Our Vision To foster a caring

congregational community that challenges its members

to recognize and utilize their gifts and abilities so that it is a magnet,

drawing a variety of people to Christ by providing diversity in worship, education, service and fellowship.

We are an ELCA (Evangelical

Lutheran Church in America)

congregation, where people of faith

celebrate, learn and connect with

one another and others around the

world through service and weekly

worship. All are welcome!

Our Mission

MARCH 2017

The Leadership Retreat By Alan Murdoch

I joined a group that attended their first weekend of training at the Episcopalian Archdiocese College of Congregational Development (CCD). The training was conducted at the Dumas Bay Center in Federal Way, WA which is in a beautiful setting on the shores of Puget Sound. For Pastor Anja, this was the second year of a two year program (she had attended a full week the previous year), but for the rest of the team it was the first weekend, with an overnight stay, of eight weekends over a two year period. The team consists of; Rick Huling, Rick Heinbaugh, Katie Reardon, Alan Murdock and Pastor Anja. Why, you might wonder, would a team of Lutherans be involved in Episcopal Church training? To be brief, the Episcopal Church has developed a course that recognizes the need to manage the change that is taking place in today's ministry and discipleship. They have invited Lutheran congregations to participate in this course to share the value of this education. Let me be the first to tell you how valuable this training, and experience, was. I did have to learn terms that were unfamiliar to me, such as performing "The Daily Office", but even this function renewed in me the opportunity to engage in communal worship. In fact, I was inclined to extend my hand to the Episcopal Bishop who presided at this service to thank him for what their faith had to offer us as Lutherans.

You shall make this response before the Lord your God: “A wandering Aramean was

my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number and

there he became a great nation, mighty and populous..” Deuteronomy 26:5

MARCH 2017

A wandering Aramean was my ancestor. The Creed we speak every Sunday during Lent begins with these words. A wandering Aramean was my ancestor. I love these words. They tie us to a tradition. A people. A faith that grounds us in one God, one Creator, one Parent. It does not matter that this Aramean (probably either Abraham or Jacob) is not a direct ancestor of most of us. That is not the point. We, as Christians, have folded into the faith of Jesus, a faith that claims the God of Abraham as our own God. A faith that remembers. Always remembers. Where we came from, the lessons we have learned, taught by God, the one who fathers and mothers us. A wandering Aramean was my ancestor. I once bought my younger sister a bumper sticker that said, “All who wander are not lost.” It so perfectly fit her, as she was in a significant intentional wandering stage of her life. Israel wandered for 40 years in the desert. Candace wandered for 10+ years around the world. We all have our stages of wandering. Sometimes, these are physical wanderings as we roam the state, country, or world, searching…. Sometimes, these are spiritual wanderings as we explore our inner beings, asking… why am I here? What do I believe? How am I called? There is a huge gift in intentional wandering. It is a time of preparation; a time of learning what it means to

trust in God’s mercy. As we learn how to trust, we prepare ourselves for where God calls us. We prepare

ourselves for God’s next move.

A wandering Aramean was my ancestor. What does it mean for us to claim ourselves as Aramean? Arameans were a people living in what is now called Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and Turkey. The same countries with so much political unrest. Countries that, when mentioned in the US, often bring a sense of fear, fear so strong that we hesitate to travel there. So strong we long to close our borders.

(Continued on page 6)

Congregational Meeting Sunday March 5th following service.

There will be a vote and decision regarding future plans for the Pipe organ. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Martin 425-823-5935. It is a one subject meeting. The Pipe organ and if we move forward to have Carl Dodril and the organ foundation build us a smaller, portable pipe organ that sits behind the table. The other side of releasing our claim to the pipe organ and letting the foundation rehome it to another church. A decision needs to be made at this meeting. The foundation has worked with us and waited on us for 3 years to move forward. We have run out of time to delay this any longer.

Various organizational models, readings and participatory tools were used to examine congregational dynamics. As a team, we were grouped with members of two other congregations, one Episcopal and the other Lutheran, whose root experiences were very similar to those of Northlake Lutheran Church. Working together we were able to combine our experiences to resolve tasks and case studies pertaining to redevelopment intervention. Intervention is the term used to describe any action intended to change the dynamics of the ministry of a congregation. It might be for growth, outreach or many other transformational aspects of our Congregational life. As a Leadership Team member, I have homework to perform before my next weekend class scheduled for March. My homework includes you as members of Northlake. Each one of this Leadership Team is to interview three members of our congregation. That is a total of fifteen interviews that we will gather using a standard questionnaire that should take between 30-40 minutes. You may be one of Northlake's members who will be asked to participate in an interview. I think you will find the interview insightful and thoughtful, and most importantly a means of helping the leadership team achieve their training. If you are asked or interested please reach out to one of the members before Easter. I thank you in advance for your participation and the help you are providing this Leadership Team. I look forward to providing further news as we continue to progress in our training. If this is something you are interested in reach out to one of the members before Easter.

The Leadership Retreat (Continued from page 1)

MARCH 2017

Choir By Janet Loewen

Choir has begun again! I have been missing singing in the choir--a whole different way of singing than singing hymns in the congregation. I grew up in choirs, whether in school from age 10 on up or in church from age 12; most of the time it was quite an experience learning to follow the musical notes and control my voice. It was sometimes hard to memorize the pieces for both church and school at the same time, but when sharing the music with an audience--the sound could be fabulous! The best thing about choir in the church was when singing was an act of worship, not just for applause but to praise God. Then I felt blessed to be a part of the group offering that praise. Come sing with the choir! Especially needed is another soprano or two and maybe another bass. We are preparing to sing during Lent, the first Sunday being March 5th. Come practice with us until you feel comfortable.

Companionship

By the Rev. Kirby Unti, NW

Know what you are for!

By the Rev. Kirby Unti, NWWA Synod Bishop

From the March 2017 edition of The Spirit

I have been told that the phrases, "Do not be afraid" and "Have no fear" appear in the Bible 365 times. While I have never counted them for myself, it is a fitting idea that there would be one for each day of the year. No doubt it is a central message of the scriptures proclaimed in both the Christmas and Easter stories.

God knows us so very well. God knows that we tend to become focused upon the things that frighten us. We develop a form of tunnel vision which prevents us from seeing what life is giving around us. Most importantly, fear short circuits our ability to put our trust in God. "Do not be afraid. I go before you always." Deuteronomy 31.8

It is a teaching that speaks to the uncertainty and fear that many are experiencing in today's hyped political world of uncertainty.

I spent a few days in Olympia in my role as a trustee in our Community and Technical College system. I spoke to multiple legislators who told me there is a growing interest in Town Hall Meetings and other kinds of public gatherings. More and more people are asking the question, "What can we do as concerned citizens?" I am keenly aware that many people in our churches are asking this same question. I want to suggest that we not forget the words spoken throughout history by angels and prophets alike, "Do not be afraid."

In late January, I attended the International Holocaust Commemoration Day event at Seattle University. Jewish author and holocaust survivor George Elbaum shared his personal story of how fear can lead people to develop a form of hate that has no limits. George, his voice cracking from the pain that still resides in his soul, shared this wisdom with the students, "Know what you are for, not what you are against." He went on to explain how people who are only against always rely upon fear as their method of persuasion.

I find this to be a helpful guide in trying to navigate the times we are living in. It gives us a helpful frame in which to be clear about our own beliefs and can assist us in understanding our neighbor who may see the world differently.

It calls us not to be against another person, race, gender, or nation but to strive together to discover what is it we are for. Try this out for the next 365 days and let's see what we learn.

MARCH 2017

Last weekend a team of six motivated members of NLC went into the community to hand out brochures inviting the neighborhood to join us for dinner and service on Wednesday nights during Lent. The team consisted of Katie Reardon, Vicky Newland, Chris, Ben & Adam Hossienzadeh, and Pastor Anja. Our goal is to give our neighbors the opportunity to have a first look at what is happening at NLC this Lent season. An opportunity to not just read about Wednesday night topics, but that those words on the page fan the flame inside them leading the Spirit to speak to them in the same way He speaks to all of us. We pray no matter what season of life we are currently experiencing, that we may all find a deeper connection to reflect this year. If you would like to talk more about evangelism and how you fit into that puzzle, please let me know. Evangelism is not for the extroverted only. Our first impression is to think of needing to talk and knock on doors. That’s not true. Evangelism will never be effective if it is not authentic to your personal style - no matter who you are or how hard you try! There's a lot more ways to spread what's happening here at church that doesn't involve physically talking to anyone. Here’s some possible suggestions of how to get involved next go around on April 8th for Easter!

Help pack bags

Help Chris in the office folding bulletins and other materials needed for Easter.

Help with the flyer

Sign up to participate in other ways: Lector/greeter/media/Children’s Ministry.

Sign up to bring food for Coffee Hour after Easter Service

Talk to someone who has done it and hear their experience.

Sign up to hand out goodie bags ( talking or not talking is all OK!) If you need ANY more suggestions I have some more. :).

MARCH 2017

Lent Outreach Report By Katie Reardon

News from the Office By Chris Hossienzadeh

I wanted to thank everyone for your patience and words of encouragement during this busy time in the office. I feel like I have been twice as busy as I was prepared to be because I am still learning new and different things all the time and because the season of Lent is upon us , which is normally a very busy time here. I will be out of town from April 5th-12th . I would appreciate volunteers who would like to help during that time. You could sort mail, file, answer phones and various other tasks. Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering during my time off.

Internship By Adam Hossienzadeh

Hi, my name is Adam and I’m Katie Reardon’s intern and I was asked to write an article on how it is to be an intern.

Personally, I think it’s fun to be an intern but if Katie wasn’t my boss I’d probably wouldn’t do it. My job as an intern is

to teach the kids while Katie is away but that only happens very rarely, another one of my jobs here is to pass out

stuff and help Katie and the kids whenever they need it. I like being an intern because I feel sometimes like I can’t fit

in with everyone and Katie and Anja made me feel like I was special and belonged there. Being an intern helps me

spiritually because I feel like I get to teach God’s word to the kids in the church. No pressure but you should

volunteer for the kid’s ministry or helping with other things in the church. If you want to help out with the kid’s

ministry talk to Katie and trust me it’s really fun.

MARCH 2017

Yet, through our claim of a wandering Aramean as our ancestor, we acknowledge these people as our own. The

need to break through the fear, the judgment, and the “otherness” that separates these foreigners from

ourselves; that need is personal. It is not about that “other” group of people against “our “ families. For we are

all one family. We are the “other.”

A wandering Aramean was my ancestor. Lent is the perfect time to say this Creed. For it is during Lent that we intentionally wander, reflecting upon our

spiritual roots, the roots we claim, and the roots we build upon. Sometimes, to find the roots, we must clear the

leaves, and so we spend these 40 days removing noisy clutter from our lives, making room for that which matters

more than any other.

(Continued from page 2)

Walk for Autism By Chris Hossienzadeh

I would like to invite you to participate in an event that is very near and dear to my heart, while encompassing our Christian values of inclusion. On Sunday April 23rd, our family will be participating in the All In For Autism 2017 5 & 10K Run/Walk to show support and unity with people whose families have been challenged with autism. The name of our team is Adams Allies, the reason for this, and our involvement in the walk is because my son has high functioning autism. As I am sure you know, from seeing him at church he is a vibrant and valued part of the youth who works hard and contributes in many ways. So we ask that you would support him and all of those in our community to raise awareness and funds for this event! You will be hearing more info in the coming weeks about how you can be involved in this amazing cause through

physical participation or sponsorships. Please contact me at the church office or my personal email

chossienzadeh@gmail.com if you have any questions. Here is more information about the event as well as a link .

http://allinforautism.org/event-info/

Community Resource Day - Monthly Event! If you are experiencing needs for resources in the areas of healthcare, housing, mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse, transportation and more, then Community Resource Day is for you. This 2 hour event on the last Friday of each month brings together agencies who provide a variety of human services. If you need the services, or you would like to learn about the available services, please come to the next event on Friday, February 24th from 2-4pm at Cascadia College. Free parking is available in the North Garage. https://communityresourceday.com/ Also, like us on Facebook to get all the latest information.https://www.facebook.com/communityresourceday

MARCH 2017

Northlake Kids! By Katie Reardon

There are so MANY wonderful things I would like to share with you this month about our amazing children ministry! But Chris in the office reminded me (AGAIN!) I can't have the entire newsletter-- so here we are. Feel free to read our monthly Northlake KIDS! Newsletter to get a deeper look into what's been happening. Printed version of our newsletter is available in the Narthex.

I’m excited to include the Children's Ministry in this newsletter to reach people who I don’t normally get to speak with about what’s happening at our church. There’s a lot of great energy happening here and by working together I hope we can keep the momentum going.

Maintaining energy can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. While our Sunday School program is taking off by bringing in new volunteers, establishing consistency, and creating a lot of excitement for the youth, we recognize that even when given God’s grace the struggle is real to keep everything in motion. Just because something “should” be easy, or was once easy, doesn’t mean things will always be a given. This happens in our daily lives, not just at church.

We encourage your prayers that our program not turn weary; but that it will be filled with an option to look at so-called speed bumps and setbacks as opportunities to get closer to Jesus and lean on Him. That this will be a time to grow as leaders and watch future leaders grow. I hold close the Psalm below reminding me as a ministry leader I’m not alone.

“ I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”- Psalm 32:8

Northlake Lutheran is such a special place. I hope you feel empowered as we continue to see God working full-time here in our church and in our community. Let us all remain full of hope and faith in what He continues to bring to the lives of our young people, our church, and the people who find peace here.

As always, if you have any ideas or advice for the Children & Youth Ministry I am always open to receive them in person or via email at Katieruth28@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued support and energy!

Mission Development Update By Rick Huling

Mission development efforts continue with the help of Bob Spencer of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. Bob has expertise in mission statement development in the corporate world and has graciously volunteered to assist us. The Redevelopment Team and others who have joined us are conducting this work. So far, we have built on the strengths/weaknesses exercise we conducted in the congregational meeting in January and have asked ourselves the following questions: 1) What are Northlake's strengths? 2) What community needs do we see around us? 3) What as a church are we called to do? 4) What is our vision for Northlake in 5 years? As might be expected many answers have been given to these questions. We are now beginning to narrow these down to a few, and will work them into a series of questions to be asked of the congregation in a survey. With these data, we will develop a mission statement and a direction to lead us into the future. The results of this work will then be brought to the congregation for approval. The intent is to be as transparent as possible and have maximum congregational participation throughout the process. Anyone interested in joining the group please contact Rick Huling, Rick Heinbaugh, or Pastor Anja.

MARCH 2017

Finance Reminder—If you have any questions concerning the church finances please contact either Alan Murdock, Treasurer– Pro-Tem (Murdock.alan.nelson@gmail.com) or John Helmon, Bookkeeper (johnhel@hotmail.com). They will be happy to help.

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MARCH 2017

Mailing address: PO Box 82603 6620 NE 185th Street

Kenmore, Washington 98028 www.northlakelutheran.org

Pastor ................................................................................................................................ Anja Helmon Office Administrator ............................................................................................... Chris Hossienzadeh Organist .......................................................................................................................... Wendy DeLong Security ................................................................................................................................. Keith Hood Community and Youth Outreach Coordinator……………………………………………………………. Katie Reardon

NorthLights editor is Chris Hossienzadeh. Please send articles or calendar items by the of each month to:

office@northlakelutheran.org or drop them by the office.

Thank you!

Church office hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10am-2pm

Phone: 425-486-6977 | Email: office@northlakelutheran.org

Pastor Anja’s Sabbath: Friday

Pastor Anja’s Email: pastoranja@northlakelutheran.org