Did you notice it? The signs of a new season in modern retailing began to appear just. , Saint Andrews. E n. c o u r a g e... E q u. e r..

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1 , Saint Andrews LUTHERAN CHURCH the VOICE December 2018 Growing Forward...One in Christ --- Along the Way What s inside... Advent, Christmas, Epiphany Calendar Congregation Collaborations Congregation Council Discipleship Ministries. 5-9 Fellowship Health and Wholeness Ministry Initiatives Managing God s Gifts... 5 Ministry Team Northwest Washington Synod Outreach and Servant Ministries Pastoral Care... 4 Reflections... 4 Serving in Our Community Sunday Servers... 17, 19 Thank You... 4 Worship and Liturgical Arts Sunday Worship 8:30 am and 11:00 am Discipleship Hour 9:45 am Advent Midweek Worship December 5, 12, 19 Soup Supper, 6:00 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. The days are coming says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. (Jeremiah 33:1) Did you notice it? The signs of a new season in modern retailing began to appear just after the Halloween candy went on sale. As if to warn us that the days are coming. That is, the shopping days until Christmas. A few days ago, I noted that most of the leaves had fallen. A fact not unnoticed, as I began to prepare the way for the cold, the snow, and the start of a new Church Year. As a congregation our life is most often guided by the liturgical calendar. This is fair warning that the season is changing and Advent appears on December 2. Our theme will be What Child Is This? The world longs for new beginnings; times of justice, rooted in peace, and given to large doses of hope. That is especially welcome in the times we share as a nation and as a people meant to bear the light and love of God in Christ. Advent is a time for truth telling. Jeremiah tells the truth in promising new days when all will celebrate the abundance of life we have learned to receive anew in the remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus. Days darken; we are in a time of change as a new calendar year turns will be a time to set new paths of service for each one of us. It is the work of each of us to be open to change and to be clear that the mission remains the same as it always has been-- -to be in Christ that new creation. Paul called that new creation in Christ as THE GIFT. The greatest one ever given and the one we open every day as we walk together. In the words of Walter Brueggemann, In Advent, we receive the power of God that lies beyond us. This power is the antidote to our fatigue and cynicism. It is the gospel resolution of our spent selfsufficiency, when we are at the edge of our coping. It is the good news, the God news, that will guide us to the imaging that newness enters our world. In times of change, of renewal, I am, for the time being, your servant in Christ. He is coming soon. See you in church! Pastor Jim McEachran G a t h Commitment Sunday November 18 One Worship Service 9:30 am Commitment Celebration, 10:45 am e r... E n What Child Is This? The First Sunday of Advent is December 2. See the insert for opportunities to worship; to hear the promise and to trust again that God is at work through Jesus, born of Mary. c o u r a g e... E q u Celebration for Pastor McEachran January 5, :00 pm - 4:00 pm See page 10 i p... S e n d...

2 Worship Texts December 2 Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25: Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 December 9 Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 December16 Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:2-6 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 December 23 Luke 1:26--2:20 Matthew 1:1-15 December 24 Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20 December 30 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Psalm 148 Colossians 3:12-17 Luke 2:41-52 Mid-Week Worship Texts December 5 Philippians 2:5-11 December 12 Luke 1:26-38 December 19 John 1:1-18 Worship and Liturgical Arts 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 as part of worship and the Children s Christmas Program on Sunday, December 23, at one 9:30 am worship service. 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 will be on Sundays, November 25, December 2, December 9, and December 16, from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, in 215/ Music Room. Contact Children s Choir Director Erin Simpson for more information or to let her know of your interest. All Saint Andrew s Concerts are FREE and open to all. Invite a friend! Bells of the Sound: Home for the Holidays Sunday, December 16, 4:00 pm G rab your mug of hot cider and curl up on the couch with your favorite blanket as Bells of the Sound takes you Home for the Holidays! This concert brings you old favorites as well as fresh takes on holiday classics, and will leave you with dreams of the sugar plum fairy dancing through your head!! Advent Evening at Holy Trinity Mercer Island Sunday, December 2, 4:00 pm Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, the national Lutheran summer program for high school musicians, will be offering an Advent evening concert, reception, and Evening Prayer liturgy on Sunday evening, the first Sunday of Advent, December 2, at 4;00 pm. The evening will be hosted at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Mercer Island (8501 SE 40th Street, Mercer Island.) Anyone is welcome to this lovely evening of music, prayer, and refreshments. Pacific Lutheran University Christmas Concert Monday, December 3, 7:30 pm Benaroya Hall, Seattle Pacific Lutheran University s Choir of the West, University Chorale and University Symphony Orchestra present their annual Christmas concert. This year s theme, Winter Rose, features performances of works by Gerald Finzi, Herbert Howells, Michael Praetorius and others, mixed with traditional carols and seasonal favorites. Join us as we celebrate this joyful season. Learn more and purchase tickets at Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA December 2018

3 Advent Soup Supper and Mid-week Worship Advent mid-week worship services will be held at 7:00 pm December 5, December 12, and December 19. Pastor Paul Hoffman will preside at these popular evening services. Join us before the service for fellowship and a soup-andbread supper. Supper begins at 6:00 pm. Cooks Needed: Chef teams are needed to provide the food for the Advent Soup Suppers. Families, groups or individuals can sign up to prepare soup and bread for about 40 people. Questions? Contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, sherry@salchome.org or Bread Bakers Needed! Baking Communion bread is a quite easy and important ministry that you and your family can do and which feeds our faith family every Sunday at the altar. You can bake the bread when it is convenient for you, seal it in zip lock bag with the date it was baked on the label, and placed in the container marked Altar Guild Bread in the freezer in the Scullery at church. The link to the sign-up and the Luther Bread recipe can be found on the Saint Andrew s website: SALChome.org. Contact coordinator Jill Nichols-Hicks for more information. Sound System Update Worship and Liturgical Arts An Easy Opportunity to Serve If you typically attend the 11:00 am service, please consider volunteering to be an usher, greeter or lector. The need is greatest for ushers! We welcome new volunteers for the 8:30 service, too. Please contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland contact Sherry, sherry@ SALChome.org or Flowers The flower chart for 2019 is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex/Commons. Please take a moment to reserve your Sunday. Timber Ridge Worship Gatherings Pastor McEachran and Pastor Wes Telyea from Our Savior lead worship gatherings at Timber Ridge in Issaquah on the third Wednesday of the month, at 1:00 pm in Multi-Purpose Room A. Our next worship gatherings are November 21 and December19. All are invited (members and friends - whether you live at Timber Ridge or not!). Inquire at the front desk to Timber Ridge when you arrive and they will direct you to the room location. Saint Andrew s Concert Series Bells of the Sound December 16, 4:00 pm Seattle Bach Choir Rachmaninoff s All Night Vespers March 9, 7:30 pm Music Rehearsal Times Chancel Choir Thursdays, 7:00 pm Handbell Choir Tuesdays, 7:00 pm Children s Choir Sundays, 3:00 pm November 25, December 2 December 9 December 16 Worship Bulletins and Notes and Audio Podcasts of Sermons can be found at sermons.salchome.org Any change, even change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. Arnold Bennett It s been a short 60 days since the new sound system was installed in the Sanctuary. I ll bet many of you thought it has been a much longer time, right? And undoubtedly have thought more than once that everything about it should be absolutely perfect from the start. The truth is we continue to learn new things every day about it s operation, functionality and capabilities. It is truly an amazing system which is providing much improved sound quality of the spoken and sung Word. That being said, we ve now had some time for the speakers to settle in and adjust as well as for us to experience the original setup from our partners, Morgan Sound, based on their and our best guess at what those settings should be at installation. Armed with our 60 days of experience, we are scheduling a visit by Morgan Sound to do some tweaks and minor adjustments. Those of us involved in the project appreciate that many of you have offered your observations and comments to us. We are asking that you bear with us as we continue to work through the many moving pieces of this change. We are closing in on stability and are actively training a few more people to effectively operate and troubleshoot the system on Sundays. In the meantime, if you have observations, questions or other input, please direct those to me as I am the project manager and work directly with Saint Andrew s staff and Morgan Sound toward ideal state. You can find me at church or me. Thank you so very much for your patience and support in this process. Sharon Gurtel, Chair, Worship and Liturgical Arts Committee December 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 3

4 .... on The Christmas Tree Reflections.... by Lowell Arneson Where in the world did the idea of cutting down an evergreen tree, in the middle of winter, and bringing it into the house for 3-4 weeks come from? The practice doesn t appear to have any health benefits. It isn t part of any religious sacrament or exercise, and it tends to, at some point, create a mess in the house, leaving needles in the carpet, and sap sticking to anything that touches it. Then there is the cost. I can remember when we could buy a nice tree for $10 12 dollars. (Granted, that was maybe 40 years ago.) Now it is hard to find a good tree for less than $40, and if you want an artificial or flocked tree, the sky is pretty much the limit. (Total tree sales in the U.S. are about $33 million per year.) Why, oh why, do we do it? The history of the Christmas tree is quite sketchy. It s believed that it may have started in the area which today is Estonia and Latvia, perhaps having to do with some pagan rites or superstitions. It then appears that it did take on some religious significance, and the practice spread to northern Europe, especially among German Lutherans. (Wouldn t you know.) By 1800, Christmas trees, Yule logs, and other natural decorations were used in conjunction with Midwinter s Night, Epiphany, and the Twelve Days of Christmas. The decorating and decorations were reflections of the culture and religious practices of the various local areas. In the early 20 th century, tree farms were started in the U.S. which inspired widespread interest in Christmas trees. From then until today, it has evolved to what we see around us. Why do we do it? I would answer with a business term: the cost/benefit ratio! Three of those benefits are versatility, tradition, and wonder. First, there are very few things in this world as versatile as a Christmas tree. They are used in hotel lobbies, store windows, churches, and some public buildings. They are in an estimated 56 million homes, decorated with totally secular decorations or with décors that range from silly to sacred. The name Christmas, of course, comes from the Christian celebration, and we often see the tree topped with an angel or a star. Second, the Christmas tree has survived many family generations now, and has become an entrenched tradition. As the Christmas (Holiday) season approaches, getting the Christmas tree is near the top of every family s to do list. Never is there a question of if we will get a tree. Only, what kind? or how tall? Or maybe, how many? Third, and maybe the greatest benefit, is the wonder of it all! To appreciate that, all one really has to do is think back of so many times, while gazing at a beautifully decorated tree, you have just been moved to silence. Children are the best when it comes to expressing wonder. If you have been around children (your own, or others) while they watch or help the decorating, you know what wonder looks like. The face of a child, when the tree lights come on, says it all. I think that God may sometimes speak to us through the Christmas tree. A reminder that there are many solemn things in this world that we can withdraw to apart from the anxiety and tensions that seem to surround us. Christmas the time when God came down in the form of the Christ Child is that indescribable gift of love. May the solemnity of Christmas be with you! Pastoral Care Baptisms None Weddings None Memorial Services Juliana Jade, November 17 Committals Tendon (Don) Wakeley, November 17, Saint Andrew s Memorial Garden Personal Care Kits Thank You! The Health and Wholeness Ministry Committee packed 150 personal care kits for the fall ingathering. The kits were shipped to Lutheran World Relief in early November. Many thanks to all of you who contributed items for our fall drive. Your generous gifts will be very much appreciated by the recipients of these kits. 4 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA December 2018

5 Managing God s Gifts As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 English Standard Version Stewardship is management. As disciples of Jesus, we are about the work of managing God s gifts to us. It is a celebration of God s blessings, recognizing God as the creator and giver of all that we have and are, and then serving Him as managers of his gifts through our time, energy, monies, and voice. It is our response to the generosity of all that God has given us! A series of bulletin inserts over the past few weeks illustrate our life together through stories, opportunities, and impact points we make with our gifts. They are available in the Narthex/Commons. October 14: Physical Church/Space October 21: Worship and Discipleship October 28: Fellowship in Community November 4: Outreach and Servant Ministries November 11: Finance/Stewardship November 18: Time/Energy/Monies/Voice A mailing arrived this past week that included a 2019 commitment/pledge card and information about the various methods available for financial giving to Saint Andrew s. Commitment Sunday is November 18. We will worship together at one 9:30 am service. You are invited to return your 2019 commitment card to the offering plate that morning as an act of worship to God who provides for our every need. Following worship we will gather for a commitment celebration...a time to celebrate and give thanks for what we have, what we ve been able to do, and to look forward to the future. Lattes, pastries, and stories of ministry will be shared. 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. Do ONE Thing To grow faith in the youth of Saint Andrew s Every time a child is baptized at Saint Andrew s, we make a promise to that child. We promise to support and pray for the child in his/her new life in Christ and to help sponsors and parents in bringing that child to faith. And here is your chance to live out the promises you have already made by doing ONE thing to help the discipleship ministry of this congregation. Beginning Sunday, November 18, you can add your name to the Do One Thing list. And whenever we are in need of a caring adult to fill in for a one-time role, you might get called in to save the day! For most youth events, all we need is an extra body in the room. Some things you might get called for include: Going with youth on a service outing Gathering supplies for a children s event Assisting with the Children s Christmas program Attending a youth s sporting event/concert at school Working in the kitchen for a potluck meal Helping set up for a mission trip fundraiser Helping out for a day at Vacation Bible School Filling in for a week as an Affirmation of Baptism/Confirmation (ABC) mentor And if we call and you say, Yes! then you have done your one thing and won t be called again (unless you want to be). This is a way for the entire congregation- whether you have kids in the program or not- to be involved in the faith formation of our youth. I encourage everyone to consider how much playing a small part in the discipleship ministry can impact the faith of our youngest generations for years to come. Pastor Drew Yoos, Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries December 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 5

6 Discipleship Ministries...Sundays Early Sunday Morning Bible Study ~ 1 John Sundays, January 6 - February 17, 7:15 am, 322/Conference Room Facilitators: Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen It s really all about Jesus! Beginning Sunday, January 6, 2019, the Saint Andrew s 7:15 am Sunday Morning Bible Study (also known as Jeannmarv s Heresy and Theology Lutheran Comedy Hour) will look at FIRST JOHN. This 7-week unit will introduce you to one of the loveliest books in the entire Bible. Coffee and snacks are provided. ** Please note that the first class on January 6 will be at 8:15 am. Discipleship Hour on Sunday Mornings 9:45 am every Sunday, 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 9:45 am for children and youth age 2 through grade 12. Sunday Offering Sunday offerings from students go to support Lutheran World Relief (LWR). Parents, please help your children remember to bring an offering each Sunday for collection during Discipleship Hour. 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. CrossWalk CrossWalk is focused on youth in grades Got questions? Join us each Sunday at 9:45am in the 319/Youth Room (the couch side) 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. Discipleship Hour Volunteers Needed Please note that there will be no youth classes on Sundays, November 18, November 25, December 23, and December 30. Join the rest of the congregation in 301/Fellowship Hall for Commitment Sunday activities (November 18) and the Advent Fair (November 25). Affirmation of Baptism/Confirmation (ABC) This program is geared toward students in grades 6-8, and class is held on Sundays at 9:45 am. Those students new to our congregation should contact Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries Pastor Drew Yoos or Pastor McEachran. ALL students meet in 302/Fellowship Hall South. November and December: Ministry of Service Jesus invites us to follow him in ways of serving our world. Jill Nichols-Hicks will lead a course that focuses on what service looks like both at church and in the world around us. As we settle into our fall schedule, we are thankful for the many people who are giving their time and energy to growing disciples at Saint Andrew s. At this time, our Sunday Church School and Affirmation of Baptism/ Confirmation teachers and mentors are still in need of extra support and that responsibility falls to all of us. So if you have any interest and passion for furthering the discipleship ministry of this congregation by using your gifts, please contact Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries Pastor Drew Yoos, drew@salchome.org or Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA December 2018

7 Adults... Discipleship Ministries...Sundays Discipleship Hour on Sunday Mornings 9:45 am every Sunday, with classes for everyone age 2 through adult! November 18 (10:45 am) Commitment Celebration Presenter: Stewardship Committee and Initiative Team We will gather as a congregation to celebrate our many blessings from God. We ll hear a story or two about our mission in the world, and feature the work of Dorcas Circle and KnitWits. November 25 Advent Fair Facilitators: Beth Donahoe, Mary Davis, Sherry Grindeland, Enjoy the Season! During this hands-on event, you can help assemble emergency bags for Hopelink, create gifts for service organizations, and craft your Advent wreath/centerpiece. Enjoy fellowship, treats, crafts and activities for all ages. Pick up your Advent devotional materials, too. Bakers and other volunteers wanted. Fire up your oven, get out the mixing bowls, and create your favorite cut-out cookies for the Advent Fair. We could also use your help at the Fair. Contact Mary Davis. December 2 How to Read the Bible (in six easy steps) Presenter: Pastor Drew Yoos Come for this opportunity to learn new insights into getting into the Word of God. December 9 Congregation Council Updates Facilitators: Congregation Council Congregation Council leadership will bring updates about initiatives and ministry. December 16 A Global Missions Update: Maasae Girls School, The Plaster House, and Bihar!! Facilitators: Jean Wahlstrom, Marvin Kananen, Becca Piel Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen will show pictures of the October Form Four Graduation at the School, speak of the current scholarship needs, and inform regarding the November Plaster House surgical clinics. Becca Piel will highlight her January 2019 trip to India to see Lutheran World Relief projects in Bihar that are supported by Saint Andrew s. 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 the Church.... March 3, March 10 (Eighth Grade) Affirmation of Baptism/presentation of Bibles: June 2 Stepping into Prayer.... April 28, May 5 (2-year-olds) presentation of Prayer Pillows: May 5 at the 11:00 am service Stepping into Affirmation of Baptism.... May 12 (Fifth Grade) presentation of Catechisms: Fall 2019 Stepping into Adulthood (High School Seniors) presentation of quilts/gifts: June 9 How to Reach Compass Alliance Andrew Lyon of Compass Housing Alliance presented a compelling program at the November 4 adult Discipleship Hour. To learn more about Compass Housing Alliance and its programs, go to Recordings of Discipleship Hour Classes Video and audio recordings of Sunday adult discipleship classes are available online for approximately four weeks following the class. Links to videos can be found on the Sunday Morning Discipleship webpage, adulted.salchome.org. December 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 7

8 God Squad Youth in Grades 9-12 Lock In Friday-Saturday, November 30 - December 1, GOD SQUAD is 5:00 pm - 9:00 am Grades 9-12 Invite a friend and sign up in the Narthex/Commons for the God Squad Lock In! We ll enjoy winter activities, a movie, food, and of course, Sock Samurai! God Squad Gift Exchange During Crosswalk on December 16, the God Squad will have their annual white elephant gift exchange in 319/Youth Room. Bring a silly wrapped gift (try not to spend much or any money at all!) and we ll play a white elephant game to see who goes home with what. Serving at Lifelong Please note that this event, scheduled for November 17, has been postponed. MEXICO 2019 Mission Trip Contact Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries Pastor Drew Yoos, drew@salchome.org or , for more information. Baja, Mexico July 27 - August 3, 2019 Next Meeting: November 25, 12:30 pm God Squad (this trip is open to all youth currently in grades 8-12) will be going on a trip to Baja, Mexico as we partner with Lantern Hill for a cross cultural exchange and service trip. Youth and interested adults should sign up in the Narthex/Commons and give Pastor Drew a $200 deposit before November 18. The next mission trip meeting will be a lunch meeting on Sunday, November 25, after the 11:00 am service in 301/Fellowship Hall North. Discipleship Ministries Fire Force Youth in Grades 6-8 Fire Force Christmas Party Sunday, December 16, FIRE FORCE is Grades 6-8 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm We will gather to eat some snacks, play some games and exchange some gifts. Bring a silly, wrapped gift and we ll play a white elephant game to decide who goes home with what. Service Event with Veterans Please note the service event, scheduled for November 17, has been postponed. Another date will be scheduled for Fire Force to serve coffee and treats and lead a game of BINGO at the Renton s Veteran s Center through Compass Housing Alliance. IDAHO 2019 Mission Trip Contact Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries Pastor Drew Yoos, drew@salchome.org or , for more information. Shoshone Mountain Retreat, Idaho July 28 - August 1, Fire Force Mission Trip Current 5th-8th graders and parents are invited to sign up for our 2019 Fire Force Mission Trip to Shoshone Mountain Retreat through Idaho Servant Adventures. The trip will go from July 28 - August 1, 2019, and the total cost will be $250 per participant. Sign up on the bulletin board in the Narthex/Commons or by contacting Pastor Drew along with a $50 deposit. Deadline to sign up is November 25! Happy Birthday to these youth who celebrate in December! Kira Terao... 12/10 Paige Dolan... 12/18 Isabella Martin... 12/18 Sara Marti... 12/21 Happy Birthday to You! Sadie Johansen...12/23 Thomas Christie...12/27 Rebeka Gordon... 12/28 Laila Dowling... 12/ Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA December 2018

9 Tuesday Morning Bible Study Every Tuesday, 10:00 am 11:00 am, 322/Conference Room Discipleship Ministries Presenter: Pastor James McEachran We have begun a new series: Witness to New Life in Christ --- Paul s Letter to the Romans. Paul had a new vision for his mission, to travel to Spain in a missionary journey for the Lord. It may have been that his mission support came from the house churches in Rome. The Letter to the Romans was his witness to what new life in Christ really meant. This time will mark a study which will mark for each of us a path of witness and service as ambassadors for Christ in the world. Here is the challenge, the opportunity. Invite a friend or two, bring your favorite translation. We will dig in, be open to the Spirit as we move through this study. Our class concludes on December 18. Children s Christmas Program All children and youth are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Program on Sunday, December 23, during the one 9:30 am worship service. No acting experience needed! Parts will be given out at the one rehearsal at 9:00 am on Saturday, December 22, in the Sanctuary. Parents needed to help with herding and costuming. If you are interested in participating in this year s Christmas program, please sign up in the Narthex/ Commons or by contacting Sherry Grindeland, sherry@salchome.org or For All: Gingerbread House Decorating Party Sunday, December 2, 12:15 pm - 2:00 pm This event is for the entire congregation! See page 10 for details. Youth Registration Forms All families need to complete a Youth Registration Form each year. This form gives us the information to help keep children safe while participating in Saint Andrew s activities. It includes medical information and permissions, and is used for all activities at Saint Andrew s for Complete one form per family. For the safety of all, background checks are required for all adults who work with children. New on this year s registration form is a place for two adults in the household to authorize Saint Andrew s to perform a background check. This authorization is optional, but will save time and effort for any adult who may want to volunteer with youth this year. The registration form can be found in the Narthex 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. οο Please note: If you have a saved registration form with revised August 2014 (or more recent date) at the bottom, you can submit that form. Open it and update the school year and Today s Date, make any other necessary changes, and save. If you submit a previous year s form and wish to volunteer for youth activities, you will need to complete a separate background check authorization form. Contact the church office or Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries Pastor Drew Yoos to get the form. Either the form to info@salchome.org or print and return the form to Saint Andrew s. December 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 9

10 Celebration for Pastor McEachran Fellowship Help celebrate Pastor James McEachran s nearly 36 years at Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Saturday, January 5, 2019 Renton Technical College 3000 NE Fourth Street, Renton Send your stories and photographs for a slide show and memory booklet and your party RSVPs to Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, sherry@salchome.org or Seeking Family Members and Former Members The Pastor s Celebration Party team is seeking names and addresses of former members and your family members who no longer attend Saint Andrew s. Many of us have adult children who were baptized, confirmed and/or married by Pastor McEachran but no longer are part of Saint Andrew s. We want to invite them to the celebration. Please give names, addresses and contact information to Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland by calling or ing sherry@salchome.org. Dorcas Circle orcas 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 December 4 and January 8. 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. For All: Gingerbread House Decorating Party Sunday, December 2, 12:15 pm - 2:00 pm Our annual Gingerbread House Decorating party is for everyone! Bring the entire family for an afternoon of creative fun! We will enjoy a potluck lunch and decorate gingerbread houses. Be sure to sign up in the Narthex/Commons ahead of time so we know how many houses to purchase. Please bring $10 for a gingerbread house. Please bring a potluck item to share. Tuesday Morning Men Every Tuesday 6:30 am 7:30 am, Room 212 Facilitator: Dick Swaisgood We are studying the Gospel of Mark with Immersion Bible Studies by Emerson B. Powery. This study series invites prayerful reading, reflection, and engagement with Scripture, including how to put it into practice in our lives.. The men s group gathers for coffee, conversation, some prayer and early morning snacks at 6:30 am each Tuesday. Questions? Contact Dick Swaisgood Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA December 2018

11 Older Wiser Lutheran Saints (O.W.L.S.) November 20: O.W.L.S. to Learn New Tricks Pastor McEachran will be the guest speaker at the November 20 O.W.L.S. luncheon. Expect to learn some creative pathways to devotion as Pastor explains and enlightens on ways to have Spiritual Stability in an Unstable World. December 18: Holiday Sing-a-long Even if you can t carry a tune in your coffee mug, you can still sing along at the O.W.L.S. annual holiday program on December 18. Director of Music Ministries Will Simpson will play Christmas carols after the potluck lunch. The O.W.L.S., the Older, Wiser Lutheran Saints, meet the third Tuesday at 11:45 am in 301/Fellowship Hall. We don t ask for ID so you don t need to be older to join the fun at these great gatherings. No reservations needed for these rollicking gatherings. If able, please pitch-in with a potluck dish for the luncheon. For more information, contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, sherry@salchome.org or Saint Andrew s Vision Initiative Fellowship Initiatives 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 Wednesday of every month, either at a restaurant or at someone s home. In December, we ll attend the Advent mid-week soup suppers and worship. Women s Retreat ~ Save the Date! Hello to the women of Saint Andrew s! We value our relationships with other Lutheran congregations in our area, so we are again partnering with Our Savior Lutheran Church, this time for their annual Women s Retreat! It will be held the weekend of March 1-3, 2019 at the Rainbow Lodge in North Bend. If you are looking for some time away to re-group, recharge, and re-energize your faith (plus have some fun with other Christian women), this is the event for you! Registration will be open soon. Cost for the full weekend will be $160 for double occupancy, $180 for a single. Scholarships available. Please mark your calendars now. Further information will be in the next issue of the VOICE newsletter and on the Our Savior website: For more information, please contact Joan Friel through Our Savior Lutheran Churh, The Vision Initiative is an engagement in a visioning process for our congregation. This was initiated by the Congregation Council in early It is a process that will help us, by listening to the Holy Spirit s leading, shape the future of our congregational ministry and seek the way God would have Saint Andrew s go and grow. In November: On Friday, November 2, a Visioning event was held specifically for the Sunday Church School, Affirmation of Baptism/ Confirmation and High School staff who couldn t attend the adult discipleship hour on October 7 and those who missed the Values workshop on October 14. Here again, we had a lot of enthusiastic discussion and many great ideas were shared and collected by the Vision Initiative Team. On Sunday, November 11, during the adult discipleship hour, the Vision Initiative Team shared the results of the workshops on Values. Developed from the congregation s ideas, draft Values and Value Statements were shared and discussed. The response was very good and some more thoughts and ideas were shared and collected. On Monday, November 12, the draft Values and Value Statements were shared and discussed with the Congregation Council. The Council had a great discussion and their ideas and thoughts were collected. In December: The Vision Initiative Team will review the thoughts and ideas collected at the Visioning events in November. With these ideas, they will continue work on the Values and Value Statements. Coming Up: We are in the process of scheduling meetings with youth to discuss mission and values. A final version of the mission statement and the values statements will be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting in January. Contact Dick Szabo for more information. December 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 11

12 Congregation Council At the November Council Meeting... Pastor McEachran led worship with devotional words on what it means to be a witness for Christ in the world. Finance: October had a negative cash flow of -$9,288, Pastor McEachran shared recommended readings and giving us a year to date net of -$21, budget had contemplation as the congregation and Council move planned for -$48,324 at the end of October. The preliminary forward. He encouraged Council to pray for those on the 2019 Expense budget was briefly discussed. The submitted prayer tree and in the bulletin prayers. A review of the total of budget requests is a 2.65% increase over the 2018 congregation rolls is in progress. He noted that the budget. Managing God s Gifts cards in the bulletins for the past Imagine Housing Social Impact Fund Investment: weeks have had clear and potent narratives. The Council approved a minimum $25,000 commitment to Initiatives: invest in a fund offered by Imagine Housing. The fund is Vision: Reviewed the current work of the Vision described as a CD with a purpose Initiative Team, and discussed a draft presentation It is a promissory note with interest. Principal will be consolidating the work on Values. repaid, and interest received annually. Discipleship: The Team is discussing ideas for future Money in the fund will be used as a down payment to activities. build affordable housing on the old Group Health Stewardship: The Team is planning for Commitment hospital site in Redmond. Partnership is with YMCA, Sunday on November 18. a commercial Developer, Imagine housing and City of Building: No update. Redmond. Nominating Committee: Hal Ferris is chair. Forward The Saint Andrew s funds to be used are the former potential names for Council candidates to him. Imagine housing Scholarship fund (~$12,000), General Work is in progress to revise the space in the Pathways Reserve Fund (~$12,000) and a $1000 donation by a Hub (Room 212). Council member. New members received during worship on September 30 The Finance Committee will make a recommendation were formally accepted by the Council. on term of the note. (5, 10, or 15 year term) Congregation members who would like to increase the A common form for committee minutes was introduced. amount Saint Andrew s invests in this worthy purpose, Committees are active in ministry. may be able to do so through designated giving to Packets containing reports from all committees are Saint Andrew s. Details to follow. available in the church office; ask Office Administrator Saint Andrew s Constitution: The updated Mary Mills if you would like to see them. Minutes from Constitution, with changes approved by the Council in Council meetings are in the office and on the Saint Andrew s October, has been sent to the Northwest Washington Synod website: visit for review and approval Congregation Council, Committees, and Initiatives Committee Council Liaison Committee Chair Executive Scott Lester, President Art Gurtel, Vice President Stein Dolan, Secretary Joni Barrott, Treasurer Pastor McEachran Building and Property Dick Swaisgood John Nelson Communications Ben Johnson Kendra Mills Discipleship Ann Thorpe Joyce Kasper Ministries Jean Wahlstrom Beka Gordon, Youth Representative Finance Dick Szabo Brady Kasper Joni Barrott, Treasurer Health and Wholeness Vanessa Wilkie Stella Nieman Beverley Watt Karen Grams Human Resources Scott Lester Brent Hicks Committee Council Liaison Committee Chair Outreach and Servant Marshall Erling Marlyn Thorpe Ministries Stewardship Karen Grams Andy Hogle Jill Nichols-Hicks Worship and Liturgical Arts Pastor McEachran Sharon Gurtel Initiative Council Members Discipleship Ben Johnson Dick Swaisgood Vanessa Wilkie Beka Gordon Marshall Erling Vision Dick Szabo Scott Lester Ann Thorpe Jean Wahlstrom Building Dick Swaisgood Scott Lester Art Gurtel Stewardship Karen Grams Stein Dolan Joni Barrott Jill Nichols-Hicks 12 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA December 2018

13 Health and Wholeness Message of the { Mustache }: Men, Make Your Health a Priority by Beverley Watt, R.N., Parish Nurse This information is reprinted with permission from Overlake Hospital s Outlook magazine Fall 2018 edition. Information from: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Movember Foundation, National Cancer Institute Horseshoe. Painter s brush. Lampshade. Handlebar. What sound like a collection of objects in the garage are actually types of mustaches men participating in Movember might be sporting. The Movember movement encourages men to grow a mustache for men s health awareness. From prostate cancer to mental health, Movember is a reminder for men to make their health and well-being a priority. By staying on track for annual check-ups and screenings, men can live longer, healthier lives (and have longer, healthier mustaches). A Few Facts 32.6% of men age 20+ have high blood pressure. Men are 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor in the past year. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. 34.5% of men age 20+ struggle with obesity 70 89% of sudden cardiac events occur in men. Men s Health Guidelines for Every Age In addition to the basics eating healthy, exercising, and staying away from tobacco (including e-cigarettes) it s important to keep up with the following screenings to ensure any health conditions are caught early, when they are easier to treat. When in doubt, check with your primary care provider (PCP) based on your family history and individual risk factors. Beginning at age 18 ANNUALLY: Blood pressure check (or every two years) Body mass index Skin cancer check Flu shot Mental health screening (discuss symptoms with your PCP) Vision exams every 2 10 years (people with diabetes should have eyes dilated annually). EVERY FOUR TO SIX YEARS: Cholesterol check beginning at 20 or earlier or more frequently if you are at high risk for heart disease. EVERY 10 YEARS: Tetanus booster. Beginning at age 45 ANNUALLY: Cholesterol check. EVERY THREE YEARS: Glucose/blood sugar check or more frequently if you are overweight or have family risk factors. EVERY 10 YEARS: Colorectal cancer screening or earlier or more frequently if you are at an increased risk. Beginning at age 50 AS NEEDED: Prostate cancer screening if you have average risk. Begin at 45 if you have a higher than average risk. Begin at 40 if you have more than one close relative with prostate cancer before age 65. Talk to your PCP about the pros and cons of testing. Beginning at age 65 ANNUALLY: Fall risk screening. AS NEEDED: Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening if you have ever smoked. Talk to your PCP. Also... Get the Shingles and pneumonia vaccines. Talk to your PCP about what age is best to get them. Osteoporosis screening at 70 or earlier or more frequently if risk factors exist. Parish Nurse Hours Tuesdays, Room :00 am - 1:00 pm Blood Pressure Screening Sunday, December 2 10:45 am, in Room 212 Healing Prayer Stations for individual prayer Sundays, November 18 and December 16 during Holy Communion 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! The next meeting is Sunday, December 9, at 9:45 am in 322/Conference Room. Dianne Chong is the KnitWits Coordinator. December 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 13

14 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, Marshall Erling (Council Liaison), Dave Marcrander, Pastor McEachran, George Miller, Becca Piel, Debbie Szabo, Dick Szabo, Ann Thorpe, Marlyn Thorpe (Chair), and Jean Wahlstrom. Ministry Prayer Focus Outreach and Servant Ministries 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 December, we pray for MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School (MGLSS) in Monduli, Tanzania. Established in 1995, this first-of-its-kind residential school for daughters of the Maasai and other semi-nomadic people support girls education. Over 300 girls from impoverished backgrounds are part of this nurturing, supportive educational community. In a Tanzanian girl s life, education makes all the difference: It will nearly triple a woman s income; she will reinvest 90% of her income into her family; with a secondary education, a woman will marry later and have fewer children; she is less likely to contact HIV/AIDS; and her children have a 40% better chance of living to age 5. MGLSS offers girls the chance to make a brighter future for themselves and for their families. Saint Andrew s members Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen served at MGLSS as teachers and chaplain from and again in Numerous Saint Andrew s members and groups sponsor students. Each Advent season, we have the opportunity to purchase uniforms for new MGLSS students. Love Tree T hanksgiving is near, so can Christmas be far behind? Once again we at Saint Andrew s have an opportunity to brighten the lives of those less fortunate. Look for the Love Tree in the Narthex beginning Sunday, November 18. Tags will be on the tree for Imagine Housing children and veterans, Sophia Way women, and Eastside Baby Corner. Take a tag or two, purchase the gift and return it unwrapped no later than Sunday, December 9. Questions? Contact Joanne Baker or Carolyn Haralson, Collection of Socks and Hats for Compass Housing Alliance In November and December Dorcas Circle is collecting new white socks and warm hats for Compass Housing Alliance. Your donations can be placed in the Sox Box in the Narthex/Commons. Contact Linda Willenberg for more information. Advent Outreach MaaSAE Girls Uniforms Each year Saint Andrew s Lutheran has had the privilege to clothe 50 students at the Maasae Girls Lutheran Secondary School (where Jean Wahlstrom and Marv Kananen served for 12 years) in Monduli, Tanzania. Please see the display in the Narthex/Commons area and consider outfitting a girl on her educational journey. A gift of $50 provides a uniform (for 2 years) including: 2 shirts, 1 skirt, 1 sweater, 1 pair of shoes, and socks. There is a cut-out figure of a girl to hang on your tree as a prayer reminder. Place cash or check in the envelope provided and put it in the offering plate OR send a check to: Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, putting MGLSS UNIFORMS on the memo line. Thank you! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: On Sunday, December 16, Marv and Jean will be presenting an update about the school during the Adult Discipleship Hour with recent photos and commentary Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA December 2018

15 Outreach and Servant Ministries - Global Tanzania Sustaining Success Funding for MGLSS and at University Students The Plaster House Girls Lutheran Praise our gracious and generous God as donations from the October fundraising events continue to be received. The total is over $20,000. Thank you for sharing these gifts of God! Please consider a Christmas gift for the care of the children at The Plaster House: an ideal gift to honor a person who has everything and needs nothing, given in their name! For those of you who were not able to attend these events but would still like to support the work of the Plaster House, here are equally good ways to do so: Write a check to Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church with Plaster House on the memo line. Use the Text To Give option: Text Plaster to and follow the menu. Using a credit card/atm card, go online to You can also subscribe to their monthly newsletter at this site. Jean Wahlstrom Plaster House International Advisory Board member Bihar, India Project Bihar/Lutheran World Relief MaaSAE Secondary School (MGLSS) is located on the outskirts of a Monduli, Tanzania, a village about 45 kilometers from Arusha. It is a project of The Diocese in Arusha Region of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania and Operation Bootstrap Africa. The school opened in This residential school for daughters of the Maasai and other semi-nomadic people supports girls education. Today, over 300 girls from impoverished backgrounds are part of this nurturing, supportive educational community. In a Tanzanian girl s life, education makes all the difference. Many MGLSS students rely on scholarship funds to pay for their education. Several individuals and groups at Saint Andrew s contribute to scholarships of these students. Graduates of MGLSS who continue their education also need scholarship support. If you would like to sponsor a student, contact the church office. However, ANY donation amount is welcome at any time, as these scholarships are needed every year. Contributions can be made by check to Saint Andrew s with MGLSS Scholarship or MGLSS Post-Secondary Scholarship in the memo line. All funds are collected and forwarded to OPERATION BOOTSTRAP AFRICA (OBA). You can also contribute directly to OBA online, or by mail. For more information about MGLSS and the young women who are being educatated there, contact Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen. Bihar is a global mission 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 Partnership Bihar Trip food security for the family, empowering women in S the community, and increasing incomes for families. aint Andrew s member Becca Piel has felt the call to Our involvement is with nine congregations join the LWR trip to Bihar, representing Saint throughout the United States, including three in Andrew s, January 17-24, She is a member of the Washington (The Lutheran Church of the Good Chancel Choir and the Outreach Servant Ministries Shepherd, Olympia; Trinity Lutheran Church, Committee. Freeland; and Saint Andrew s). Project Bihar Prayer Bookmarks Saint Andrew s has a Project Bihar/LWR working P group that has defined three major components in our roject Bihar Prayer bookmarks are in hymnals. Use mission: communication, engagement and giving. them in the hymnals and/or take them home and pray If you are interested in joining our Project Bihar/LWR for the highlighted family and their community. Working Group contact Marlyn Thorpe. 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 December 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 15

16 Foods of the Month - November Volunteer with The Sophia Way Outreach and Servant Ministries We are collecting food to go in Emergency Bags for the Hopelink Food Bank. We will be packing these bags as part of the Advent Fair on Sunday, November 25. When someone comes to the Hopelink food bank in need of food and for some reason is not able to shop at the food bank on that day, they don t go away empty handed. They get an Emergency Bag. We will be packing two types of Emergency Bags: A one-person bag and a two-person bag. The contents are very similar. We have already collected all the different items that go into these bags. For our final collection emphasis, we want to focus on the items that will allow us to pack more bags! Our greatest need is canned beans (black, pinto or kidney), canned vegetables (green beans, peas or carrots), rice (1 or 2 pound bags, brown or white) and pasta sauce (~24 ounce cans). Second tier needs are for pasta, canned soup, and instant oatmeal packages. For November 18, consider bringing two items from the list of greatest needs and one from the second tier needs list! Also, we invite you to make packing these emergency bags one of your Advent Fair activities on Sunday, November 25! Foods of the Month - December The collection emphasis for the Corner of Blessing in the cold month of December will be hot beverages: regular coffee (not decaf), tea, and hot cocoa. Coffee is the most needed item and should be in ~12 to 16 ounce packages. It can be ground (preferred), whole bean, or instant. Tea is preferred in packages of tea bags; individual packets of cocoa mix are requested. The Sophia Way assists women from homelessness to independence. They have an overnight shelter for 22 women to sleep, a Day Center (on the lower level of St. Luke s Lutheran Church, 3032 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue) that is open to drop-ins, job search, casework, and an office. The Sophia Way helps homeless women journey toward independence and a home of their own. Volunteers are needed at the Day Center and to help with meal serving. Donations of clothing, personal items, food, and other essentials are also welcome. Visit www. sophiaway.org or contact The Sophia Way volunteer coordinator Tara, , for information. Our Saint Andrew s liaison is Joyce Arnold. Adult Mission Trip to Arizona Saint Andrew s is sponsoring the first Adult Mission Trip to The Navajo Lutheran Mission at Rock Point, Arizona from March 21 to April 2, (Dates do not include travel time.) Jean Wahlstrom, Marvin Kananen, and Sherry Grindeland are leading the volunteer work on a variety of projects. Housing will be at the mission facilities. There will be construction and repair, cooking, working with kids, and whatever your talent is. There will be work for everyone who comes. All we request is your enthusiasm. You provide your own transportation to and from Phoenix. We will arrange transportation to Rock Point on the morning of March 21 (and back when done). Fundraising for materials needed for the projects will begin in mid-january. We provide the training and gather background information so you ll be prepared. Devotions and sightseeing will happen. Help us to organize the logistics/food. Eight people are signed up already. Add your name to the sign-up sheet on the Narthex/Commons bulletin board or contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, sherry@salchome.org or call And, if you happen to be wintering in Phoenix, come join us. Details will be provided as we make them up. 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 Collections 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 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA December 2018

17 Outreach and Servant Ministries Congregations for the Homeless Clothing Needed The CFH Day Center is open yearround providing services to homeless men. Once a week they distribute clothing, and currently are in need of more donations. If you have any gently used men s clothing, please put them in the basket marked CFH near the elevator in the Narthex. Items needed are: jeans, belts, new underwear, t-shirts, light jackets, sweatshirts, fleece jackets, socks, athletic shoes, casual pants and shirts, towels for showers, sweat pants, and sleeping bags. Imagine Housing Thanksgiving Meals As we continue to further our mission and create more affordable homes in our community, we will be hosting six Thanksgiving dinners this year. With over 1,200 residents now calling our communities home (and only 6 community ovens), we can really use your help. Please help us make our Thanksgiving dinners as warm and bright as any! You can sign up to volunteer or contribute food at: volunteer/holiday-signups The dates for our dinners are: Andrews Glen: Monday, November 19 Velocity: Tuesday, November 20 Rose Crest: Wednesday, November 21 Highland Gardens: Thursday, November 29 Contact Kathryn, kathrynj@imaginehousing.org or extension 17, for more information. Thank you for all your support! Congregation Collaborations Collaborations Saint Andrew s is in relationship with our Synod and area congregations! Here are some of the ways we are collaborating with other Lutherans in our community: Men s Retreat: Saint Andrew s and men from area congregations enjoyed a retreat on October Women s Retreat: Saint Andrew s and women from area congregations will join Our Savior Lutheran Church for their retreat on March 1-3, See page 11. 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 on the third Wednesday of every month. All are invited, whether or not you live at Timber Ridge. See page 2. Vacation Bible School: Saint Andrew s and Our Savior Lutheran teamed up to host Vacation Bible School (VBS) in July. 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. Northwest Washington Synod Events Around the Synod The Northwest Washington Synod is a resource for concerts, lectures, events, and opportunities hosted by churches in our Synod and other organizations. Many are free of charge. The Synod s Weekly Update webpage maintains an updated list. Check it out at December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Servers Assisting Ministers 4:00 pm Sharon Gurtel 6:30 pm Karen Grams 9:00 pm Sue Short Acolytes Anthony Martin, Izzy Martin; Sam Wilkes, Crucifer Sonja Wetmore, Abby Kasper; Collin Feldman, Crucifer Alden Johnson, Gavin Johnson; Quinn Myhre, Crucifer Altar Guild Phillip Misner, Karin Eklof Phillip Misner, Karin Eklof, Christine Koch December 2018 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 17

18 December 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, Bellevue WA December 2018

19 December 30 9:30 am Dick Swaisgood Art Gurtel Sonja Wetmore Signe Wraith and Elmer Neu December Servers December 23 9:30 am Jean Wahlstrom Dick Swaisgood Sara Marti Jill Nichols-Hicks, JoAn Eklof December 16 11:00 am Sue Short Jan Bowerman Josie Marti Janan Twito, Karin Eklof 8:30 am Judy Gowdy Emily Elien December 9 11:00 am Dana Nasby Livi Myhre Ella Nickel Bev Anderson, Janan Twito 8:30 am Carolyn McKenna Art Gurtel Quinn Myhre December 2 11:00 am Tom Getzinger Celeste Ackerbloom Sam Wilkes Linda Powell, Deanna Oeffner 8:30 am Karen Grams Judi Miller Abby Kasper Assisting Ministers Communion Assistants Acolytes Altar Guild Saint Andrew s Ministry Team The Reverend James N. McEachran, Senior Pastor jim@salchome.org The Reverend Timothy T. Weber, Shared-Time Pastor timwebertt@yahoo.com The Reverend Drew Yoos, Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries drew@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 Sydney Holmes, Facilities Set-up Bryant Wilkie, Kitchen Team Samaritan Center of Puget Sound Dr. Mark Houglum, Counselor Dr. Neal Teng, Counselor Kristin O Hara, MA, Extern , extension 350 Please note that Greeters, Lectors, Ushers, and Coffee Hosts for December will be notified via . Flowers for December December 2 no flowers December 9 CJ Tatum December 16 no flowers December 23 no flowers December 30 no flowers 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 Marcia Riggers Board President, Compass Housing Alliance Deadline to submit items for the next issue of the VOICE: December 3 Send to Susan Hegedus, susan@salchome.org December 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 Services with Holy Communion 8:30 am and 11:00 am Discipleship Hour, 9:45 am Advent Mid-week Worship Soup Supper, 6:00 pm Holden Evening Prayer, 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 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church Advent Christmas Epiphany?What Child Is This? Advent is coming soon! In a short space of time we learn to listen again to the Word of the Lord. To hear the promise and to trust again that God is at work in human history through Jesus, born of Mary. Once in time, Jesus asked His own, Who do YOU say that I am? Peter led the way in His confession that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (Matthew 16:16) In our time we will respond to another question, What Child is This? Let this be a season of seeking an answer for today. In these times to listen, to see, to learn that the promise is being fulfilled again as Jesus is born anew to us today. Listen! Jesus is coming soon! Blessed Advent! Note the worship and music opportunities on the opposite side. Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church th Avenue SE Bellevue, WA info@salchome.org Advent Christmas Epiphany Sundays of Advent December 2 First Sunday of Advent Worship 8:30 am and 11:00 am Special Worship Music: Contemporary Worship Team December 9 Second Sunday of Advent Worship 8:30 am and 11:00 am Special Worship Music: Handbell Choir December 16 Third Sunday of Advent Worship 8:30 am and 11:00 am Special Worship Music: Chancel Choir Concert Series: Bells of the Sound 4:00 pm December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship 9:30 am Children s Christmas Program Special Worship Music: Children s Choir No Discipleship Hour Wednesday Mid-Week Worship Soup Supper 6:00 pm Holden Evening Prayer 7:00 pm We welcome Pastor Paul Hoffman who will share Devotional Words on What Child Is This? December 5 Philippians 2:5-11 December 12 Luke 1:26-38 December 19 John 1:1-18 Christmas Eve December 24 Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Eve Family Worship (no Holy Communion) 4:00 pm Worship with Holy Communion 6:30 pm Special Worship Music: Chancel Choir Worship with Holy Communion 9:00 pm Special Worship Music: Handbell Choir December 25 Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day No worship service scheduled December 30 First Sunday of Christmas One Worship Service 9:30 am No Discipleship Hour Epiphany of Our Lord January 6 Epiphany of Our Lord Worship with Holy Communion Celebration of Pastor McEachran s ministry 9:30 am 10:45 am Fellowship, youth, and outreach opportunities can be found in the VOICE newsletter, Sunday bulletins, Trendings enews, and on the Saint Andrew s website.