…you belong to Christ…  

- 1 Corinthians 3:23  New Revised Standard Version

Greetings in Christ!  Our mission statement is posted at the bottom of every worship bulletin every Sunday.  The statement reads:  Our mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our proclamation, witness, and works of love so all may find a community in which they can Belong, Believe and Become all that God promises.  The words which jump out at me every Sunday are Belong, Believe, and Become. 

Although the second and third words are weighty and full of promise, over the past four years I continue to be drawn to the first, “Belong.”  Establishing a sense of belonging comes easy for some, but for many others it is hard.  Quite hard.  Over and over I sit with folks who wrestle with what it means to belong to a church in general, and specifically, belong to this congregation. 

Many of these are new to our fellowship, and are looking for where they might belong in a community that is now new to them.  Others were burned by a church body at some point in their life and are only now risking finding another safe place.  Others still have gone through a major transition in their own lives, perhaps divorce, a death, children have left home, etc., and are now wrestling with what it means for them to belong to a place and people that once seemed near and dear and now seem ever less so…  

Some answer this question by establishing a firm connection to a particular worship service, sitting in the same place, surrounded by the same people, at the same time, Sunday after Sunday.  Others answer the question by joining the Choir, or getting involved in some form of ministry team.  This fall we’ll be offering a new way of establishing a deep sense of connection to others in the congregation. 

Sunday evening, October 1^st, the full offering of “First Night” will begin.  Any and all are invited to dinner at 5:30.  Dinner will be followed by several different formation opportunities, but the one I want to lift up in this space is your opportunity to participate in a “Life Group.”  Life Groups are small gatherings of folks who will meet in the Fellowship Hall every Sunday evening to work on three things:

•     Deepening their sense of connection to God,

•     Providing breadth to their sense of belonging to other members of the congregation, and

•     Strengthening their sense of calling to follow Christ in daily life

The first half hour will bring a presentation by either Linda Saddler or myself on one of eight “LifeShapes.”  The eight LifeShapes provide a way of communicating basic truths about following Christ in daily living.  For more information on the shapes, go to www.shlc.org, look to the menu on the left under “First Night.”  Click on the link to “Life Groups” and you’re there!

The second half hour will involve table discussions as these truths are grounded in daily living.  Over the first month each table discussion group will become a “Life Group,” formed by a common interest.  One group will focus on justice issues.  Another will look at what it means to be an “Empty Nester.”  Still another will serve as a clearinghouse for living with middle and high school students.  The list of groups will be as long as those who step forward to lead, and we have a goodly number of trained and seasoned leaders ready.

If you’re looking for a new way to “Belong” to this congregation, join us Sunday evenings starting October 1^st.  It might just change your life.

See you in Church!

Pr. John LaMunyon

The month ahead brings us further into the “hard sayings” of Jesus.  Although starting with the cries of God’s people to Moses in the Exodus account, we quickly move into very difficult subjects, such as divorce, how a Christian handles “treasure” faithfully, followed by what it really means to follow Jesus.  Fortunately, the month ends with the celebration of Christian freedom- Reformation Sunday.  May the living Word of God speak to us in the harder parts of our life, calling all to freedom in Christ.

Click here to read more about worship in October

The Rev. Gary Davis wrote these words in his song, “I belong to the band”.  As Pastor John has been talking about belonging, I got to thinking about the meaning of the word “band.”  Dictionary.com’s first citation reads, “a company of persons or, sometimes, animals or things, joined, acting, or functioning together; aggregation; party; troop”.

As a musician I have been a part of many ensembles, but as a Christian I have in more “bands” than I can remember.  The first band was my immediate family, but then my family band grew exponentially larger as I grew to know my brothers and sisters in Christ.  After a while I was told to love my neighbors and then I was told this neighborhood had no boundaries or fences.  Whew!

One of our most basic needs is to know we belong.  I think my job as your pastor of worship and outreach- at the most basic level- is to tell everyone I meet, “You belong".  You do belong.  You are loved.  You are wonderfully and fearfully made.

This is not some warmfuzzyeveryoneisokaydon’tchangeathing bumper sticker or page-a-day calendar message.  We all belong to God.  Our heavenly parent and creator has a claim on us.  And because of who we belong to, we act differently than the world expects.  We care for the lost and forgotten.  We turn the other cheek.  We start a club where everyone is welcome.

I have a challenge for you.  Outreach at Sammamish Hills Lutheran counts on you and I challenge you to tell a neighbor, a friend, or someone you meet at the store, “You belong”.  If you get around to inviting them to church, then I count that as a bonus.  More important than increasing attendance on Sunday, I want you to share the Gospel message of grace and love. 

There is always room in the band, because we all belong.

Peace,

Pr. Will
prwill@shlc.org
 

• November 3-5 we’ll be hosting the first ever Northwest LifeShapes conference with participants coming from as far away as Calgary and Portland.  For this event we’ll need volunteers to cover a myriad of duties, from working on food service to parking lot attendants.  If you are available and interested in helping out, please let either Pr. Will or Pr. John know as soon as possible.
  
  If you’d like more details, either pick up a flyer at the information desk in the sanctuary lobby, or go to www.shlc.org and click on the “LifeShapes” banner on the front page.

• The FIRST Annual Holden WOMEN’S RETREAT is scheduled for March 9-12, 2007.  This retreat is for any women of Sammamish Hills and their friends.  For more information, contact Pr. John, prjohn@shlc.org.
   

• Congregational Snow Retreat is now set for March 30-April 1, 2007, at The Firs Ski Chalet on Mt. Baker.  For more information on the Firs, go to:  http://www.thefirs.org/index.php?page=mt_baker_chalet_rental.  We’ll have exclusive use of the facility.  More information to follow in the coming months, but mark your calendar now!
   

• OCTOBER 15^th DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING FOR A Weekend Apart for Couples, November 10-12, 2006.
Join us for a "Weekend Apart" for married couples November 10-12 at the Chrysalis Inn (http://www.thechrysalisinn.com/) We'll be getting away from the pressures of our everyday lives as we celebrate marriage and gain valuable insight through informal sessions with Sammamish Hills' Pastor John LaMunyon and Beth Grauer of the Lutheran Counseling Network.

Take the time to enjoy a round of golf, stroll on the shore, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment or just spend quiet time with your spouse during this wonderful weekend retreat.

Click here to visit the "Weekend Apart" page where you can get more information about the retreat and download a flyer to sign up.

Space is limited, so sign up today and make plans to join us at the Chrysalis Inn in Bellingham in November.  

 If you would like more information, please contact Pr. John prjohn@shlc.org (425.392.7799, ext. 13).

 

Bread for the World

Seeking Justice. Ending Hunger.

Mark your calendars … Sunday November 19th … the 2006 Offering of Letters @ SHLC

One Spirit, One Will, Zero Poverty!

Through Bread for the World's 2006 Offering of Letters, people of faith and conscience are joining together writing letters to urge our leaders to fulfill their promises to the world's hungry and poor people.  What is this Offering of Letters About?  It’s a movement of the Spirit that is sweeping through nations of the world. In recent years—in churches, on campuses and in community groups across the United States—tens of thousands of Bread for the World members and other concerned people of faith and conscience have rallied together, raising their voices on behalf of hungry and poor people around the world. Those voices have been heard: Together we have helped win significant increases in effective development assistance to help reduce poverty globally.   We are not acting alone. People in Africa, Latin America and Asia are all working in their communities and through their governments to better their lives, to foster a more promising future for their children. We celebrate these successes.

Learn more (http://www.bread.org/take-action/offering-of-letters-resources/).

“I am only one, but I am one.

I can’t do everything, but I can do something.

And, what I can do, I will do!”

What can one person do?   One easy thing is to come join us in writing letters, to our Congressional representatives, on November 19^th, 2006.  Everyone, of any age, can participate… having something to eat or being hungry is understood by even the youngest among us.  There will be a kid’s letter project and adult sample letters.

Monthly Witness for Justice Team meeting…

The Compass Center is a Lutheran organization, which provides transitional and emergency services to homeless men and women at 12 locations in the Puget Sound region. In the Lutheran tradition of caring through serving, The Compass Center offers unique services and structured programs that promote the dignity of each person and leads individuals from homelessness to independence and healthy community life.

Click here to read more about "The Compass Center", Sammamish Hills' Ministry of the Month

First, we need to begin collecting the supplies we will need when the present family moves out and a new one moves in. We supply everything except clothing. We need linens for three twin beds and one double bed - new sheets, new or like new mattress pads, pillows, blankets and bedspreads. We need a shower curtain, a bath mat, and new towels for the bathroom. Stocking the pantry is fun - we need everything! If you have it in your kitchen for cooking or eating, we want it. Another group of supplies we put in the apartment is cleaning supplies- including mop, bucket, broom, dust pan, and laundry supplies. Finally, we stock the bathroom with personal hygiene items for everyone. As you can tell, it is very expensive and time consuming to buy everything.  Starting now I collect anything that can be used. Then when the apartment becomes vacant we are ready! Items can be brought to me, or I can pick them up at the church. I am happy to answer questions too. If you have nice dishes, pans and small appliances- I made need them too.

Finally, and equally important, is the need for a list of volunteers who might be able to help on the day we clean and stock- typically a Friday or Saturday morning. Please consider contributing to the household goods and/or volunteering to clean. Thanks! - Barb Johnson - 425.868.7730

As our young adult children return to schools and colleges this fall, many of us will be facing the challenges of parenting our kids in today’s world.  Despite the changing opportunities and challenges for today’s young people—adolescence remains a time when our youth are learning the necessary skills to move successfully into adult life.  To add to the normal challenges of helping our kids through adolescence, the climate of living in today’s society adds even more pressure and confusion.  Popular media culture often promotes materialism and casual sex, as well as the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.  The multi-media bombardment of these messages on our kids can serve to distract many well-intentioned youth from distinguishing between right and wrong, and making the best spontaneous decisions regarding substance abuse and other illicit activities. These are challenging times for all of us—when some of the choices our children make can alter their lives forever.  In today’s community it is therefore essential that we as parents, teachers, faith leaders, and health care providers work together to help build strong moral, ethical, and faith foundations for our children and young adults.

Click Here to Read More...

Hang out with your amigos on Sunday Night! – Dinner at 5:30pm, AWAKEN 6:15pm, and Worship at 7:30pm at the church. 

It’s time for a Pit Stop! – Feeling exhausted or overwhelmed?  Come get away for an amazing weekend as we have a blast and look at how God re-fuels us to live for him!  It’s going to be awesome! 

10^th Grade Confirmation Festivities – Don’t forget about October’s Wednesday night confirmation activities to get you ready for confirmation! 

·        October 4^th BBQ at the McLuskies

·        October 11^th Community Faith Story Night

·        October 18^th Rehearsal and Pictures

·        October 25^th Share your Faith Stories!

Middle School & Confirmation News
Click Above to see more!

By Brelin Rismiller, Director of Middle School & Confirmation Ministries

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

• Middle School Retreat October 20-22!  Early registration deadline is October 8th--register here
   
• Confirmation Kick-Off on October 4th in the Fellowship Hall:  FOOD, GAMES, FRIENDS, & MORE!
   
• 6th Grade DAWG Pound Kick-Off on October 4th!! Bring your friends for fun & games!!
   
• Questions?  Talk to Brelin-- brelin@shlc.org

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

• Find and bring donations needed to Eastside Baby Corner in Issaquah.
• Want to be part of the worship tech team? Email Brelin.

Networks, and the Children’s Ministry department is here to assist by providing tools and resources for children and parents to follow Jesus throughout their daily lives. Every month, Networks will focus on a specific topic.  Revolving around this topic every month you will find: articles just for kids, a Parents Corner, a Kid’s Puzzle, and Family Activities. In addition, Networks will include news about events and programs happening for families at SHLC.  If you’d like to check out Networks, download a copy at www.shlc.org.  Look under the Children’s Ministry page.

Sunday School has also begun! This fall, get ready to discover with us the adventures of Moses and Joshua.  Kids in our Sunday school program will see how God parted the Red Sea, we'll walk with Moses as he brings down the 10 commandments from the mountain, and also celebrate as the walls of Jericho come tumbling down. 

Faithweaver isn’t just for Sunday either.  This curriculum is designed to encourage kids and parents to continue learning and applying scripture throughout the week.  Because every student, across all age levels, learns the same Bible story, this will make it easier for you to incorporate family discussion time after Sunday School.   In partnership together, through activities here at Sunday School and those at home,  we can build a foundation of faith in our children’s lives.

New this fall are Family Fun Activities.  Join us for our first  one.

Our hallways are filled with laughter again and the sounds of “little people” fill our classrooms… It’s no wonder Jesus loves them so much!!!   We’ve had a great start to the school year and we can see the amazing power of your prayers at work in the lives of our preschoolers and staff – lots of new students this year, yet everyone is playing along together like they’ve been friends forever; first days in class with no tears from our little ones (though a few mommy’s were tearing up, but that’s to be expected)!!!

October is a great learning time in our classes as we celebrate the seasons and this special time of harvest.  How wonderful God is at providing for us all the good foods of the earth.  Our classes will be heading to the farm to see first hand the animals and all of the fruits and vegetables that farmers grow  – especially the pumpkins that we will pick and then carve at our very own “Daddy ‘n Me Pumpkin Carving Night” on October 26^th at 6:30 PM.  It’s a great night to celebrate the season, each other and as we light our jack-o-lanterns, to hear how God’s light shines from within us as we sing “This Little Light of Mine” with our daddies and friends.

If you are here during preschool hours, stop by the preschool office and Muffie will gladly give you a tour so you can see first hand what your support and prayers are doing in the life of Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschoolers!!!

We currently have 2 spots available at SHLP, so if you know someone who is still looking for a special place for their preschooler, please contact Muffie at 392.7799 ext. 29!

How to Contact a Council Member:

President:

Frank Tordillos:

Vice-President:

Carolyn Kaiser:

Secretary: 

Tom Ryan:

Treasurer: 

Sandy Dahl:

Member at Large:

John Forsyth:

Member at Large:

Shana Tischaefer:

Kevin Ostendorf:

Do you have a question or concern for the Church Council to hear?
To Contact a council member, please click here .

Click here to view the Church Calendar