SHLC - July 06 Newsletter

A friend of mine recently saw a resume cross his desk at his small church in the Midwest. The person applying had no computer skills and admitted having difficulty speaking to people. There was a physical limitation mentioned, but there was nothing specific. The applicant had also changed his name at some point. To top it all off, there was a criminal record. The multiple stints in jail were not appetizing to my friend.

Desperate to know who would submit such an application, he looked to the name. He found “Paul O. Tarsus.”

Imagine Saint Paul applying to work here at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church. Would he even get to a first interview? While the resume does not look wonderful at first glance, we are proof of the power of Paul’s writings in the New Testament. Paul’s passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ is undeniable.

Starting July 9 we are going to take a closer look at the life of Paul, his travels, and the people he encountered in a sermon series called “Pack Your Bags.” Come for shipwrecks and arguments, false prophets and confrontations. Come to hear how grace and love permeate everything Paul does and says. Most of all come to hear how our lives of faith are not so different from this follower of Christ from almost two thousand years ago.

As we kick off the series on Paul’s travels we will celebrate with a traveler of our own. Our wonderful director of Informal Music, Steve Holmberg, has resigned the position he has held for almost 15 years. Please be with us on Sunday July 9^th to rejoice for Steve’s years of service as a co-worker in the kingdom of God.

There are few summer traditions more beloved (or hated depending on your point of view and place in the car) than the summer road trip. Children have trouble sleeping the night before due to excitement and parents worry something has been forgotten.

This summer we are traveling with Paul and in July the journey begins with a road trip unlike any other. Paul is confronted by Jesus himself on the road to Damascus. Paul’s life is changed forever after his first encounter with our risen Lord. Are you ready to be changed as well?

Looking ahead…
Sunday, July 9 Summer Preaching Theme: "Pack Your Bags" begins
Monday, July 17 Vacation Bible School "Fiesta" begins
Sunday, August 27 Congregation Picnic
November 10-12 A Weekend Apart for couples

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!

Extreme Makeover—SUNDAY SCHOOL EDITION! Join our design team and help transform our Sunday school classrooms. We’re holding an informational meeting on Sunday, July 16th at 10:10 am in the 4th grade classroom.

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. Limited space is available.

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.

End Summer Hunger
Many local children will be hungry during the summer months when the reduced lunch program is not available. The food banks need extra food for families with children during these months. Some of the items needed include: applesauce, peanut butter and jelly, canned soup, cheese/peanut butter cracker packets, etc.

You can put your donations in the container marked End Summer Hunger, or make a cash donation to Hopelink, to help with their program of feeding breakfast and lunch to approximately 200 children. The address for Hope Link is 16225 N.E. 87th St. Suite A-1, Redmond, WA 98052-3536.

Two things you can do to support the ONE Campaign to end extreme poverty in the world:

Please Note: There is a separate sign up sheet for each city. The petition will be delivered to the respective mayor's offices in August. The goal of this campaign is to encourage the U.S. Government to direct an additional ONE percent of the U.S. budget toward developing aid in the World's poorest countries.

Health and Wellness Update
July: A-Z Summer Sun Guide, Part I
As we actively engage in the fun activities of summer, we will include some updated health information in the next two newsletters that may help to ensure optimal summer safety. (Part II will conclude in the August newsletter sent in late July…) May you all “actively” enjoy this beautiful time of year! Click here to see more.

Hiking to Rattlesnake Ledge. Join us for an afternoon hike on Sunday July 2nd. We will meet at 12:30 pm at the SHLC parking lot. It is a great hike up to the Rattlesnake Ledge. The hike is short but steep. 1,300 feet elevation gain in 1.3miles. The views on top are great. The trailhead is in the North Bend area. We will be back by 4:00 pm at the SHLC parking lot. If you’re interested please contact Wolfgang at wolfgang@planfor.com or 425-844-2278

Hiking at Rainier National Park. You are invited to hike to Crystal Lakes, on Saturday July 8th. We will meet at the church parking lot at 8:15 am. We will hike to these two gorgeous alpine lakes and celebrate God’s beautiful creation; round trip 6 miles. There is an elevation gain of 2,300 feet so this is a hike for folks in good shape. No dogs are allowed on the park trails. The trailhead is off of highway 410 in Mt. Rainier Park, about 4.5 miles from the park entrance at the junction of Crystal Mountain Blvd. Please contact John Forsyth to sign up or for more information. Email: forsythfour@comcast.net; phone: 313-5652.

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. We had hoped to have more information in this newsletter; however those arrangements are still being negotiated. The place and leaders are set, so, please set the date aside, as it will be a wonderful weekend away. If you’d like more information, please contact Pr. John prjohn@shlc.org (425.392.7799, ext. 13).

High School News
Click above to see more!
By Andy Hermanson, Director of High School and Young Adult Ministries

It’s July! Be sure to check out the HSM monthly and Blog for updates and thoughts from Andy!

Fantastic Summer Events - If you are around, don't miss a fantastic time of UP, IN, and OUT! Please email Andy for 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!

By Brelin Rismiller, Director of Middle School & Confirmation Ministries

It’s July! Be sure to check out the Middle School Calendar to see the FUN things that are happening this summer!

Fantastic Summer Events - If you are around, don't miss a fantastic time of UP, IN, and OUT! Please email Brelin for more info!

Summer Small Groups are forming now- Be part of a Bible study this summer while we discover different religions of the world.
Summer WOW Events- Weekly fun for you and your friends, 6/28-8/16! A great place to bring your non-Christian friends! Be sure to check out the website for the sweet schedule!
San Diego Mission Trip- Helping out in the inner city with young children and elderly folks! 7/7- 7/14!
Confirmation Camp- Spend a long weekend rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, laughing, and learning, 8/3-6! Registration is still open! Sign up now!!
Wildhorse Summer Camp- Hanging out with kids from the plateau at camp! 8/10-8/14!

Don't miss these incredible "OUT" opportunities! Email Brelin for more info!

Find and bring donations needed to Eastside Baby Corner in Issaquah.
Help Vacation Bible School - July 17-21st - help is needed with games, worship and in the classroom! Email Children's Ministry Director, Amanda Forbes to learn more.
Want to be part of the worship tech team? Email Brelin.

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 ever by planning to sign them up for Fiesta, Sammamish Hills’ VBS program, “Where kids get fired up about Jesus”. Fiesta begins on July 17^th and continues through July 21^st.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 project called “Operation Kid-to-Kid”, which reaches out to needy children in Latin American countries.

Registration is Open

Main Program:
    PROGRAM TIME:        9:00 am - Noon
    AGES:                      4 years (by June 1^st) to 5^th Grade (Sept)
    COST:                     $35 (Price Includes a T-Shirt)

Pre-SCHOOL:                Full. Waitlist Available.
    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)

Registration forms available on-line, at the church office, or outside the church sanctuary.

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 at this summer's VBS. Teens, parents, grandparents, join the volunteer team and become a part of this reach-out opportunity! Below is a list of our "high" needs areas. Please consider scheduling VBS into your summer plans. To volunteer, please contact Amanda Forbes at Amanda@shlc.org.

The VBS Fiesta CD’s are In
Starting on May 7^thyou 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. Stop by the church office to pick yours up today.

Got a Mexican Blanket? Can we borrow it for Fiesta? VBS is looking for Mexican blankets to decorate our classrooms. Bring them by the office between now and July 14th. Blankets will be ready to be returned on July 23rd.

Picnics in the Park
Join us every Wednesday starting July 26th for Picnics in the Park. We will be meeting at Pine Lake Park at 11:30 am. Bring your children, a lunch and join other families for some fun activities and fellowship. An interactive time of teaching will be held each week at noon.

When you take a summer time walk through a garden in bloom it’s hard not to notice the buzzing of some very busy bees at work… they are determined and intential at what they do, because they work for a pretty important queen bee!

Likewise, if you take a summer time walk through the preschool right now, it might look pretty deserted but behind the scenes there is a bevy of determined and intential “worker bees” that consist of preschool staff, ministry team leaders and volunteers who are working for their “pretty important King” who is Jesus Christ!!! Our work is to fulfill our commitment to Sammamish Hills as an essential outreach ministry to families and children while providing one of the best early education programs we can possibly offer to our neighbors on the plateau!

We are excited about our work and consider it a privilege to serve this church and community, doing God’s very special work of nurturing the hearts, minds and souls of the little ones He regards so dearly.

If you happen to stroll through the preschool hallway this summer, would you consider stopping a moment and lifting our school community in your prayers? Your prayer support is key to our work (and rest) this summer and we are grateful to have you join us as we pray for how God works through us this coming school year. We thank you in advance for your wonderful support!!!

If you’re interested in learning more about our classes for fall, please contact Muffie at muffie@shlc.org or 392.7799 ex 29

Church Council Update
June 13, 2006
The Church Council met on Tuesday, June 13, 2006.

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 member click here:

Click here to view the Church Calendar

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© 2006 Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, Sammamish, WA

If you have a technical problem with this newsletter, please contact helpdesk@shlc.org
If you have content related questions regarding this newsletter, please contact Kim Peng @ worship@shlc.org
If you have questions related to particular events, dates, times, etc. please contact the individual responsible (listed in articles or on webpages - i.e. Middle School Ministry is Brelin Rismiller.).