sammamish hillstimeline therapy, and hypnotherapy. late july i will begin three weeks of intense...
TRANSCRIPT
July 2017
Sammamish Hills LUTHERAN CHURCH
Letter from Pastor John
Greetings in Christ! What
if you could truly
participate in the new
creation Christ offers?
What if you could actually
do something about
moving beyond your old
belief patterns which
leave you stuck in
relationships, at work, at
home, and elsewhere? For the past twenty years
I’ve been working with a still relatively new field of
psychology titled, “Neuro Linguistic Programming.”
“NLP” for short.
NLP works with the understanding our neuro
pathways influence the language we use, our day to
day behaviors, and our inner programming. As I’ve
moved deeper into the understanding of the
behaviors, motivations, and actions of others
through the lens of NLP, there has been a
broadening of what I see, hear and feel. Most of us
listen to each other as if there is but a single voice.
In reality, in even the simplest communications
there is a whole chorus going on including how
words are used, the tone and inflection of the
voice, body language, and more. The study and
practice of NLP has deepened my understanding of
pastoral care, preaching, leadership, what it means
to be a husband, father, and friend.
Last fall I spent two weeks in SE England working
through an advanced training in NLP and now hold
certificates at the Master Practitioner level in NLP,
Timeline Therapy, and Hypnotherapy. Late July I
will begin three weeks of intense training to
achieve the status of “Trainer” in both NLP and
Timeline Therapy. Two of those weeks will be
annual continuing education leave, the other will
involve using vacation days.
This fall I’ll be offering several “Introducing
NLP”evenings, followed by a full blown training
February 16-20, 2018. If you’d like to learn more,
please, just ask. In the meantime, thank you for
the time to further develop as a pastor, leader, and
care giver.
Blessings to you this day and always.
John LaMunyon, Lead Pastor
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit US Postage
PAID Permit #259
Issaquah, WA
www.shlc.org | 425-392-7799 | PASTORAL EMERGENCY 425-392-7799 x28 www.shlc.org | 425-392-7799 | PASTORAL EMERGENCY 425-392-7799 x 28
SAMMAMISH HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH
22818 SE 8th STREET
SAMMAMISH, WA 98074
Shoshone Confirmation Camp Registration!!!
DUE TODAY
So if anyone is in Christ,
there is a new creation:
everything old has passed away;
see, everything has become new!
---2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSV
Park at
Sammamish Hills
Lutheran Church on
July 4th! Help the youth on one
of their last fundraisers!
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)
Letter from Pastor Eric
G reetings in Christ Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church,
There comes a time at the end of each confirmation year when I wait with bated breath for something
that never happens.
Our confirmation students—about 30 in all—stand one by one in front of parents, confirmation guides,
and each other and offer their faith stories. In short, they tell of what and who has brought them to the
faith they hold today. On this night, I wait to hear about the inspiring lessons taught by Anna and
myself each Wednesday night. I wait to hear about the super-engaging curriculum we spend nearly $500 on each year. I
wait to hear something about the tangible, visible work we do in the fellowship hall every week for 9 months.
And every year I’m left with none of these hoped for accolades. Instead, do you know what they say? Here’s who and what
draws our students closer to Jesus.
Parents, Grandparents, and friends helping them through difficult times at school or with family
Relationships made at Confirmation Camp
Families moving faithfully together through the illness and death of friends or family members
Positive experiences with friends and mentors in Guide groups (especially if their social life at school is a wreck)
In summary, it’s relationships in Christ more than information about Christ that is building faith in our youth. Anna and I
bring the information each Wednesday night, but parents, other students, and our awesome confirmation guides bring the
relationship.
As Christians we are called to share our faith in both breadth and depth. In breadth we’re called to share with our neighbors
and gather them in. In depth we’re called to pass faith on to the next generation… to make these relationships with our
young ones in Christ.
Do you feel called to such work? If so, summer is upon us and we’d like to equip you.
Consider :
Mentoring our youth as a Guide at Confirmation Camp this summer.
Mentoring our young ones through Vacation Bible School
Building relationships with some of the many college kids who will come on the Fly Fishing Retreat in August
Inviting another family into your home to share your Faith-5 practice
Making it a point to learn the name of one young person you see regularly at worship before the summer is out, and
greet them when you see them
Discipleship in breadth and depth doesn’t have to happen as large acts. It can happen in the simple relationships we
intentionally form with our neighbors and our youth.
Be intentional. Be a mentor. Who knows, maybe you’ll be part of somebody’s faith story some day?
God bless you all,
Pr. Eric Hanson
June 28-July 3: CA Mission Trip Western States
Youth Gathering
July 4: Office Closed / Independence Day
July 4: 4th Of July Parking Lot Fundraiser
July 5 & 19: Middle School Youth Night 7-8:30p
July 5, 12, 19 & 26: Youth Band Practice 6p
July 10-14: Sammamish Hills Vacation Bible School
July 11: Council Meeting 6:30p
July 16, 23 & 30: Senior High Youth Group 7p
July 18 & 25: Open Play 9:30-11:30a
July 18: Women’s Fellowship Group 6:30p
August 1, 8, 15 & 22: Open Play 9:30-11:30a
August 2 & 23: Middle School Youth Night 7-8:30p
August 3-6: Student Ministry Shoshone Trip
August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: Choir Rehearsal 7:30p
August 8: Council Meeting, Offsite 6:30p
August 9, 16 & 23: Youth Band Practice 6p
August 13, 20 & 27: Senior High Youth Group 7p
August 14: Connect Young Adults Group 6:45p
August 15: Clink! 6:30p
August 15: Women’s Fellowship Group 6:30p
August 17-20: Fishermen’s Fly Fishing Retreat
August 27: Annual Picnic, 11a Worship followed by a
picnic lunch in partnership with the members
of Grace Chinese Lutheran of Sammamish
and Shoreline at Beaver Lake Park
August 31: Blood Works NW Blood Drive 1-7p
September 3, 10, 17 & 24: Senior High Youth Group 7p
September 4: Office Closed / Labor Day
September 5, 12, 19 & 26: Open Play 9:30-11:30a
September 6, 13, 20 & 27: Youth Band Practice 6p
September 7, 14, 21 & 28: Choir Rehearsal 7:30p
September 11, 18 & 25: Quilting Ministry 10a-2p
September 11: Connect Young Adults Group 6:45p
September 12: Council Meeting 6:30p
September 13, 20 & 27: Men’s Bible Study 6:30a
September 13, 20 & 27: Evening Bible Study 7p
September 13, 20 & 27: Morning Bible Study 9:30a
September 15: XYZ Ministry Luncheon 12p
September 19: Clink! 7p
September 19: Women’s Fellowship Group 6:30p
STARTING SEPTEMBER 2017, BE PREPARED TO ENJOY:
FAITH-5 NIGHT!
From 5-7p on the 3rd Sunday of every month, Pr. John and I will gather anyone interested into our
fellowship hall for a time of games, singing, food, and faith-5. No one can raise a child in faith
alone, and we’re going to make sure you don’t have to.
FAITH-5 STRUCTURED WORSHIP WITH YOUR FAMILY SUNDAYS
This fall, Worship With Your Family Sunday will pattern itself off of the Faith-5 (Share, Read, Talk,
Pray, Bless). Kids will be engaged on a deeper level, and we’ll get to know the hearts, hurts, and
joys of our entire community better.
Why make these changes? It’s about relationship. Relationship with God, within our families,
with other participants in the life of Sammamish Hills, with neighbors…RELATIONSHIP! How can
we walk more closely with you in the Jesus-relationship we’re all building together? That is the
question we seek to answer.
Financials Alison Carpenter [email protected] | 425-392-7799, ext. 23
AUTOMATE YOUR GIVING
Are you interested in automating your giving to
the church? Through the Simply Giving Program
your gifts are made through a preauthorized
withdrawal from your bank account or credit
card. Forms can be downloaded from the church
website (www.shlc.org/stewardship), picked up
from the sanctuary pew racks or the church
office. Completed forms should be returned to
the church office. Questions? Please contact
Alison.
WORSHIP IN JULY (NOTE: The readings are included to allow you to prepare for each Sunday by reading through the assigned
biblical texts. The text which will be the focus of preaching is in italics and bold type.)
July 2nd, The 4th Sunday After Pentecost
(Readings: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42)
The early Christian mystics, in their pursuit of God, spoke of entering into a “dark night of the soul” where God cannot
be seen or felt. But within that dark night eventually a light shined. It was God Himself, made clear not in spite of the
darkness, but because of it.
July 9th, The 5th Sunday After Pentecost Heavy Load?
(Readings: Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30)
At the end of a series of sayings, Jesus invites others to set aside their load and put on his “yoke.” We no
longer use yokes slung across our shoulders to carry heavy loads. But, many still, metaphorically, carry
heavy loads. How would it feel if you could lay it all down?
July 16th, The 6th Sunday After Pentecost Its not just the soil…
(Readings: Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)
Two people went out together and bought the same set of tools. Ten years later, one set was well used and
the other was still in the package. Which tool user changed the most? How and for what purpose are you
using the tools and gifts God has given you?
July 23rd, The 7th Sunday After Pentecost
(Readings: Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
Jesus’ parables make us ask, “Who am I in this story?” Are you the wheat or the weeds? Or, do both grow inside?
What if we’re meant for both the fire & the barn?
July 30th, The 8th Sunday After Pentecost
(Readings: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52)
The Kingdom of Heaven, as they say, is “Where God’s will is done.” Jesus likens the Kingdom to tiny objects (mustard
seeds, pearls, yeast). We look for the Kingdom to come in the “next big thing.” Why are we missing it in all the little
things?
PLUM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION Any active member of Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church who is attending Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma,
Washington is eligible to apply for this scholarship. The value is determined by the church council and can be up to
$1,000. This amount is then matched by PLU, thus doubling its value. Also, if you are a full time student and attending
another Lutheran University that has a matching program, please submit an application from your school. For more
information, contact Tom Ryan ([email protected], 425-392-7799 x 27) or fill out the PLUM application on the PLU
website (www.plu.edu/admission) and submit it to the church office. The deadline is July 31, 2017.
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, August 27th is the Church Picnic with Grace Chinese Lutheran Church at Beaver Lake
Park. We will have an 11a Worship followed by a picnic lunch in partnership with the members
of Grace Chinese Lutheran of Sammamish and Shoreline. Mark the date, bring a few friends!
PASTORAL CARE Lead Pastor
John LaMunyon, [email protected] | ext. 13
Pastor
Eric Hanson, [email protected] | ext. 25
Mission Developer
Jimmy Hao, [email protected]
FAITH FORMATION THROUGH THE AGES
Sunday School/General Questions
Eric Hanson, [email protected] | ext. 25
Interim Children’s Ministry Assistant
Kristine Mantey, [email protected] | ext. 15
Preschool Director
Kristine Meyer, [email protected] | 425-698-5777
Student Ministries Director
Anna Morris, [email protected] | ext. 16
Adult Ministries
John LaMunyon, [email protected] | ext. 13
MUSIC & WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Sanctuary Choir Director | 9:00a
open position
Contemporary Worship Director | 10:30a
open position
2017 CHURCH COUNCIL President: Cam Barsness
Vice President: Bob Hawkinson
Secretary: Linda Saddler
Treasurer: Abbey Abekah
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Paul Jennerjohn
Natalie Glesener
Carolyn Kaiser
Vikki Brakke
Tyler Kurz
SUPPORT TEAM
Business Administrator
Tom Ryan, [email protected] | ext. 27
Parish Records Specialist
Alison Carpenter, [email protected] | ext. 23
Administrative Assistant
Aleta Pritchard, [email protected] | ext. 11
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office Phone: 425-392-7799 Website: www.shlc.org
Office Hours: Mon-Thur 9a-4p | Fri 9a-3p
Prayer Request: [email protected]
PAGE 10 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 9:00a & 10:30a PAGE 3
$46,091
$240,642
$55,000
$284,127
$-
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
May Year to date 2017
OfferingsActuals Vs Budget
Actuals
Budget
PAGE 4 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 9:00a & 10:30a PAGE 9
Student Ministry Student’s Ministry Director: Anna Morris [email protected] | 425-392-7799, ext. 16
STUDENT MINISTRY
We are kicking off the first full month of summer and
it feels so nice to have a change of pace! There are
still lots of ways to stay connected with church – so
look at all the dates coming up and make sure you
can be there!
YOUTH BAND
Do you sing? Play an instrument? Just want to spend
time with some awesome folks making music on a
Wednesday night? Join us in Youth Band on
Wednesday nights! This time around, we are gearing
up for Vacation Bible School! Join us to be thinking
about actions, working on some music, etc.
Wednesday, July 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th -
Youth Band, Sanctuary, 6-7p
July 10th-14th – Vacation Bible School, 9a-
12p, Fellowship Hall
MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY
July means it’s time to get back together for things
like Middle School Youth Nights, Vacation Bible
School, and more! It’s time to enjoy the warmth, sun,
and time to relax and recharge.
Important Upcoming Dates!
Wednesday, July 5th and 19th – Middle School
Youth Nights, Fellowship Hall, 7-8:30p
We will be playing games, walking
down to the park at the Lower
Sammamish Commons, getting gelato
at Met. Market, or something else!
Lots of great things to do in the
summer when the sun is still up.
July 10th-14th – Vacation Bible School, 9a-12p
August 3rd-6th – Shoshone Camp!
REGISTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE! Get
your registration in by July 5th so you
don’t miss out on this AWESOME
weekend with friends in God’s
creation where we will explore the
theme, “Live Life Better.”
HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY
Important Dates this month!
June 28th-July 3rd – Western States Youth
Gathering, Thousand Oaks, CA
Tuesday, July 4th – Fourth of July Parking!
Parking lot, 4:30-9p
Help fundraise for future summer trips
by helping at Fourth of July Parking!
We need lots of hands to help direct
cars, take donations, etc.
Sunday, July 16th, 23rd, and 30th – Senior
High Youth Group, Fellowship Hall, 7-9p
Join us for the longer summer fun!
Water balloon volleyball, Groundy/
Lava Monster at Lower Sammamish
Commons, movie night… who knows
what fun will be had at youth group?
July 21st-22nd – 2nd Annual Church Prom
Overnighter, Fellowship Hall, 7:30p-8a
Church Prom was so fun last year, we
will do it again! All high schoolers are
invited to come in their fancy dress for
bowling, classy McDonalds, movies,
and games!
August 3rd-6th – Shoshone Camp!
REGISTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE! Get
your registration in by July 5th so you
don’t miss out on this AWESOME
weekend with friends in God’s
creation where we will explore the
theme, “Live Life Better.”
HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER TRIP
This month, a group of 5 of us are heading home
from the Western States Youth Gathering!! I can’t
wait to share what we learned when we get back!
The dates are: June 28th-July 3rd
We are staying at California Lutheran University in
Thousand Oaks, CA and the theme is Dream BIG!
Fundraisers include 4th of July Parking (when
we return) and more!
Check in with Anna at [email protected] if you want to
know how to support our group!
Prayer Corner By Pam Marsh
INDEPENDENCE DAY
S o here we are about to celebrate another Independence Day with picnics and fireworks. I have
always enjoyed this uniquely American celebration even if I view it with a slightly different
perspective.
So how do the British view this holiday? They are very low key. If I talk to my brother, he would say
something like, don’t you have some kind of holiday coming up? Yes, I reply, Independence Day when us
Brits were sent scurrying across the Pond with our tails between our legs because we insisted on taxing the
blazes out of the Colonists without giving them any representation in our Parliament. Heck he replies (using
an American colloquialism), heck, at that time the British population was also being taxed up the ying yang
and most of us didn’t have much say in our government either. But we just stiffened our upper lips and broke
into raucous renditions of “Look on the Bright Side of Life”!
Seriously, though, there are so many things that Britain and America have in common: the English language,
our judicial systems, our sense of fair play and above all our Christian heritage. We have become allies and
friends in war and in peacetime and, God willing, we will always be the best of friends despite the whims and
foibles of our respective governments. So, in celebration of our Trans-Atlantic friendship, I will continue to fly
the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack on July 4th!
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GREAT BRITAIN TOO!
FISHERS OF FISH & FOLKS TRIP TO MONTANA!
Yup, you read it right. From August 17th to August 20th (Thurs.-Sun.) our church’s fly-
fishers will be staying at Michael & Gail Peterson’s Cabin on Rock Creek near
Missoula, MT in order to fish, fellowship, study scripture, eat, and have a great time
together. You DO NOT have to know anything about fly fishing to join up. Pr. Eric and
Michael are experienced fishers who love to teach. We’ll help you find gear & learn
the ropes. This trip is open to all. Come for some of it, come for all of it, just come!
Please contact Pr. Eric if you wish to attend ([email protected]).
Psalm 33:12. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.
1 Timothy 2:1-3. I urge, therefore, that requests and prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for
everyone – for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness.
Children’s Ministry Interim Children’s Ministry Assistant: Kristine Mantey [email protected] | 425-392-7799, ext. 15
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Attention, attention! Tell your friends that
The Mighty Fortress is coming to
Sammamish Hills Lutheran July 10th-14th.
Come venture into God’s Kingdom!
Register TODAY by visiting shlc.org.
We have the dates. We have the theme. Now we need
the people! If you are creative and organized, we want
you on our team. Please contact Kristine Mantey at
[email protected] to find out how you can get a front
row seat at The Mighty Fortress!
SUNDAY SCHOOL
2016-17:
IT’S A WRAP! We have officially wrapped up the 2016-17 Sunday
School year. We had an amazing year of worshipping
the Lord through song, activities, and outreach
projects. A few highlights were packing over 300
Operation Christmas Child boxes as a congregation.
Acting as a Relay Center during National Collection
Week for Operation Christmas Child and had a great
turnout. We also partnered with Children of the
Nations and packed 110 Hygiene SmilePacks. We
finished the year off by purchasing 4 flocks of birds
and several pigs through Heifer.
The greatest accomplishment this
year was watching your children
grow in their faith. Thank you to
each and every volunteer that made
this Sunday School year possible.
PAGE 8 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better
CLINK! Clink! will not meet in July. However, we’ll be back to Big Block Brewing Tuesday, August 15th. Come join us!
QUILTING MINISTRY
The quilters are currently on break but will meet again beginning September 11th. We
meet on Mondays 10am-2pm in the Fellowship Hall with a sack lunch break at 12
noon. ALL are welcome! If you would like to help, but can’t make it on Mondays, we
have precut kits available to sew quilt tops at home. Please keep us in mind as you
cleanout closets by donating new and reusable fabrics, sheets, fillers (such as
blankets, and batting), crochet cord, and thread. Donations can be brought to the
church office any time during business hours.
WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP GROUP Women of all ages are invited to join us! We will meet next on Tuesday, July 18th, from
6:30-8:30pm at the home of Sue Huibregtse to share a meal, fellowship and prayer. For
more information, please contact Sue ([email protected] or 425.941.9263).
MEALS MINISTRY Has anyone ever brought you a meal during a tough time and it was like receiving manna from
heaven? Do you have a passion for serving the sick and hurting in your community? If so, we’ve got a
lead volunteer position open for you! How about joining to lead the Meals Ministry Team! Email Pr. Eric if
interested [email protected].
GRIEF CARD MINISTRY When you lost a loved one, who reached out to you? How did they reach out? A kind hand on the shoulder
asking, “how are you doing?” A note in your mailbox as a reminder you are not forgotten. Did it help to know
your church, friends, or family still held you in thought and prayer? Grief Card Ministry is looking for a new
servant to provide a piece of that care from our Body of Christ. Do you like writing? Do you like connecting heart,
to letter, to person? If so, I would love to speak with you. Please contact Pr. Eric at [email protected].
Ministry of the Month LUTHER’S TABLE
Renton Lutheran Church closed in 2006 after over 50 years of ministry in downtown
Renton. Part of their legacy is Luther’s Table. Their vision was “to share the gospel,
the story of God’s Grace toward all people in Jesus Christ, with everyone whose lives
touch ours. The intention is to go out from here into our downtown community, serving
where needed.” Luther’s Table continues that vision.
Martin Luther developed the pastime of inviting his students to his home after class to discuss theology and
share a pint of his wife Katy’s home-brewed ale. At Luther’s Table, we are going to continue that tradition of
fostering faith and developing theological depth through conversation and fellowship in downtown Renton. We
even have clergy from the area who have volunteered to bartend, believe it or not. Everyone who works here
from the host to the custodian will be trained to serve generously, and to care for the people they serve.
Luther’s Table is centered around the core values of: Welcome, Story, Authenticity, Moderation, Humility and
Humor. We also understand and hope that these core values will grow and change as our community grows and
changes.
www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 9:00a & 10:30a PAGE 5
SAMMAMISH HILLS
SUMMER TIME OPEN
PLAY
Join us for Open Play every Tuesday from 9:30-
11:30am in the Fellowship Hall. During the
summertime we host open play on the church
playground, weather permitting. This program is
for children ages 0–5 years. Children must be
accompanied by a parent or caregiver. A $1 per
child donation is suggested at the door.
We will NOT be hosting Open Play on
July 4th or 11th
Due to Independence Day and
Vacation Bible School
Shoshone
Confirmation
Camp 2016, REGISTER NOW
to join us for 2017!
Sammamish Hills Vacation Bible School
If you haven't already, REGISTER TODAY!
Come venture into God’s Kingdom!
PAGE 6 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 9:00a & 10:30a PAGE 7
Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool Preschool Director: Kristine Meyer [email protected] | 425-392-7799, ext. 29 or 425-698-5777
It is July and it is very quiet around the preschool! I pray that our preschool families are enjoying their abiding time
together without the rush and worry of getting up each day for school. I also pray that our preschool teachers are
finding renewal in their time away from school with their own families and activities.
We are in the midst of a few staff changes; stay tuned for an updated staff list soon!
WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR A MUSIC TEACHER:
Please let me know if you or anyone you know is interested!
Music Classes: Music and Movement is taught to four
preschool classes over a two day span.
Days can be: Monday/Tuesday or Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Wednesday. Music classes run between the
hours of 9:30-12:00. Exact hours can be negotiable.
SUMMER GATHERINGS
July 19th 11a-12:30p Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool Informal Park Date– Pine Lake Park
Join me and some preschool friends at the park! Meet at Pine Lake Park by the play structures.
Bring a sack lunch, your friends and neighbors, and come and play with old and new preschool
friends!
August 16th 11a-12:30p Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool Informal Park Date– Pine Lake Park
Join me and some preschool friends at the park! Meet at Pine Lake Park by the play structures.
Bring a sack lunch, your friends and neighbors, and come and play with old and new preschool
friends!
WE HAVE A FEW OPENINGS IN:
Older 2’s: T/TH 9:30-11:30 Kids must be 2 ½ by August 31st, 2017
Pre-K: This class can be taken M/W/F or M/W/Th/F. Kids need to be 4 by August 31st,
2017 to enroll.
Older Pre-K: M/T/W/Th. Students need to be 4 by March 31st, 2017
Go to www.shlpreschool.org for more information.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MOVING & DANCING
BY THE REV. SHELLEY BRYAN WEE Assistant to the Bishop, NWWA Synod
From the JULY 2017 edition of The Spirit
The celebration of Pentecost occurred a few weeks ago. On that day, we heard how the disciples finally
left that locked room. Thousands were baptized. People were swept up in the fire and wind and flame of
the Spirit. But we are mistaken if we determine that event happened long ago without relevance for today.
For the Holy Spirit continues to move and breathe as we move and breathe in the Spirit ... even in the
twenty-first century, even here in the Pacific Northwest!
As I write this, I am on my second day as Assistant to the Bishop. I also am selling my house, looking for a
house, learning names and faces, absorbing facts and figures, and (as you all experience) driving in western Washington
traffic. It is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time.
I admit when I was approached about this position, I resisted. I was settled. I was happy with my call. I had a dentist and
hair stylist and dog groomer. I was not considering a move to the west side. But as I talked with Bishop Unti and the rest of
the staff, my excitement grew and I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to a new and different place.
When I think back on my life, this is exactly how God invites me to new ventures. If someone had told me my Freshman
year at PLU that I would become a pastor I would have laughed out loud. If someone had told me my first call would be on
the Flathead Indian Reservation I would have shook my head in disbelief. If someone had said that I would live in Spokane
for twenty years I would have said, "There's no way!" If someone had suggested I move out of Spokane after twenty years I
would have said (and did), "But I'm comfortable." And yet ... that pesky (awesome!) Holy Spirit who, from the beginning of
time, mixes and tosses and stirs, led me to this place to be in ministry with all of you.
The Holy Spirit is moving and dancing ... in your lives, in your church, in your world. Unpredictable, fanciful, animated but
never boring, the Spirit blows upon us, our church, our world as we move from the past into the unknown, as we come
ever closer to the time when peace and justice reign, as we join together in the cosmic holy dance.
I look forward to hearing how the Holy Spirit has called you into your vocations and callings, into new and different
ministries. As we move into this future together we know that life is not always predictable, but in the midst of uncertainty,
we are certain of God's love and grace through Jesus. We are certain that the Holy Spirit is leading, guiding, prodding,
coaxing us into a new day.
I would love to preach, teach, meet or whatever may help you and your congregation. I look forward to our journey
together.
JESUS CHRIST: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER WITH THE NATIONAL
LUTHERAN CHOIR The National Lutheran Choir leads a community-wide evening of singing in
commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. This
unique program, featuring the National Lutheran Choir, a massed choir of singers
from local choirs assembled for this momentous occasion, and the congregation, will celebrate the rich treasury of music
– from early hymns to new works – expressing the journey of the Church. Under the direction of Dr. David Cherwien, the
64-voice National Lutheran Choir seeks to strengthen, renew and preserve the heritage of sacred choral music. More
information at NLCA.com.
Would you just love to sing with this group on September 29th?
Great! Just such an opportunity is open to the first 150 singers who sign up. There will be three anthems and a few hymn
descants to learn ahead of time by attending at least one of the following prep rehearsals, both held at Phinney Ridge
Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave N in Seattle:
Tuesday, September 19th, 7-9p Sunday, September 24th, 1:30-3:30p
Music will be distributed at the rehearsals. There will also be a rehearsal with NLC the night of the concert at St. Mark’s,
exact time still TBD. To sing, you must sign up – take a minute to do it now – by responding with your name, congregation,
and voice part via e-mail at [email protected]. Your gift of song is a cherished gift.
Friday, September 29th – 7:30p
St. Mark’s Cathedral
1245 10th Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102
Info at: www.saintmarks.org/music/arts-concerts
Do you have some cardboard boxes that are sitting around your home or office? Bring
them to the church office and watch them be transformed into the mighty fortress for
VBS during the week of July 10th – 14th. Any boxes need to be received at the church
office by July 8th for our VBS prep party!
Also don’t forget to invite anyone that might like to join us for this fun filled week!