February 4 SOUPer Bowl of Caring Food and monetary donations benefit Hopelink. See page 16

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1 , Saint Andrews LUTHERAN CHURCH the VOICE February 2018 What s inside... Along the Way... 1 Annual Meeting Calendar Congregation Collaborations Congregation Council. 4, 19 Discipleship Ministries Fellowship, Groups, and More Health and Wholeness Ministry Lent - Easter... 3, Ministry Team Outreach and Servant Ministries Pastoral Care... 6 Property Ponderings... 7 Reflections... 6 Serving in Our Community Sunday Servers Thank You... 6 Worship and Liturgical Arts Sunday Worship 8:30 am and 11:00 am Discipleship Hour 9:45 am Lenten Midweek Worship February 21, 28 March 7, 14, 21 Soup Supper, 6:15 pm Worship, 7:00 pm Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church th Ave SE Bellevue WA Phone: Fax: The Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church newsletter is a free monthly publication. Along the Way ime. Think for a moment where that word appears in conversation--- On time, T In time, Vacation time, be on time, running out of time, nap time, quiet time. Or, time is of the essence! A friend of mine once observed that time is a courtesy given to us each day. His point was that when it comes to a question of stewardship, managing time may be the most important opportunity we have to be the presence of Christ in the world. I like that a whole lot! Much of my time, and the time of the Ministry Team, is driven by liturgical time, the Church Year. The pivot points of devotion are Advent-Christmas, Epiphany (which is the time we are in for a few more Sundays), Lent-Easter, Pentecost. All kinds of reminders of the change of time for worship is given by the color of the hangings in the worship space, the lessons and hymns we share, and the outreach emphasis that keeps us in service time. February 14 will mark for us a new time, it is Ash Wednesday. Yes, Valentine s Day. How about that one? We will enter a 40-day walk together and I call each of you to take your time to get the focus of the God who loves so much that Jesus became the way, the truth, the life to make all time discipleship growing time. Note the enclosed What Wondrous Love... reminder of how we can be disciplefit as a community walking with Jesus to the Cross and forgiveness time. As we welcome The Time of Lent, recall the words of Jesus. Early in His ministry in Galilee, the religious authorities were beginning to be concerned as many came to believe in Jesus. His disciples wanted him to go into Judea, closer to Jerusalem, so that others might hear and see him too, and begin to follow. Jesus said, My time has not yet come. (John 7:1-13) This is our call, again, take time to be with the Lord and with one another in a pathway to renewal in Christ. See you in church! Pastor Jim McEachran February 4 SOUPer Bowl of Caring Food and monetary donations benefit Hopelink. See page 16 Healing Prayer Ministry Gathering For those who are Healing Prayer Ministers and those who are interested in this ministry. See page 14 a G h t r e.. E. n c o u r a g e. Concert: Jazz Ensemble February 11, 4:00 pm See page 2 Ash Wednesday February 14 Worship with Holy Communion, 12:15 pm and 7:00 pm.. E q u i S p... e n... d

2 Worship Texts February 4 Isaiah 40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-11, 20c 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39 February 11 2 Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9 February 14 Ash Wednesday Joel 2:1-2, Psalm 51: Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, February 18 Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25: Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15 February 25 Genesis 17:1-7, Psalm 22:23-31 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38 Worship and Liturgical Arts Sunday Morning Music Sunday mornings are a busy time for music ministries at Saint Andrew s. Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, or another ensemble are usually rehearsing a piece or two in the Sanctuary, trying to make for a better presentation and worship experience. Sometimes we aren t quite finished until 15 minutes or so before worship. To help out the choir, bells, and any other ensemble that is preparing music, we would request that talking in the Sanctuary while an ensemble is rehearsing is kept to a whisper. This quiet helps the director and everyone in the ensemble better hear what they are doing, and results in an improved musical offering. Thank you so much for helping us out! In God s Peace, Will Simpson, Director of Music Ministries Children s Choir Calling all students in kindergarten through middle school! You are invited to join us for Children s Choir as we prepare to sing on Palm Sunday, March 25, at both worship services. This is a great opportunity for you to be a very important part of our worship service that day. Plan to join us; we need your voice! Rehearsals are Sundays, February 25, March 4, and March 11, all from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Contact Children s Choir Director Erin Simpson for more information or to let her know of your interest. Saint Andrew s Concert Series Jazz Ensemble February 11, 4:00 pm Music Rehearsal Times Chancel Choir Thursdays, 7:00 pm Handbell Choir Tuesdays, 7:00 pm Children s Choir Sundays, 3:00 pm February 25 March 4 March 11 Worship Bulletins and Notes and Audio Podcasts of Sermons can be found at sermons.salchome.org This Saint Andrew s Concerts is FREE and open to all. Invite a friend! Jazz Ensemble Sunday, February 11, 4:00 pm Chase the winter blues away with a dose of jazz, America s most original art form. We ll explore some of the European and Afro- Cuban musical forms that gave birth to jazz, and we ll demonstrate the continuing influences of musical styles from around the globe. Our small Jazz Ensemble of Steve Reincke on saxophone/flute, Don Garberg on keyboards, Trevor Pelletier on bass, and Rob Parks on drums will have some fun with improvisation, and will give you a peek at the musical roles and the wordless conversations that make jazz music happen. Mostly, we ll just have fun making music. Please join us! 2 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2018

3 Communion Bread Everyone is invited to bake bread used in the Eucharist on Sunday mornings. The sign-up for all of 2018 is available. You can sign up online for a specific Sunday. Links to the sign-up website and to the recipe for Luther Bread are both on the Saint Andrew s website; go to and scroll down to Bake Communion Bread. Contact coordinator Jill Nichols- Hicks for more information. Baskets of Promise Lent Baskets of Promise Outreach The Baskets of Promise program, run during Lent and sponsored by the Health and Wholeness Ministry Committee, helps to fill the Personal Care Kits that are sent out in early May. Lutheran World Relief is the organization that we work with and the kits are sent to areas of the world where an emergency has occurred and people are left with very little. The kits supply basic items for survival. Our goal this year is to fill 150 kits. You can help us reach that goal by donating the following items on the weeks indicated. February 18 - bath towels (light-weight, maximum size 52 x 27, dark color) February 25 - combs (large, sturdy) March 4 - nail clippers (metal, attached file optional, any size) March 11 - bars of soap (4 to 5 ounces, in original wrapping) March 18 - toothbrushes (adult size, in original wrapping) March 25 - bath towels (light-weight, maximum size 52 x 27, dark color) An announcement will be in the bulletin each week to remind you of the item for the following week. Worship and Liturgical Arts Lent ~ Easter What Wondrous Love... Welcome and Worship with Children There are a variety of resources to welcome children in worship. These include a worship summary form for kids (available in the Narthex), prayer/offering cards for kids (in the pew racks), Little Disciples Tips in the bulletin on how to engage children in worship, and a spot set aside just for kids on the east side of the Sanctuary. Children may borrow Spark Bibles (available in the Narthex) during worship to follow along with the lessons and parts of worship. During the Time of Lent, we walk together as a community who trusts that God is about the work of love in sending Jesus into the world. As we walk together in this time of renewal, we are called to remember that in Jesus Christ all things are made new now and forever. What Wondrous Love... is a theme that will carry us deeper in the life of discipleship. We will share days of worship and learning, fellowship and serving. We are those who carry on the good news that from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, we are the people of the Way. And Jesus said, Follow me. See the Lent~Easter insert for worship opportunities. Prayer Partners for Lent 2018 Ash Wednesday is just around the corner: February 14. Now is the time to sign up for a secret Prayer Partner for Lent. Sign up by Sunday, February 4, in the Narthex. Look for our table and think about including an optional prayer request (health, faith, relationships, decisions, job?) on the sign-up form. This is an excellent way to strengthen connections in our worshiping community, enrich your prayer life, and lift up someone else s journey through Lent. Paul wrote to the Philippians, Don t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray (Philippians 4:6 The Message) Prayer is an act of faith and a sign of trust in God. Believing-prayer is something we can all do and it demonstrates that our faith is real. Trust that God hears, God cares, God has the power, and that God answers prayer. God wants us to ask. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7 NIV) Sunday, February 4 - Sign-ups end. Put your request in the box in the Narthex. Sunday, February 11 - Health and Wholeness Ministry Committee members will distribute the envelopes with the secret Prayer Partner names. Remember, it s a secret. Sunday, April 8 Find out who has been praying for you. Attend the Reveal at 9:45 am. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people 1 Timothy 2:1 NIV. Pray for one another. Prayer Partners February 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 3

4 Congregation Council At the January 8 and January 17 Council Meetings... The Congregation Council met twice in January. Both meetings began with Pastor McEachran s devotional words on Listen ~ Learn ~ Dream using the texts Matthew 28:16-20 and John 3:16. Both meetings focused on finances and on discussion around the Report of Recommendations of the Joshua Group and how to proceed Finance: Treasurer Joni Barrott reported that 2017 ended with a positive cash balance of over $14,000. The Council voted to transfer this surplus to the Deferred Maintenance Fund Current Fund Budget: Finance Committee projects 2018 income to be similar to 2017, and much work went into refining an expense budget to balance with income. Finance recommends proposing this balanced budget to the congregation for approval. The Council discussed what reports should be on the Saint Andrew s website, agreeing that approved Council meeting minutes should be posted, and that all committee reports, including financial, be made available on demand, either electronically or in print. The Council voted to dissolve the Imagine Scholarship Fund, a fund established to provide scholarships to residents of Imagine Housing. The fund has been inactive and no recipients have been identified since The $12, balance of the Fund will be transferred to the Designated Pass Thrus Fund, with the use of the money to be decided at a future date. Council Initiatives/Pathways to Renewal: President Scott Lester reviewed the steps and progress of the Joshua Process. He led the Council through discussions of the process itself and of the recommendations received by the Joshua Group. Pastor McEachran shared his observations and viewpoints. The Council voted to accept and adopt the recommendation regarding Leadership, and to establish a Transition Leadership Team to support the process. The Council outlined a timeline of work to be done, with a target date of April 15 for Pastor McEachran to announce his resignation date. Scott Lester recognized and thanked the Council members whose terms are ending: Emily Andresen, Joni Barrott, Art Gurtel, Ben Johnson, Steve Serex, and Jon Thorpe. Packets containing reports from all committees are available in the church office; ask Office Administrator Mary Mills if you would like to see them. Minutes from Council meetings are in the office and on the Saint Andrew s website: visit Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the Congregation was held on Sunday, January 28. Over 160 members of the congregation family were in attendance. Thank you for your commitment to God s ministry at Saint Andrew s!. Bryant and Vanessa Wilkie served a delicious lunch of Indian food, with Council members providing dessert. Thank you! The Nominating Committee - Linda Powell (chair), Lowell Arneson, Kendra Mills, Dick Swaisgood, and Mark Thorpe - were thanked for their work. All of the candidates were thanked for being willing to serve: Andy Hogle, Art Gurtel, Becca Piel, Ben Johnson, Dick Swaisgood, Dick Szabo, Doris Visaya, Jill Nichols- Hicks, Jean Wahlstrom, Sue Trudell, and Tom Getzinger. (The day following the meeting, Andy Hogle volunteered to chair the Stewardship Committee.) The following were elected to the 2018 Congregation Council: Art Gurtel, Dick Swaisgood, Dick Szabo, and Jean Wahlstrom were elected to 3-year terms Ben Johnson was elected to a 2-year term Jill Nichols-Hicks was elected to a 1-year term Rebeka Gordon was elected as the Youth Representative Joni Barrott was elected as Treasurer (Following the Annual Meeting, the Council met and elected Scott Lester to be President, Art Gurtel to be Vice President, and Stein Dolan to be Secretary.) Pastor McEachran thanked his wife, Nancy, for her love and support. He thanked all who provide leadership to the congregation. Pastor emphasized the four Ts from his (January 28) sermon: Transition, Transformation, Trust, and Together. He noted the depth of commitment to outreach, both locally and globally. Six members of Saint Andrew s serve on boards of directors for local non-profits, and outreach has extended to Africa and India. He thanked the Congregation Council for leading faithfully, intentionally, and transparently. He is honored to serve as Senior Pastor of this congregation. Quiet Servants were recognized. These are volunteers who serve our Saint Andrew s family in a variety of ways that may go unnoticed. Dr. Will Simpson thanked and recognized Elaine Koga and Sharon Gurtel for all of the ways they support our rich music ministry. Emily Harrow thanked and recognized Joyce Kasper for supporting and growing our Discipleship Ministries programs while Emily was on maternity leave. Sherry Grindeland thanked and recognized Mark Davis, Brent Hicks, and Brett Nelson for always saying Yes when asked to serve on Sunday mornings as ushers, lectors, etc.; Mary Davis and Beth Donahoe for their creatively wonderful work of cochairing Advent Fair for the past two years; and Craig and Ruth Miller for consistently and quietly heading to the scullery and kitchen following events (soup suppers, O.W.L.S., etc.) to wash dishes and clean up (Sherry estimates they have washed 8,079 pieces of silverware, 2,000 plates, 3,241 soup bowls, and 4,777 glasses...so far!) continued on page Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2018

5 continued from page 4 President Scott Lester reflected on 2017 in review and looked ahead to He framed his report around Listen ~ Learn ~ Dream. Listen: Our life in Christ is active in many different ways at Saint Andrew s. President Lester asked those in attendance to prayerfully focus on their place in ministry. Learn: We have learned much this past year through our engagement of the Joshua Process, Pathways to Renewal (Ministry, Discipleship, Building), and the ministries we share. Dream: We have had and will continue to have conversations that will lead to plans, vision, and engagement. President Scott Lester reviewed the Joshua Process and the Report of Recommendations received from the Joshua Group. (Report Recommendations are available in the summary report document that can be obtained at the following link: ) The Congregation Council has adopted the recommendation of the Joshua Group regarding Leadership. A Transition Leadership Team of Amy Myhre, Dan Johnson, Dana Nasby, Dianne Chong, Marc Bateman, Pastor McEachran, and a Council member will support Pastor McEachran as he moves toward an announcement of a resignation date. The Leadership Team will also work to help clarify transition plans, and with congregation leadership, will meet with Bishop Unti. The Congregation Council will review other recommendations in 2018 and decide on next steps to take. Scott encouraged ongoing conversation and questions. Contact him if you would like a detailed explanation and review of the report of the Joshua Group. Pathways to Renewal covers a variety of initiatives, including Discipleship: Our Annual Report shows a healthy commitment to serving, and at least seven communications vehicles (such as Sunday bulletins and the VOICE) provide details of activities. Ministry: Offices at Saint Andrew s have been home to Imagine Housing, Congregations for the Homeless, and soon, Eastside Pathways. Supporting the growth of non-profit organizations is part of our mission. Building: The Pathways Hub (Room 212) displays drawings and information about a proposed building remodel. These designs are a product of several years of input from congregation members, and Design Advisory Group//Building Remodel Team working with VIA Architecture will see continued dialog and questions. Feedback is welcomed; there are comment forms in the Pathways Hub. There is no date set for a vote on a building remodel/captial campaign. President Lester encouraged everyone to think about the positives about our congregation as well as our challenges. What is our vision for the future? Finance Report and 2018 Current Fund Budget: Treaurer Joni Barrott thanked the members of the Finance Committee - Brady Kasper, John Andresen, Jeff Stedman, Russ Stark, Joni explained the various funds used and what their purposes are. She reviewed some the of larger 2017 expenditures from these funds 2017 ended with a surplus of funds, which have been transferred to the Deferred Maintenance Fund. The Imagine Scholarship Fund has been dissolved due to inactivity, and its balance has been transferred to the Designated Pass Thrus account. the 2018 Council will determine the use of these funds ($12,667.) Joni presented the proposed 2018 Current Fund budget of $890,800, which the congregation approved. A Nominating Committee was formed: Christine Zomorodian, Judy Thiel, Miriam Kroschel, Hal Ferris, Stephanie Page-Lester, and Marli Edde. Pa hways to Renewal Annual Meeting (continued) Discipleship Ministry Building Annual Report Revision Carolynn Ferris was the winner of the Quilt Raffle. The quilt was donated by Dorcas Circle, and $162 in raffle proceeds will go to Lutheran World Relief. We look forward to our life together in Christ in Listen, Learn, Dream, and contact Congregation Council President Scott Lester with questions and comments. There have been corrections and updates to pages (2018 Proposed Current Fund Budget) in the 2017 Annual Report. The updated copy is on the Saint Andrew s website: go to resources.salchome.org. Contact the church office if you would like a paper copy. February 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 5

6 .... on A Long Walk Home Reflections.... by Lowell Arneson Park River Lutheran Bible Camp was built in 1945, along the Park river, about 40 miles from our home town. For a few summers, starting when I was 11 years old, I would camp there for a week. The camp was also used for various rallies and retreats. Our youth group was planning to go to the camp for a Sunday night rally. I was anxious to be along. We carpooled to the camp, but on the return trip, a friend who was 2 or 3 years older than I, asked if I wanted to ride with him, as he had driven by himself and was looking for some company on the way home. Roger, my friend, dropped me off at the telephone office in town. The plan was that I would call home at that point, and my Dad would come and pick me up. Roger pulled away and I turned to enter the telephone office to use the public phone to make my call. The telephone building was about the size of a single car garage. The lights were on, but the door was locked. I banged on the door with no response, and also noted the sign in the window with the office hours: till midnight every day but Sunday. Sunday close at 10:00 pm. It was closer to 11:00 pm as I stood there very much alone. At 13, I was six feet tall, weighed about 200 pounds, with hardly an ounce of fat. I was not physically frail by any measure. Now, I was about to learn how I measured up from a mental and emotional standpoint. Finding a telephone in town that I could use was not an option. In light of the hour, I thought Dad would wake up, see what time it was, and then head into town. If I just sat on the telephone office steps and waited, he would be there soon. Maybe... maybe I should start walking to meet him. Our farm was 7 miles away. I started walking. As I moved away from the lights of town, the moonlight was bright enough that I could see the surrounding landscape, but I couldn t read my wristwatch. The evening air was cool and fresh. I didn t have a jacket, or a cap, but fortunately I was comfortable. Soon I was going by the airport with its Cessnas, Pipers, and Stinsons tied down along the runway. Two miles north of town, I turned right onto the county road. This wasn t the shortest route home, but it was the route that I knew Dad would use. So... I kept walking. These local roads had grassy shoulders which I knew harbored a variety of nondomestic animals. The only ones I encountered, however, were a jackrabbit and a small herd (6 or7) of whitetail deer. The jackrabbit wanted nothing to do with me, and the deer barely looked up to see me go by. Meanwhile, I was passing farm after farm: the Tesmers, Hurleys, Shermans, Volraths, Lees, and others. Then, I was in sight of our house. No lights were on, and the car had not moved all night. Our dog, Sport, lay on the stoop at our front door. In an attempt to not get him too excited, I started talking to him in normal volume and tone. I heard a couple barks, but then he came running to welcome me home. He was happy, I was happy. The screen door was unlocked. I went in, took a drink of water, and at the bottom of the staircase I heard my mother ask, Lowell, is that you? Yes. Is everything OK? Yeah, the telephone office was closed, so I walked home. What time is it? It s about 1:30. Glad you re OK. Sleep well. And so it ended. I don t recall ever discussing that night with anyone, but I have recalled it countless times. The initial lesson that I learned from that night was the virtue of keeping your cool. The second was how much confidence my parents actually had in me. Many smaller lessons from that night have seasoned my thinking throughout my life.... Do you have you any long walks that you think about? Thank You Thank you to those who prepared and served soup and bread for our Advent Mid-week soup suppers: Health and Wholeness Ministry Committee, Judi Miller, Joyce Nelson, Sarah Cannon, Carol Muecke, Jean Wahlstrom, Nancy R. Davis, Nancy P. Davis, Jan Bowerman, Clare Moe, Beth Donahoe, Lilli Donahoe, and Mary Davis. Baptisms Ava S, January 14 Weddings None Memorial Services Nora Moen, January 5 Committals None Pastoral Care 6 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2018

7 Discipleship Starts Here But Jesus called for them and said, Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Luke 18:16 Our Little Disciples corner in the Sanctuary continues to make it abundantly clear that children are welcome in worship. Their curious minds and mimicking are the fruits of parents worshiping in the Sanctuary with them. The saying goes, It takes a village to raise a child. Here are a few tips to engage families with small children: Learn the names of the children who sit near you in worship and greet them. Offer to read or color with one child during worship, especially if another child in the family is fussy or upset. Help our preschoolers and elementary aged children navigate the liturgy, locate hymns, etc. Children learn how to worship by participation. Invite children to serve alongside you in worship as greeters, ushers, etc. Recognize that certain conditions or disabilities do not present physically, and some children (and adults) may make noises or act in ways that seem strange or upsetting, but are perfectly normal for their situation. Celebrate that God put the wiggle in children, and that children s mode of being in worship is intrinsically more vocal and more physical than that of adults. In Peace, Emily Harrow, Director of Discipleship Ministries Property Ponderings Property Ponderings An occasional missive from your Facilities Manager 1) The church will hold an earthquake drill on February 11 during Discipleship Hour. What should you do in an earthquake? The best practice is to: a) DROP get low to the ground, b) COVER get under a table, desk, or sturdy piece of furniture that can protect you from falling items, cover your head and neck with your arms, and c) HOLD hold onto that piece of furniture so that you move with it. A short video is at Once the shaking has stopped, evacuate the building to the bottom row of the parking lot. Please take this drill seriously. An earthquake is the most likely emergency incident that could happen at Saint Andrew s. A once-a-year emergency drill helps the entire congregation be better prepared. 2) The church will be holding an AED and CPR (Automated External Defibrillator and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) class on March 7, 9:00 AM until Noon. The church will pay the class fee for the staff, Health and Wholeness and Discipleship Ministries Committees. Other church members are welcome, the cost is just $25 for the two-year certification. Please contact kurt@salchome.org if you are interested. 3) I am still looking for volunteers as Sunday Server Ambassadors. The intent is to be helpful and hospitable in the Narthex area during services. Also to be watchful for persons or situations that may be concerning, and press the alarm button that calls police if appropriate. If you are interested, please let me know; kurt@salchome.org. If you have questions, please contact me, kurt@salchome.org or Kurt Lutterman, Facilities Manager Discipleship Ministries. The vision of Discipleship Ministries is To gather, encourage and equip all people through active learning, how to embody faith in Jesus as they are sent into the world. February 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 7

8 Discipleship Ministries. Discipleship Hour on Sunday Mornings 9:45 am every Sunday morning, with classes for everyone age 2 through adult! Check the Sunday bulletin and Narthex monitor for locations. Grab some coffee, tea, or cocoa and join in - our faith journey never ends! Youth... Discipleship education classes are offered every Sunday Morning at 9:45am for children and youth age 2 through grade 12. Sunday Offering Last year the students of Saint Andrew s voted to have their Sunday offerings go to support Lutheran World Relief (LWR). This year their offerings will continue to support LWR with the funds being designated for Bihar, India. Parents, please help your children remember to bring an offering each Sunday for collection during Discipleship Hour. The class with the highest participation will be rewarded with Krispy Kreme donuts each quarter! Sunday Church School (SCS) All children ages 2 through Grade 5 are invited to join our Sunday Church School classes. All classes are downstairs in South Hall. The SCS office is located on the lower level near the Narthex stairs. Students who are new to our congregation are asked to come to the SCS office to register and be welcomed to your class. Affirmation of Baptism/Confirmation (ABC) Classes are geared toward students in grades 6-8, and are held on Sundays at 9:45 am. Those students new to our congregation should contact Director of Discipleship Ministries Emily Harrow or Pastor McEachran. Session 3 classes begin February 4! Worship and Liturgy (6th grade) meets in Room 121, Ministry of Service meets in Room 122, and Old Testament Survey meets in Room 119. Youth Registration Forms We ask that all families complete a Youth Registration Form each year. This form gives us the information needed to help keep children safe while participating in Saint Andrew s activities, and is used for all activities for Complete one form per family. It covers all youth from age 2 through Grade 12. Paper copies of the form can be found in the Narthex on the bulletin board near the church office, in the Sunday Church School office, and in classrooms. Return completed forms to the church office. The form is also ONLINE as an interactive PDF form; it can be found at Open the form and SAVE it to your computer. Open the saved form, complete the information, and SAVE it again. Please note: Registration forms with revised August 2014 (or more recent date) at the bottom may be submitted. Update the school year and Today s Date, make any other necessary changes, and save. Either the form to info@salchome.org or print and return the form to Saint Andrew s. CrossWalk CrossWalk is focused on youth in grades Got questions? Join us each Sunday at 9:45am in the youth room (Room 319) for coffee, cocoa, donuts, and conversation. On the last Sunday of each month, gather in the youth room for Oasis, a time for our high school students to rest, color, and enjoy a movie. Teachers We have wonderful and dedicated teachers for our children during the school year, but we always welcome new volunteers! If you are interested in serving as a teacher or substitute, or would like more information, please contact Director of Discipleship Ministries Emily Harrow, emily@salchome.org or Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2018

9 Adults...at 9:45 am Discipleship Ministries ~ Sunday February 4 Campus Ministry Facilitator: Pastor Elizabeth Rawlings, Lutheran Campus Pastor of University of Washington Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministries, The Sanctuary Pastor Elizabeth Rawlings will speak on ministry with Young Adults. Pastor Rawlings was the Director of Youth Ministries at Saint Andrew s from July March February 11 Earthquake Drill Facilitator: Emergency Operations Plan Task Force and Building and Property Committee Drop - Cover - Hold. An earthquake is the most likely emergency incident that could happen at Saint Andrew s. A once-a-year emergency drill helps the entire congregation be better prepared. See page 7 for more details and procedures. February 18 Young Adults in Global Mission Facilitator: David Wells Guest Speaker David Wells will speak on his experience with the ELCA ministry known as Young Adults In Global Mission. He will share what he learned and how you can support the ministry. David De Block Wells is a Young Adults Global Missions Alumni. He spent a year working with three Methodist Congregation in ex-coal mining towns on the NE Coast of England when he was 19. David proceeded to graduate from Augsburg College with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry before moving to Seattle in In 2012 he became the Coordinator of Intergenerational Ministries at Central Lutheran Church in Seattle, where he focused on volunteer coordinating, faith development, and outreach for five years. Currently David is pursuing a Masters in Transformational Leadership at Seattle University. February 25 Bihar, India Facilitators: Project Bihar/LWR Working Group and Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee Bihar Hour: Come and hear more about what is happening in Bihar and our partnership with Lutheran World Relief. Videos of Discipleship Hour Classes The Communications Committee has initiated plans to record videos of Sunday adult discipleship classes. Videos will be available online for approximately four weeks following the class. Links to videos can be found on the Sunday Morning Discipleship webpage, adulted.salchome.org. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links. Faith Stepping Stones Coordinators: Lois Nelson and Kari Henderson Faith Stepping Stones offers a series of classes and gifting opportunities to assist parents in fulfilling their promises made at baptism to: 1) teach the Lord s Prayer and Ten Commandments; 2) place the Holy Scriptures in the hands of their children; 3) provide instruction in Christian faith so the children may lead a holy life. Sessions for parents (and sometimes students) are Sundays at 9:45 am Stepping into Adulthood.... May 13 (High School Seniors) presentation of quilts/gifts: June 10 at the 9:30 am service Stepping into the Church.... March 11, March 18 (Eighth Grade) Affirmation of Baptism/presentation of Bibles: June 3 at the 9:30 am service Stepping into Prayer.... April 22, April 29 (2-year-olds) presentation of Prayer Pillows: April 29 at the 11:00 am service Stepping into Affirmation of Baptism.... May 6 (Fifth Grade) presentation of Catechisms: Fall 2018 February 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 9

10 Discipleship Ministries Early Sunday Morning Bible Study Paul s First Letter to Timothy Sundays, February 25, March 4, March 11, 7:15 am, 322/Conference Room Facilitators: Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen Come, consider Paul s practical (and sometimes controversial) advice to Timothy, a church leader in Ephesus. As Paul nears the end of his life, it s a time of transition for training new leadership in the Church. Likewise, let us be encouraged, equipped, and challenged to use our gifts for the building up of God s kingdom in 2018!! Coffee and snacks will be provided. You are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. Tuesday Morning Bible Study Every Tuesday, 10:00 am 11:00 am 322/Conference Room Presenter: Pastor James McEachran A New Series on the Letters of John began January 30. Some say, The Church is irrelevant. Some ask, Will the Church have children? Some believe, The Church needs to change the message? Many ask, What can I believe about God? About Jesus? These are not new thoughts, concerns, questions. In fact, they were asked in the years following the first 60 years of the Christian Church. And the Letter of John set the stage for dialogue in the Church, then and now, when it comes to conversations about the future of the Christian community. For five weeks we will mine the three Letters of John. We will dig for clues about mission in times that are difficult and sometime filled with anxiety, doubt, change. Bring your favorite translation and invite a friend to join in the adventure. Our first class will set the foundation and build a case for mission forward. The future of the Church is in the power of the Holy Spirit. Children s Christmas Program and Children s Choir on December Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2018

11 Discipleship Ministries...Youth God Squad and Fire Force - Serve Soup Supper Join God Squad and Fire Force as we serve soup supper to the congregation from 5:30 pm - 7:45 pm. We will prepare the soup in our homes then come together on Wednesday, February 28. at 5:30 pm to serve. We will attend Midweek worship following dinner. Sign up by Sunday, February 25, via or in the Narthex. God Squad Youth in Grades Mission Trip When: July 21-18, 2018 Join us this summer as we learn about the GOD SQUAD is Blackfeet Nation and work with them to Grades 9-12 serve in their community in Montana. Learn more through the information packet available in the Narthex and online at highschoolmission.salchome.org. Our next Mission Trip meeting is Sunday, February 11, from 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm. We will begin our preparation series and prepare for the Chili Cook Off. February 11 is the last day we can take any additions to the team. If you are interested sign up now! Complete the commitment form in the packet and return it the church office. May Youth Weekend at Holden Village Friday-Sunday, May 18-20, 2018 Cost: $100 (Scholarships available. Ask Emily Harrow for more information.) We are headed back to Holden Village this spring, May Join us for an unplugged weekend of fun and fellowship! Fire Force Youth in Grades 6-8 Spring Retreat Mark your calendar for a weekend away at Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood, Washington, May 4-6, Sheep and Shepherds Families with children age Birth through Grade 5 FIRE FORCE is Grades 6-8 Little Lambs Fellowship Sunday, February 11, 9:45 am, 210/Nursery Parents of children under two, please join us in 210/Nursery for fellowship on the second Sunday of each month. The youngest Sheep and Shepherds families are invited for snacks and coffee, visiting, and play time. Come for all or some of the time. Sheep and Shepherds SHEEP and SHEPHERDS are FAMILIES with kids ages birth through Grade 5 Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to these youth who celebrate in February! Lauren S...2/04 Owen L... 2/18 Davis C...2/05 Jackson U...2/21 Elsa B... 2/11 Andrew G... 2/26 Erik N...2/12 Tyler K... 2/27 Mackenzie N...2/12 Alaina B... 2/27 Vacation Bible School and Extended Care Mark your calendars for July 9-13, 2018 for Vacation Bible School at Saint Andrew s! This year we will offer extended care from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm. More details to follow! February 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 11

12 Dorcas Circle orcas Fellowship, Groups, and More! ircle Dorcas Circle is about service and fellowship as we support Lutheran World Relief, Compass Housing Alliance, and other charities. Dorcas Circle meets on the first Tuesday of every month, from 9:30 am until 12:00 noon in 302/Fellowship Hall South. Our next two meetings are February 6 and March 6. Dorcas Circle welcomes help in the following ways: Donate crochet thread, embroidery thread, flat sheets, cotton, or cotton blend fabrics. Donations can be placed in the Dorcas basket in the Narthex. Cut quilting fabric into 10 1/2 squares at home and/or sew the squares together at home. Join us at our monthly meetings to assemble and sew quilts. Sewing skills are not required, and you are welcome to drop-in at any time. If you have any questions please contact Linda Willenberg. Older Wiser Lutheran Saints (O.W.L.S.) The O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser Lutheran Saints) meet (typically) on the third Tuesday of the month for a potluck lunch and interesting programs. February 20: What a Hoot! O.W.L.S. Learn to Laugh Turns out laughing does more than make you feel good. Humor and laughing can help you heal. Find out how when humor specialist Donna Oiland brings her fun stories and laughing tips to O.W.L.S. on February 20. Our Parish Nurses know Donna well and are willing to share this delightful woman and her God-inspired messages with us. O.W.L.S. enjoy a social hour at 11:45 am followed by a potluck and a program. Younger, smarter Lutheran Saints welcomed, too! No sign-up or RSVP required. Just come, and if you can, bring a dish to share. See you there! Contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, sherry@salchome.org or , for more information. Lenten Mid-Week Soup Suppers Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve soup on Wednesdays, March 14 and March 21. Please sign up in the Narthex. W.E.B.S. (Women s Evening Book Study) Wednesdays, through February 7 7:00 pm, 322/Conference Room Facilitator: Cheryl Jurrus We are learning about India, and discussing marriage, society, women s roles, cuisine, and other issues depicted by the author in the book The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar. Join us for a lively discussion, prayer, sharing, and laughter! All women are welcome. Bring a friend! At W.E.B.S., we don t just read books---we delve into them, study them, apply them to our own experiences, and look for God s work in our world and our lives. We also share what s happening in our own lives, pray, discuss, share, laugh, and have fun together! All women are welcome. Contact Cheryl Jurrus for more information. Invitation: 2018 Women s Retreat Hello to the women of Saint Andrew s! To strengthen our relationships with other Lutheran congregations in our area, you are cordially invited to join the women of Our Savior Lutheran Church (OSLC) at our annual Women s Retreat! Themed The Gift of Encouragement, it will be held Friday-Sunday, March 2-4, 2018 at the Rainbow Lodge in North Bend. Our speaker is Barb Boswell. She is a gifted storyteller who shares her message with transparency and vulnerability. Her down-to-earth style will disarm you with humor, then smack you with God s Truth. The desire of her heart is to be used by God to draw women into a closer relationship with Him. Barb is the author of several books. This event is wonderful for some time away to re-group, re-charge, and re-energize your faith (plus have some fun with other Christian women), this is the event for you! Registration for this event is open. The cost varies depending on accommodation and meal options chosen. Brochures are in the Narthex or register online; the link is at women.salchome.org. After filling out the online form, mail your registration deposit ($50) to Joan Friel, Women s Retreat Coordinator, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 745 Front Street South, Issaquah, WA, Further details are available on the registration form. For more information, please contact Joan through the Our Savior Lutheran Church office Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2018

13 Chili Cook-off and Auction Saturday, March 10, 2018, 6:00 pm Save the date for the chili cook off and auction on March 10 at 6:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the high school summer 2018 mission trip to serve the Blackfeet Nation in Montana. We are collecting items for the auction now. We love wine, baskets of goodies, handcrafted items, art, etc. Contact Emily Harrow for more information, or Saint Andrew s Ambassadors The church has adopted an Emergency Operations Plan. As part of that, we are looking for volunteers for a new Sunday Server position: Ambassador. The job description is to keep a watchful presence in the Narthex during services, and to be helpful hosts (where is the bathroom, etc.). Training provided. Please contact Facilities Manager Kurt Lutterman for more information, kurt@salchome.org. God Talk among Friends: Small Group Fellowship Small groups meet once a month for fellowship and conversation. We enjoy getting to know one another by sharing conversation, some God talk and dessert. Groups meet on Friday night or Sunday night monthly through May in someone s home. If you would like to be a part of a small group, contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, sherry@salchome.org or Indicate which night works best for you Friday or Sunday. Holden Village -- July 2018 Fellowship, Groups, and More! Tuesday Morning Men Every Tuesday 6:30 am 7:30 am, Room 212 Facilitator: Dick Swaisgood All Saint Andrew s Men (SAM) are welcome to join us every Tuesday morning for study, faith growth, prayer, and conversation. We are studying the Augsburg Confession Please join us on Tuesday mornings at 6:30 am in Room 212, just outside the Sanctuary. ALL MEN ARE WELCOME! Post-holiday Clean Up Reminder Please return your Advent wreath bases to Sherry Grindeland in the church office. Recycling and reusing them each year defrays expenses and keeps them out of the landfills. Inclement Weather Updates If the weather gets wild and traveling is treacherous, you may wonder if events at church are on as scheduled or cancelled. Go to weatherupdates.salchome.org. There is a link to the church calendar as well as a link to a list of daily events. If an activity, meeting, or event has been cancelled, it will be noted there. There is also a link to the Bellevue city traffic camera located near the church, which you can use to check road conditions. Safety is paramount. Please come to church only if you feel safe traveling the roads. Young Adults Coordinator: Carolyn McKenna Young adults of Saint Andrew s (all who have graduated high school and older) get together for dinner at 6:30 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, either at a restaurant or at someone s home. During Lent, we will attend soup suppers and mid-week worship. Our next dinner out will be April 11. Check Sunday bulletins and Trendings enews for locations. Please RSVP to Carolyn McKenna by the Monday before each dinner if you d like to join us! Agroup from Saint Andrew s is going to Holden Village next summer (July 15-20, 2018)! We now have 40 folks eager to go for fellowship, great food (homemade bread), hiking in the mountains, well-planned All Church Retreat 2018 day programs for children and youth, Bible study and M special interest forums, crafts and pottery, worship each ark your calendars! Our annual All Church Retreat evening, pool and bowling (set your own pins), outstanding is Friday-Sunday, August 17-19, 2018, at Mt. ice cream and popcorn, and unexpected hilarity!! Rainier National Park! If you are interested in being a part of this trip, contact For those who do not wish to tent camp, we recommend Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, reserving an RV spot at Cougar Rock Campground or a or sherry@salchome.org, to get put on the waiting list. room at the National Park Inn at Longmire, mtrainierguestservices.com/accommodations/national-parkinn/. Reservations should be made as soon as possible. Holden Village is a year-round Lutheran Christian center in the North Cascade mountains. For more information, visit For information on Cougar Rock Campground go to: February 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 13

14 Health and Wholeness Blood Pressure Guidelines by Dr. Vanessa Wilkie, N.D. Here s a clinical scenario: a cheerful and pleasant 42-year-old male comes into my office, looking to establish care with a primary care doctor, because he s heard from his friends and family that, it s time you get a checkup and start taking care of yourself. After talking with him for 30 minutes, I find out he s single, lives with his dog in a small home in the city, and is a social butterfly. He s a business analyst who works hours a week in a high-stress job, and vapes marijuana and drinks alcohol as a form of release on the weekends. He is pretty satisfied with his life, and can really see no major improvements he needs to make. Upon taking his vitals, he is about 30 pounds over his ideal weight for his height, and his blood pressure is 135/85. According to the new guidelines given to physicians, he is considered Stage I high blood pressure, and is a candidate for medication. In November 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), established new benchmarks for cardiovascular health. The revised guidelines are meant to bring to light risk factors which might arise sooner than would be noted with the older guidelines. Below you will find a table comparing the 2014 position with the 2017 position: Normal <120/<80 <120/<80 Elevated None /<80 Pre-hypertension /80-89 None Stage I / /80-89 Stage II >160/>100 >140/>90 Hypertensive crisis >180/>110 >180/>120 According to the joint position paper put out by the AHA and the ACC, these new guidelines will result in about half of the American population (46%) being considered to have high blood pressure, with the younger population being the most affected, as in the clinical scenario listed above. There is definitely merit in revising these numbers, as it will prompt patients to be more aware of their health, and start taking measures to improve things like diet and lifestyle at an earlier point. On the flip side, it is this author s opinion that medication should only be considered with the new Stage I numbers if there are comorbidities that exist, such as type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, which have been shown to exponentially increase a person s risk for a cardiovascular event. Many times have I witnessed a drop in blood pressure with a simple change, such as improving a person s quality of sleep. Your body detoxes and heals itself during the nighttime hours, so by optimizing sleep, you have a greater chance of decreasing the inflammation that can lead to higher blood pressure numbers. When I first read the new guidelines, I was skeptical, as the changes led me to believe that more people would be forced onto medication. But upon further thought, I believe this will get more people into their doctors offices to discuss what kinds of things can be done to lower and minimize risk of heart attack and stroke at an earlier time. From a naturopathic perspective, lots can be addressed with the gentleman in the above scenario things like diet, exercise, sleep, stress level, digestion, and enjoyment in life. My hope is that primary care physicians will start to look at things in a more holistic manner, and see what can be done before putting someone on medication at the new lower limits. Healing Prayer Ministry Gathering The Healing Prayer Ministers will meet on Sunday, February 4, for a gathering of sharing and support. This is for all who are currently Healing Prayer Ministers and for those who are interested in serving in this way. Meet at 12:30 pm in 322/Conference Room. Lunch provided. Contact Parish Nurse Karen Grams or Cheryl Jurrus for more information. Parish Nurse Hours Tuesdays, Room :00 am - 1:00 pm Blood Pressure Screening Sunday, February 4 9:30 am - 10:30 am, in 210/Nursery Healing Prayer Stations for individual prayer Sunday, February 18, during Holy Communion 14 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2018

15 KnitWits (Knitting as Witnesses) Saint Andrew s KnitWits (Knitting as Witnesses) is a fellowship group whose primary mission is to provide items of comfort that are knit or crocheted. Their on-going projects include prayer shawls, baptismal blankets, lapghans, baby blankets, chemo caps, hats, wash cloths, sweaters, and scarves. The work of the KnitWits hands keeps many people warm and reminds them that someone cares. KnitWits meets once a month on a Sunday. ALL are welcome to join at any time! Their next meeting is Sunday, February 18, at 9:45 am in 322/Conference Room. Dianne Chong is the KnitWits Coordinator. Health and Wholeness Cold? Flu? Allergies? Help to Figure It Out You feel lousy. Is it a cold? Is it the flu? Is it allergies? How can you tell? The following chart, courtesy of Evergreen Health in Kirkland, lists common symptoms of each, Always consult your physician if you have questions or concerns. COLD FLU ALLERGIES Runny Nose Runny Nose Runny Nose Nasal Congestion Nasal Congestion Nasal Congestion Sore Throat Sore Throat Sneezing Coughing Coughing Itchy Nose Sneezing Sneezing Itchy, Watery Eyes Fever/Chills Body Aches Outreach and Servant Ministries Our Core Ministries... Core Outreach Ministries of Saint Andrew s are specific areas of ministry which congregation members are most involved in with various resources, including time, expertise, and financial resources. Our Core Outreach Ministries fall into five categories: ~ Affordable Housing/Homelessness ~ Hunger ~ Christian Education non-profits ~ Local Ministries ~ Global Missions The members of the Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee are: Joyce Arnold, Dave Marcrander, Pastor McEachran, Karen Grams (Council Liaison), George Miller, Becca Piel, Debbie Szabo, Dick Szabo, Ann Thorpe (Council Liaison), Marlyn Thorpe (Chair), and Jean Wahlstrom. Ministry Prayer Focus Each month, as a congregation, we pray for one of the ministries we support and partner with, in the world and in our community. In February, we pray for The Sophia Way. The mission of The Sophia Way is to help end homelessness for adult women in King County by providing shelter, life skills training, social services and supportive permanent housing, offering a path from homelessness to stable independent living. Currently, The Sophia Way has the only staffed overnight shelter for single adult women on the Eastside. Their Day Center is open every day, with access to immediate and muchneeded services, including lunch, showers, laundry, phones, computers, and resources, every day of the week. The Sophia Way also operate a winter shelter, providing women with a warm, safe place on cold winter nights. Saint Andrew s supports The Sophia Way through collections of household items and participation at many of The Sophia Way events and fundraisers. February 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 15

16 SOUPer Bowl of Caring Outreach and Servant Ministries Again this year, Saint Andrew s is participating in a national effort to help those who are hungry. In 1990 the SOUPer Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer by a single youth group: Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat. Since then, the SOUPer Bowl of Caring is transforming the time around Super Bowl weekend into one of the nation s largest celebrations of giving and serving. In 2017, 6,533 groups collected over $10.1 million in food items and cash which benefited over 4,800 charities across the United States. Saint Andrew s collected 1009 pounds of canned food and $1,159 to fight hunger in our own neighborhoods. This year, on February 4, Super Bowl Sunday, we will be having a special collection to address hunger in our community. Before and after the services on that day, fellow members of our church will be in the Narthex, collecting food and donations for this effort. We all can help by filling the crates with food and the soup pots with donations. Everything collected will go to the HopeLink Food Bank. All of the money donated will be used by HopeLink to buy the food items required to provide needed nutrition to these hungry neighbors. Items that Hopelink would most like to have are: Canned Fruit (~ 15 ounce, NOT in heavy syrup) Cold Cereal (any variety) Canned Soup (It IS the SOUPer Bowl!) Baby Food Peanut Butter (especially crunchy ~ 16 ounce) Canned Tuna Pasta: including Spaghetti, Penne, Macaroni, etc. Canned Vegetables: Corn, Peas, Carrots Canned Meat: Chicken, SPAM. Vienna Sausage Canned Meals: Chili, Beef Stew, Ravioli Canned Tomatoes: Diced, Stewed, Whole Rice (white or brown) Dried Beans: Kidney, Navy, Pinto Macaroni and Cheese Stock up on these items to help our hungry neighbors. Then come to church on February 4, excited about the big game and ready to make a big difference (a SOUPer Difference) for those who are hungry! Food of the Month - February This month in the corner of Blessing we will be collecting two items: a food item and a non-food item. We received a special request from the Hopelink Bellevue Food Bank for these items. They are things that are in desperate need. The food item is canned fruit about 15-ounce cans preferably the healthier types without heavy syrup. The non-food item is specifically size 6 diapers. Many of their customers need these to be able to have their children in day care so they can go to work. Hopelink has 6 large cases of size 6 diapers come in every two weeks, but they are gone in 3 days. They have asked us to help. Eastside Baby Corner Opportunities to help EBC Linda Hall, a board member with EBC (Eastside Baby Corner), spoke at the Baby Shower for Jesus on January 7. People requested more information on how to help the organization that supplies diapers, clothing, baby furniture and other things to needy and underserved families and where to donate things. New and gently used items can be donated at several EBC sites including: EBC Central Hub: 1510 NW Maple Street, Issaquah Hours are 5:15 pm - 8:30 pm Monday, 9:00 am - 11:00 am Thursday, and 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Saturday. Marymoor Self Storage: 6065 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond Hours 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Sunday. Red Way Self Storage: Redmond Way, Redmond Hours 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Sunday. EBC Northshore Hub: 6524 NE 181 st Street, Suite 6, Kenmore Hours 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Wednesday, 9:00 am - 11:00 am Thursday, and 10:00 am to 12:00 noon the first Saturday of each month. Issaquah Highlands Self Storage: 910 NE High Street, Issaquah Hours 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Sunday. Volunteers are needed for a variety of things. For more information on volunteering go to Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2018

17 Be a Driver for Chicken Soup Brigade There is an URGENT need for substitute drivers to deliver meals. Due to vacation plans, there are three Thursdays in March that need coverage. Saint Andrew s is a distribution hub for weekly deliveries of meals for Chicken Soup Brigade (Lifelong). Meals and groceries are picked up at Saint Andrew s on Thursdays and delivered to homebound chronically ill individuals on the Eastside, providing them with needed nourishment. The delivery window is 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursday afternoons with around 2 to 4 stops. Additional volunteers are needed. Choose to be a driver in the rotation or to be a substitute driver and cover weeks where regular volunteers are on vacation. Training provided. If you are interested in serving in this way, contact Outreach and Servant Ministries committee chair Marlyn Thorpe. Collections Outreach and Servant Ministries Dorcas Circle, Health and Wholeness Ministry, and Outreach and Servant Ministries welcome your contributions for Lutheran World Relief, Compass Housing Alliance, and Congregations for the Homeless. Lists of needed items are in the baskets near the elevator in the Narthex. Donations can be placed in the same baskets. Join Us for Athene s Grand Opening Please join Imagine Housing, Red Vines 1, our partners, and community leaders for a very special event to celebrate the Grand Opening of Athene, our new apartment community in the Totem Lake neighborhood of Kirkland. Athene provides 91 permanently affordable apartments for low-income seniors in our community, and offers on-site support, case management, and community activities. In addition to a brief program and lunch, we look forward to offering tours of Athene. RSVP at imaginehousing.org/athene-grand-opening/ to join us for the Grand Opening on Wednesday, February 21, from 11:00 am 1:00 pm at Athene, NE 124th Street, Kirkland. Imagine Housing Volunteer with The Sophia Way The Sophia Way assists women from homelessness to independence. They have an overnight shelter for 22 women to sleep, a Day Center that is open to drop-ins, job search, casework, and an office. The Sophia Way organization is in need of volunteers in the Day Center for sorting the donated clothes and items they receive, and for making sure the women visiting the Day Center have the clothing they need. The Day Center is located at St. Luke s Lutheran Church (3030 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue.) Volunteers need to attend an orientation. If you are interested in or want more information, please contact Tara, The Sophia Way volunteer coordinator, Boxtops for Education In December 2016 Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen volunteered for a month at the Navajo Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, Arizona, an ELCA project. The Mission School has asked if Saint Andrew s would participate in this easy way to secure needed school supplies and equipment. Please cut out and bring those little coupons found on various food containers (General Mills products and others). Collect and put them in the envelope attached to the bulletin board in the Narthex, labeled BOX TOPS. These small coupons really add up to enable these children to get a better education!! To learn more, visit Gala and Auction Mark your calendar for the annual Imagine Gala & Auction to benefit Imagine Housing. The event will be held March 24, 2018 at the Meydenbauer Center. You can find more information at imaginehousing.org/events. February 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 17

18 Bihar, India Outreach and Servant Ministries ~ Global Project Bihar/Lutheran World Relief Bihar is a global mission field which is engaging us in significant, multi-year outreach in Northeastern India as part of a sponsored mission through Lutheran World Relief (LWR). The goals are agricultural improvements, year-round food security for the family, empowering women in the community, and increasing incomes for families. Our involvement will be with nine congregations throughout the United States. Task Working Groups from the three Washington congregations (The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Olympia; Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland; and Saint Andrew s) are being formed. Saint Andrew s has formed a Project Bihar/LWR working group that has defined three major components in our mission: communication, engagement and giving. If you are interested in joining our Project Bihar/LWR Working Group contact Marlyn Thorpe. Project Bihar Prayer Bookmarks Our working group has made Project Bihar Prayer Bookmarks to communicate and engage congregants with seven of the Project Bihar families. You will notice these Project Bihar Prayer bookmarks in your hymnals. Use them in the hymnals and/or take them home and pray for the highlighted family and their community. The bookmarks can be used as an educational tool about different cultures and lifestyles. Use these to facilitate discussions on how families are the same and/or different. If you take a bookmark home, put it in a place where you will be reminded of the family to pray for them. During prayer at church as you use the bookmark in the hymnal include them in your silent prayers. Thank you for praying and blessing each of these Bihar, India families. Remember in prayer this continuing outreach ministry. Contributions can be made to Saint Andrew s with Bihar- LWR in the memo line. Learn more at Tanzania Plaster House Jean Wahlstrom serves on the International Advisory Board for the PLASTER HOUSE, a part of the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. The Plaster House is a rehabilitation center for post-surgery children, usually in casts (hence the term Plaster House ). For reasons of health and nutrition, many children cannot rehab successfully in their villages/homes while in casts. They need to stay at the center; the average stay being four weeks, the cost per student is only $4 per day. To learn more about the Plaster House, visit The Plaster House is having their first face-to-face board meeting this month in Arusha, Tanzania, and also is celebrating the opening of the new dormitory and volunteer house. (Many Saint Andrew s members helped to fund those buildings in October 2016.) Marvin Kananen and Jean Wahlstrom are in Tanzania for the board meeting.. Jean and Marvin welcome your prayers for their trip to Tanzania: for good health and safety, effective ministry presence, and support and encouragement in relationships. MGLSS Students and Graduates Thank you for continuing to support students at MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School (MGLSS)! We are asked to help with providing 35 scholarships for the new Form One class, an increase of 10 students from previous years due to current needs. The amounts are: $500 for a half scholarship and $1,000 for a full scholarship for Forms 1-4; $600 for a half and $1,200 for a full Scholarship for Forms 5-6. We continue to need funding for the MGLSS Post- Secondary Scholarships also, used for the students who qualified for university study; these amounts vary with the institution. However, ANY AMOUNT given is helpful. Make contributions by check to Saint Andrew s with MGLSS Scholarship or MGLSS Post-Secondary Scholarship in the memo line. All funds will then be forwarded to OPERATION BOOTSTRAP AFRICA (OBA). You can also contribute directly to OBA online, or by mail. Contributions can be made in lump sum or installments throughout the year. Perhaps a family might consider this gift of education for a girl and build a relationship to learn of another culture. We rejoice in the news that the new Form 5-6 Science classroom, donated by Dick Swaisgood as a memorial for his wife Jan, is ready and being dedicated in February For more information about MGLSS, contact Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2018

19 Congregation Collaborations Saint Andrew s is in relationship with area congregations! Here are some of the ways we are collaborating with other Lutherans in our community: Timber Ridge Worship Gatherings: Saint Andrew s and Our Savior Lutheran have members who live at Timber Ridge. Members of both congregations are invited to worship gatherings. Women s Retreat: Our Savior Lutheran is coordinating a Women s Retreat on March 2-4, 2018, and has invited area congregations to participate. See page 12. Vacation Bible School: Saint Andrew s, Our Savior Lutheran, and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran teamed up to host Vacation Bible School (VBS) last summer. Look for collaboration at next summer s VBS too: July 9-13, Imagine Housing Project at Saint Luke s Lutheran: Sixty-three units of affordable housing will be built by Imagine Housing on property at Saint Luke s Lutheran (3030 Bellevue Way NE). Half of the units are designated for the homeless; 20% for the disabled. Groundbreaking was December Congregation Council and Committee Chairs Committee Council Liaison Committee Chair Executive Scott Lester, President Art Gurtel, Vice President Stein Dolan, Secretary Joni Barrott, Treasurer Pastor McEachran Building and John Nelson Property Communications Stein Dolan Kendra Mills Ben Johnson Discipleship Marshall Erling Joyce Kasper Ministries Beka Gordon, Youth Representative Finance Joni Barrott Brady Kasper Health and Wholeness Vanessa Wilkie Stella Nieman Beverley Watt Karen Grams Human Resources Scott Lester Brent Hicks Outreach and Servant Ministries Karen Grams Ann Thorpe Marlyn Thorpe Stewardship Andy Hogle Saint Andrew s Ministry Team Pastoral Staff The Reverend James N. McEachran, Senior Pastor jim@salchome.org The Reverend Timothy T. Weber, Shared-Time Pastor timwebertt@yahoo.com Ministry Staff Emily Harrow, Director of Discipleship Ministries emily@salchome.org Dr. Will Simpson, Director of Music Ministries will@salchome.org Sherry Grindeland, Fellowship Coordinator sherry@salchome.org Susan Hegedus, Communications Specialist susan@salchome.org Kurt Lutterman, Facilities Manager kurt@salchome.org Mary Mills, Office Administrator mary@salchome.org Russ Stark, Accounting Assistant russ@salchome.org Elaine Koga, Choir Accompanist Stella Nieman, R.N., Beverley Watt, R.N., Karen Grams, R.N., Parish Nurses Erin Simpson, Children s Choir Director Bryant Wilkie, Handbell Choir Director Michael Haynes, Facilities Set-up Adam Harrow, Bryant Wilkie, Kitchen Team Samaritan Center of Puget Sound Dr. Mark Houglum, Counselor Serving in Our Community We have many in our congregation family who serve on boards and commissions in our community. Some of those who serve are: Clare Moe Board Vice President, Congregations for the Homeless Bill Brueggemann, Carolynn Ferris, Dan Johnson, Rob Moe Board Members, Imagine Housing Pastor McEachran Member, City of Bellevue Human Services Commission Member, Wilburton Gateway Citizens Advisory Committee Bill Brueggemann Board Member, Lutheran Community Services Northwest Marcia Riggers Board President, Compass Housing Alliance Worship and Liturgical Arts New Council Members Pastor McEachran Jill Nichols-Hicks Dick Swaisgood Dick Szabo Jean Wahlstrom Sharon Gurtel Deadline to submit items for the next issue of the VOICE: February 19 submissions to Susan Hegedus, susan@salchome.org February 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 19

20 , Saint Andrews LUTHERAN CHURCH th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA Address service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT No. 35 BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON Mission Statement As a people saved by God s grace through faith, Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church is joined by our common belief in Jesus Christ and is a welcoming community of believers who, empowered by the Holy Spirit: Gather to worship, hear God s Word, and share the Sacraments Encourage, renew and strengthen faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord Equip, educate and nurture a deeper understanding of the expression of faith in daily life, and Send people into the world to serve. Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church supports the mission and ministries of Lutheran World Relief, Sunday Worship with Holy Communion, 8:30 am and 11:00 am Discipleship Hour, 9:45 am Ash Wednesday, February 14 Worship with Holy Communion, 12:15 pm Worship with Holy Communion, 7:00 pm Church Office Hours Monday Friday, 8:00 am 4:00 pm info@salchome.org Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church is a Safe Place for youth We Support: Saint Andrew s was the 2017 recipient of the Norm Maleng Award from LifeWire

21 February 2018 For current information, visit and click on the Calendar link Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday th Ave SE Bellevue, WA Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA

22 February 25 11:00 am Sue Short Livi Myhre Collin Feldman Ben and Jenny Johnson Family Fred Clarke The Carmichael Family Bev Anderson, Linda Powell Dennis and Susan Hegedus 8:30 am Sharon Gurtel Art Gurtel Sonja Wetmore Larry and Shelly Abner Cheryl Jurrus Bev and Tom Anderson February 2018 Servers February 18 11:00 am Karen Grams Jan Bowerman Caden Feldman Kendra and David Mills Ann Ross-Clarke Signe Wraith and Elmer Neu Sherry and Dave Grindeland 8:30 am Dick Swaisgood Judy Gowdy Emily Elien Joan Tweten, Louise Oda Jan Benson John Arnold, John Nelson February 14 Ash Wednesday 7:00 pm Karen Grams Alden Johnson Phillip Misner 12:15 pm Linda Powell February 11 11:00 am Sue Short Livi Myhre Grace Cottrell The Myhre Family Jessica Allen Mark Davis, Ann Thorpe Gayle Rhymes, Janan Twito Karen Getzinger 8:30 am Tom Getzinger Diane Hogle Quinn Myhre Brett Nelson Lois and Curt Eckley February 4 11:00 am Dana Nasby Jan Bowerman Quinn Myhre JoAn Eklof, Karin Eklof Carolyn McKenna The Clarke Family Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA Gayle Rhymes, Janan Twito The Camrud Family 8:30 am Sharon Gurtel Judi Miller Ian Maland Camille Vaska Joyce Nelson Brady Kasper, Jakob McInerney Assisting Ministers Communion Assistants Acolytes Greeters Lectors Ushers Altar Guild Coffee Hosts Flowers for February February 4 February 11 February 18 February 25 Sarah Cannon Beverley Watt Brent Hicks and Jill Nichols-Hicks

23 Outreach...Baskets of Promise The Baskets of Promise collection during Lent helps to fill the Personal Care Kits that are sent through Lutheran World Relief to areas of the world where an emergency has occurred and people are left with very little. The kits supply basic items for survival. Our goal this year is to fill 150 kits. You can help by donating: February 18 - bath towels (light-weight, maximum size 52 x 27, dark color) February 25 - combs (large, sturdy) March 4 - nail clippers (metal, attached file optional, any size) March 11 - bars of soap (4-5 ounces, in original wrapping) March 18 - toothbrushes (adult size, in original wrapping) March 25 - bath towels (light-weight, maximum size 52 x 27, dark color) Place donations in the basket in the Narthex. Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church Lent ~ Easter 2018 What Wondrous L o ve... For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 During the Time of Lent, we walk together as a community who trusts that God is about the work of love in sending Jesus into the world. As we walk together in this time of renewal, we are called to remember that in Jesus Christ all things are made new now and forever. What Wondrous Love... is a theme that will carry us deeper in the life of discipleship. We will share days of worship and learning, fellowship and serving. We are those who carry on the good news that from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, we are the people of the Way. And Jesus said, Follow me. Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church th Avenue SE Bellevue, WA info@salchome.org Check the Sunday bulletins, Trendings enews, the VOICE, and website for updates

24 Ash Wednesday... February 14 Worship with Holy Communion 12:15 pm and 7:00 pm As in each year, we find ourselves at the foot of the Cross in a time of Confession and Forgiveness, the Imposition of Ashes, Word, and Holy Communion. Sundays in Lent... Worship with Holy Communion 8:30 am and 11:00 am This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. John 3:16 The Message February 18 Mark 1:9-15 February 25 Mark 8:31-38 March 4 John 2:13-22 March 11 John 3:14-21 March 18 John 12:20-33 Mid-week Worship... The Word Speaks Wednesdays: Lent Soup Supper, 6:15 pm Holden Evening Prayer, 7:00 pm Pastor McEachran brings devotional words focused on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. How could it be that those words contain so many feelings which define our lives in the world? From forgiveness to reunion, Jesus walks with us into the victory we know and sing on Easter Sunday. February 21 Luke 23:34 Forgiveness Luke 23:43 Salvation February 28 John 19:26-27 Relationship March 7 Matthew 27:46 Abandonment Mark 15:34 March 14 John 19:28 Distress March 21 John 19:30 Triumph Luke 23:46 Reunion Prayer Partners Being a Prayer Partner is an excellent way to strengthen connections in our worshiping community, enrich your prayer life, and lift up someone else s journey through Lent. Don t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray (Philippians 4:6 The Message) Prayer is an act of faith and a sign of trust in God. Trust that God hears, God cares, God has the power, and that God answers prayer. We will gather on Sunday, April 8, at 9:45 am to reveal who our prayer partner is and to share experiences. Holy Week and The Three Days Holy Week and The Three Days March 25 Palm Sunday Worship with Holy Communion 8:30 am and 11:00 am The Children s Choir sings at both worship services. Palm Sunday leads into the journey of Holy Week. March 29 Maundy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion 12:15 pm and 7:00 pm With the institution of the Lord s Supper, we are given life and salvation through Christ s body and blood. Pastor Paul Hoffman is our Preaching Minister. March 30 Good Friday Worship 7:00 pm Passion According to Saint John Our service follows the ancient service of Tenebrae, which means darkness. With spoken word of Ten Lessons and the Passion According to Saint John, we will remember the price paid to redeem the sins of the world. The gradual extinguishing of the lights will help us to remember that Jesus will be the Victory, the Light of the World. March 31 Resurrection of Our Lord, Vigil of Easter Worship with Holy Communion 7:00 pm The Church gathers for worship in anticipation of the dawn of Easter Day, the chief festival of the Church. Labyrinth A prayer labyrinth will be available from March in 302/Fellowship Hall South to walk for reflection and prayer throughout Holy Week. A labyrinth is a path which leads, via a circuitous route, to the center of an intricate design and back out again. A labyrinth s route has only a single path. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is designed for ease of navigation, and it is impossible to get lost within one. Easter Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day April 1 Worship with Holy Communion 8:30 am and 11:00 am Worship of Word and Sacrament welcomes the good news of Jesus Resurrection from the dead. Breakfast Available (free-will offering taken)