July 2017

Sammamish Hills LUTHERAN CHURCH

Letter from Pastor John

Greetings in Christ! What

if you could truly

participate in the new

creation Christ offers?

What if you could actually

do something about

moving beyond your old

belief patterns which

leave you stuck in

relationships, at work, at

home, and elsewhere? For the past twenty years

I’ve been working with a still relatively new field of

psychology titled, “Neuro Linguistic Programming.”

“NLP” for short.

NLP works with the understanding our neuro

pathways influence the language we use, our day to

day behaviors, and our inner programming. As I’ve

moved deeper into the understanding of the

behaviors, motivations, and actions of others

through the lens of NLP, there has been a

broadening of what I see, hear and feel. Most of us

listen to each other as if there is but a single voice.

In reality, in even the simplest communications

there is a whole chorus going on including how

words are used, the tone and inflection of the

voice, body language, and more. The study and

practice of NLP has deepened my understanding of

pastoral care, preaching, leadership, what it means

to be a husband, father, and friend.

Last fall I spent two weeks in SE England working

through an advanced training in NLP and now hold

certificates at the Master Practitioner level in NLP,

Timeline Therapy, and Hypnotherapy. Late July I

will begin three weeks of intense training to

achieve the status of “Trainer” in both NLP and

Timeline Therapy. Two of those weeks will be

annual continuing education leave, the other will

involve using vacation days.

This fall I’ll be offering several “Introducing

NLP”evenings, followed by a full blown training

February 16-20, 2018. If you’d like to learn more,

please, just ask. In the meantime, thank you for

the time to further develop as a pastor, leader, and

care giver.

Blessings to you this day and always.

John LaMunyon, Lead Pastor

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SAMMAMISH HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH

22818 SE 8th STREET

SAMMAMISH, WA 98074

Shoshone Confirmation Camp Registration!!!

DUE TODAY

So if anyone is in Christ,

there is a new creation:

everything old has passed away;

see, everything has become new!

---2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSV

Park at

Sammamish Hills

Lutheran Church on

July 4th! Help the youth on one

of their last fundraisers!

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)

Letter from Pastor Eric

G reetings in Christ Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church,

There comes a time at the end of each confirmation year when I wait with bated breath for something

that never happens.

Our confirmation students—about 30 in all—stand one by one in front of parents, confirmation guides,

and each other and offer their faith stories. In short, they tell of what and who has brought them to the

faith they hold today. On this night, I wait to hear about the inspiring lessons taught by Anna and

myself each Wednesday night. I wait to hear about the super-engaging curriculum we spend nearly $500 on each year. I

wait to hear something about the tangible, visible work we do in the fellowship hall every week for 9 months.

And every year I’m left with none of these hoped for accolades. Instead, do you know what they say? Here’s who and what

draws our students closer to Jesus.

Parents, Grandparents, and friends helping them through difficult times at school or with family

Relationships made at Confirmation Camp

Families moving faithfully together through the illness and death of friends or family members

Positive experiences with friends and mentors in Guide groups (especially if their social life at school is a wreck)

In summary, it’s relationships in Christ more than information about Christ that is building faith in our youth. Anna and I

bring the information each Wednesday night, but parents, other students, and our awesome confirmation guides bring the

relationship.

As Christians we are called to share our faith in both breadth and depth. In breadth we’re called to share with our neighbors

and gather them in. In depth we’re called to pass faith on to the next generation… to make these relationships with our

young ones in Christ.

Do you feel called to such work? If so, summer is upon us and we’d like to equip you.

Consider :

Mentoring our youth as a Guide at Confirmation Camp this summer.

Mentoring our young ones through Vacation Bible School

Building relationships with some of the many college kids who will come on the Fly Fishing Retreat in August

Inviting another family into your home to share your Faith-5 practice

Making it a point to learn the name of one young person you see regularly at worship before the summer is out, and

greet them when you see them

Discipleship in breadth and depth doesn’t have to happen as large acts. It can happen in the simple relationships we

intentionally form with our neighbors and our youth.

Be intentional. Be a mentor. Who knows, maybe you’ll be part of somebody’s faith story some day?

God bless you all,

Pr. Eric Hanson

June 28-July 3: CA Mission Trip Western States

Youth Gathering

July 4: Office Closed / Independence Day

July 4: 4th Of July Parking Lot Fundraiser

July 5 & 19: Middle School Youth Night 7-8:30p

July 5, 12, 19 & 26: Youth Band Practice 6p

July 10-14: Sammamish Hills Vacation Bible School

July 11: Council Meeting 6:30p

July 16, 23 & 30: Senior High Youth Group 7p

July 18 & 25: Open Play 9:30-11:30a

July 18: Women’s Fellowship Group 6:30p

August 1, 8, 15 & 22: Open Play 9:30-11:30a

August 2 & 23: Middle School Youth Night 7-8:30p

August 3-6: Student Ministry Shoshone Trip

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

August 8: Council Meeting, Offsite 6:30p

August 9, 16 & 23: Youth Band Practice 6p

August 13, 20 & 27: Senior High Youth Group 7p

August 14: Connect Young Adults Group 6:45p

August 15: Clink! 6:30p

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

August 17-20: Fishermen’s Fly Fishing Retreat

August 27: Annual Picnic, 11a Worship followed by a

picnic lunch in partnership with the members

of Grace Chinese Lutheran of Sammamish

and Shoreline at Beaver Lake Park

August 31: Blood Works NW Blood Drive 1-7p

September 3, 10, 17 & 24: Senior High Youth Group 7p

September 4: Office Closed / Labor Day

September 5, 12, 19 & 26: Open Play 9:30-11:30a

September 6, 13, 20 & 27: Youth Band Practice 6p

September 7, 14, 21 & 28: Choir Rehearsal 7:30p

September 11, 18 & 25: Quilting Ministry 10a-2p

September 11: Connect Young Adults Group 6:45p

September 12: Council Meeting 6:30p

September 13, 20 & 27: Men’s Bible Study 6:30a

September 13, 20 & 27: Evening Bible Study 7p

September 13, 20 & 27: Morning Bible Study 9:30a

September 15: XYZ Ministry Luncheon 12p

September 19: Clink! 7p

September 19: Women’s Fellowship Group 6:30p

STARTING SEPTEMBER 2017, BE PREPARED TO ENJOY:

FAITH-5 NIGHT!

From 5-7p on the 3rd Sunday of every month, Pr. John and I 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

This fall, 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.

Financials Alison Carpenter acarpenter@shlc.org | 425-392-7799, ext. 23

AUTOMATE YOUR GIVING

Are you interested in automating your giving to

the 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.

WORSHIP IN JULY (NOTE: The readings are included to allow you to prepare for each Sunday by reading through the assigned

biblical texts. The text which will be the focus of preaching is in italics and bold type.)

July 2nd, The 4th Sunday After Pentecost

(Readings: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42)

The early Christian mystics, in their pursuit of God, spoke of entering into a “dark night of the soul” where God cannot

be seen or felt. But within that dark night eventually a light shined. It was God Himself, made clear not in spite of the

darkness, but because of it.

July 9th, The 5th Sunday After Pentecost Heavy Load?

(Readings: Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30)

At the end of a series of sayings, Jesus invites others to set aside their load and put on his “yoke.” We no

longer use yokes slung across our shoulders to carry heavy loads. But, many still, metaphorically, carry

heavy loads. How would it feel if you could lay it all down?

July 16th, The 6th Sunday After Pentecost Its not just the soil…

(Readings: Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)

Two people went out together and bought the same set of tools. Ten years later, one set was well used and

the other was still in the package. Which tool user changed the most? How and for what purpose are you

using the tools and gifts God has given you?

July 23rd, The 7th Sunday After Pentecost

(Readings: Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)

Jesus’ parables make us ask, “Who am I in this story?” Are you the wheat or the weeds? Or, do both grow inside?

What if we’re meant for both the fire & the barn?

July 30th, The 8th Sunday After Pentecost

(Readings: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52)

The Kingdom of Heaven, as they say, is “Where God’s will is done.” Jesus likens the Kingdom to tiny objects (mustard

seeds, pearls, yeast). We look for the Kingdom to come in the “next big thing.” Why are we missing it in all the little

things?

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 Tom Ryan (tryan@shlc.org, 425-392-7799 x 27) 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 31, 2017.

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, August 27th is the Church Picnic with Grace Chinese Lutheran Church at Beaver Lake

Park. We will have an 11a Worship 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!

PASTORAL CARE Lead Pastor

John LaMunyon, prjohn@shlc.org | ext. 13

Pastor

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

Mission Developer

Jimmy Hao, jimmy@gracechineselutheran.org

FAITH FORMATION THROUGH THE AGES

Sunday School/General Questions

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

Interim Children’s Ministry Assistant

Kristine Mantey, kmantey@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

John LaMunyon, prjohn@shlc.org | ext. 13

MUSIC & WORSHIP MINISTRIES

Sanctuary Choir Director | 9:00a

open position

Contemporary Worship Director | 10:30a

open position

2017 CHURCH COUNCIL President: Cam Barsness

Vice President: Bob Hawkinson

Secretary: Linda Saddler

Treasurer: Abbey Abekah

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

Paul Jennerjohn

Natalie Glesener

Carolyn Kaiser

Vikki Brakke

Tyler Kurz

SUPPORT TEAM

Business Administrator

Tom Ryan, tryan@shlc.org | ext. 27

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 10 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 9:00a & 10:30a PAGE 3

$46,091

$240,642

$55,000

$284,127

$-

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

May Year to date 2017

OfferingsActuals Vs Budget

Actuals

Budget

PAGE 4 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 9:00a & 10:30a PAGE 9

Student Ministry Student’s Ministry Director: Anna Morris amorris@shlc.org | 425-392-7799, ext. 16

STUDENT MINISTRY

We are kicking off the first full month of summer and

it feels so nice to have a change of pace! There are

still lots of ways to stay connected with church – so

look at all the dates coming up and make sure you

can be there!

YOUTH BAND

Do you sing? Play an instrument? Just want to spend

time with some awesome folks making music on a

Wednesday night? Join us in Youth Band on

Wednesday nights! This time around, we are gearing

up for Vacation Bible School! Join us to be thinking

about actions, working on some music, etc.

Wednesday, July 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th -

Youth Band, Sanctuary, 6-7p

July 10th-14th – Vacation Bible School, 9a-

12p, Fellowship Hall

MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY

July means it’s time to get back together for things

like Middle School Youth Nights, Vacation Bible

School, and more! It’s time to enjoy the warmth, sun,

and time to relax and recharge.

Important Upcoming Dates!

Wednesday, July 5th and 19th – Middle School

Youth Nights, Fellowship Hall, 7-8:30p

We will be playing games, walking

down to the park at the Lower

Sammamish Commons, getting gelato

at Met. Market, or something else!

Lots of great things to do in the

summer when the sun is still up.

July 10th-14th – Vacation Bible School, 9a-12p

August 3rd-6th – Shoshone Camp!

REGISTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE! Get

your registration in by July 5th so you

don’t miss out on this AWESOME

weekend with friends in God’s

creation where we will explore the

theme, “Live Life Better.”

HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY

Important Dates this month!

June 28th-July 3rd – Western States Youth

Gathering, Thousand Oaks, CA

Tuesday, July 4th – Fourth of July Parking!

Parking lot, 4:30-9p

Help fundraise for future summer trips

by helping at Fourth of July Parking!

We need lots of hands to help direct

cars, take donations, etc.

Sunday, July 16th, 23rd, and 30th – Senior

High Youth Group, Fellowship Hall, 7-9p

Join us for the longer summer fun!

Water balloon volleyball, Groundy/

Lava Monster at Lower Sammamish

Commons, movie night… who knows

what fun will be had at youth group?

July 21st-22nd – 2nd Annual Church Prom

Overnighter, Fellowship Hall, 7:30p-8a

Church Prom was so fun last year, we

will do it again! All high schoolers are

invited to come in their fancy dress for

bowling, classy McDonalds, movies,

and games!

August 3rd-6th – Shoshone Camp!

REGISTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE! Get

your registration in by July 5th so you

don’t miss out on this AWESOME

weekend with friends in God’s

creation where we will explore the

theme, “Live Life Better.”

HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER TRIP

This month, a group of 5 of us are heading home

from the Western States Youth Gathering!! I can’t

wait to share what we learned when we get back!

The dates are: June 28th-July 3rd

We are staying at California Lutheran University in

Thousand Oaks, CA and the theme is Dream BIG!

Fundraisers include 4th of July Parking (when

we return) and more!

Check in with Anna at amorris@shlc.org if you want to

know how to support our group!

Prayer Corner By Pam Marsh

INDEPENDENCE DAY

S o here we are about to celebrate another Independence Day with picnics and fireworks. I have

always enjoyed this uniquely American celebration even if I view it with a slightly different

perspective.

So how do the British view this holiday? They are very low key. If I talk to my brother, he would say

something like, don’t you have some kind of holiday coming up? Yes, I reply, Independence Day when us

Brits were sent scurrying across the Pond with our tails between our legs because we insisted on taxing the

blazes out of the Colonists without giving them any representation in our Parliament. Heck he replies (using

an American colloquialism), heck, at that time the British population was also being taxed up the ying yang

and most of us didn’t have much say in our government either. But we just stiffened our upper lips and broke

into raucous renditions of “Look on the Bright Side of Life”!

Seriously, though, there are so many things that Britain and America have in common: the English language,

our judicial systems, our sense of fair play and above all our Christian heritage. We have become allies and

friends in war and in peacetime and, God willing, we will always be the best of friends despite the whims and

foibles of our respective governments. So, in celebration of our Trans-Atlantic friendship, I will continue to fly

the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack on July 4th!

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GREAT BRITAIN TOO!

FISHERS OF FISH & FOLKS TRIP TO MONTANA!

Yup, you read it right. From August 17th to August 20th (Thurs.-Sun.) our church’s fly-

fishers will be staying at Michael & Gail Peterson’s Cabin on Rock Creek near

Missoula, MT in order to fish, fellowship, study scripture, eat, and have a great time

together. You DO NOT have to know anything about fly fishing to join up. Pr. Eric and

Michael are experienced fishers who love to teach. We’ll help you find gear & learn

the ropes. This trip is open to all. Come for some of it, come for all of it, just come!

Please contact Pr. Eric if you wish to attend (preric@shlc.org).

Psalm 33:12. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

1 Timothy 2:1-3. I urge, therefore, that requests and prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for

everyone – for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness

and holiness.

Children’s Ministry Interim Children’s Ministry Assistant: Kristine Mantey kmantey@shlc.org | 425-392-7799, ext. 15

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Attention, attention! Tell your friends that

The Mighty Fortress is coming to

Sammamish Hills Lutheran July 10th-14th.

Come venture into God’s Kingdom!

Register TODAY by visiting shlc.org.

We have the dates. We have the theme. Now we need

the people! If you are creative and organized, we want

you on our team. Please contact Kristine Mantey at

kmantey@shlc.org to find out how you can get a front

row seat at The Mighty Fortress!

SUNDAY SCHOOL

2016-17:

IT’S A WRAP! We have officially wrapped up the 2016-17 Sunday

School year. We had an amazing year of worshipping

the Lord through song, activities, and outreach

projects. A few highlights were packing over 300

Operation Christmas Child boxes as a congregation.

Acting as a Relay Center during National Collection

Week for Operation Christmas Child and had a great

turnout. We also partnered with Children of the

Nations and packed 110 Hygiene SmilePacks. We

finished the year off by purchasing 4 flocks of birds

and several pigs through Heifer.

The greatest accomplishment this

year was watching your children

grow in their faith. Thank you to

each and every volunteer that made

this Sunday School year possible.

PAGE 8 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better

CLINK! Clink! will not meet in July. However, we’ll be back to Big Block Brewing Tuesday, August 15th. Come join us!

QUILTING MINISTRY

The quilters are currently on break but will meet again beginning September 11th. We

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. Donations can be brought to the

church office any time during business hours.

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP GROUP Women of all ages are invited to join us! We will meet next on Tuesday, July 18th, from

6:30-8:30pm at the home of Sue Huibregtse to share a meal, fellowship and prayer. For

more information, please contact Sue (Huibregtse_Family@msn.com or 425.941.9263).

MEALS MINISTRY Has anyone ever brought you a meal during a tough time and it was like receiving manna from

heaven? Do you have a passion for serving the sick and hurting in your community? If so, we’ve got a

lead volunteer position open for you! How about joining to lead the Meals Ministry Team! Email Pr. Eric if

interested preric@shlc.org.

GRIEF CARD MINISTRY When you lost a loved one, who reached out to you? How did they reach out? A kind hand on the shoulder

asking, “how are you doing?” A note in your mailbox as a reminder you are not forgotten. Did it help to know

your church, friends, or family still held you in thought and prayer? Grief Card Ministry is looking for a new

servant to provide a piece of that care from our Body of Christ. Do you like writing? Do you like connecting heart,

to letter, to person? If so, I would love to speak with you. Please contact Pr. Eric at preric@shlc.org.

Ministry of the Month LUTHER’S TABLE

Renton Lutheran Church closed in 2006 after over 50 years of ministry in downtown

Renton. Part of their legacy is Luther’s Table. Their vision was “to share the gospel,

the story of God’s Grace toward all people in Jesus Christ, with everyone whose lives

touch ours. The intention is to go out from here into our downtown community, serving

where needed.” Luther’s Table continues that vision.

Martin Luther developed the pastime of inviting his students to his home after class to discuss theology and

share a pint of his wife Katy’s home-brewed ale. At Luther’s Table, we are going to continue that tradition of

fostering faith and developing theological depth through conversation and fellowship in downtown Renton. We

even have clergy from the area who have volunteered to bartend, believe it or not. Everyone who works here

from the host to the custodian will be trained to serve generously, and to care for the people they serve.

Luther’s Table is centered around the core values of: Welcome, Story, Authenticity, Moderation, Humility and

Humor. We also understand and hope that these core values will grow and change as our community grows and

changes.

www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 9:00a & 10:30a PAGE 5

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 on

July 4th or 11th

Due to Independence Day and

Vacation Bible School

Shoshone

Confirmation

Camp 2016, REGISTER NOW

to join us for 2017!

Sammamish Hills Vacation Bible School

If you haven't already, REGISTER TODAY!

Come venture into God’s Kingdom!

PAGE 6 Make Friends—Meet God—Live Life Better www.shlc.org WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS AT 9:00a & 10:30a PAGE 7

Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool Preschool Director: Kristine Meyer kristine@shlc.org | 425-392-7799, ext. 29 or 425-698-5777

It 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 are in the midst of a few staff changes; stay tuned for an updated staff list soon!

WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR A MUSIC TEACHER:

Please let me know if you or anyone you know is interested!

Music Classes: Music and Movement is taught to four

preschool classes over a two day span.

Days can be: Monday/Tuesday or Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Wednesday. Music classes run between the

hours of 9:30-12:00. Exact hours can be negotiable.

SUMMER GATHERINGS

July 19th 11a-12:30p Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool Informal Park Date– Pine Lake Park

Join me and some preschool friends at the park! Meet at Pine Lake Park by the play structures.

Bring a sack lunch, your friends and neighbors, and come and play with old and new preschool

friends!

August 16th 11a-12:30p Sammamish Hills Lutheran Preschool Informal Park Date– Pine Lake Park

Join me and some preschool friends at the park! Meet at Pine Lake Park by the play structures.

Bring a sack lunch, your friends and neighbors, and come and play with old and new preschool

friends!

WE HAVE A FEW OPENINGS IN:

Older 2’s: T/TH 9:30-11:30 Kids must be 2 ½ by August 31st, 2017

Pre-K: This class can be taken M/W/F or M/W/Th/F. Kids need to be 4 by August 31st,

2017 to enroll.

Older Pre-K: M/T/W/Th. Students need to be 4 by March 31st, 2017

Go to www.shlpreschool.org for more information.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MOVING & DANCING

BY THE REV. SHELLEY BRYAN WEE Assistant to the Bishop, NWWA Synod

From the JULY 2017 edition of The Spirit

The celebration of Pentecost occurred a few weeks ago. On that day, we heard how the disciples finally

left that locked room. Thousands were baptized. People were swept up in the fire and wind and flame of

the Spirit. But we are mistaken if we determine that event happened long ago without relevance for today.

For the Holy Spirit continues to move and breathe as we move and breathe in the Spirit ... even in the

twenty-first century, even here in the Pacific Northwest!

As I write this, I am on my second day as Assistant to the Bishop. I also am selling my house, looking for a

house, learning names and faces, absorbing facts and figures, and (as you all experience) driving in western Washington

traffic. It is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time.

I admit when I was approached about this position, I resisted. I was settled. I was happy with my call. I had a dentist and

hair stylist and dog groomer. I was not considering a move to the west side. But as I talked with Bishop Unti and the rest of

the staff, my excitement grew and I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to a new and different place.

When I think back on my life, this is exactly how God invites me to new ventures. If someone had told me my Freshman

year at PLU that I would become a pastor I would have laughed out loud. If someone had told me my first call would be on

the Flathead Indian Reservation I would have shook my head in disbelief. If someone had said that I would live in Spokane

for twenty years I would have said, "There's no way!" If someone had suggested I move out of Spokane after twenty years I

would have said (and did), "But I'm comfortable." And yet ... that pesky (awesome!) Holy Spirit who, from the beginning of

time, mixes and tosses and stirs, led me to this place to be in ministry with all of you.

The Holy Spirit is moving and dancing ... in your lives, in your church, in your world. Unpredictable, fanciful, animated but

never boring, the Spirit blows upon us, our church, our world as we move from the past into the unknown, as we come

ever closer to the time when peace and justice reign, as we join together in the cosmic holy dance.

I look forward to hearing how the Holy Spirit has called you into your vocations and callings, into new and different

ministries. As we move into this future together we know that life is not always predictable, but in the midst of uncertainty,

we are certain of God's love and grace through Jesus. We are certain that the Holy Spirit is leading, guiding, prodding,

coaxing us into a new day.

I would love to preach, teach, meet or whatever may help you and your congregation. I look forward to our journey

together.

JESUS CHRIST: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER WITH THE NATIONAL

LUTHERAN CHOIR The National Lutheran Choir leads a community-wide evening of singing in

commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. This

unique program, featuring the National Lutheran Choir, a massed choir of singers

from local choirs assembled for this momentous occasion, and the congregation, will celebrate the rich treasury of music

– from early hymns to new works – expressing the journey of the Church. Under the direction of Dr. David Cherwien, the

64-voice National Lutheran Choir seeks to strengthen, renew and preserve the heritage of sacred choral music. More

information at NLCA.com.

Would you just love to sing with this group on September 29th?

Great! Just such an opportunity is open to the first 150 singers who sign up. There will be three anthems and a few hymn

descants to learn ahead of time by attending at least one of the following prep rehearsals, both held at Phinney Ridge

Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave N in Seattle:

Tuesday, September 19th, 7-9p Sunday, September 24th, 1:30-3:30p

Music will be distributed at the rehearsals. There will also be a rehearsal with NLC the night of the concert at St. Mark’s,

exact time still TBD. To sing, you must sign up – take a minute to do it now – by responding with your name, congregation,

and voice part via e-mail at Sept29Singer@gmail.com. Your gift of song is a cherished gift.

Friday, September 29th – 7:30p

St. Mark’s Cathedral

1245 10th Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98102

Info at: www.saintmarks.org/music/arts-concerts

Do you have some cardboard boxes that are sitting around your home or office? Bring

them to the church office and watch them be transformed into the mighty fortress for

VBS during the week of July 10th – 14th. Any boxes need to be received at the church

office by July 8th for our VBS prep party!

Also don’t forget to invite anyone that might like to join us for this fun filled week!