December 2018

Sammamish Hills LUTHERAN CHURCH

G reetings Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church,

Advent blessings to all of you as we prepare to meet our Lord anew this coming

25th of December. Advent is all about expectation. We await the celebration of the birth

of our Lord hoping that perhaps this year we’ll meet Jesus in a new way that might heal a

broken relationship, in a new way that might jump start a flagging faith, even in a new way

that might give us renewed direction and purpose in the year to come. Expectation holds

hope, and our hopes long to be fulfilled.

A wise person asked me the other day, “How are you preparing for the future?” And no, I wasn’t meeting

with a financial planner, I was speaking with one of our Sunday School parents. She and I were ruminating

on how our current ministries of faith formation were preparing our kids to meet Jesus as they grow and

change. In short, how are we preparing our next generation to meet Jesus as tweens, as teens, as young

adults, and beyond?

This year, more than any before, I’m confident we’re providing some good responses to that question. We

are now three months into our worship/faith-formation ministry makeover at church and here’s what I’m

seeing:

More connections being made with young and old across generations.

More youth involved in Sunday morning worship.

More connectivity between parents and children in the pews.

More faith happening within families and within our congregation as a whole rather than within

siloed, age segregated programs.

More adults involved in weekly faith formation.

More conversation and relationship formations happening on Sunday morning.

I see the people of God living out faith formation and relationship in more connected, family-inclusive, and

cross-generational ways at our church and I’m excited about it! I am confident we have taken a strong step

forward in preparing not only our next generation, but our own selves for a future of radical discipleship. Well

done church.

As Christmas comes and we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord anew, may we continue asking,

“How are we preparing for the future?” Jesus is here and he is also out there, drawing us deeper into

ministry within our church and our community. Let’s go meet Him.

As always, it is a pleasure serving Him with you,

Pr. Eric Hanson

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SAMMAMISH HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH

22818 SE 8th STREET

SAMMAMISH, WA 98074

Letter From Pastor Eric

Christmas Worship Services

CHRISTMAS EVE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24TH

4:00p

Children and Family Service

6:00p & 8:00p

Traditional Services with Carols and

Holy Communion

10:00p

An Acoustic Christmas with Carols and

Holy Communion

CHRISTMAS DAY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25TH

10:00a

A quiet service of Carols and Holy Communion

December 2, 9 & 16: Senior High Youth Group 7p

December 4, 11 & 18: Open Play 9:30-11:30a

December 5, 12 & 26: Confirmation 7p

December 5, 12 & 19: Morning Bible Study 9:30a

December 5, 12 & 19: Evening Bible Study 7p

December 6, 13, 20 & 27: Choir Rehearsal 7:30p

December 11: Sammamish Hills Preschool Christmas

Program 6-7p

December 13: Council Meeting 6p Off-site

December 16: Faith 5 Night! 5-7p

December 18: Open Play Christmas Party 9:30-11:30a

December 19: Men’s Breakfast 6:30a

December 21: XYZ Luncheon 12p

December 23: Family Christmas Service Rehearsal 5-7p

December 24: Family Christmas Eve Service 4p

December 24: Traditional Christmas Eve Services 6p & 8p

December 24: Contemporary Christmas Eve Service 10p

December 25: Christmas Day Service 10a

December 25: OFFICE CLOSED / CHRISTMAS DAY

No Quilting Ministry in December

No Clink!

No Women’s Fellowship Group in December

January 1: OFFICE CLOSED / NEW YEAR’S DAY

January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Morning Bible Study 9:30a

January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Evening Bible Study 7p

January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Confirmation 7p

January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: Choir Rehearsal 7:30p

January 6, 13 & 20: Senior High Youth Group 7p

January 7, 14, 21 & 28: Quilting Ministry 10a-2p

January 8: Council Meeting 6:30p

January 8, 15, 22 & 29: Open Play 9:30-11:30a

January 15: Women’s Fellowship Group 6:30p

January 16: Men’s Breakfast 6:30a

January 18: XYZ Luncheon 12p

January 20: Faith 5 Night! 5-7p

January 21: OFFICE CLOSED / MARTIN LUTHER KING’S DAY

January 22: Clink! 7p

January 27: Chili Feed 5:30p

January 27: Congregational Meeting 6:15p

Shut in at Christmas

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the

glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous

inside and out, true from start to finish. (John 1:14, The Message)

Around this time of year, I make a renewed commitment to learn how to play the Charlie Louvin song,

“Shut in at Christmas,” on my Dobro. I’ve figured out the basic chords and a couple of slides, but I keep

coming up short. I think my problem is practice, as in I don’t devote enough time to practicing.

My favorite version of “Shut in at Christmas,” is by Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. (You can find their

version on YouTube at https://youtu.be/QgUWG_rFIHI) Their recording of “Shut in at Christmas,” leads off

with a lilting Dobro accompanied by an acoustic guitar together with Mr. Robison’s solo voice singing the

verses and Ms. Willis singing harmony on the chorus. The lean arrangement and elegant simplicity of their

performance always moves me. The lyrics knock me for a loop.

In two verses, the Christmas shut-in wistfully calls to mind Christmases past as he looks out the

window on Christmas morning watching children singing and “laughing loud with glee,” wondering, “while

they’re passing Christmas presents will they notice me?” The chorus is a poignant reminder of his “shut-in at

Christmas” status, and, a hopeful affirmation of God’s faithfulness: “The Savior won’t forsake me even til the

end.”

In verse two, the narrator “cherishes memories of the days of old; days when I was found at

Christmas running in the snow. Playing games of joy and laughter, fearing not the cold, childhood days with

dad and mother whisper in my soul.” Once again, Ms. Willis sings the song’s chorus with Mr. Robison,

concluding with the confession that “the Savior won’t forsake me even til the end.”

“Shut in at Christmas,” isn’t my favorite Christmas song, but it’s high on my all time top ten list of

Christmas (spiritual and secular) songs. The others, in no particular order are: “In the Bleak

Midwinter” (Pierce Pettis) “Some Children See Him” (Sixpence None the Richer) “Carry Me Home” (Hey

Rosetta!) “Baby King” (John Cowan) “Getting Ready for Christmas Day” (Paul Simon) “Baby It’s Cold

Outside” (Amy Grant and Vince Gill) “Once in Royal David’s City” (Claire Holley) “O Come, O Come,

Emmanuel” (Rosie Thomas) and “Peace.” (Michael McDonald.)

But I digress. What I love about “Shut in at Christmas,” is it’s plainspoken lyrics, simple melody,

picturesque vision of a joyful, snowy Christmas, together with the haunting reminder of Christmas loneliness

concluding with heartfelt promise that he (and we) are not alone thanks to the Savior who will never forsake

us.

Thinking about Advent and Christmas in November, helps me get a fix on what matters most and

what matters least. What matters most is God’s gift of God’s self; the wonder of the incarnation, “The word

became flesh and blood and moving into the neighborhood.” What matters least is my chronic, annual pre-

Christmas fussing and fretting. What matters most is people, relationships and making time to savor time

with others—especially folks who are easy to forget or forsake in the dizzying days of December. What

matters most is the gift of Jesus, the babe at Bethlehem and Christ crucified and risen for the sake of the

world God loves. What matters least are all the ways I am and we are distracted from the one thing needful:

Celebrating God’s love with others in word and deed, worship and song. Grace and peace to you sisters and

brothers in Christ—may the light of God’s love bless your Advent and Christmas celebrations as you revel in

all the wonders of God’s saving grace, our Lord’s tender mercies, and the promise that God is with us and

will never forsake us.

Yours in Christ,

Larry Thomas

Interim Pastor

Letter From Interim Pastor Larry

Congregational

Meeting

January

27

January

1

Chili Feed January

27

Council

Meeting

Thursday,

December

13

Open Play Christmas

Party

December

18

Faith 5

Night

December

16

OFFICE CLOSED/

CHRISTMAS DAY

December

25

Financials Alison Carpenter

acarpenter@shlc.org | 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, ledgarthomas@gmail.com | ext. 13

Pastor

Eric Hanson, preric@shlc.org | ext. 25

Mission Developer

Jimmy Hao, jimmy@gracechineselutheran.org

FAITH FORMATION THROUGH THE AGES

Sunday School

Jessica Stan, jessica@shlc.org | ext. 15

Children’s Ministry Director

Jessica Stan, jessica@shlc.org | ext. 15

Preschool Director

Kristine Meyer, kristine@shlc.org | 425-698-5777

Student Ministries Director

Anna Morris, amorris@shlc.org | ext. 16

Adult Ministries

Eric Hanson, preric@shlc.org | ext. 25

MUSIC & WORSHIP MINISTRIES

Music Director

Sungjoon Lee, slee@shlc.org |ext. 14

2018 CHURCH COUNCIL President: Bob Hawkinson

Vice President: Linda Saddler

Secretary: Courtney Nutter Elsos

Treasurer: Abbey Abekah

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

Natalie Glesener

Tyler Kurz

Steve Absalonson

Renee Baker

Canara Callin

SUPPORT TEAM

Business Administrator

Open Position

Parish Records Specialist

Alison Carpenter, acarpenter@shlc.org | ext. 23

Administrative Assistant

Aleta Pritchard, apritchard@shlc.org | ext. 11

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office Phone: 425-392-7799 Website: www.shlc.org

Office Hours: Mon-Thur 9a-4p | Fri 9a-3p

Prayer Request: prayers@shlc.org

PAGE 14 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better

$48,286

$450,839

$52,000

$499,600

$-

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

October Year to date 2018

OfferingsActuals Vs Budget

Actuals Budget

www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 3

Council President’s Corner Church Council President: Bob Hawkinson

G reetings! I’m excited to announce our Transition Team has formed and is preparing

to begin work.

If you remember this is something Council spoke with our Bishop about in January, we prayed about as a

Congregation, looked forward to all year, and is now becoming a reality. Wonderful news. I’m thankful for

Pastor Larry’s leadership in organizing and guiding the Transition Team. I’m also thankful for the faithful

servant leaders who stepped up. At the November 13 Council Meeting we unanimously appointed six SHLC

Transition Team members, namely: Jeff Baker, Ken Glesener, Kristine Mantey King, Leslie Seelye, Mary Sue

Payne and Shana Tishaefer. Installation of the Transition Team will occur on Sunday, December 2nd at both

services and the Transition Team holds their first meeting same day. Not only is that the first Sunday of

Advent it is also the first Sunday of our new church year, an apropos time to start new work.

Transition Team members will have name tags to easily identify themselves, when you see one of them

please thank them. Their work is essential to the call process and finding of our next lead pastor. It also lays

the foundation for Call Committee work to follow. If a Transition Team member reaches out to you for ideas or

collaboration please be open. And, let’s support them with our prayers.

In this newsletter, Pastor Eric spoke about preparing for the future. Supporting our Transition Team’s work in

the Pastoral call process is an additional way to do this. Pastor Larry spoke about the promise that God is

with us. Good news indeed!

In all, may God guide the Transition Team and you congregation members of Sammamish Hills Lutheran

Church as we seek his will and continue our journey together.

Blessings, Bob

DECEMBER COUNCIL MEETING CHANGE DATE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13TH

TIME: 6PM

LOCATION: LINDA SADDLER’S RESIDENCE

ADDRESS: PLEASE CONTACT ALETA IN THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 425-392-7799 OR APRITCHARD@SHLC.ORG

GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP – SUMMER 2019! High School students that will be 15 years of age by July 2019 are invited to join us for our mission trip to

Guatemala with Safe Passage! Safe Passage is an organization that works with children and families who are

living off of the Guatemala City dump. We will spend the week working with children of all ages by helping

them learn English, teaching some music and movement, and playing with kids during recess at school.

If you would like more information, please talk to Anna - amorris@shlc.org

CHRISTMAS GIFT DRIVE Each year our church supports several local organizations. A few of these

organizations are the Issaquah Food Bank, Hopelink and Imagine Housing. We help

them by gathering gifts for all of the different people they serve. You will find trees and a bulletin board in

the narthex with gifts tags attached. Take a tag, buy the gift, and bring it back by Sunday, December

2nd! Your help is greatly appreciated by the organizations and local recipients of these generous gifts. If

you have any questions, please email Kristine Meyer at Kristine@shlc.org.

PAGE 4 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 13

Dear Friends in Christ:

Greetings from your AMMPARO team in the Churchwide office!

As ELCA AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection,

Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) and LIRS (Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service)

collaborate together in new ways, I am writing to you today to invite you to help us in an exciting joint

initiative called Give the Gift of Family. There are Central American children and youth in the Northwest

Washington Synod, specifically in Seattle that are in great need of either short or long term family foster

care. These children and youth may have had family members in the US but for a variety of reasons, can't

be united with them. Our request to you is to get the word out in the specific area where these children

need to be placed to help us to find either long or short term foster care placements for these children.

The need is high.

Right now, there are over 60 children in the US, connected to LIRS supported agencies who are in need of

short or long-term foster care placements.

They are from: El Salvador: 11% Guatemala: 52% Honduras: 27% Mexico: 2%

Average Age: 16 36% are girls, 64% are boys

Imagine everything you know about migrants and refugees forced to flee from war, gang violence,

persecution, abuse. The loss of home and loved ones. Fear and uncertainty. Survival often means a

dangerous journey.

Now imagine that person fleeing for freedom is just a child. He or she might be 14 and on the run from

turmoil in El Salvador. Or he or she might be 8 years old, alone after losing parents to military conflict in

Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) partners with a network of heroic agencies across the

country to provide foster homes which allow unaccompanied children to find refuge, safety and support

with a loving family. LIRS is one of two organizations in the world that provides foster care services for

resettled unaccompanied refugee children. Each year, thousands of children embark on dangerous

journeys seeking shelter, after being torn from their families due to war, abuse, natural disasters or

conflict in their home countries. A significant fragment of our client profile includes children from around

the world, with a higher need to place males between ages 14-17, from Central America's Northern

Triangle.

We believe that the best way to make sure these children are both safe and equipped for a brighter

tomorrow is to place them with a foster family, though consequently more foster families are urgently

needed.

It's no small thing to 'give the gift of family.' It takes an open heart to accept a child or young person into

your home from another culture. It takes time to provide an environment in which that young person can

thrive. It takes passion for nurturing a young person into independent adulthood.

You might welcome a child into your family for a few weeks or several years. There will be challenges and

there will be joys. Most importantly, the child will be better equipped for the future and your life will be

forever enriched. Please be in touch directly with LaMar Rice at LRice@lirs.org.

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me or contact LaMar Rice, Program Manager for

Foster Care [Recruitment and Retention Portfolio] at LRice@lirs.org.

ADULT EDUCATION Join our weekly Adult Bible Study meeting Wednesday mornings at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall and

7:00pm in the Preschool Conference Room. Please contact CH Jeff Baker,

Jeffrey_alan_baker@hotmail.com for additional details.

CLINK! Monthly adult gatherings will continue with monthly Clink! meetings at Big Block Brewery happening next at

7:00pm Tuesday, January 22nd (there is no Clink! in December).

MEN’S BREAKFAST Men's Fellowship meetings have a new location. THE SAMMAMISH CAFÉ!! We gather monthly and

meet next Wednesday, December 19th 6:30-7:30am. All men are invited along with your family

members, friends, neighbors, and anyone you meet walking in the door! Please contact CH Jeff

Baker, Jeffrey_alan_baker@hotmail.com for additional details.

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!

CHRISTMAS FLOWER FUND Let’s cover the altar with beautiful white poinsettia's! If you would like to contribute $8 towards

white poinsettias for the Christmas flowers fund please mark an offering envelope by December

16th or you can use the white Christmas flower envelopes behind some of the pews. Donations can be

made “In Honor of” or “In Memory of” and will be shared in the back of the Christmas Eve and Christmas

Day bulletins. Thank you for your support with decorating the sanctuary.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFTS THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR! 2018 donations need to be delivered to our Sammamish Hills office by 3pm on

Friday, December 28th or postmarked by Saturday, December 29th

THANK YOU

MISSION QUILTERS

The Mission Quilters have sent 32 quilts in the November shipment to Lutheran World

Relief. That brings the 2018 total to 77 quilts for LWR.

LWR distributes 100's of thousands of quilts every year all over the world to bring

comfort and warmth to people in great need wherever disasters have occurred. In 2017

LWR distributed 305,490 quilts.

We are very grateful for all the donations of supplies that have come in, helping us create these quilts and

getting them where they are needed.

The Mission Quilters meet on Mondays 10am-2pm in the fellowship hall with a sack lunch break at 12

noon. ALL are Welcome!

If you would like to help, but can't make it on Mondays, we have precut kits available to sew quilt tops at

home.

Please keep us in mind as you cleanout closets by donating new and reusable fabrics, sheets, fillers (such

as blankets, and batting), crochet cord, and thread. The quilters are taking a break until January 7th.

Student Ministry Student’s Ministry Director: Anna Morris

amorris@shlc.org | 425-392-7799, ext. 16 December 2nd, The First Sunday in Advent

(Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36)

Regarding the coming of the Lord, Jesus said there will be signs. Signs present in creation, signs present

in community, signs everywhere. What signs have foretold God doing something new in your life? What

signs have foretold God doing something new with your life?

December 9th, The Second Sunday in Advent

(Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6)

Curiously, our Advent preparations include not one, but two, readings about John the Baptist from the

Gospel of Luke. In today’s reading, after a detailing who’s in power where, Luke tells us that God’s word

showed up and sent John on a mission to proclaim a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Preparing for the messiah begins with repentance and forgiveness, which is always the way to go!

December 16th, The Third Sunday in Advent

(Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Luke 3:7-18)

In our second John the Baptist gospel reading, John tells the crowds to bear fruits worthy of repentance.

“What should we then do?” asked the crowds. Here’s what John says fruitful repentance looks like: If

you’ve got two coats, share a coat with someone who doesn’t have one. If you’re a tax collector, just

collect what’s due (nothing more.) If you’re a soldier, don’t exploit anyone and be content with your wages.

Luke concludes that “with many other exhortations,” (John) proclaimed the good news to the people.”

December 23rd, The Fourth Sunday in Advent

(Readings: Micah 5:2-5, Luke 1:39-55)

Mary, the mother of Jesus, visits her cousin Elizabeth during her pregnancy and upon greeting each other

the babies in their wombs leap for joy and spontaneous song pours out of the women's mouths. This

song, also called the Magnificat, reveals the character of God and the nature of God's plan of redemption

for the world. We will see how God turns the world right-side-up, and think about our own roles in God's

glorious redemption story.

December 24th, Christmas Eve

(Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14)

Why do we come to church on Christmas Eve? Are we present to hear good music? Sing familiar carols?

Sway softly in the candlelight? If so, all that is fine, for all that will be here and we hope you enjoy it.

Some, however will come for more. Some will come hoping the celebration of the incarnation may

become the experience of the incarnation after the trees are taken down and the lights put away. How do

we experience Christ’s incarnation after Christmas? Where must we look?

December 25th, Christmas Day

(Readings: Isaiah 62:6-12, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:8-20)

Jesus is born! God has incarnated His self into your lives. You wake, live, and breathe the divine every

day! Can every day feel like Christmas? No, incarnation doesn’t mean every day feels like Christmas. But

it does mean Christ can be found in every day.

December 30th, The First Sunday of Christmas

(Readings: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148, Luke 2:41-52)

On the first Sunday of Christmas we find the boy Samuel and the boy Jesus, both in the temple, both

growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and humankind. We too have returned to the house

of God “to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God,” who has gifted us with a savior. As the festival

continues, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” It is Christmas, still.

PAGE 12 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 5

STUDENT MINISTRY December brings my favorite season of the church year – Advent. It is a time for quiet, peace,

expectant waiting, and a gentle excitement that lies beneath the surface. I hope that you are

able to spend time with family and friends awaiting the joy that is to come! Students of all

ages are welcome to come and recharge and get excited about the season. Talk to Anna if you have questions

and want to get involved!

Sunday, December 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd – Sunday Morning Gathering, 9:55-10:40a,

Lower Sanctuary Library

All Middle School and High School students are invited! We get to share highs and lows from the week,

talk about the Gospel text and dig into the sermon for the day. We are also starting to make some

changes to the Library to make the space more comfortable. Join us for this new opportunity to gather!

Friday, December 21st – Christmas Halfer Nighter! Fellowship Hall, 7p-1a

Middle and High School students are invited to this pre-Christmas celebration! We will swap white

elephant gifts (no more than $10), play gargons, have cocoa and cookies, eat midnight pizza, etc. It’s a

fun night to kick off the start of Christmas break!!

Monday, December 24th – Christmas Eve Worship!

4p – Family Worship, 6p & 8p – Traditional Worship, 10p – Contemporary Acoustic Worship

MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRIES – Coming up! Wednesday, December 5th and 12th – Confirmation, Fellowship Hall, 7-8:30p

This month, we invite parents to join us on December 5th as we talk about Faith and the LGBTQ+

community. We will also look at a timeline of the Bible and who participated in writing it!

Wednesday, December 19th and 26th – NO Confirmation, Christmas Break!

HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRIES – Coming up! Sunday, December 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd – High School Youth Group, Fellowship Hall, 7-8:30p

There will be lots of opportunities to share what we are thankful for, what we are excited for, and our

hopes for the new year ahead. Come unwind and reconnect with friends at church!

Sunday, December 30th – NO Youth Group, Christmas Break!

GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISERS Brown Bear Carwash Tickets –

If you would like to purchase Brown Bear Carwash tickets to supplement your Christmas gifts/

cards this year, let Anna know! All proceeds will go to the Guatemala mission trip next summer!

Tickets are: $7 for one ticket, $35 for five tickets, and $50 for ten tickets!

Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 16th – Gift Wrapping Fundraiser!!

From 11a-4p on December 8th; From 12p-5p on December 16th

If you are looking for a little assistance with gift wrapping or are simply looking for ways to support our

students going to Guatemala in 2019, we are happy to help you out!!

Please bring gifts you would like wrapped to the Fellowship Hall where our students will do all the

wrapping for you!

Small boxes are $1, medium boxes are $2, and large/unusual packages are $3.

Worship In December

Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool

Preschool Director: Kristine Meyer

kristine@shlc.org | 425-392-7799, ext. 29 or 425-698-5777

D ecember is a busy, short, and fun-filled month for us at preschool! We will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at our Christmas program on December 11th at 6:30 pm. Our program is called Lighting the Way For

Jesus. For preschoolers Christmas is a time for presents and time with family. We work hard in December to help

children understand God’s greatest present to us, the birth of His son Jesus Christ. During Chapel and lessons in

the classroom we will help our students understand the importance of Jesus’ birthday and the impact on our lives.

We have our work cut out for us; sometimes this is hard even for adults to understand!

Although it seems early, January is the month for registering for the 2019-2020 school year.

Our registration is done in stages:

2019-2020 REGISTRATION DATES Beginning Tuesday, January 15th: Currently enrolled families-

Please drop off your completed registration form and check for $150.00 (registration fee) plus May 2020’s tuition

to the Preschool Conference Room beginning at 9:00 am on January 15th.

Beginning Thursday, January 17: Active church members and alumni

Please drop off your completed registration form and check for $150.00 (registration fee) plus May 2020’s tuition

to the Preschool Conference Room beginning at 9:00 am on January 22th.

Tuesday, January 22nd @ 6:30 p.m. Open Enrollment Registration Lottery

For everyone else, our Open Enrollment Registration Lottery is Tuesday, January 22nd at 6:30 pm in the

Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

**We do our best to place current students in your first choice class. Due to the fact that SHLP classes fill quickly,

if you intend to register, please do not delay as we cannot guarantee placement once registration opens to alumni

students and the public!**

We are just putting the finishing touches on our class offerings for the 2019-2020 school year. Registration

material including class offerings and tuition will be available the second week of December.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Once a week Lunch Bunch for 3’s, Pre-K and Older Pre-K classes: $20.00/month (added to tuition)

Drop in Lunch Bunch: $7.00/day

A non-refundable registration fee of $150.00 and May 2020 tuition deposit are due at the time of application.

ALL REGISTERED STUDENTS MUST BE UP TO DATE ON AGE APPROPRIATE IMMUNIZATIONS and immunization

records need to be turned in within a week of registration to hold your spot.

Family discounts are available for monthly tuition. We will take 10% off of the youngest child’s tuition.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS INCLUDE

Weekly Chapel class

Weekly Music and Movement class

Extended day Lunch Bunch

Once a week Lunch Bunch for 3’s, Pre-K and Older Pre-K classes: $20.00/month (added to tuition)

Drop in Lunch Bunch: $7.00/day

If you have any questions about our preschool, the registration process, or would like to schedule a tour please

contact me. 425-698-5777 or Kristine@shlc.org . Complete 2019-2020 registration forms will be available the

second week of December. I look forward to hearing from you and telling you more about our great school!

You can also check us out at www.shlpreschool.org

PAGE 6 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 11

Date Ensemble Music Service

12/2

Sunday

Choir

(Piano Accompaniment)

“Advent Cry”

Music & Words by Joseph Martin

8:45am

Worship Band

Led by Sung Lee

Various Worship Songs 10:45am

12/9

Sunday

Special Music

(Instrumental)

“O Come, O Come Immanuel” 8:45am

Worship Band

Led by John Roth

Various Worship Songs 10:45am

12/16

Sunday

Choir

(String Accompaniment)

“When He Comes”

Music by Lloyd Larson

8:45am

Worship Band

Led by Sung Lee

Various Worship Songs 10:45am

12/23

Sunday

Special Music

(Instrumental)

“Silent Night”

8:45am

Worship Band

Led by Sung Lee

Various Worship Songs

10:45am

12/24

Christmas

Eve Service

Choir

(Instrumental Accompaniment)

“O Holy Night” 6:00pm

Worship Band

Led by Sung Lee

Various Worship Songs 10:00pm

12/30

Sunday

Choir

(Instrumental Accompaniment)

“Love Came Down for Me”

Music by Benjamin Harlan

8:45am

Worship Band

Led by Sung Lee

Various Worship Songs 10:45am

ADULT FAITH FORMATION OFFERINGS HAPPENING IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL SUNDAYS

FROM 9:55-10:40A

Music Ministry Music Ministry Director: Sung Lee

slee@shlc.org | 425-392-7799, ext. 14

MUSIC PLANS FOR DECEMBER

The schedule may be subject to change

DATE EVENT LEADER

December 2nd The Women of Jesus’ Lineage Jeff Baker

December 9th The Women of Jesus’ Lineage Jeff Baker

December 16th The Women of Jesus’ Lineage Jeff Baker

December 23rd The Women of Jesus’ Lineage Jeff Baker

December 30th CHRISTMAS BREAK

January 6th CHRISTMAS BREAK

January 13th Living Your Strength Gallup Series Laura Thomas

January 20th Living Your Strength Gallup Series Laura Thomas

PAGE 10 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 7

Children’s Ministry Director of Children’s Ministry: Jessica Stan

jessica@shlc.org | 425-392-7799, ext. 15

CHRISTMAS EVE CHILDREN’S PROGRAM All children and youth are invited to help us lead the 4:00pm worship service on Christmas Eve. We will be

rehearsing during Sunday School throughout December and will have a dress rehearsal December 23rd and pizza

party after the 10:45am service. If your child is interested in participating, please inform Jessica Stan

(jessica@shlc.org).

MONTH AT A GLANCE December 2rd – Preschool – Music; Elementary - Games

December 9th – Rehearsal for Christmas Eve Service

December 16th – Rehearsal for Christmas Eve Service

5:00pm—Faith 5 Family Night Christmas Party

December 23rd - Rehearsal for Christmas Eve Service

Dress Rehearsal and pizza party at 12:00 PM

December 24th –

4pm – Children and Family Christmas Eve Service

6 & 8pm – Traditional Christmas Eve Service

10pm – Contemporary Christmas Eve Service

December 30th – No Sunday School

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD WRAP-UP Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Operation Christmas Child project. With your help we

were able to pack 126 shoeboxes as a church!

We also acted as an Operation Christmas Child Relay Center for the third year and collected shoeboxes

from the community. This year we saw almost 1,100 shoeboxes pass through our doors on their way to

children. DEFINITELY A RECORD FOR US!! Again, thank you for spreading gifts of joy to children all over the world.

Please continue praying that the shoeboxes reach all corners of the globe and greatly impact communities in the

name of Jesus Christ!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Operation Christmas Child project and those who participated in

the packing party.

A Special Thanks to Kristine Mantey for organizing this outreach!

ADVENT JESSE TREE In the season of Advent, you are invited to bring new or gently used warm hats, scarves, and mittens to adorn our Jesse Tree in the Sanctuary. Please bring your gifts to worship as our

children will collect the gifts from you during worship to decorate the tree. All items will be given to the Issaquah Food and Clothing Shelter.

What is a Jesse Tree you might ask? Jesse was the father of King David. God promised David that his Kingdom

would last forever, and that through him and his seed God would save his people and bless the world. Two centuries after the death of King David God spoke through the prophet Isaiah and said, “A shoot will come up

from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the

Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth”. (Isaiah 11:1-

4) The Jesse Tree incorporates references to these promises through special decorations which worship participants provide throughout Advent: warm hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for children who are in need. Slowly, over the course of the season, the barren branches of the “tree” are covered with these offerings. Finally,

after the third Sunday in Advent (12/16) the Jesse Tree is replaced with the Christmas Tree, a transformation which is truly greeted with awe and wonder among our young. Thank you for your part in decorating the Jesse

Tree this year.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SAMMAMISH HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH

PROPERTY CREW Did you know that nearly all of the regular maintenance of the church is done by

volunteers? The newly formed Sammamish Hills Property Team needs help with the

various projects required to keep our buildings and grounds functional, beautiful, and safe. We are asking the

church for volunteers who can be put on a "Property Crew" mailing list, to be emailed when we have projects

coming that require additional hands. While we ask that crew members be willing to help with 2-3 projects per

year, your specific participation and time commitment will be determined by your availability. No special skills

necessary - we'll teach you as needed for the job. You can sign up to be on the mailing list via the worship

registration form, or by talking to any member of the Sammamish Hills Property Team (Ivan Lee, Andy Tischaefer,

and Mark Henderson). Please consider signing up by contacting the church office at 425-392-7799 or

apritchard@shlc.org.

TENDING TO THE SANCTUARY CHRISTMAS TREE On Sunday, December 23rd we would like to invite YOU and your family to join Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church

members for Christmas cookies while decorating the Christmas tree between worship services at

9:45-10:45. Many hands will make for light work. Then join us again January 6th, the last Sunday of Christmas,

where we will gather between services to help put away all the ornaments with the entire tree coming down after

the 10:45am worship service. Thank you!

ADVENT FAMILY CANDLE LIGHTING AND PRAYERS You know who loves lighting the candles of Advent? Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church kids! This year our youth

will be writing four Advent prayers to begin our services during the Sundays of Advent (12/2, 12/9, 12/16, &

12/23). If you’d like to read a prayer and help your child light our Advent candles as a family at the beginning of

worship in Advent please contact Jessica Stan to sign up jessica@shlc.org.

ADVENT EVENING AT HOLY TRINITY MERCER ISLAND Join us, Sunday, December 2nd at 4pm for the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, the national

Lutheran summer program for high school musicians, will be offering an Advent evening concert, reception, and

Evening Prayer liturgy on Sunday evening, the first Sunday of Advent, 2 December at 4pm. The evening will be

hosted at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Mercer Island. Anyone is welcome to this lovely evening of music, prayer,

and refreshments.

COMING IN JANUARY....CHILI COOK OFF & CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Do you have a chili recipe you’ve always wanted to make and share with everyone? Join us Sunday,

January 27th for the Chili Cook-off and Congregational Meeting. Those interested in helping may

contact Anna (amorris@shlc.org). The feast begins at 5:30p in the Fellowship Hall, then at 6:15p the congregation

will meet for the semiannual meeting of the congregation to approve the Spending Guide for 2019 and conduct

other general business. Childcare during the meeting is available by emailing Aleta (apritchard@shlc.org).

2019 SAMMAMISH HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN’S RETREAT AT

HOLDEN VILLAGE www.holdenvillage.org Friday, March 1st-Monday, March 4th

This is a fabulous opportunity to spend a weekend in an incredibly beautiful place with

other women from Sammamish snowshoeing, weaving, knitting, crocheting, reading, or just

plain napping. It is up to you. Interested? Questions? Planning to attend? Contact Lisa Minton at

Lisaminton@live.com or 425-591-3083.

SAMMAMISH HILLS 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. Toys, snacks and coffee provided!

PAGE 8 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 8:45a & 10:45a PAGE 9

READERS/USHERS WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY SERVICES! Do you enjoy reading aloud and/or ushering? We need your help! Please contact Aleta in the

church office at apritchard@shlc.org if you are interested in reading or ushering for any of our

Christmas Eve or 10am Christmas Day Worship Services. Thank you!

FAITH 5 CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT! DECEMBER 16TH

Join us for a Christmas Party with carols, cookies, reindeer games, fellowship and more!

From 5-7p on the 3rd Sunday of every month, Pr. Eric and Children’s Ministry Director Jessica Stan

will gather anyone interested into our fellowship hall for a time of games, singing, food, and faith 5.

No one can raise a child in faith alone, and we’re going to make sure you don’t have to.

FAITH 5 STRUCTURED WORSHIP WITH YOUR FAMILY SUNDAYS

Worship With Your Family Sunday will pattern itself off of the Faith 5 (Share, Read, Talk, Pray, Bless). Kids will be

engaged on a deeper level, and we’ll get to know the hearts, hurts, and joys of our entire

community better.

Why make these changes? It’s about relationship. Relationship with God, within our families, with

other participants in the life of Sammamish Hills, with neighbors…RELATIONSHIP! How can we walk

more closely with you in the Jesus-relationship we’re all building together? That is the question we

seek to answer.

EASTSIDE BABY CORNER NEEDS VOLUNTEERS! Volunteer support is needed to help local children in need. Come together by

volunteering as a group and help sort, organize, and package the items that are

delivered to families each and every week. Sign up at www.babycorner.org or contact

Madeline at madelinef@babycorner.org.

XYZ MINISTRY Do you like potlucks? Do you enjoy good conversation with interesting people? Well, come to our

next eXtra Years of Zest luncheon, December 21st and you will not be disappointed. Bring your

favorite salad, side dish or a dessert to share and be prepared for a great meal and a lot of laughter! We meet on

the third Friday of every month September-May in the Fellowship Hall at noon.

STOCKING STUFFERS AND CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING

FUNDRAISERS! As a way to fundraise for the Summer 2019 Guatemala trip with Safe Passage, we have

Brown Bear Carwash tickets available (which make an awesome stocking stuffer for any

drivers you know)! They will be on sale in the Narthex December 2nd, 9th, and 16th.

Tickets will be: 1 ticket= $7, 5 tickets= $35, 10 tickets= $50

We will also have a day (Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 16th!) where

students and parents will help wrap your Christmas gifts! Come to church and we will get

your gift wrapping done for you!

Keep your eye on the bulletins for specific times and places.

Small boxes – $1

Medium boxes – $2

Large boxes – $3

GOD KNOWS HOW TO DISARM THE WORLD

Bishop Kirby Unti

NW Washington Synod / ELCA

From the December 2018 edition of The Spirit

F riends, we are living in some disturbing times where violence, bullying, threats

and hostility abound. The world can be downright mean. No one is spared - not

even mothers and children.

How is one to respond in times like these? Do you just duck and seek cover? Do you

remain silent? Do confront those who are the source?

What many have chosen to do is to up their security systems. It is one of America’s

fastest growing industries. Others choose to literally arm themselves. While still others

practice what is called situational awareness. It is about being alert to your surroundings

and trying to take the necessary precautions.

On a recent trip to Chicago I heard a wonderful story from one of our Lutheran Bishops about Munib Younan,

Bishop Emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. (He served as bishop from

January 1998 to January 2018.)

My colleague was traveling with Munib when they crossed through a Check Point between Palestine and Israel.

They were met by a security guard armed with an assault rifle who was anything but kind to Munib requiring him

to get out of the car before he could proceed.

What Munib did is unimaginable to me. During the interrogation Munib said to the guard, “I don’t think you like

your job.” Obviously, this comment took the guard by surprise. It didn’t stop Munib. He asked the guard about

his family and discovered he had a girlfriend. Munib increased the level of empathy for the guard’s difficult

position. Before long the guard put down his assault rifle and wanted to know who this man was.

Munib Younan is one of the most disarming people you will ever meet. He feels so deeply that he has been

freed in Christ that he experiences very little fear in what for many is a very frightening place in the world.

Everywhere he travels, Munib engages people with this same disarming charm - confronting hostility by revealing

the fear that lies behind it.

When I grow up I want to be like him.

We are entering the Advent Season and Christmas. It is a time when we prepare ourselves to worship the Prince

of Peace who was born in the same land as Munib. How brilliant of God to enter the world as a baby.

I know of no power greater than that of newborn. A newborn can quickly take over an entire household. They

have the power to make macho men break into tears. They attract admiring looks wherever they go, unleashing

a power of endearment that is hard to resist.

Yes, our God knows how to disarm the world. This God baby grew up teaching others to turn the other cheek.

This baby who became an adult stood up to the likes of Herod and Pilate without batting an eye.

Yes, this Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has come into the world to disarm it. To disarm the hostility and meanness.

To create a world where the stranger is welcomed, and all are accepted. This Jesus has come to face the fear of

the world and replace it with peace.

Might this Season indeed be a season where each day we pray more fervently: Come Lord Jesus!