Greetings in Christ!  Imagine a season in your life where everything slows down, by intent and design.  A season where you consciously take time to examine your life, prayerfully consider what is working and what isn’t, and then seek the Lord’s guidance in moving ever more fully into the abundant life Christ promises to those who will follow.  A season where you take on a discipline that then changes how you live throughout the other seasons of your life.

Welcome to Lent.  We are in the very season where we are called to examine, to, in the words of the Psalmist, “Return to the Lord your God, for God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” (Joel 2:13)  This is a season when we gather midweek for:

v     The renewal of our faith community through shared soup and sandwiches, as well as games, singing in prayer,

v     The renewal of our own spirits, as well, through quiet worship and corporate prayer.

Also during this season there is a heightened call to prayer.  Some of us are setting aside a day to fast (see Worship Notes), as well as pray.  In the ancient discipline of fasting, when the hungers of the body are subsumed to the hungers of the spirit, it is often easier to discern the still small voice of God in our lives.  What spiritual discipline will you take on during this season of renewal?

Lent is a marvelous time of rebirth and the renewal of our understanding of what it means to follow Christ individually and to be a people of the Cross. Thank you for sharing the journey! 

Here’s to you…for your faithfulness to Christ in daily life! 

See you in Church!

Pr. John

February marks the transition from the Sundays after the Epiphany (or appearing of Christ) with Jesus’ gathering of the first disciples into the season of Lent.  Historically and even into today, Lent is a time for renewal of faith and the community of faith.  We do this through adding midweek opportunities for worship, fellowship, and learning together, as well as challenging each other to take on the disciplines of Lent:  fasting, prayer, heightened concern for growth in the life of faith. 

Toward this end, one of our pastors will be in the Sanctuary Wednesday at noon throughout Lent for a “Prayer Lunch.”  Instead of eating lunch together, we’ll pray together.  Interested?  Talk to either Pr. John or Pr. Will.

Click here to read more about worship in February

• 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, see the Women's Retreat page. 
   

• ALL-CONGREGATION Winter Retreat is March 30-April 1, 2007, at The Firs Ski Chalet on Mt. Baker.  We’ll start Friday evening and end with lunch on Sunday.  Cost is $95 for adults, $47.50 for children 3-12, birth-2 are free! Financial assistance is available, contact Pr. John for more information. We will have exclusive use of the facility, which is just a quarter mile from the Mt. Baker Ski area.  Cross Country ski trails are nearby and the Chalet has its own tubing area.  For more information on the Firs, go to:  http://www.thefirs.org/index.php?page=mt_baker_chalet_rental. 

  For more information and to sign up, please see the Winter Snow Retreat page or register in the office with April Fink. Registration deadline is March 15.
   

• Interested in a Little Fishing? 

  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.  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. 

Sammamish Town Center Update

By the end of April 2007 the Sammamish City Council will have selected an alternative for the Town Center development.  Town Center is an area from SHLC on the south to Eastlake High School on the north, with varying dimensions on the east and west.  The focal point is Sammamish City Hall and the surrounding parks. 

The plan chosen by the City Council will determine the zoning for each parcel within the Town Center area.  Because most of the land in this area is currently zoned for Residential Development and the zoning will, most likely, be changed to commercial or increased density residential, many people in the area are anxious for a decision.   

Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church operates as a “conditional use” such that a change in zoning will not affect current use of the property.  However, it is important that the Church is part of the vision for the City.  

There a couple of ways that you can help.  First, get involved by attending Town Center public meetings.  January’s snow caused the cancellation/postponement of the January 18 meeting.  The City’s website should announce a replacement meeting, if one is to be scheduled.  On February 1 there will be an Open House for the draft Environmental Impact Statement.  Second, write to the City Council members with a positive statement about SHLC’s commitment to being an integral part of Town Center and the City of Sammamish.

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

David Harsh
IN CONCERT
Sunday, February 25th
from 4:00—5:30 p.m.

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

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

Health & Wellness Update:

Understanding blood pressure medications—and lifestyle changes YOU can do to help!

So your doctor has diagnosed you with hypertension—or high blood pressure.  In our country today this is occurring more and more throughout the age-span. Younger and older, many of us are now taking anti-hypertensive medications.  Many classifications of these medications are being talked about—and professional agencies within the medical profession are now developing some guidelines that we’d like to share with you. Here’s a look at the latest recommendations –but always keep in mind that the medication being prescribed by your doctor may be different because of your specific situation. 

Click Here to Read More...

Get ready for the week ahead on Sunday Nights in February! – Join us Sunday nights for Dinner at 5:30pm, AWAKEN 6:15pm, and Worship at 7:30pm at the church.    Here’s what’s coming up:

• 2/4       Finding Out Who You Really Are

• 2/11    Reel Life Film Series: Invisible Children

• 2/18    No Awaken: Mid-Winter Break

• 2/25    David Harsh in Concert

HSM Feeds the Homeless - Want to help others in need?  Anyone high school age or older is invited to head downtown for a walking tour of Seattle’s homeless community while handing out food and clothing!  Volunteers needed for transportation, shopping, and chaperones. 

The 30 Hour Famine is Coming! – Living in a cardboard city with 1200 of your closest friends, time with Jesus, and the chance to impact your world await you!  Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and get signed up today! Registration is available online, in the Narthex, or in the church office.  Final Deadline is Sunday February 18th!

Advocacy Day – Want to take your 30 Hour Famine passion to the next level?  Come to Olympia and let your voice be heard on Feb. 27^th.  Interested in speaking with your elected officials regarding important issues?  E-mail Linda Hines at lhines@shlc.org to learn more.

Did you know? Our community of believers welcomed and engaged over 100 Skyline students through our parking lot program?  If you are interested in shattering the stereotypes high school students may have about Jesus and His people, consider donating 30 minutes a week to some great young people!  E-mail Andy for more information on how to get involved!

Important HSM Dates:

Winter/Spring Dates:

• 30 Hour Famine – Feb. 23-24^th, 2007

• Parent’s Night #3 – March 4^th, 2007

• GameDay Conference – Mar. 16-17^th, 2007

• SHLC Snow Retreat – Mar 30-April 1^st, 2007

• Girls Retreat/Boy’s Overnighter! – April 20-22^nd, 2007

• HSM Service Project – April 27^th, 2007

• Holden Youth Weekend – May 25-27^th, 2007

Summer Dates:

• Family Day at the Mariner’s – June 2007

• Be a Confirmation Camp CIT (grades 10-12) – July 12-15^th, 2007

• Help with Vacation Bible School – July 16-20^th, 2007

• HSM Camps on the Beach – July 23-27^th, 2007

• W.O.W. and AWAKEN dates coming in March

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

 Are you a 20 to Mid-30 something looking to meet some fun new people?  Sammamish Hills has a great group of young professionals looking to build community! Whether you’re single, married, or even expecting, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other’s on your same point of the map.  Our next gathering is Fondue Night scheduled for Friday Night February 9^th. 

February 07’ HSM/Young Adult Calendar Calendar

• 4^th                    AWAKEN – Come hang out after the super bowl!

• 9^th                    20-30 something Fondue Night

• 10^th                 HSM Feeds the Homeless

• 11^th                 China Mission Team Meeting

• 11th                AWAKEN!

• 23^rd-24th        2007 30 Hour Famine

• 25^th                 AWAKEN

• 27^th                 Advocacy Day in Olympia

Middle School & Confirmation News
Click Above to see more!

By Brelin Rismiller, Director of Middle School
& Confirmation Ministries

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

WEEKLY MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS & PARENTS…

• Parent Group Forming NOW!!  Join Shelley Holmes and other parents every time that DAWG Pound & Holy COW gathers at the church.  This group began on Wednesday, January 3^rd around 7:05 pm, and will continue as long as there is interest!!  It 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!! It stands for Doing Awesome Work God-style, and that is what our group is all about!! We are doing our best to learn about God’s love, have fun together as a church community, and reach out to our non-Christian friends through fun events and service to the community.  There is a schedule available online with dates, times, and places that you need to know.  Please check the website, or contact Brelin with any questions.
   

• Holy COW (Confirmation On Wednesdays)-  Wednesday night small groups continue with tons of fun lessons on the Old & New Testaments this year!  We want Holy COW to be a place where friends are welcome, and new friends are formed in small and large group settings!!  This is open to students in grades 7-9.  If you are not in a small group, but would like to be, please contact Brelin for more information.
   

• Sunday Night Small Group check out the schedule online for the rest of 2007.  You can always talk to your guides or Brelin with any questions!!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETREATS, SERVICE, & FUN SPECIAL EVENTS…

• Wyldlife Sledding at Snoqualmie! Be sure to join the fun on February 3^rd!  Registration forms are available in the church office.

• 30 Hour Famine is February 23-24, and promises to be a great time! What is it, you ask… You will be raising money through fasting to help WorldVision reach out around the globe.  We’ll be sleeping in a cardboard city, playing games, worshipping God, meeting new people, and so much more!  We will have a Kick-Off Breakfast on 2/23 from 6-7 am at the church.  Students will head off to school for a normal day, and then at 6:00pm we will  gather back at the church for an overnighter ending with a break-fast meal served at Noon on the 24th.  Registration forms will be available on Feb. 1^st.

• GO! The Greatest Overnighter has been tentatively re-scheduled for March 2-3, due to the snowstorm in January.  We will be watching a hockey game, playing broomball, eating a midnight meal at Red Robin, and enjoying swimming, inflatables, games, and fun with 400 other middle school kids from the Seattle area!! You can still sign up—just talk to Brelin.
   

• Winter Snow Retreat for Your Whole Family!   Be sure to read all about it in the newsletter elsewhere!!  It’s going to be a wonderful time, and will be held March 30-April 1!!

• Girls Only Weekend for Middle School & High School Girls is April 20-22.  We will be driving over to Couer d’Alene for an awesome adventure together at Camp Lutherhaven.  There will be lots of singing in the car, giggling, talking, and fun!  Be sure to talk to Brelin for more details!!

• CONFIRMATION CAMP 2007 will be held July 12-15.  Registration forms will be available on February 1.

• YAKIMA MISSION TRIP ’07 will be held July 29-August 3.  Spots are still available on a first-come, first served basis.  It is open to students currently in grades 6 through 12.

• WANT TO HANG OUT??  Brelin would love to talk with you, hang out with you, eat ice cream with you, drink Starbucks with you, have Red Robin fries with you, play X-box with you, go for a walk, watch you play sports, listen to your concert, watch the play you’re in, go to a movie with you, help you with your homework, kick a soccer ball around with you, or pretty much anything else fun you can think of… she mostly just wants to hang out.  Send her an email, find her on myspace, or give her a call.
  email: brelin@shlc.org, myspace: brelin, phone: 425.392.7799

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.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God."  (1 John 3:1)  February is typically associated with Valentines Day, February 14th, a day filled with hearts, cupids, and of course chocolate.    Kids get excited about this day.  They envision piles of sweets, classroom parties and are hoping for a tall stack of Valentine cards.  I remember as a third grader sorting through my stack of cartoon Valentines.  I loved to read "I'm stuck on you" and other silly sayings printed on the simple paper cards with a friends name written across the bottom.  More than a day to receive candy, Valentines Day for me as a shy 3rd grader was not about romance.  It was all about feeling accepted and liked as a friend.  

It is good for us as adults to remember the emotional impact this simple, fun holiday can have on a child.  Will they feel accepted through the cards and candy that they receive, or will they come away from the day disappointed because their pile of cards and candy didn't measure up?  As parents and teachers it is important that we remind our kids that they are loved beyond measure.  What better way to show a child our love than through our actions? After school on the 14th, plan a special time with your kids.   Start off by reviewing the day with them.  Ask to see the cards they received and other goodies.  Afterwards give them a card that you made especially for them and plan an activity to do together that you know they would enjoy.  Stumped on what do do?  Ask your child what they would like to do, but let them know that you want to do it together.  End your time verbally affirming your love and reminding them of God's great love for them.  God, after all, is the author of the greatest Valentine that we could ever receive.   

Here are some other Valentine Ideas:

1.  Get your Bibles out.  Use the index to try to find all the verses that have to do with God's love for us.  Look them up and read them as a family.

2.   As a family, come up with a "love" project by changing the focus of the holiday from receiving love to giving love.  Bake cookies together and distribute them to your neighbors with a simple Valentine attached. 

3.  Give "warm fuzzies".  Gather your family together for a time of sharing what you like about one another.  Place one person on the "hot spot" and challenge the rest to see how many different ideas your other family members can come up with in two minutes. 

Children's Ministry Upcoming Events: 

Lenten Soup Suppers:  Join us for a time of fellowship and family friendly activities every Wednesday during Lent starting at 5:30pm.

Family Fun Events:

•        February 16th:  Dinner and a Movie, showing CARS, rated "G" 5:30 pm

•        March:  Indoor Pool Party 

•        April:  The Seattle Aquarium

•        Easter Egg Hunt:  Looking for volunteers. 

Vacation Bible School:  Join the planning team for this summer's awesome Bible school.  Avalanche Ranch will be held at our church from July 16 through the 20th.  Help us prepare for this week of Bible learning, games, crafts and snacks.  We are looking for team leaders in the areas of, decorating, registration, volunteers, snacks, and supplies. So if you can get excited about VBS and share with others, love to design props and sets, can plan and organize food events, love giving gifts of appreciation, or love to shop... we need you!    Contact Amanda by February 28th.    

by Muffie Namie, Director of SHL Preschool

How we love the month of February at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool!  It is the very special time of year when we celebrate “LOVE” and all the good feelings and actions that come from receiving it, having it and giving it!  In the bible, Proverbs 17:17 tells us that “a friend loves at all times” and we are practicing that love in our friendships at school.  We are also learning that friends are more than the children we play with in our classes and the neighbors we hang out with after school – a friend is anyone we can share God’s love with!   

This season we are participating in an outreach “ministry of love” as we open our heart to “friends” we haven’t met yet.  Our preschoolers love to make things and this month we are preparing oodles of valentines – lovingly hand colored, painted and embellished with hearts and glittery stuff – to be given to our special senior friends at Marionwood, as we remind them that they are not forgotten and that Jesus loves them!  We hope to teach our children that when we receive God’s love, He makes it easy to share that love with others!  As “big people” working alongside these precious children, I am certain that those of us who help and those who receive these special “valentines” will be blessed by this mission experience – because that’s the way God’s love works – the more we give the more there is to give! 

If you are looking for a loving Preschool environment for your 3-5 year old next fall, please contact Muffie Namie @ 425.392.7799 ex. 29 as we are currently enrolling for the 2007-08 school year.  Space is limited – call for information and a tour!

 For God Himself is LOVE! (1 John 4:16).

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