The Season after Pentecost!  Doesn’t that title get you really excited about coming to church?  No?

This year the first Sunday in June is the first Sunday in the Season after Pentecost and this is the longest season in the church year.  This season also tends to be when attendance drops off drastically for Sunday services.  I did a quick poll and found the top five reasons people gave for not coming to church June through August:

5.  Services believed to be cancelled completely

4. Communion bread is only baked in September and starts to get really stale

3.  The instructions for the thermostat were lost years ago and the heat stays on all summer

2. Pr. Will promised to sing Broadway show tunes

and the number one reason given for not coming to church starting in June . . .

1. Sermons are repeats from highest rated services earlier in the year

To clear up the misconceptions, none of those reasons are accurate (Although, if you ask nicely I may break into a chorus of “Oklahoma”).  We still have services at our regular times, the bread is fresh as are the sermons, and we open doors to let the cool air through the sanctuary or turn on the air conditioning for First Night services.

In January I challenged everyone to invite someone to church, so I think summer is the perfect time. After all, when we gather to worship God we are refreshed and refueled for life as God’s children.

See you in church,

Pr. Will

The Gospel Box!

We have an amazing month of worship ahead of us in June.  We’ll feature four different preachers with great hymns and songs of faith.  And this month we want you to get ready to participate in worship in a new way.

In July we will be kicking off our use of the Gospel Box.  What is the Gospel Box, you ask?  The Gospel Box is how we’ll do kid’s church.

Each week we’ll have someone take the box home with the following week’s Gospel inside. As a family, read the Gospel and decide what one item best represents the Gospel for you. Bring the box back the next Sunday and Pr. John, Pr. Will, Andy, Brelin, or Amanda will craft a kid’s sermon based on the Gospel and your one item. 

As you listen to the Gospel in the next few weeks think of what item you would place in the box.  We’ll have a sign-up space on the worship registration form by mid-June.

See you in church!

Click here to read more about worship in June
 

The Mid-Year 2007 Congregational Meeting is set for Sunday, June 24 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.  Primary topics for discussion will be updates on congregational ministries and financials.  Additionally, the nominating committee for 2008 council members and Synod delegates will be discussed.  Copies of the financials, through May, 2007, will be available at the Information Desk in the Narthex beginning Sunday, June 17, and at the meeting.  

We are pleased to report the continuing success of the Partner Congregation program.  As congregations are contacted and become aware of the scholarships that are made available to the youth of their congregations, they are making the commitment to become a Partner Congregation.  It is this partnership that continues to encourage the youth to consider PLU as the college of choice and to make the connection with the university when they are planning for their future.

To date, we have 140 congregations enrolled as Partner Congregations.   We continue to contact those congregations that have expressed interest and are in the process of bringing this to their congregations in the coming months.  Our Partner Congregation program continues to grow at a steady rate and we are pleased with the positive response from the congregations.

Karen Reide
Partner Congregations Coordinator  
 

Offering of Letters 2007: Seeds of Change

ON JUNE 24 TAKE 10 MINUTES TO WRITE A VERY IMPORTANT LETTER. Come downstairs to the Sunday School rooms at 9:30 or 11 AM. Supplies and postage will be provided for adults, teens and kids. Use your citizen’s voice to help hungry people through Bread for the World. See the insert in this newsletter for more information.

The heartland of America. Those "amber waves of grain." The Breadbasket of the World.  A field of cotton, white as snow. These are iconic images of the United States, fittingly. Farmers and rural communities have always served and provided for this country and its people.

The Lord's Prayer, at the heart of Christian faith, includes the appeal that no one should go hungry. Sharing daily bread and the abundant life is what Jesus did, and asks us to do. Love for neighbor is as important as love for God.

In 2007, the U.S. Congress is expected to reauthorize (or renew) the farm bill. This piece of legislation is about farms and farmers, but its scope is even broader than that. It touches everyone in this country—everyone who eats, and especially those who struggle to have enough to eat. Even people outside the United States feel its impact. The farm bill includes vital nutrition safety nets that our government provides for those most in need. It is only renewed every five years, so this is a critical opportunity to fight hunger in the United States and around the world.

Across this country, through Bread for the World's 2007 Offering of Letters, people of faith and conscience will be speaking out for important changes in the farm bill. With much-needed improvements, the farm bill can provide better and broader support for U.S. farmers, strengthen communities in rural America, help hungry people in this country afford a sufficient and nutritious diet, and support the efforts of small-scale farmers in developing countries to sell their crops and feed their families—all things that the current farm bill falls short of doing.

If we want fields ripe for harvest, we must first sow the seeds. Let’s get busy sowing. Seeds of Change: Help Farmers. End Hunger.

 Questions? Please contact Linda Hines (lhines@shlc.org)  425.392.7799 x12.
 

Fall Membership Classes Scheduled

Are you interested in joining Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church? There will be another opportunity this fall. Our Fall Discipleship Sunday will be on December 9, 2007.  Marks of Discipleship classes begin October 14th. You can find out more by visiting www.shlc.org  and clicking on Membership or talk with Pr. Will.
 

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).

Health & Wellness Update:

“Heart Palpitations: Cause for Concern?”

Experiencing frequent episodes of heart palpitations?-- Particularly noticing them at night? You may be reassured to know that this is not an uncommon health complaint, and while they sometimes may be a serious concern, more often than not they are relatively harmless.  Heart palpitations are heartbeat sensations that give one the feeling that your heart is pounding or racing.  You may simply have an unpleasant awareness of your own heartbeat, or it may feel like your own heartbeat may have skipped a beat or simply stopped for a moment. Heart palpitations can also create the sensation of rapid fluttering, and can have either a normal or abnormal rhythm.  Palpitations are often more frequently reported as occurring at night—and can be felt in the chest, throat, and neck as well.  But are these a sign of a serious underlying heart condition? 

Click Here to Read More...
 

Are you a 20 to Mid-30 something looking to meet some fun new people?  Come join us!  Currently we gather on a monthly basis to connect and enjoy a fun activity. Our next gathering is a trip to see the Mariner’s play the Reds on June 23rd! 

It is time to recognize our graduating seniors!  Don’t miss your chance to support our members of the class of 2007 and bless them as they head out into their next stage Sunday, June 3^rd at the 10am service!  The congregation is invited to a reception to mingle with graduates and enjoy cake following the service. 

Ready to play ball? – Join us for a Sammamish Hills Family trip to the Mariner’s June 23^rd starting with a BBQ at the park at 5pm and a game versus the Reds at 7:05pm.  Registration materials are available online, in the church office, or on the table in the Narthex.

Don’t miss Tuesday morning Bible studies this summer! – That’s right we’re hanging out with Jesus and His word this summer on Tuesday mornings at the Eastlake Drive-Thru Starbucks at 10am starting July 10th.  It is a come-when-you-can type of gathering, you won’t want to miss it!

Wild On Wednesday (WOW) events kick off July 11^th! – Join us for the Water Olympics and other great fun this summer every Wednesday night from 7:00-8:30p through August 22^nd!

Interested in spending some time on the trail this summer? – Registration for this summer’s hiking/backpacking adventures has begun.  Join us for an adventure unlike any other as spend 4 nights on the Pacific Coast beach starting July 21^st!  Check out the table in the narthex or our website for complete details.

High school students needed as Confirmation Camp and Vacation Bible School Leaders! – Love having 20 adoring fans clamp on to you and never let go? Love working with your friends as a team? Don’t miss your chance to impact younger generations in their incredible summer ministry opportunities!  E-mail Andy for more info!

Important Summer 2007 Dates:

• SHLC 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 a Water Olympics pool party!

• Be a Counselor in Training at Confirmation Camp (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

• Mission trip to Yakima – July 29^th-August 3^rd, 2007

• Mission trip to China – August 1^st-12^th, 2007

• Family Camp Out – August 17-19^th, 2007

• Annual Church Picnic – August 26, 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…

All of our Year-Long programs have finished up for the year!! We are gearing up for summer, including Summer WOW (Wild On Wednesdays), a new Summer Bible Study, Mission Trips, Confirmation Camp, and even a Family Camp Out!! Please contact Brelin if you have 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 & 9th Grade Parents- June 13th, 7-8:30 pm OR June 24th, 7-8:30 pm

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETREATS, SERVICE, & FUN SPECIAL EVENTS…

MARINERS BASEBALL Family Event on Saturday, June 23rd ! 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 10th.  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.  Students in grades 6-9 can be campers, grades 10-11 can be Counselors In Training, grades 12 and college can be Counselors.  Talk to Brelin if you are not yet registered!!

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.

Greetings in Christ!

First of all I want to say “thank you” for all the prayers and support that my husband and I received as we welcomed our daughter, Courtney Marie into our family on April 5th.  Arriving five weeks early, she was just five pounds, seven ounces at birth.  Soon after her birth, Courtney was admitted to the NICU due to some issues of being premature.   The notes of encouragement, calls, and visits from our church family lifted my husband’s and my spirits during this time.   Courtney was able to come home on April 14th, 8 days after her birth.  She is now doing well and weighing in at eight pounds just one week after her scheduled due date. 

As I’m sure all mothers will attest, bringing a little one home means some major adjustments to life’s schedule. No longer do I have the luxury of free time.  Life revolves around the baby’s needs.  Days are filled with feedings and rocking.  I sleep when she sleeps, and somewhere in between her schedule, I try to squeeze in time for my own meals and a shower.  As I look to our future, I’m becoming more and more convinced that this newborn stage of life is just a precursor to what is yet to come.  As parents, aren’t we always changing our schedule to meet the needs of our children?  Seven years from now, we will have moved on from diaper changes and feedings to school activities, sports teams and other interest groups. 

As I venture into this new stage of life, I’m learning that in order to maintain my sanity, I need to become an expert at prioritizing.   What is really important?  What do I need to spend my time doing?  These are questions that I ask myself.  Do I really need to be cleaning the kitchen after every meal, or is it ok to let it go once or twice? And that project that I was planning on doing, can it wait?   Isn’t spending quality time with my husband and daughter more of a priority to me?  And what about finding time to be alone to pray and read my Bible?  I admit that I’m challenged by this one.  It is so easy to push off time with God for the other things that are demanding our attention. Yet God commands us to put him first in our lives.  After God, we are to love our neighbors (friends, family, acquaintances and people we don’t even know). Funny, I don’t remember reading in the Bible that I’m to vacuum, do the dishes, clean the kitchen or fold laundry.    

As we approach the summer months, I want to invite you and your family to participate in some great opportunities where you can choose to schedule your life around God’s priorities.  I encourage you to spend time weekly as a family doing a devotional.  Check out the children’s ministry newsletter, Networks, for questions, verses and ideas to help aid you in this time.  And what better way to love and get to know your neighbors than by attending some of the great family opportunities sponsored by our church?  This month, I hope you will come to our family outing to a Mariner’s game on June 23rd.  Later in the summer there will be Family Movie Nights, a weekend camping trip, and our annual church picnic in August.  Details for all the events are available in our newsletter or just call the office for more information. 

See you around this summer!

Children’s Ministry Highlights:

Feed My starving Children:  Hey kids, remember to help us support Feed my Starving Children by bringing your offering each week to Sunday School.  With your help we can feed children throughout the world by providing them with nutritious food packages.  During Sunday school our kids will learn about our group project supporting the work of Feed My Starving Children who distributes nutritious food packages to children throughout the world.  We will continue to collect offerings for this until June 10th.  Our goal is to collect over $300. 

Vacation Bible School: Believe it or not, this summer's awesome Bible school is fast approaching.  Parents, plan to sign your children up for Avalanche Ranch.  Kids will love the wild adventures, awesome crafts, cool songs and fun games associated with this year’s program.  The celebration begins soon.  Register your children today! Forms are located in the narthex, at the church office, or online at www.shlc.org

AVALANCHE RANCH DATES:  July 16th— 20th

Main Program:  4 years by June 1st to 5th Grade (September) 9:00 am— noon

Preschool:  2-3 year olds 9-11:00 am (11-noon free play) Parent participation required.

Be a Ranch Volunteer!  Children from our church and throughout our community will be impacted as they hear the gospel message and participate in exciting, hands-on activities at this summer’s VBS.  Teens, parents, grandparents, join the volunteer team and become a part of this reach-out opportunity!  .  Many positions and opportunities are available for students age 12 years to adult, so whether you can give 2 hours one day, or want to be part of the entire adventure, we can use you!  Here is a list of just a few opportunities:  Crew Guide, Bible Teacher, Crafts, Supply Shopper, Snack Crew, Room Preparations, and Decorations.  Want more information?  Contact Amanda or Kristine Meyer.  Volunteer Registration materials can be found on our church’s web site, in the narthex or in the church office. 

Mariners Game:  Join us as the Mariners take on the Reds!!  Starting at 5:00pm we will gather in the stadium for a tasty catered BBQ dinner overlooking Safeco Field.  While we wait for the game to start, we will have super fun activities for you and your family to participate in.  For registration information, contact Andy at ahermanson@shlc.org.

 Family Camping Trip:  Come and join us as we take in a weekend of outdoor fun and fellowship at Mossy Rock Park.  The weekend will be packed with wonderful activities for you and your family.  So whether you just want to relax by the campfire or are the active type who loves games, boating or hiking you’ll find it all here.  No experience is necessary but be prepared to have a great time, meet new friends, make memories to last a lifetime.  Pick up a brochure in the lobby, the church office or download it online.  Registrations due August 5th.  Space is limited, so don’t delay.  

Sunday School Year End Celebration: Mark your calendars for June 17th.  As the last day of Sunday School we will be hosting a mini-party, celebrating what we have learned, and honoring our teachers.  (Thanks for a great year!)  Plan on coming for your normal Sunday School hour for this time of games, great treats and more.  Parents, want to help by bringing a snack?  Contact Amanda to sign up. 

by Muffie Namie, Director of SHL Preschool

Summer is almost here and the preschool classrooms have grown quiet now that classes are finished for the 2006-07 school year.  But even though the classes may be empty the staff and Preschool Ministry Team of SHLP are “busy as bees” gearing up for a wonderful new school year with great excitement for what God holds for this ministry of SHLC this coming Fall.  In May we said goodbye to 30+ very special children who are graduating to the ranks of Kindergarten this September and we also said goodbye to some very special staff members – Miss Christina, our Music and Movement teacher and Miss Kathy, our 3’s assistant.  We are grateful for their impact on this school and for the time we had with them as they shared their love of Jesus and their hearts for kids with us all.  We are currently in the process of hiring for several positions within the school that will enable us to continue to provide the best possible Christian preschool program that Sammamish Hills Church could hope to offer this community! If you are interested in learning about our Music and Movement and support positions, please contact Muffie Namie, Director at 425.392.7799 ext. 29 for more information.  As always, we thank you for your encouraging prayer support as we work to prepare your preschool for a fresh start this September! 

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