Greetings in Christ!  When you examine the gifts God has given you, do you see scarcity or abundance?  Here’s another way to put this: at the end of the day, when you add up blessings and woes, do you feel at peace or anxious?  Unfortunately, for all too many of us, the answer isn’t “at peace.”  There seems to be something built into us as humans that keeps us from celebrating the abundance of gifts God showers upon us each day.

Early in the month of May, Pr. Mike Breen will be with us to talk about the abundance that is ours as disciples of Christ.  Perhaps you or someone you know could benefit from experiencing what Mike has to share with us.  There will be two general opportunities, one will be a public rally we’re sponsoring Wednesday, May 9^th, in the sanctuary, from 7:30-9:00p.  Great music, solid teaching, and one of the most effective communicators I’ve worked with will all be yours if you’ll join in that night.  The next opportunity will be Sunday, May 13^th, at all the morning services.  Invite a friend, bring them to hear the Gospel.  Their life, and yours might well be changed.

NEXT…in another week our long-time Records Specialist Paula Brown will be taking an extended leave of absence.  Taking time to “abide,” away from the normal routines of daily life can be a fruitful pursuit.  In Paula’s case, we wish her good rest and creative abiding in Christ while she is away. 

 Later this month I, too, will be walking away for awhile, to be precise, through early July.  It turns out that almost every time I tried to go away last year, something happened to preclude my absence.  Therefore, there is now a fair amount of accumulated vacation time that needs to be used.  In my case, the abiding time will be used to start the remodel of our home.  Carpentry is something I enjoy, and in the months to follow there will be plenty of opportunity for that enjoyment. 

One of the primary reasons Cheri and I are remodeling is a sense of call to open our house as a gathering space for God’s people in fellowship.  If we are to be a community church, we must first be a community ourselves.  How will you offer your home as a place for building this community of disciples?  Whom will you invite?

See you in Church!

John LaMunyon
Lead Pastor

Welcome to the great Fifty Days of Easter, for Christians celebrate Easter not just as a day, or a week, but, a “week of weeks.”  On the fiftieth day is the celebration of Pentecost.  So, May begins with the continuation of our shouts of “Alleluia!  Christ is risen!” and ends with the gift of the Spirit and birth of the Acts Church at Pentecost.  An exciting month which even features a dynamic guest preacher. 

The last time Mike Breen was at Sammamish Hills, he proposed hanging a rope swing in the sanctuary to illustrate God “swinging out” to meet us, crossing the gap of brokenness.  Who knows what he’ll propose this time, but, you’ll want to be here May 13^th to see for yourself.

Come, join in the Great Fifty Days of Easter.  Experience for yourself the mighty rush of the Spirit wind at Pentecost.  Then go, live in the light of Christ and the power of the Spirit.

Click here to read more about worship in May

Want to Get in on an Exciting Project on the Ground Floor?

At the January Annual Meeting, a resolution was approved to form two study groups to investigate 1) the potential of a Bookstore/Coffee Shop in the current Fellowship Hall location and 2) to determine what added Facilities would be needed to replace the Fellowship Hall and accommodate growth.

Volunteers are needed to create these two very different but overlapping groups.  The Bookstore/Coffee Shop study group will be more business start-up focused and the Facilities team will gather needs and dreams from all parts of the Congregation to come up with potential approaches. 

If you have the ability to fill the roll of Dreamer, Realist or Critic as part of one of these study groups that could shape the future of SHLC, please contact Pastor John at the church office or Tom Ryan by e-mail at tomgryan@msn.com or by telephone at 425-837-0670.

Interested in a little fly fishing?  On great water?  With moose nearby?  August 31 to September 3^rd Pr. John and Michael Peterson will be hosting a congregational fly fishing trip to the North Fork of the Clearwater River in the region of the northern Idaho Panhandle.  Cost will be gas, community food, nonresident license, campground fees, and lost flies…  Any and all are invited.  The area features a variety of offerings, including a protected native Cutthroat stream. 

Breakfast and Dinner will be as a community, with Pr. John as camp cook.  Michael is a certified fly fishing instructor and will happily offer lessons free of charge! 

For more information, contact either Michael (mtp1032@comcast.net) or Pr. John (prjohn@shlc.org).

An Evening in China- Silent Auction and Cultural Evening Supporting the China Mission Trip!

China? That’s right! This summer Sammamish Hills is sending 5 adults and 3 students abroad to share the love of Jesus with those living in China’s Sichuan Province. Although many parts of the trip are coming together, funds are still needed in order to provide for airfare for the team.

You are invited to join us on May 19th for an opportunity to come and experience Chinese culture, learn about the community SHLC’s team will be ministering to, and participate in a silent auction. It’s all happening beginning at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are available in the Narthex, church office, and from members of the mission team. Tickets are $20 a person.

Free Film and Popcorn May 20, 6PM. What would your days be like if tomorrow you started living on minimum wage— or less? Many families are just a few paychecks away from joining the “working poor”. In 30 Days: Living on Minimum Wage experience the day-to-day choices facing you about food, clothing, healthcare, shelter. Then join a discussion with a local business representative about the issues facing employers in setting wages, and a HOPELINK leader whose charity assists the increasing number of working poor in our area. Consider ways you can reach out to this often overlooked but growing segment of our population.

Health & Wellness Update:

“Simple Strategies for Stress Management”

Stressful events are a fact of life, but you can take steps to manage the impact of these events on your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.  Last month we explained the ways in which chronic stress affects our bodies, and our overall lives.  This month we want to explore some ways to minimize those stressful situations that we can control—while sharing some strategies to maintain our physical and emotional health when facing events out of our control.

First and foremost remember that stress is more likely to have the upper hand if we are not taking care of ourselves.  Self-care is not a selfish endeavor—but is a necessary strategy for survival.

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 with AWAKEN Sunday Nights in May! – We’re kicking off with dinner starting at 5:30pm and heading to the sanctuary for fun, teaching, and worship!  Here’s what’s coming up this month:

•             5/6       Adopt-a-road service project

•             5/13    Teaching Night: Choosing to learn from God!

•             5/20    Reel Life Film Series

•             5/27    No AWAKEN

Interested in spending some time on the trail this summer? – Registration for this summer’s hiking/backpacking adventures has begun.  Check out the table in the narthex or our website for complete details.

In need of Service Hours? – Opportunities are available on Sunday evening May 6^th and throughout the summer. 

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! 

Hey Adults! – Your students need your help!  Life-changing events such as feeding the homeless or 30 hour famine, or Holden retreats 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! 

Other Important Dates:

Winter/Spring Dates:

Adopt-a-road service project – May 6^th, 2007
Holden Youth Weekend – May 25-27^th, 2007

Summer Dates:

Family Day at the Mariner’s – June 23^rd, 2007
Tuesday Morning Summer bible study kicks off July 10^th at 10am
Wild on Wednesday events kick off July 11^th with Water Olympics Pool Party!
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 

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!!

Parent Meetings coming in June!
For Current 5th Grade Parents- June 10th, 7-8:30 pm OR June 27th, 7-8:30 pm
For Current 6th Grade Parents- June 11th, 7-8:30 pm OR June 26th, 7-8:30 pm
For Current 7th Grade Parents- June 12th, 7-8:30 pm OR June 25th, 7-8:30 pm
For Current 8th Grade Parents- June 13th, 7-8:30 pm OR June 24th, 7-8:30 pm

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETREATS, SERVICE, & FUN SPECIAL EVENTS…

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT set for May 18-19^th.  Get ready for some super fun adventures and great speakers too!  We are having a 70’s themed retreat this year, including bell bottoms, afro wigs, and a roller skating party!  We’ll be staying at Sambica. Registration information is available in the church office.

MARINERS BASEBALL Family Event on Saturday, June 23^rd ! Join us for all kinds of church family fun!

WILD ON WEDNESDAY SUMMER EVENTS begin July 11!!  Get ready for water games, softball game & bbq, world’s largest ice cream sundae, movie nights, and bigger or better scavenger hunts!!  Grab all your friends, and join us for fun this summer!

SUMMER BIBLE STUDY on Tuesday mornings beginning July 10^th.  This is a study open to middle school and high school students.  Groups will be formed based on the number of students who sign up.  For more information, talk to Brelin.

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.

FAMILY CAMP OUT dates are August 17-19. Mark your calendars now!!

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.

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.  Click here for registration information

by Muffie Namie, Director of SHL Preschool

Goodbyes are not easy, especially when you dearly love and treasure those you have to say goodbye to!  The end of May marks the finale of our 2006-07 school year at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool.  This year we have the privilege to watch as 30 of our precious 4 1/2 and 5 year olds graduate to the ranks of Kindergarteners in the fall!  It’s this time of year when we experience what a mother bird must feel as she watches her little one’s take flight and soar with the wings that have grown strong and sure while in her protective and loving nest.  We are blessed to share this part of the growth process in preschooler’s lives every year and we are equally blessed to take part in their “launching” as they take the next big step.

As believers in Christ’s teaching we know that our lives are eternal and when we are finished with our time on earth we are promised a life to continue with God in heaven.  So, no matter when we say “goodbye” we know in truth that it is really only “so long, until we meet again!”   We finish this year grateful to know that we truly are saying “so long, until we meet again” to our 30 little friends and so the ending is a whole lot easier to endure (though you may see a teary Director and teacher and or two)!

The Ministry Team of SHLP is also saying “so long” to our very own Margaret Rosenow who has volunteered her expertise and gifts in the leadership and guidance of this very important ministry to children and families for over 9 years!  We will deeply miss Margaret’s thoughtful and knowledge based guidance and we wish her God’s best as she pursues God’s plan for her future!

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:

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

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