through Jesus' death and resurrection our sin has been put to death. We do not ignore it or minimize its affects. At the same time we are called to live as forgiven children of God. We can relate to the pain of the world because God has come into the world's pain to bring hope. It is living in this hope that we now honestly come to know our native sister and brother.
Messages Received Last Christmas From
“The [volunteer] ARTA group (Appropriate Rural Technological Association) have repaired bridges and put food on farmer families’ tables due to the severe drought. They have also done road work on the way to the school in La Tinaja.” From
A Chinese proverb – “The road to happiness is paved with simple joys.” From
“I am doing well and am as happy as any human can be on this Earth.” From
A wish for “a Christmas in the sweet warmth of Christ’s presence and a New Year walking alongside Him in paths of his love, service and glory.” From
“He is 6 ft tall now and ready to make positive progress in school and life in general, after a siege of reconstructive experiences.”
From
“One of the biggest highlights of the year was a trip to
And a New Year’s greeting from Abbotsford, B.C.,
He does not lead me year by year Submitted by Ruth Kverndal
Maritime Ministry Annual Banquet – Saturday, February 23 Several of us from St. Luke’s attended last year and learned more about Maritime Ministry. Please join us this year at
February 2008 What is a Comforter? Everybody knows that! It’s the fluffy thing that goes on your bed to keep you warm during all those cold
This blissful object may even have childhood memories connected with it of having it tucked under our chins, the light turned out for us and being sent to sleep knowing all was well with the world. Sweet Dreams! Children often carry around blankets that smell and feel like the comforting love of attentive parents. Adults carry around “lucky objects” that they don’t really believe bring luck exactly, but they do associate them with positive experiences of the past. We are creatures who are able to relate to and use symbols. We assign meaning to objects, events and people. We are able to take comfort from them. We are able to call up these images in our minds and reproduce the feeling of comfort and well being. Comfort becomes portable. What might it do for our mental and emotional state if we called up such an image every day for the next month? What more if we did it periodically throughout every day for the next month? Why would we forgo such comfort? Does that make sense? It is well that that there are such comforts in our lives. Of course we survive without them but life would be more arid and barren. Does not God want us to carry such comfort? Would Jesus have come if that were not the case? |
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