Happy New Year!  This letter is written with one foot in the old year and one in the new.  Here’s to 2006:

THANKS go to all who participated in the massive amount of gifts passed on to others by members and participants in the life of Sammamish Hills this Advent and Christmas season.  They range from:

v     v COOKIES sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, TO,

v     v FOOD passed on to the Union Gospel Mission’s Shelter for 
      Women and Children, FOLLOWING THE

v     v COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER on Christmas Day
      involving a large number of volunteers for cooking, 
      serving, and cleaning, TO

v     THE MOUNTAIN of gifts given to the recipients of the many boxes and trees marked with tags for others in our broader community whose Christmas was made possible through those gifts, TO

v     THE COIN OFFERING for Hunger (total will be posted on the website and in the What’s Happening shortly) which will go all over the world to alleviate malnutrition and a host of diseases, TO

v     ALL WHO MADE our Christmas services a joyous experience, including the Liturgical Arts Team, the Choir, the Children’s Choir, Psalm 151,, TO

v     THOSE WHO GAVE LAST MINUTE gifts to the Congregation, allowing us to end the year fulfilling our hopes and dreams for mission in 2006 and look to 2007 with strength and vigor. and on and on...

NEXT...on to 2007...this is the beginning of a new era, for we will now be sending out both printed and electronic newsletters.  There were just too many pieces missing from our electronic newsletter to have solid, in-depth communications with one another in our community of faith.  In the renewed print newsletter we will add a section for “Thank you’s,” allowing folks who want to say it to someone within the congregation to do so. 

One of the reasons for going back to a printed newsletter is the further growth of the ministries of our congregation.  At this point I call your attention to the January 2007 edition of The Lutheran magazine, specifically, the article on Lutheran churches that are growing and the many that are shrinking.  At this point we are holding our own.  However, with our programmatic ministry staff in place and our worship life returning to solid ground after the changes of last fall, we are starting to grow again, particularly in opportunities for mission.  In the face of that growth it is important all participants in our life together have access to timely information.

This “timely information” will include a monthly update on our financial situation.  We are blessed with a goodly number of faithful stewards in our congregation, however, it appears there are as many who only give when they are confronted with the need to support the ministries of their church.  Therefore, we’ll be keeping the financial news front and center on a monthly basis. 

On a related note, as you look to your 2007 resolutions, how about this one:  becoming a tither.  That is, one who sets aside the first ten percent (10%) of your household income (gross or net, it is up to you) and dedicates those first fruits to the Lord.  Does all of that money have to go to the Church?  No, many tithers choose to distribute their offerings first to the Church, and then to other ministries.  Tithing is an ancient biblical practice and one of the marks of the fruitful life of a good steward.  Consider it for your own life in 2007.  Questions about tithing? Talk to me. 

While giving thanks to God for the many ministries of 2006 and your support of them, and looking ahead to new opportunities for ministry in 2007, here’s to a blessed new year for all.

See you in Church!

Pr. John LaMunyon

Lead Pastor

“Epiphany”  in the context of the Christian tradition means “the appearing.”  From Jesus’ first appearance where he is called by God, “…the Beloved,” through his first miracle at Cana, to the call of a very young and hesitant Jeremiah, the biblical texts we will explore during the month of January display different forms of the “appearing” of God’s plan for this world. 

As a personal discipline, those who take time to read through, pray over, and even study* as preparation for hearing Sunday’s preaching, experience a greater engagement with God’s call to them in daily living.  Try it and see for yourself!

(*Resources for study include the Daily Texts devotional  booklets available at the information desk in the Sanctuary Lobby, as well as the online resource at

• http://www.elca.org/evangelism/dailydiscipleship/index.html)

Click here to read more about worship in January

Expectations Fulfilled

Waiting is something I am not very good at.  As I write this, I am still waiting for the birth of my daughter, but the Dr. told Kaia and I two weeks ago the baby would come anytime.  It is killing me!  How much more waiting is there?

As Christians we talk a lot about waiting.  The season of Advent is all about preparation and patience.  The same goes for Lent too.  So, the question I want to ask is what do we do when the waiting is over?  The answer – we act.  We do something.  We get involved. 

This year we will be hearing primarily from the Gospel of Luke.  One of my favorite passages is found in Luke 4.  Turn to Luke 4:15-22 and read what Jesus has to say.  Is what Jesus says true in your life?  In your community?

This is the year of the Lord’s favor!  This is God’s year to act!  Let us embrace fully the fact the kingdom of God is breaking in all around us.  What does this mean? 

This means we live in a way so all can see who we are.  From our finances to our enemies.  From our loved ones to our free time.  We are called to live as the people who are called by God.  We are the children of God and we have heard the good news of release to the captives, sight to the blind, and freedom for the burdened.  Shouldn’t we share that news?

I am still waiting for some things, but for the fulfillment of Emmanuel, of God with us I wait in a different way.  God is with us.  God will come again. 

You have heard the good news.  It is true.  Tell somebody their waiting for a Savior, for meaning, for life is over.

Peace,

Your Expectant Pr. Will Sappington
prwill@shlc.org
 

• 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!
   

• Interested in a Little Fishing? 

  (NOTE:  Originally Pr. John and Cheri scheduled an information meeting for the 2007 Alaska Fishing Trip for December 14 at their home.  However, a rather large storm got in the way, therefore, its rescheduled for Thursday, January 11.)

  
  Late August 2007 is a long way off still, but dream just for a minute. 
  August 30-September 3, 2007, Pr. John and Cheri will be leading a group of eighteen folks who like to catch big fish to Tanaku Lodge in Elfin Cove, AK.  You don’t have to be an expert in the area to enjoy the time at Tanaku.  Located due south of Glacier Bay, the scenery is awe-inspiring, the wildlife incredible, and the fishing, well, fantastic!

  For more information on the lodge, go to www.tanaku.com.  Thursday, January 11, the LaMunyons will be holding a presentation on the trip in their home (21221 NE 13^th Court, Sammamish) at 7:30 p.m.  The cost for four nights at the lodge and four days of fishing is $3,195, plus airfare to Juneau.  In order to hold your spot, the registration deadline is March 1^st.  If you’re interested, contact Pr. John, 425.392.7799, ext. 13, or email prjohn@shlc.org.   

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS can sometimes seem a bit stodgy, with the same old business year after year.  However, this year things should get a bit exciting.  Among other issues, we’ll be discussing our relationship to the developing Sammamish Town Center.  We’ll also be looking at space for ministry.  Do we want to move ahead with developing our current Fellowship Hall into a community gathering space as a bookstore/coffee shop?  If so, what would happen to the rest of our facilities?  We’ll also be discussing our common stewardship.  Several years ago we moved away from passing on a full twenty percent of our offerings to other partners in ministry (this is called “benevolence ministry”).  Do we have the means and commitment to begin returning to that twenty percent?

GREAT issues for a great discussion.  The 2006 Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 21^st.  Chili Cook-off starts at 5:00p in the Fellowship Hall.  The meeting will begin at 6:00p in the same space.   

January Ministry of the Month:

Sammamish Town Center Update

The plans for Sammamish Town Center are moving forward.  What once was a dream of a City Hall is now a real facility across the street.  With it come great resources for ministry in the community, particularly during the warmer months as we move out to the various parks in the recreational complex behind and down the hill from City Hall. 

However, the discussion about the development of Sammamish Town Center continues.  There are many questions coming up about the role of our congregation in that Center.  The next joint meeting of the Town Center Committee and the Property Owners will be January 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., in the City Council chambers at City Hall.  Discussion will center on major components of the Town Center plan.
 

Spectacular Response to Thanksgiving and Christmas Food and Gift Drives

Thanks to you, this year we had a record response to the needs of people in our community. Over 600 gifts and several vanloads of food were delivered to six separate charities—Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, Hopelink, Compass Center, YWCA Family Village, Sammamish Hills Homeless Program, and Providence Marianwood Nursing Home. The leadership of over 20 members of the Thanksgiving and Christmas gift drive teams, both youth and adults, and the hundreds of members of the congregation who brought donations made this possible. In addition, a Thrivent grant provided funds for Christmas Day dinner for over 80 people at our church, which was especially welcome to those living without light and heat as a result of the windstorm.  As Iris Grasst, one of the Christmas Gift Drive Team volunteers explained:  “The majority of the gifts were clothing, shoes, and gift cards for food. Each child received one toy. I think it’s important for people to realize the gifts cover basic needs and, therefore, are quite important to the family. The gifts submitted by our members were very thoughtfully chosen with the recipient in mind.”  You brought joy to so many people during the holidays!

In addition, you generously responded to the offerings for ELCA World Hunger and the Hispanic ministries Tierra Nueva and Parroquia Camino de Esperanza. The totals are still being compiled and will be in the annual report available at the annual meeting January 21.  Thank you.

1st Place National Award-Winning
Christian Songwriter and  Guitarist from Seattle, WA

David Harsh
IN CONCERT
Sunday, February 4th
from 4:00—5:30 p.m.

Free concert— Bring the whole family!

Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church
22818 SE 8th St.
Sammamish, WA 98074
Church Phone Number: (425) 392-7799
Church Website: www.shlc.org

David will also participate in our worship services that day— 8:30 am Traditional Worship; 10:00 am Contemporary Worship; 11:27 am Experiential worship; 7:30 pm First Night Worship
 

For more information about David, please visit: www.davidharsh.com

Health & Wellness Update: When Does Forgetfulness Become a Disease? Top Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Many of us either live with, care for, or know someone who may be struggling with increasing memory loss and forgetfulness.  While simple lapses in memory are considered “normal” as we grow older—memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not a normal part of aging.  The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple memory loss, but in fact encompass difficulties with communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning.  The resulting problems are severe enough to interfere with a person’s work, social activities, and family life. These difficulties are signs of dementia and usually come about over several years.  The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but other dementias are also becoming more common such as Lewey Body, Frontal-temporal dementia--or “Pick’s disease”, vascular, and “mixed-dementia”—a combination of vascular and Alzheimer’s dementias.

Click Here to Read More...

Middle School & Confirmation News
Click Above to see more!

By Brelin Rismiller, Director of Middle School
& Confirmation Ministries

It’s January!  Be sure to check out the updated church website!!  www.shlc.org

Greatest Overnighter! (formerly called Insanity Night) -January 12-13, 2007.  Get ready for fun with this UP-ALL-NIGHT event!!  We'll be going to watch a hockey game, playing broomball, eating at Red Robin restaurant, hanging out at the Everett YMCA for fun with inflatables, swimming, and open gym... and then coming back home to get some sleep!  Friends are welcome!  For Registration Information, check out our middle school website, under the section “what’s coming up”.

· Chili Cook-Off 07’ is around the corner! – Join us Sunday night January 21^st from 5:00-6:00pm for this year’s wild chili competition!  Prizes will be awarded.  Help is needed!  Sign-up sheets are located on the middle school/ high school board in the Narthex!

· Middle School Retreat January 26-28 at Lake Retreat Camp.  We'll be playing games, learning about God's love, getting to know new people, and playing a fierce game of paintball!! 

· Yakima Mission Trip 2007 The mission trip dates are July 29-August 3, 2007, and this trip is open to all current middle school & high school students, (6th-12th grades).   

· Parent Group Forming NOW!!  Join Shelley Holmes and other parents every time that DAWG Pound & Holy COW gathers.  This group begins on Wednesday, January 3^rd around 7:05 pm.  There will be an informal gathering at Eastlake Drive-Thru Starbucks, where parents can get to know one another, do a short Bible study and/or have some prayer time!!  Talk to Brelin or Shelley if you have any questions.

· DAWG Pound for 6th graders!! Check out the updated web page with the schedule for January-March!

· Holy COW (Confirmation On Wednesdays)- Check out the winter schedule online.  Classes resume on January 3^rd!

· Sunday Night Small Group will not be meeting until January 7th at 6:15 pm! Enjoy your winter break!! 

Check out these big events coming up in 2007!!
February 3          Wyldlife Sledding at Snoqualmie! 
February 23-24    30 Hour Famine
March 30-April 1  Winter Snow Retreat for Your Whole Family!   
April 20-22          Girls Only Weekend for Middle School & High School Girls 
July 12-15           Confirmation Camp
July 29-August 3   Yakima Mission Trip
August 17-19        Family Camp Out 

• 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.

Happy New Year!  Can you believe that it is already 2007?  Every new year I am filled with a sense of hope.  January brings with it a expectations for the coming year.  There are no “mistakes” or “hardships” yet contained in it and we dream of all the joy and accomplishments that are yet to come.  In the Psalms 25 and 64 God reminds us that real hope only comes from him, and that no one whose hope is in God will be put to
shame.  As you ponder the year ahead what are you and your family hopeful for this year? 

I know my husband and I are very hopeful and excited about what God has in store for us in this new year.  In fact we talk about it almost daily.  In early May we are expecting the birth of our first child.  As parents-to-be we hear over and over again how our lives are going to change.  Although we are fully aware of this, we realize that the full impact of what a parent is will not hit us until we see our son or daughter for the first time.  Mean we continue to prepare as best we can.  We have plans to remodel a room for a nursery, upgrade our washer and dryer, and in February will begin a new parenting class. 

Despite all this physical planning I’m daily reminded that the best way we can prepare for this baby is through prayer.  In prayer I am reminded of God’s awesome power and love.  He relieves my fears and grants me a sense of peace.  Through prayer I know that God will provide no matter where the journey of parenthood takes us in 2007.  Real hope truly is found in prayer.

At the children’s ministry department here at SHLC, we will be launching Young Disciples (at the end of January), a ministry specifically for 4th and 5th grade students.  Sunday School continues to grow and be a place where kids are getting excited about their faith.  Family Fun Activities will continue to unite our congregation’s families.  I’m expectant that our outreach events, this year’s Easter Egg Hunt and VBS, Avalanche Ranch, will bring in and serve many in our community.  As you think about these ministries over this next year, I’d ask you to join with me in prayers of expectation for all that God will do through them. 

Coming Up:

Family Fun Activity:  Game Night  Friday, January 19th from 5:30—8:00 pm
Grab your favorite family board game, the kids and join us for a night of gaming fun.  On Friday, January
9th we are hosting a Family Game Night.  The activities start with a spaghetti dinner at 5:30 pm. 

Coming Soon: Young Disciples  4-5 grade mid-week program
Young Disciples will be a fun and energetic place filled with games, crafts, and small group discussions.  Through these great activities kids will find that they are developing a deeper relationship with God.  It all begins on Wednesday January 17th at 4:00 pm in the fellowship hall. All 4th and 5th graders will be welcome, so bring your friends and join Young Disciples!  Registration materials can be picked up in the foyer, down at the SS desk, or downloaded at www.shlc.org. 

by Muffie Namie, Director of SHL Preschool

Where does the time go???  It’s already 2007 and we’ve yet another list of resolutions to ponder!  We are excited to begin another New Year at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool and one of our resolutions that remains top on our list is our commitment to our wonderful families and children who grace our preschool by offering the best neighborhood early education program that meets every expectation of a high quality, developmentally rich, Christ-centered learning experience for kids!  We are excited to continue with our preschool families as we grow together through the winter and spring months ahead and we look forward to opening our program to new families as we begin our registration process for the 2007-08 school year in the weeks ahead.  Yes, it’s that time again – so where does the time go???

January 10^th we begin registration for current families and siblings and January 18^th we begin priority registration for active church members and alumni.  Our Open Registration will begin on January 24^th from 8:00-11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall and spots are assigned in our program on a lottery basis.  If you or someone you know may be interested in our program for the 2007-08 school year, please contact Muffie Namie at 425.392.7799 ext. 29 before January 10^th in order to meet and have a tour of our school.

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:

Member at Large:

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