Volume2 Issue
11
May, 2006
Greetings From Pastor John
IT HAPPENED AGAIN…right outside my office window. One of the perks of being the Lead Pastor at Sammamish Hills is the view out my office window. Looking up past the quickly nearing completion City Hall, on a clear day there’s a nice view of the Olympics. However, looking down, there is also an even clearer view of the frequent car crashes that occur on the intersection outside. Looking down I see it's happened again.
There at the intersection is the debris of the unplanned meeting of an older pickup truck and a brand new SUV. The pickup won. The SUV is on its side. The drivers aren’t talking to each other, but as I go out to see if all are well, they are both talking to the air. “He came out of nowhere.” “What was he thinking?” It's quite a conversation fed by shock and anger.
After a few minutes the emergency
services folks are there…law enforcement, fire fighters, aid car…busily going
about their business of caring, recording, and restoring to order the disrupted
traffic flow. And the two drivers continue talking to whomever will listen. The
church staff responded immediately with cold water to drink, a pillow for a
wounded wrist, and listening ears, ready to comfort. A good, swift, and
appropriate response.
A
few hundred feet to the east accident victims seek refuge each and every Sunday
in our sanctuary. In this case, they weren’t necessarily involved in collisions
with other vehicles, but they’ve been beat up by life’s unexpected collisions,
nonetheless. They come in the sanctuary doors looking shocked and bewildered.
Some are going through divorce, others have recently relocated and are looking for something, anything, that looks like home. What they’re all looking for is a sign of grace, perhaps a listening ear, and at least a gentle or hearty welcome. Some don’t even know what they’re looking for, but they’re here, nonetheless.
Luke (ch. 24) tells us two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus the day of Jesus’ resurrection. I suspect their conversation would have drifted to their deep loss in the previous week’s events. Even though they had walked, talked, and lived with him for several years, Jesus was unknown to them. Perhaps his identity was too deeply buried in the collision between their dreams and the reality of Christ’s crucifixion the previous Friday.
At the end of the day the disciples invited Jesus to stay with him. He did. They broke bread together and finally their eyes were opened to who it was at the table that night, in “…the breaking of the bread.”
As you come for worship in the weeks ahead, beware of the accident victims among us…those who have been trashed and thrashed at the crossroads of life. The ones looking for a sign of grace, a listening ear, and, at least, a gentle or hearty welcome. Perhaps as we walk together in worship, we will all see Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
See you in Church!
John LaMunyon, Lead
Pastor
Worship in May
Christ is risen!
Alleluia!
Christ is
risen, indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Long after
the ears are off the chocolate bunnies and the baskets have been stored away,
the season of Easter continues. The good news of the empty tomb takes time to
set in, indeed, for the first witnesses in the Gospel of Mark, their first
reaction was sheer terror and deep amazement (Mark 16:8). How does one deal
with those poles of emotion in a day? Instead, from the earliest days of
Christianity comes the practice of taking seven weeks, a “week of weeks” to
ponder, celebrate, and otherwise live into the good news of the empty tomb. How
will you celebrate the good news?
REMINDER…”First Night” Sunday evening worship service begins Sunday, June 25th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Click here to read more about
worship in May
Summer Worship!
Spring is here and summer is not too far away. School will end and both
young and old will look to traveling and playing. But will Sammamish
Hills keep the doors open? Of course! We will be here as always and
even more this summer because we are kicking off a Sunday evening
worship service. There will no longer be a need to feel guilty about
sleeping in late or driving back from vacation and missing church.
Starting June 25th and continuing all year around we
will have a 7:30pm “First Night” of the week worship service.
This will be everything you expect from a Sunday morning service, except
later. We will feature fine preaching, excellent scripture, and the
meal of Holy Communion. So go on vacation and come home to church on
Sunday nights!
Pastor Will's Letter
Unveiled Glory
God of majesty, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be with
your servants who make art and music for your people, that with joy we on earth
may glimpse your beauty, and bring us to the fulfillment of that hope of
perfection which will be ours as we stand before your unveiled glory. We pray
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Lutheran Book of Worship (1978)
As I write this, Easter Sunday and all the wonderful music, banners, and people
are still fresh in my memory. (It was only two days ago after all.) We came
together to praise God and we crammed into the sanctuary. Over twelve hundred
men, women, and children sang and prayed as one body. It was nothing short of
spectacular. I told the 7 am sanctuary service and I tell you now, it is my
honor to be your pastor of worship and outreach. It is my privilege to sing
with you and share with you the good news of God’s love. It is my great joy to
stand with you in times of hardship and walk with you as you rejoice. What I
want to tell you today is this is only the beginning.
Easter may have been a milestone for me as your 2nd pastor, but it
will not be the last one this year. As I wrote to you last time, we are
starting a new service on June 25th. This will be a 7:30 pm Sunday
evening service that will go all year long. We are calling it First Night.
(Look out for the snazzy t-shirts!) Our summer preaching theme will be “Pack
Your Bags” as we follow the travels of St. Paul in the book of Acts as he spread
the good news of Jesus. That series will begin on July 9 and will continue
through August 20.
I
will be looking for musicians and artists to continue to make Sammamish Hills a
bright and vibrant place to worship our living Lord. As the prayer at the top
says, we want to glimpse God’s beauty and stand before God’s “unveiled glory.”
It is not only the saints and angels in heaven that delight to worship God, it
is us as well. I look forward to worshipping with you soon.
Peace,
Pastor Will
Looking ahead…
Sunday,
June 25 First Night Worship begins at 7:30
pm
Sunday, July 9 Summer Preaching Theme: "Pack Your Bags" begins
Monday, July 17 Vacation Bible School "Fiesta" begins
November 10-12 A Weekend Apart for couples
Adult Forum
in May
May
14 - Mother's Day
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America - with a name like that, why do
Lutherans have such a difficult time with the idea of being an evangelizing
church? We will compare and contrast two types of confession by Peter in
Matthew 16:13-20 and Acts 10. We will discuss our own experiences of evangelism
- as the evangelizer and/or the evangelized. We will discuss SHLC and how we
perceive our congregation's culture with respect to evangelism.
May 21 - Peter and Jane Chen will talk about their mission in China
May 28 - (This
is the last adult forum until the fall) "The Great Divide" Separating the gift
of salvation from the call to discipleship. In "The Freedom of a Christian"
Martin Luther wrote, "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to
none. [That's the grace part] A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all,
subject to all." [That's the discipleship part] We will read passages from John
8, 15 and 20 and discuss their relation to one another in that they all speak of
"sending". We will discuss how we personally experience the call to follow Jesus
as a gift and what obstacles might keep us from participating in God's mission.
The
Good Samaritan Fund
is used to
meet and alleviate local need at the discretion of the Lead Pastor. It has been
some time since gifts were solicited for this fund, however, it is now dry
and in need of replenishing. If you would like to contribute to a fund that
has assisted with rent, medications, much needed counseling, etc., please draft
a check to the Good Samaritan Fund and either place it in the Sunday offering
plate or mail it into the Church office. Thank you for your support!
Ministry Fair May 7
After each service on May 7, please stop by the Ministry Fair tables in the
narthex for important information and action opportunities:
Children’s Fiesta! The
Fiesta is coming! This summer’s VBS program will be a wonderful time for kids
to “get fired up about God.” Children from our church and throughout our
community will be impacted as they hear the gospel message and participate in
exciting, hands-on activities. Teens, parents, grandparents, join the volunteer
team and become a part of this reach out opportunity! We will need the help of
our church body to make this a great event. Come by the Fiesta booth and find
out more information.
Kids’ and parents. The VBS Fiesta CD’s are in. Starting today you can pick up your copy and enjoy the wonderful children’s songs from this summer’s program before VBS begins. The CD’s are on sale for $5.50. Want registration materials for VBS? – We will have these at the booth also. See you there!
Backpacks for Kids in Need
"The 2006 Backpack Drive is the Ministry of the Month in June.
Thank you in advance for participating! This annual event supports families in
need in our community through HOPELINK in Redmond and the Issaquah FOOD &
CLOTHING BANK. It’s easy to participate; from a display of needed school
supplies, simply select item(s) to purchase and return your donation to SHLC by
Sunday June 25th. No time to shop? CASH DONATIONS ARE ALSO WELCOME! WRITE YOUR
CHECK to SHLC and note “BACKPACK DRIVE” (or include a note w/cash in an offering
envelope). Questions? Contact Margo Mathre at 425.836.0918. PEACE BE WITH
YOU!"
ONE Lutheran Campaign and E-Advocacy
Stop by, sign the ONE Declaration, and become a ONE Lutheran. ONE by ONE, people
are joining together with ONE voice and pursuing ONE goal: to make poverty
history. We invite you to be part of the ONE Campaign!
This effort is really gathering speed. Two million people have now signed the ONE Declaration. Events are being held across the country. Celebrities and religious leaders alike are speaking out for the ONE Campaign.
Working together, we commit ourselves – ONE person, ONE voice, ONE vote at a time – to make a better, safer world. With an additional ONE percent of our budget:
As the Bread for the World Covenant Church, we're eager to join our voices with others to make a difference. You can also keep up with ONE Campaign developments and learn what actions you can take by visiting the Bread for the World Web site.
ONE voice. ONE goal. Let's keep this momentum going!
Sammamish
Hills Hits The Hills! BRING: A day pack with rain gear, extra clothing (weather is changeable this time of year), etc. For a complete gear list, contact Pr. John, prjohn@shlc.org, or 425.392.7799.
A Weekend Apart
for married couples is
coming up this fall. November 10-12, 2006, we’ll be heading to the Chrysalis
Inn (http://www.thechrysalisinn.com/),
on the waterfront in Bellingham, for a great weekend together. Pr. John
LaMunyon and Beth Grauer of Lutheran Counseling Network, Bellingham, will be the
retreat leaders. More information will be out in the May newsletter. In the
meantime, set the date aside, as it will be a wonderful weekend away.
Spiritwood at Pine
Lake
How often does the topic of living arrangements come up in your home? Do you
have a baby on the way that needs a nursery or teenagers that “want their own
space” or parents that can’t live on their own anymore? I am not going to
address the discussion of nurseries and teenagers in today’s article, but I want
to address our elder population and their living scenarios.
You may be one of our own “senior members at Sammamish Hills” needing
information about housing or perhaps you are the child of an aging parent. In
either case, let me address one particular option for senior living that is
right here in our backyard. The extreme need for an Assisted Living Facility
somewhere on the Pine Lake Plateau is finally coming to fruition in the next
month. Spiritwood At Pine Lake Assisted Living and Memory Care is
a faith-based community for folks needing to change their present living
situation for various reasons.
Click here for more information.
High
School News
Click above to see more!
By
Andy Hermanson, Director of High School and Young Adult Ministries
It’s May! Be sure to
check out the HSM monthly and
Blog for updates and thoughts from
Andy!
Awaken Now
on Sunday Night through 5/21!
– Come hang
out for a meal (6:15-7:00pm) and Awaken 7-8:30pm in the youth and family
building. There will be games, music, teaching, and huddle groups. If you are
interested in growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ, then this is the place for
you.
5/7 – Student Led Worship Night
5/14 – Girls’ Guide to Dating
5/21 – Love Redefined
Youth Element Gathering – Have you ever worshipped with all 5 senses? Come and check out this awesome experience with students from churches all over the plateau on Friday night May 7th. Click here for more info.
70’s Bowling Invite Night- It’s time to dress for success and get your “bowl” on with your friends! HSM’s student leadership team is hosting a chance for you to have a good time with your friends while giving them a chance to experience church and who Jesus is to us at Sammamish Hills. There will be 70’s Bowling, a 70’s costume contest, pizza and soda, and several hsm students sharing stories of what God has done in their lives! Click here for more info!
Holden Youth Weekend –
Your prayers are welcomed as 11 high school students travel to Holden Village
off of Lake Chelan for a weekend retreat with other area churches. Thanks!
Parenting a
teenager? -
Come and gather for fellowship and an interactive review of the book, The
Five Love Languages of Teenagers… (more
info)
Young
Adult
Ministries
Come and check out The Vine! Looking for community? Looking to be
challenged in your faith? Even to the point of action? Come check out the
Vine! Meeting Tuesday nights for dinner, socializing, and a look at the life of
Jesus, this group of young adults is working to care for each other, reach our
community, and the life Jesus talks about in John 10:10!
E-mail Andy for more info!
Middle School
News
Click Above to see
more!
by Brelin Rismiller, Director of Middle School
and Confirmation Ministries
--Check out Brelin’s
May Letter
--Register NOW for Summer Youth Events!!
--Mark your calendars for JUNE Parent Meetings
--Check out this month’s May Youth Event Calendar!
--Sign up now for Confirmation Retreat May 20-21Questions? Email
Brelin@shlc.org
Children's Ministry News
Click Above to See
more!
by Amanda Forbes, Director of Children's
Ministry
Begin
Planning Now for VBS
Parents, be sure your kids have the greatest summer every by planning to sign
them up for Fiesta, Sammamish Hills’ VBS program, “Where kids get fired up
about Jesus”. Fiesta begins on July 17th and continues through
July 21st. Every day at Fiesta, children will be a part
of fun Bible learning adventures that they can see, hear, touch and even taste.
Each activity is planned to help their faith grow and to help them learn more
about Jesus’ love. Your kids will even be able to participate in a hands-on
mission projected called “Operation Kid-to-Kid” which reaches out to needy
children in Latin American countries.
Registration Begins on May 7th
Main
Program:
PROGRAM TIME: 9:00
am - Noon
AGES:
4 years (by June 1st) to 5th Grade (Sept)
COST: $35 (Price Includes a T-Shirt)
Pre-SCHOOL:
PROGRAM TIME: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
EXTENDED PROGRAM: 11:00 am – Noon (Free Play Time)
AGES: 2-3 years. Parent participation is
required with these young learners.
COST: $25 (Price Includes a T-Shirt)
Nursery:
Available free of cost for all
VBS volunteers!
AGES:
Birth – 2 years
Be
a Fiesta Volunteer!
Children from our church and throughout our community will be impacted as they
hear the gospel message and participate in exciting, hands-on activities.
Teens, parents, grandparents, join the volunteer team and become a part of this
reach-out opportunity! We will need the help of our church body to make this a
great event. Come by the Fiesta booth on May 7th
to find out more information or contact Amanda Forbes ad Amanda@shlc.org.
The VBS Fiesta CD’s are In
Starting on May 7th
you can pick up your
copy of Sing & Play Olé, this summer’s VBS CD filled with wonderful
children’s songs. Get yours now before VBS begins! The CD’s are on sale for
$5.50 each. Pick them up at the Fiesta Table out in the foyer after services on
May 7th or stop by the church office.
May is
Missions Month at Sammamish Hills.
On May 14th
the Children’s Sunday School department will have a special presentation where
they will be able to learn about the country of China. This will be a very
hands-on, interactive time, filled with great activities and even a craft. Make
sure your child is here to join in this wonderful opportunity.
Mother’s Day: Something
special is underway. Help us celebrate and honor the women in our lives. Kids,
ask your Sunday School teachers to tell you more.
Preschool
News
by Muffie Namie, Preschool Director
It has been a great
year of growth at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool and we are excited to be a
part of God’s plan as we add new classes, programs and more families to our
school for fall 2006! We have been so blessed with terrific kids and families
and this year we have had the most incredible team of staff and board members
working diligently to guide and grow us with vision for the future. Our Dessert
Auction proved to be a special “treat” for families and friends of our program
and we are now blessed with scholarship funds for our 2006-07 school year
applicants.
May 26th marks the last day of classes at our preschool but it begins the busy season as we prepare for fall and the wonderful fresh start of a new school year. If you are interested in learning more of what we have to offer your 3-5 year old, please stop by and talk with Muffie or call 392.7799 ex. 29
Church Council
Update
How to Contact a Council Member:
President: Frank
Tordillos:
ftordillos@comcast.net
or at Home Phone: 425-391-7469
Vice-President: Carolyn Kaiser:
kaiser42@verizon.net
or at Home Phone: 425-868-5847
Secretary: Tom Ryan:
tomgryan@msn.com
or at Home Phone: 425-837-0670
Treasurer: Sandy Dahl:
danjdahl@comcast.net
or at Home Phone: 425-392-7207
Member at Large: John Forsyth:
forsythfour@comcast.net
or at Home Phone: 425-313-5652
Member at Large: Shana Tischaefer:
shanatisch@hotmail.com or at Home Phone: 425-868-5590
Member at Large: Kevin Ostendorf:
bailey229@comcast.net or at
Home Phone: 425-392-3541
Have a Question or concern for the Church Council to hear?
To Contact a council members click here:
Click here to view the Church
Calendar
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
© 2005 Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church,
Sammamish, WA
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