Greetings in Christ!  From the first followers of Jesus to those who confess Christ’s name today, the three most important words are these:  Christ is risen!  In the next week we live through the reminder of all those words mean in the high and holy drama of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.  In fact, the truth of this Easter declaration is so important that from the early church through today, every Sunday is seen as a “little Easter.”  A day set aside to celebrate and contemplate what Christ’s resurrection means for our life together and apart.

In the events of these high and holy days we will participate in a grand and holy drama, but it is not just a story.  In the words of Brian McLaren, it is “The story we find ourselves in....”  This story of Christ tried, crucified, buried, and risen again, becomes our story in the waters of Baptism, as we were and are united with Christ in this holy pilgrimage from death into life. 

However, it is also the story in which all who are hungry for truth and seeking meaning in life can find themselves, with real meaning for real life in a real world.  In the ancient church, those who were preparing for Baptism at the Easter Vigil would stand at the outer doors of the sanctuary and be asked a series of questions: What do you ask of God’s church?  To which they would respond:  To hear God’s word with you.

The second question was:  What do you seek from God’s Word?  To which the response came:  Faith and fullness of life.  Somewhere in your life there is someone who is standing at your door, ready to hear “God’s word with you.”  Your own life might be God’s good word to and for them.  Be bold.  Share the three most important words a Christian can utter.  Bring them to participate in the grand proclamation of Easter.

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!

See you in Church!

Pr. John

From the first followers of Jesus to this day, the three most important words are these:  Christ is risen!  In the next week we live through the reminder of all those words mean in the high and holy drama of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.  In the events of these high and holy days we will participate in a grand and holy drama, but it is not just a story. 

In the words of Brian McLaren, it is “The story we find ourselves in...,” which may be read in several ways.  First, this story of Christ tried, crucified, buried, and risen again, becomes our story in the waters of Baptism, as we were and are united with Christ in this holy pilgrimage from death into life.  Yet, it is also the story in which we as hungry and seeking people can find ourselves, with real meaning for real life in a real world.

However you read it, come and join in the holy pilgrimage from palms to the empty tomb.  For those new to our worship life, the events of Holy Week might seem a little strange, here is a quick overview:

Palm Sunday/The Passion of Our Lord (4/1 Sunday morning and evening)

Worship begins with a raucous procession of palm-waving children and choristers leading all in glad shouts of “Hosanna!”  Although the service begins with great fervor and joy, the mood quickly changes as we turn our focus to the reading of the Passion story.

Maundy Thursday (4/5  4:00p & 7:30p)

Historically, there are two primary actions at this service:  celebrating the Lord’s Supper and the stripping of the altar.  Both take on heightened meaning as we move ever closer to the tragedy of Good Friday.  This year we will end with Prayer around the Cross. Service times are 4:00p and 7:30p.

Good Friday (4/6  4:00p & 7:30p)

The Sammamish Plateau Area Ministries churches (S.P.A.M.) will once again host a “Stages of the Cross” service at noon at Trinity Lutheran College.  For more information on the service, talk to Pr. John.

At 4:00p and 7:30 p.m. we will gather for the adoration of the cross, a service which begins with the lighting of candles and ends in the darkness of Christ’s crucifixion.  Come, let us adore the crucified Christ.

Easter Vigil (4/7 7:30p) 

One of the oldest services of the Church year is the Easter Vigil.  In ancient times there were those faithful followers who would stay up through the night to watch for the good news of an empty tomb on Easter morning.  We won’t be staying up all night, however, this is arguably the most quiet and intimate service of the Easter celebration.

The Resurrection of Our Lord/Easter Sunday (4/20)

For the hale and hearty, meet at the High Point Tiger Mountain parking lot where we’ll be leaving at 5:30 to carry the cross to the Talus Caves.  Once at the caves, we’ll welcome the new dawn with an Easter Sunrise service.  Prayers for sunrise and not pounding rain are welcome)

 At 7:00 & 8:30 a.m., all are encouraged to sing the Resurrection song in the traditional hymns of the Church.  The 10:00 a.m. service will be lead by a select worship team. We will gather at 11.27 for a quieter and more contemplative celebration of Easter.  Finally, at 7:30 p.m., all are invited to sing the Resurrection song at the First Night service in the Fellowship Hall.  Want to share the good news with a friend?  Invite them to come with you!

Click here to read more about worship in April

Health & Wellness Update:

“STRESS: Unhealthy response to the pressures of life”

Being a Christian doesn’t eliminate the problem of stress; we all suffer with varying degrees of stress in response to the pressures of life.  But do we really understand its effects on our bodies and our health?  And…even if we do--can we really do anything to minimize it?  Most of us realize the importance of maintaining our emotional and spiritual health as an integral part of our overall physical health.  Many times what we perceive as illness may in fact be the body’s reaction to stress.  We know that our body isn’t the only thing that suffers; stress affects our thoughts, feelings, and behavior as well—contributing to feelings of hopelessness and feeling alienated from the presence of God.

Click Here to Read More...

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 others on your same point of the map.  Details regarding our next gathering can be found on our website under “The Vine”. 

Get ready for the week ahead on Sunday Nights in April! – Join us Sunday nights for Dinner at 5:30pm, AWAKEN at 6:00pm in the Narthex, and Worship at 7:30pm at the church.    Here’s what’s coming up this month:

•             4/1       Finding God’s will.

•             4/8       No AWAKEN.  It’s Easter!

•             4/15    Reel Life Film Series: Invisible Mexicans of Deer Canyon

•             4/22    Creation, Creativity, and God’s Story

•             4/29    The Bible:  It’s What’s For Dinner

 Boy’s Overnighter coming in April! – Don’t miss your chance to hang out with dudes and enjoy paintball, climbing, video games, Movies, and more!  It’s all taking place from 6pm April 20^th until 1pm April 21^st, 2007!  Cost is $30 before April 1 and $40 by April 16^th. Registration info is available in the narthex!  Please contact Andy if you’d like to make this unforgettable event happen!

Girls-Only Retreat April 20-22 at Camp Lutherhaven in Couerd'Alene, ID. It is open to students in 6th-12th grades. Brelin will be the speaker for the weekend and is able to answer any questions you might have. The registration forms are available online! We really need adults to help make this happen --please contact Brelin if you'd like to help!

Interested in spending some time on the trail this summer? – Join us for an informational meeting on summer hiking/backpacking adventures opportunities Sunday Night April 22^nd from 5-5:30pm in the fellowship hall!

DISPLACE ME!!! – Have you seen the film invisible children?  If so, then you already know that over 1.8 million Ugandan refugees were forcibly evicted from their homes and transported to overcrowded camps which now face desperate conditions.  As a result students have brought up the idea of joining the invisible children movement in an act of compassion by choosing to spend a night outside April 28^th.  If you are interested in taking part in the cause, a planning meeting will be held Sunday April 15^th during our First Night Meal.  At that time we’ll discuss if there is interest and adult support for this event to take place.  Adult chaperones will be needed for this event to happen. Feel free to E-mail Andy with any questions.

In need of Service Hours? – Opportunities are available both Saturday April 7^th as we prepare the church grounds for Easter and April 27^th as we help put on a “Fun Arts Night” to raise funds for Sammamish Hills Preschool.  E-mail Andy to get signed up today!  Last day to Register for Fun Arts Night is April 21^st.

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 through providing a meal or taking the time to say hi, consider joining us!  E-mail Andy for more information on how to get involved!

Hey Adults! – Your students need your help!  Life-changing events such as feeding the homeless or 30 hour famine do not happen on their own!  If you can chaperone, provide a meal, drive, or simply pray for HSM students, your impact will be visible!  E-mail Andy or visit the HSM website to learn what you can do to help out!

Other Important Dates:

Winter/Spring Dates:

Holden Youth Weekend – May 25-27^th, 2007
Recognition of Graduating Seniors – June 3^rd, 2007 

Summer Dates:

Family Day at the Mariner’s – June 23^rd, 2007
Be a Counselor in Training (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

Middle School & Confirmation News
Click Above to see more!

By Brelin Rismiller, Director of Middle School
& Confirmation Ministries

WEEKLY MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS & PARENTS…

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!!

Lenten Student Devotionals are available this year for use at home!!  They are a great resource for youth, and promises to help your student understand what the season of Lent is all about—hopefully bringing them closer to Jesus.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETREATS, SERVICE, & FUN SPECIAL EVENTS…

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!!  Registration forms here!!

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!!  Registration information.

Boys Retreat set for April 20^th! Get ready for paintball, gaming, and tons of “man time”.  For more information, talk to Andy Hermanson.  Registration forms are available at the church.

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT set for May 18-19^th.  Get ready for some super fun adventures and great speakers too!!  Registration information available April 1^st.

CONFIRMATION CAMP 2007 will be held July 12-15, and we’d love to have you join us!!  There will be hiking, biking, rock climbing, and all sorts of other adventures!!  For the brochure, click here.

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.

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.

Easter will soon be upon us.  Are you kids and family excited about the upcoming event?  As a child growing up I remember the excitement of waiting for all the candy and goodies that would be laid out in my Easter Basket Sunday morning.  This combined with the joy of searching for hidden eggs in long grass and spending time with my mom and older brother as we decorate eggs in bright colors made the holiday one that I looked forward to every year. 

As adults we understand that Easter is so much more than these fun and delightful activities.  As a child, I believe I thought this in the background of my mind.  I knew there was something special about going to church that morning and I was told that Jesus had risen from the grave.  But what did this mean for me? 

Surrounded by all the hype of the of Easter eggs and candy, it can be a challenge for kids to understand the real reason for this holiday and celebration.  Jesus has given us victory!   This is why we celebrate, the eggs and candy they are just the side show events

To help your kids understand the reason for our celebration, I’d encourage you to spend time with your kids during Holy Week discussing all that Jesus has done  for us.  Jesus’ life and death is the  true Road to Victory.  Each day make time to journey down the Road of Victory with your family by reading Bible passages covering the last week of Jesus’ life before his death.  As you journey together, you will see that Jesus actions this week were very deliberate.  What were the things he did, and how can we learn from them?    Questions like these, and the questions your kids bring up,  will really heighten your experience during your time in prayer, praising and thanking God for sending up his son.  Here is a scripture guide for your to follow during your times together.   

Monday:  Matthew 5:1-12  (Jesus Teaches us about God)
Tuesday:  Matthew 21:1-11 ( The people celebrate Jesus)
Wednesday:  Luke 22:7-20  (The Last Supper)
Thursday:  John 14:1-21 (Jesus encourages his disciples)
Friday:  Luke 22:39-44 (Jesus prays for strength and courage)
Saturday:  Luke 23:32-49 (Jesus dies)
Sunday:  Matthew 28:1-6  (Jesus lives)

Children's Ministry Upcoming Events: 

Mark your Calendars and make sure to get your family involved in these wonderful events.

Palm Sunday Processional:  Sunday April 1st. 

Easter Egg Hunt:  Saturday, April 7th, at 10:30am!  Want to help? We are looking for volunteers to help with running games, crafts, and story-telling, greeting guests, and  filling eggs.  Call 392-7799 for more information.  

Living Cross:  Through his death on the cross we receive new life through Jesus’ Christ.  Amen.  The sadness of Good Friday has turned in joy for all who believe.  Help us create our own living cross on Easter morning by bringing a flower. Flowers are placed on our cross and can be brought  in honor or memory of someone they know. 

Family Fun Activity:  The Seattle Aquarium, April 21st at 12:30 PM

DAWG Pound Preview Day:  April 25th  from 7:00 PM— 8:30 PM

Sunday School Mission Day:  April 15th During Sunday School

Daddy and Me Event, May 5th at 10:30 AM

Vacation Bible School:  Believe it or not,  this summer's awesome Bible school is fast approaching.  VBS will be held at our church from July 16 through the 20^th. 

by Muffie Namie, Director of SHL Preschool

This month, friends and members of this church community have the opportunity to join the ranks of Guardian Angel for SHLP.  On April 27^th at 6 PM we are hosting a “Fun Arts Night” for families and friends wishing to support our preschool scholarship fund!  This special evening will include family art activities, a silent auction and desserts to enjoy – even a Cake Walk for the young and young at heart!   Please mark the date on your calendar and be an angel among us.  All are invited and all are guaranteed to have a great time!

If you are interested in finding a preschool for your 3-5 year old this fall, please call Muffie at 392.7799 ext. 29 as we have a few remaining spots available!

How to Contact a Council Member:

Treasurer:

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