non sammamish hills th lutheran hurh - shlc.org · rame, john schleg, eric singsaas, and rick wong....
TRANSCRIPT
July 2019
Sammamish Hills LUTHERAN CHURCH
THE NINE ESSENTIALS
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against such things.
St. Paul, Galatians 5:22-23
I was a backpacking rookie spending the week with a group of high school
students, a couple of camp counselors and another pastor. Our group had been hiking
for several days. As we stood at the bottom of a series of switchbacks on a trail that
seemed to go up and up forever, I wondered what was in store for us.
As we began our ascent, I found myself questioning whether or not I would make it to the summit.
The higher we went, the wearier I was. As we made our way up the mountain, I found myself wondering two
things: First, what in the world was I thinking when I signed on for this trip? And, second, I don’t know if I
can make it to the summit. After a couple of hours, we finally made it to the top. The exuberance, the sheer
joy of accomplishment was amazing. Thanks to the grace of God and the encouragement of my fellow
travelers, one step at a time, I’d made the grade.
I thought about my first backpack trip while reading a recent issue of the Seattle Times Pacific NW
magazine and Ron Judd’s “Ten Essentials” for wilderness survival. (“Prepared To Be Really Prepared,” May
5, 2019.) Mr. Judd engages in winsome wordplay as he describes the various editions of the ten essentials
beginning with “The Classic Ten Essentials” (King James Whittaker Standard Version) followed by “Ten
Essentials: Freedom 9” List (New Revised International Version) and his personal list of the “Missing Ten
Essentials” (Judd Revised Standard Version) a list which includes “your stupid phone, anti-inflammatories,
chocolate, your passwords, and a fire log.”
After reviewing “The Classic Ten Essentials” (map, compass, sunglasses, sunscreen, extra clothing,
headlamp or flashlight, first-aid supplies, fire starter, matches, knife and extra food) and reflecting on my
own backpacking adventures, I found myself thinking about St. Paul’s “Nine Essentials,” the fruit of the
Spirit.
In his letter to the church in Galatia, Paul argues for a grace centered, Spirit-led life in Christ that
stands in stark contrast to the legalistic life advocated by his opponents. In a searing passage where St.
Paul warns against the works of the flesh (e.g. impurity, idolatry, enmities, strife, quarrels, dissension,
factions, etc.) he affirms lives made fruitful by the gift and presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Message translation gets at the heart of what this life looks like: What happens when we live
God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like
affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense
of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find
ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct
our energies wisely.
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SAMMAMISH HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH
22818 SE 8th STREET
SAMMAMISH, WA 98074
Letter From Interim Pastor Larry
Council President’s Corner Church Council President: Bob Hawkinson
Greetings! At the Congregational Meeting on June 2nd the Congregation voted on three
important items; all passed. If you couldn’t attend here’s a recap.
1) Vote to accept the Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church Vision Statement, updated
Mission Statement, and Core Values. The Vision Statement and Core Values/Guiding
Principles were new; the Mission Statement existed previously but was adjusted slightly in
two places in the middle. The full text of all three was included in the May 2019 newsletter and is
available on the SHLC website or upon request from the Church office.
2) Vote to accept the 2019 revised edition of the Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church Constitution and
Continuing Resolutions and Bylaws. Our Constitution now conforms fully with the latest ELCA Model
Constitution. No material language changes were made, rather updates to organization and
formatting. For example, SHLC-specific Continuing Resolutions and Bylaws were moved from the
Constitution document to separate Continuing Resolutions and Bylaws document, both dated 2019.
3) Vote to elect a full, nine-member Call Committee to continue the process of selecting our next lead
Pastor; namely, Larry Cleeton, Mim Henderson, Shelley Holmes, Harlan Knapp, Kayla Miles, Carolee
Rame, John Schleg, Eric Singsaas, and Rick Wong. I’m humbled by this team’s talent, diversity and
willingness to serve, please keep them in your prayers.
None of the above would be possible without you. I’m grateful for the many ways you support the mission
and ministries of Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church and am excited for our continued journey together.
Blessings, Bob
July 2, 9, 16 & 30: Open Play 9:30-11:30a
July 4 & 5: OFFICE CLOSED
July 4: Fourth of July Parking Lot Fundraiser
July 7, 9, 14, 21 & 28: Senior High Youth Group 7p
July 9: Council Meeting 6:30p
July 16: Women’s Fellowship Group 6:30p
JULY 22-26: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
July 23: Clink! 7p
July 24: Middle School Youth Night 6:30-8:30p
August 4, 11, 18 & 25 : Senior High Youth Group 7p
August 6, 13 & 20: Open Play 9:30-11:30a
August 7: Middle School Youth Night 6:30-8:30p
August 8-11: Fishers of Fish & Folks Trip
August 13: Council Meeting 6:30p
August 20: Women’s Fellowship Group 6:30p
August 25: 11am Annual Beaver Lake Picnic with Grace
Chinese at the Beaver Lake Pavilion
August 27: Clink! 7p
September 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: Senior High Youth Group 7p
September 2: Office Closed / Labor Day
September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Open Play 9:30-11:30a
September 4, 11, 18 & 25: Morning Bible Study 9:30a
September 4, 11, 18 & 25: Evening Bible Study 7p
September 5, 12, 19 & 26: Choir Rehearsal 7:30p
September 8: Rally Sunday
September 8: Welcome Back Brunch
September 9, 16, 23 & 30: Quilting Ministry 10a-2p
September 10: Council Meeting 6:30p
September 15: Sunday School Orientation and First Day
September 15: Faith 5 Night 5-7p
September 17: Women’s Fellowship Group 6:30p
September 18: Men’s Breakfast 6:30a
September 24: Clink! 7p
September 20: XYZ Luncheon 12p
September
17
Vacation Bible
School
July
22-26
Rally Sunday & Welcome Back Brunch
September
8
Fishers of Fish & Folks Trip
August
8-11
Annual Beaver Lake Picnic
August
25
Parking Lot Fundraiser
July
4
SAMMAMISH
HILLS SUMMER
TIME OPEN PLAY
Join us for Open Play every Tuesday from
9:30-11:30am in the Fellowship Hall.
During the summertime we host open play
on the church playground, weather
permitting. This program is for children
ages 0–5 years. Children must be
accompanied by a parent or caregiver. A
$1 per child donation is suggested at the
door.
We will NOT be hosting Open Play
July 23rd due to Vacation Bible School
Letter From Interim Pastor Larry Cont’d
These nine Spirit essentials personify the life Jesus led and the shape of what following Jesus looks
like as we live life with God and others. At our loved and loving best, these Spirit-born essentials enable us to
live out our days in a manner that reflects how Jesus says others will know we’re his disciples: by our love for
each other.
The summer months of July and August provide us with joyous opportunities for travels, trips and
getaways. As you prepare yourselves for your travels, chances are you’ll be making lists and checking them
twice making sure you have all the essentials for whatever adventures you have in store. Here or there, as you
celebrate and savor the wonders of God’s creation and the gifts of others, remember to be mindful of and put
into practice St. Paul’s nine essentials: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. There is no law against such things. Like Mr. Judd says, we need to prepare, to be
really prepared.
Larry Thomas, Interim Pastor
WWW.SHLC.ORG | 425-392-7799 | PASTORAL EMERGENCY 425-392-7799 x28 WWW.SHLC.ORG | 425-392-7799 | PASTORAL EMERGENCY 425-392-7799 x 28
Financials Alison Carpenter
[email protected] | 425-392-7799, ext. 23
AUTOMATE YOUR GIVING
Are you interested in automating your giving to
Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church? Through
the Simply Giving Program your gifts are made
through a preauthorized withdrawal from your
bank account or credit card. Forms can be
downloaded from the church website
(www.shlc.org/stewardship), picked up from the
sanctuary pew racks or the church office.
Completed forms should be returned to the
church office. Questions? Please contact Alison.
PASTORAL CARE Interim Pastor
Larry Thomas, [email protected] | ext. 13
Mission Developer
Wendy Cheung, [email protected]
FAITH FORMATION THROUGH THE AGES
Sunday School
Jessica Stan, [email protected] | ext. 15
Children’s Ministry Director
Jessica Stan, [email protected] | ext. 15
Preschool Director
Kristine Meyer, [email protected] | 425-698-5777
Student Ministries Director
Anna Morris, [email protected] | ext. 16
Adult Ministries
Larry Thomas, [email protected] | ext. 13
MUSIC & WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Music Director
Sungjoon Lee, [email protected] |ext. 14
2019 CHURCH COUNCIL President: Bob Hawkinson
Vice President: Linda Saddler
Secretary: Renee Baker
TREASURER
Abbey Abekah
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Natalie Glesener
Steve Absalonson
Courtney Nutter Elsos
Canara Callin
Nick Lam
Stan Adams
SUPPORT TEAM
Parish Records Specialist
Alison Carpenter, [email protected] | ext. 23
Administrative Assistant
Aleta Pritchard, [email protected] | ext. 11
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office Phone: 425-392-7799 Website: www.shlc.org
Office Hours: Mon-Thur 9a-4p | Fri 9a-3p
Prayer Request: [email protected]
PAGE 10 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better
$48,570
$234,947
$38,850
$230,470
$-
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
May Year to date 2019
OfferingsActuals Vs Budget
Actuals Budget
WWW.SHLC.ORG WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 3
Children’s Ministry Director of Children’s Ministry: Jessica Stan
[email protected] | 425-392-7799, ext. 15
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, JULY 22-26. REGISTRATION MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE!
We are going to explore where God’s power can take us as we go on a mission: To Mars
and Beyond. Our theme verse is Ephesians 3:20, “Glory to God who is able to do far
beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us!”
TO REGISTER ONLINE GO TO WWW.SHLC.ORG
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE TEAM! Church was always my second home as a child. It was the place where my best friends were,
where I was able to share my skills and talents, where I learned the value of service and a place
where I learned more about Jesus. More than the sermons and the lessons, what made me
into the person I am today is the people who knew me, loved me, and shared life with me.
Some of the most influential of those people were my Sunday School teachers.
I would like to invite you to join our team of Sunday Morning teachers and helpers. We get the
opportunity to play, laugh, create, learn, and explore faith with an incredible group of kids.
Please let me (Jessica Stan) know if you are interested in joining our wonderful team. Not only
will you make a difference and impact kids, but you will grow and be impacted in the process!
SAMMAMISH OPEN PLAY Join us for Open Play every Tuesday from 9:30 - 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall. This program
is for children ages 0–5 years. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. A $1
per child donation is suggested at the door.
GOOD SAMARITAN FUND IN NEED OF DONATIONS The Good Samaritan Fund consists of monies donated to alleviate human need and
suffering within our congregation and community. Monies are distributed at the discretion
of the pastors for a wide range of needs including groceries, prescription drugs, and
gasoline, to name a few. This fund allows us to be good neighbors and witnesses on a regular basis for
those who walk through our doors seeking assistance. If you would like to contribute to the Good Samaritan
Fund please contact our Records Specialist, Alison Carpenter at ([email protected]).
INFORMATION/HOSPITALITY DESK - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED If you enjoy helping and talking with people, we need you to join our Information/Hospitality
Desk "welcome" team. Training and informational pamphlets are provided. The commitment is
once every 4-5 weeks from 9:45 AM until 10:00 AM on Sunday morning. A letter and schedule is
sent to all volunteers every 3 months. Substitutes are available if you are unable to make it on
the date of your commitment. If you are interested, please contact Iris Kubler, Hospitality/Information Desk
Volunteer Team Leader at (425) 241-5003 or [email protected].
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR NEWLY ELECTED
CALL COMMITTEE
Larry Cleeton
Mim Henderson
Shelley Holmes
Harlan Knapp
Kayla Miles
Carolee Rame
John Schleg
Eric Singsaas
Rick Wong
PAGE 4 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better
Ministry of the Month LUTHER’S TABLE
Luther’s Table….a place to:
Raise a glass
Share a meal
Engage the arts
Change the world
These are the foundations of Luther’s Table existence. We continue to offer such a place in our eigth year,
thanks so wonderful and faithful support such as Sammamish Hills Lutheran. Your support and partnership is
so valued and essential as we move forward.
Since our last report to Sammamish Hills, we’ve been busy with all kinds of community building events. The
Advent “Beer and Carols” continues to be a SRO (standing room only) event. You must join us some Tuesday
evening in December! In March of 2018, we had our first Spring Sing a Long! It featured favorite hymns, praise
songs, camp songs and some social conscious songs of the 60’s and 70’s. A huge development in 2018 we
saw much more kids here from the high school, It’s not uncommon to see 30-40 kids here for lunch and after
school. This is something we’ve been working on and praying for, for years.
Our “Warm Up Coffee” program continues, and we have seen some of our friends who have no home show up
for our evening activities as well. Community at its best!
Our staff continues to be composed entirely of volunteers, (except for our cook and manager). They are firm
believers in our mission of service and building tolerance in the community. If you are interested in
volunteering, we would love to talk to you! Summer is a difficult time to staff so if you are available especially
on Saturdays, morning or evening come on down!
We love being a place to host deep conversations – theological or philosophical, over a drink or a meal.
Kim Unti Luther’s Table Board Member
LEARN HOW TO BAKE COMMUNION BREAD If you are currently a baker of communion bread, or, would like to learn how, visit our
website home page www.shlc.org and scroll to the bottom to find our communion bread
recipe and current communion bread sign up to see if you can help! A great thanks goes
to all who continue to baking our Communion Bread for Sammamish Hills Lutheran
Church worship services!
SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, August 25th is the Church Picnic with Grace Chinese Lutheran Church at the
Beaver Lake Park Pavillion. We will have an 11am worship service followed by a
picnic lunch in partnership with the members of Grace Chinese Lutheran of
Sammamish and Shoreline. Mark the date, bring a few friends!
EMAIL US TODAY AT [email protected] AND LET US KNOW WHAT
MAINTENANCE ITEMS WE CAN ADD TO OUR SAMMAMISH HILLS
LUTHERAN CHURCH FIX-IT LIST!!
WWW.SHLC.ORG WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 9
TIDY TEAM Join our team to clean up cookies after the 10:45am worship service. We are looking for two people
to help with this fun and easy way to serve. Please contact Christy Elves at [email protected].
WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP GROUP Women of all ages are invited to join us! We will meet next on Tuesday, July 16th from
6:30-8:30pm at the home of Lisa Yaple to share a meal, fellowship and prayer. For more
information, please contact Tara Balderson ([email protected] or 253-279-1579).
MEALS MINISTRY - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Do you like to cook? Do you enjoy baking? What about shopping for pre-made meals? The Meals
Ministry team is looking to grow our pool of volunteers and we'd love to have you join our team.
To sign up, or for more information, reach out to Nichole Kurz at [email protected].
Monthly adult gatherings will continue through the summer with monthly Clink! meetings
at Big Block Brewery happening next at 7:00pm Tuesday, July 23rd .
FISHERS OF FISH & FOLKS FLY FISHING RETREAT Our church’s fly-fishers will retreat again to Rock Creek near Missoula, MT to fish, study scripture, eat, and
have a great time together. Dates this year are August 8th-11th. We’ll help you learn the ropes. This trip is
open to all. To register or for more information please contact Kevin Ostendorf at
CALLING ALL INSTRUMENTALISTS AND VOCALISTS! Are you ready to be a part of the music here at Sammamish Hills? If you are interested in singing
in the choir, being a guest singer or instrumentalist for any musical event at Sammamish Hills
Lutheran Church, please email our Music Director, Sung Lee at [email protected].
Music Ministry Music Ministry Director: Sung Lee
[email protected] | 425-392-7799, ext. 14
I t is July! As we enter into 2nd half of the year, may each day bring you closer to the
completion of your plan for 2019.
I want to say “thank you” to our choir and instrumentalists who participated in our music ministry for 8:45am
service this past season (2018-2019). It’s been truly a pleasure to work with all of you. Your dedication is
inspiring. I hope the choir members are having a well-deserved summer break. For some Sundays, the absence
of the choir will be filled with various styles of special music such as solo voice, small group vocals or
instrumental ensembles etc.
Our worship band for the contemporary service (10:45am) will continue to play with various worship songs and
leaders. I am always grateful to play with our wonderful musicians, and also welcome new musicians and
singers who have recently joined us.
Do you also play an instrument and interested in playing with the band or the choir? We always welcome you!
Therefore, if you have a desire to be involved in the music ministry, please feel free to speak with me. We should
be able to find the perfect place for you and your gifts in the music ministry at SHLC. Please prayerfully consider
offering your voice and your abilities, so that together we can create beautiful art that is encouraging, inspiring,
and worshipful.
PAGE 8 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better WWW.SHLC.ORG WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 5
STUDENT MINISTRY It’s July! Summer is on – plenty of sun, lots of time to spend with friends and family, and a break from the
stresses of school and classes. Student ministries are about to go to Guatemala with a great group of High
School students, Vacation Bible School is still welcoming students to act as station leaders and counselors, and
we are also counting down the days until our Confirmation Camp – Shoshone!! We look forward to having you all
as a part of all this summer fun!
Thursday, July 4th – 4th of July Parking Fundraiser!! 4-10p, Parking Lot
This is our last fundraiser to help our group going to Guatemala City, Guatemala! Even if you do not
volunteer, I hope that you plan to park your vehicle at SHLC for the night’s festivities and consider
donating to help our students be a part of God’s hands in the world – building relationships with families
and students in Guatemala City. Parking is open starting at 4p and is $5.
July 22nd-26th – Vacation Bible School, 9a-12p, starting in the Sanctuary
We can always use more hands to help lead Vacation Bible School. We need students to be group
guides, station leaders, worship leaders, and more – so if you have an interest, talk to Jessica Stan:
Thursday, August 1st – Sunday, August 4th, Shoshone Base Camp
Shoshone Registrations are still available!
Join us this year for another great weekend at Shoshone Base Camp in Idaho! The theme is “Meet God”
and we will talk about how God makes an appearance in some of life’s disruptions. Make sure you
register before July 6th or talk to Anna!
MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRIES – Coming up! Wednesday, July 24th – Middle School Youth Night!
Join some of your confirmation friends to catch up! We will be making our way to the Farmer’s Market for
shaved ice, baked goods, kettle corn, etc. After that, we will either throw a Frisbee around or wander
down to the lower commons! Come catch up and hang out!
HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRIES – Coming up! Sunday, July 7th and 14th – NO Youth Group
Anna will be gone for the Guatemala trip on the 7th and just returning on the 14th. Feel free to make your
own Sunday Night Youth Group plans and I will look forward to seeing you when we are back!
Sunday, July 21st and 28th – High School Youth Group, Fellowship Hall, 7-9p (Summer Hours!)
Summer Hours are finally upon us! With the longer days, we have more time on Sunday evening to enjoy
the sun and each other’s company. Plan for lots of time at the commons (eating fries, playing Frisbee,
catching pokemon, or going to the playground) and lots of laughs as you destress from a busy school
year.
GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP We are off to Guatemala City on July 6th!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the support you have given to the students and adults going to
Guatemala this summer. All the fundraisers you have participated in and prayers you have said
have given us a great foundation for our experience and we will be so glad to share it with you after
we return on the 14th.
Student Ministry Student’s Ministry Director: Anna Morris
[email protected] | 425-392-7799, ext. 16
Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool
Preschool Director: Kristine Meyer
[email protected] | 425-392-7799, ext. 29 or 425-698-5777
I t is July and it is very quiet around the preschool! I pray that our preschool families are
enjoying their abiding time together without the rush and worry of getting up each day
for school. I also pray that our preschool teachers are finding renewal in their time away
from school with their own families and activities.
WE HAVE A FEW OPENINGS STILL
Mommy and Me: Wednesday 9:30-11:15
Must be 18 months by Aug. 31 2019
Older 2’s: T/TH 9:30-11:30
Must be 2 ½ by August 31 2019
Pre-K: M/W/F optional TH 9:15-12:15
Must by 4 by August 31, 2019
Older Pre-K: M/T/W/TH 9:15-12:15
Must be 4 by March, 31 2019
Call or email me to schedule a tour!
425-698-5777 [email protected]
You can also check us out at www.shlpreschool.org for more information.
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE TEAM! Church was always my second home as a child. It was the place where my best friends
were, where I was able to share my skills and talents, where I learned the value of service
and a place where I learned more about Jesus. More than the sermons and the lessons,
what made me into the person I am today is the people who knew me, loved me, and shared life with me.
Some of the most influential of those people were my Sunday School teachers.
I would like to invite you to join our team of Sunday Morning teachers and helpers. We get the opportunity to
play, laugh, create, learn, and explore faith with an incredible group of kids. Please let me (Jessica Stan)
know if you are interested in joining our wonderful team. Not only will you make a difference and impact
kids, but you will grow and be impacted in the process!
BREAD OF LIFE TEAM The Bread of Life Team meets once a month (most of the year), to bake breads, caramel rolls
and other yummy treats. We support the Youth by helping bake for their fundraiser breakfast,
help lead the baking on Day of Service, and hold other baking events. Any teens or adults
interested in joining in the fun? No experience necessary. Contact Barb Graf at
PLUM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION Any active member of Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church who is attending Pacific
Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington is eligible to apply for this scholarship.
The value is determined by the church council and can be up to $1,000. This amount is then matched by
PLU, thus doubling its value. Also, if you are a full time student and attending another Lutheran University
that has a matching program, please submit an application from your school. For more information, contact
Alison Carpenter [email protected]. or 425-392-7799 x 23) or fill out the PLUM application on the PLU
website (www.plu.edu/admission) and submit it to the church office. The deadline is July 15, 2019.
Park at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church on July 4th Help the youth on their last fundraiser for Guatemala
WWW.SHLC.ORG WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 7
Worship During July
Sunday, July 7th The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Readings: Galatians 6:1-10, Luke 10:1-11)
Jesus didn’t go it alone. He was always on the lookout for others to pitch in and help out with the mission of
the kingdom of God. Jesus recruited twelve disciples and routinely invited others to join him in sharing the
good news. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus steps it up: he “appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead
of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go.” His instructions were clear and
concise: cure the sick and say to them, “the kingdom of God has come near to you.” If and when the local
townsfolk didn’t roll out the welcome mat, Jesus instructed his advance teams to shake the dust off their feet
and move on. Apparently, Jesus was prepared for rejection; he wanted his disciples to be ready to be rejected
too; and to be quick to move on.
Sunday, July 14th The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
(Readings: Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37)
A lawyer wanted to “test” Jesus so he asked him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked the
lawyer what he had read in the law. The lawyer answered by reciting the “great commandment” concluding
with the admonition to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus affirmed his answer and that appeared to be the
end of it. Wanting to justify himself, the lawyer had a follow up question: “Who is my neighbor?” That’s when
Jesus told the parable about “The Good Samaritan.” As he concluded the parable, Jesus asked the lawyer a
question: Which one of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the
robbers? The lawyer said, “the one who showed mercy.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” I think Jesus
passed the test with flying colors.
Sunday, July 21st The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
(Readings: Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42)
The Rev. Kirby Unti, Bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA will be our guest preacher and
presider at worship today. Rev. Unti will conclude his six-year term as our bishop on July 31, 2019.
Sunday, July 28th The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Readings: Colossians 2:6-14, Luke 11:1-13)
Whether you call them daily devotions or spiritual practices, bread for the day or daily manna, Christians of
every time and place have found that beginning the day by reading God’s word and offering prayers is
essential to living lives of faith, hope, and love. In response to his disciples’ request, Jesus led the first school
of prayer beginning with what has come to be known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” The wording isn’t quite like our
current translations, but it is the cornerstone of all Christian prayer.
REV. SHELLEY BRYAN WEE ELECTED BISHOP OF THE ELCA NORTHWEST
WASHINGTON SYNOD ON MAY 19, 2019 The Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee was elected May 19, 2019 to serve a six-year term as bishop
of the Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held May 17-19 in Lynnwood,
Wash.
Bryan Wee was elected on the fourth ballot, with 167 votes. The Rev. Deanna Wildermuth,
pastor of Holy Trinity, Mercer Island, Wash., received 158 votes.
Bryan Wee has served as assistant to the bishop in the Northwest Washington Synod since 2017. She was
pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Cheney, Wash., from 2016 to 2017 and campus pastor at Eastern
Washington University in Cheney from 2009 to 2017. She served as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in
Spokane from 1999 to 2009.
The bishop-elect received a Bachelor of Arts from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma in 1988 and a Master
of Divinity from Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary (now Luther Seminary) in 1993. Pacific Lutheran
University is one of 27 ELCA colleges and universities, and Luther is one of seven ELCA seminaries.
Bryan Wee will be installed Nov. 2 at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle.
The Rev. Brian Kirby Unti has served as bishop since 2013 and will retire July 31.
SAYING GOODBYE ISN’T EASY By Bishop Kirby Unti
As a little boy, I learned that saying goodbye is not easy. We had visited cousins in Michigan
for the first time. It was an exciting week meeting new family members and playing with our
cousin. When it was time to go we packed everything into our 1960 Oldsmobile and then
stood outside to say our goodbyes. I was not prepared for the flood of emotions that came
over me. I discovered what it meant to become “choked up” and I was fighting back the
tears. What was this all about?
What I didn’t know then, but I have discovered in life’s journey, is leaving is a constant
pattern. It begins with labor and leaving our mother’s womb as we enter the world with that first borning cry.
Crying crafted for the purpose of breathing in our first breaths of our new world. For the fortunate, we settle
into the comfort of our parent’s loving arms where we are fed, nurtured and strengthened for what will lie
ahead. It will not be the last time we are birthed.
There would be a smattering of miniature leavings - like mom going to the grocery store without me or being
left in the care of a babysitter. I don’t doubt these leavings came with labor for mom and tears for me.
The big leaving would happen when it came time to head off for kindergarten. I went to Mr. & Mrs. Black’s
Kindergarten in Jamestown, North Dakota. It was hosted in their home and we each had our little rug for nap
time. The coolest part is we were picked up by Mr. Black in his big station wagon that had a favored seat all
the way in the back. While my memories are fond, I am told I did not go easily. Remember leaving involves
labor and tears and I was leaving as a five- year-old into an unknown world.
Leaving is always preparation for the next time of leaving and there would be many all filled with anticipation,
anxiety and joy. One of the hardest was heading off to Kenmore Junior High School. I had been warned by my
older brother’s friends of all the horrors that awaited me. The most joy-filled leaving was when I drove away at
sixteen for the first time, sporting my own driver’s license.
The constant of leaving would include heading off to college, seminary, single to married, parenthood, and the
cycle starts over again accompanying our children through their leavings. Then there is death.
PAGE 6 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better
SAYING GOODBYE ISN’T EASY CONT’D
My most powerful leaving experience. A sacred time of labor and crying. A sacred time of grief and joy. In
death, I discovered that a person’s life becomes magnified. All that they stood for and shared is now seen
and heard more clearly.
Jesus, put it this way, “I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going
to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Rather, you are filled with grief because I
have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.
Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
How often I have learned this lesson – that Spirit comes in the experience of leaving. I will miss you
and I will miss my monthly Spirit article which has given me a chance to share with you how I see God
at work in our world. Come, Holy Spirit!!!