Sergei Rachmaninoff composed the All Night Vigil in

Transcription

1 , Saint Andrews LUTHERAN CHURCH the VOICE February 2019 What s inside... Annual Congregation Meeting... 3 Calendar Celebrations for Pastor McEachran Congregation Council Discipleship Ministries. 7-9 Fellowship Health and Wholeness Ministry Lent... 3 Ministry Team Northwest Washington Synod Outreach and Servant Ministries Pastoral Care... 6 Reflections... 6 Serving in Our Community Sunday Servers Thank You... 6 Worship and Liturgical Arts... 2 Sunday Worship 8:30 am and 11:00 am Discipleship Hour 9:45 am Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church th Ave SE Bellevue WA Phone: Fax: The Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church newsletter is a free monthly publication. Transitions: Challenge and Opportunity By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. (Hebrews The Message) Congregational transitions are often a time of uncertainty and increased anxiety. This is especially true when the transition involves a change in pastoral leadership. It s normal to have a rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions when the congregational ministry of a beloved, long time pastor has come to an end. Many questions come to mind. How do we say thank you to Pastor Jim for all that he has done for us? Pastor Jim is the only pastor I ve known for 35 years, what will happen now? How do we say goodbye to someone who has been such a big part of our life? There is so much uncertainty everywhere, what can I count on here at Saint Andrew s? How long will it take for us to get a new pastor? Sometimes, influenced by our on demand quick fix culture we are tempted to quickly push through the challenge within in our thoughts and feelings and miss the opportunity for thoughtful reflection that transitions provide. Like Abraham and Sarah, our ancestors in the faith, we are called to live in the challenging tension that comes with responding to God s call to step out without knowing exactly where we are going. How you may ask? We live in this tension the same way that our ancestors before us have done? By Faith! We live in this going out/not knowing tension by trusting God s Spirit to be at work in, with and under our journey to be faithful disciples of the crucified and risen Jesus. And what are some of our first steps in this transitional journey? Deep listening and reflecting on basic congregational discipleship questions can be a good first step. It can help us stay grounded, focused and energized as we face the challenge/opportunity tension in our transitional journey. I find these questions to be helpful in our listening and conversation with one another; What is God s mission in the world? What is our congregational story & how does it relate to God s mission? Who are our neighbors? Who are we now and where are we at? How is God calling us to respond in this time and place? What do you think? Can these questions help us listen to God and each other as we enter into our next chapter in ministry? Your partner in living the faithful discipleship tension, Pastor B. Red Burchfield G a t h e r... E n c o u r a g e... E q u i p... S e n d...

2 Worship Texts February 3 Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30 February 10 Isaiah 6:1-13 Psalm Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11 February 17 Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Luke 6:17-26 February 24 Genesis 45:3-15 Psalm 37:1-11, Corinthians 15:35-50 Luke 6:27-38 Saint Andrew s Concert Series Seattle Bach Choir Rachmaninoff s All Night Vigil March 9, 7:30 pm Music Rehearsal Times Chancel Choir Thursdays, 7:00 pm Handbell Choir Tuesdays, 7:00 pm Worship Bulletins and Notes and Audio Podcasts of Sermons can be found at sermons.salchome.org Worship and Liturgical Arts All Saint Andrew s Concerts are FREE and open to all. Invite a friend! Seattle Bach Choir: Rachmaninoff s All Night Vigil Saturday, March 9, 7:30 pm Sergei Rachmaninoff composed the All Night Vigil in As required by the Russian Orthodox Church, Rachmaninoff based 10 of the 15 sections on chant. However, the original sections (1, 3, 6, 10, and 11) are so heavily influenced by chant that the composer called them conscious counterfeits. The piece has been praised as Rachmaninoff s finest achievement and the greatest musical achievement of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Seattle Bach Choir programs music that is interesting and beautiful, but not always frequently performed. The Choir s programming is accessible for audiences who are hearing their first choral music program, or those who are seasoned choral music aficionados. Learn more at seattlebachchoir.org. Hors D oeuvres and beverages will be served during intermission, and Bach Choir members will mingle with the audience for conversation. 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 for 2019 and the Luther Bread recipe can be found on the Saint Andrew s website: Contact coordinator Jill Nichols-Hicks for more information. Flowers The flower chart for 2019 is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex/Commons. Please take a moment to reserve your Sunday. An Easy Way to Serve Please consider volunteering to be an usher, greeter or lector. The need is greatest for ushers at the 11:00 am service! We welcome new volunteers for the 8:30 service, too. Please contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland contact Sherry, sherry@ SALChome.org or 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. 2 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2019

3 Prayer Partners for Lent 2019 Looking to Lent... During the coming season of Lent (March 6 to April 20), we have the opportunity to pray for someone at Saint Andrew s as we make connections with our Lenten (Secret) Prayer Partners. We remember the words of Paul, Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too (Colossians 4:2-3). The Health and Wholeness Ministry Committee is asking you to consider signing up for a Prayer Partner for Lent. Early Bird Sign Ups - Sunday, February 10 Official Sign Up Date - Sunday, February 17 Last Chance Sign Up - Sunday, February 24 (don t wait) Get Your Envelope Date - Sunday, March 3 Reveal Date - Sunday, April 28, 9:45 am (find out who has been praying for you!) We ask, believing that God hears and has the power to answer our prayers. More details to follow. Annual Meeting Annual Congregation Meeting The Annual Meeting of the Congregation follows one 9:30 am worship service on Sunday, January 27. At this meeting, we will... vote from a slate of eight candidates for four positions on the Congregation Council, plus a Youth Representative and Treasurer (a handout with bios for each candidate is available in the Narthex/Commons) vote on a slate of six candidates for the Nominating Committee; receive an update on finances and the Imagine Housing Investment Fund; vote on the 2019 Current Fund Budget; introduce our Transition Pastor Brian Red Burchfield, and receive an update on the transition process; receive an update from the Vision Initiatives Team and formally introduce a new Mission Statement and Values Statements; receive updates on other Council Initiatives and committee work; and recognize Quiet Servants. Dorcas Circle will raffle a quilt, with proceeds going to Lutheran World Relief. A quorum is needed, and every voice and vote counts. Please plan to attend! Annual Meeting Lunch The Navajo Mission Team will be hosting the lunch at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 27. The free will offering will be used for supplies for a work project when the team goes to the Navajo Nation in Arizona later this year. Checks can be made to Saint Andrew s with Navajo Mission in the subject line. Congregation Council, Committees, and Initiatives (through January 27, 2019) Committee Council Liaison Committee Chair Executive Scott Lester, President Art Gurtel, Vice President Stein Dolan, Secretary Joni Barrott, Treasurer Pastor Burchfield 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 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 February 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 3

4 Congregation Council A Review...and What s Ahead by Scott Lester, Congregation Council President I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1: 3-5 We honor Pastor James McEachran for his 35 years of ministry with us. He has been a formative and influential voice in the life of this congregation and community. We are blessed to have been part of his Call to share Word and Sacrament, and we offer thanks, in Christ, for his Spirit-led accomplishments, loving encouragement, deep passions and confident leadership. It would be difficult to offer this VOICE message by reflecting only on the past year. As I know you have experienced, much in our lives is knit together in fragments of generations and years, not simply months and weeks. That said, the work of this congregation is a generous tapestry of engagement that is reflected in the work of our staff, committees and congregation members over an eventful year. Where we are as a congregation today is a result of God s work through you. The opportunities that we have as a congregation for growing together, in Christ, to love and serve all people, will play out in the years to come informed perhaps, by our experience in the recent past. To summarize, in 2017, we set about thinking about our future, resulting in a series of recommended paths forward for First among them was a call for Pastor McEacrhan to consider his future plans in ministry. A team was formed to support Pastor McEachran in considering what shape that might take. In April 2018, Pastor McEachran offered a letter of resignation that would take him through January 7, In those months since April, we have had the opportunity to celebrate Pastor s ministry and conclude with a big and wonderful party. And speaking of transitions, I have found in life that blessings are not always convenient for everyone, or easy to reconcile. Emily Harrow delivered unbelievable energy and creativity to the Director of Discipleship Ministries position and it was disappointing to see her leave in However, it can be excused that she felt a call to be closer to family in St. Louis. And while we do miss her, God has worked with us to appoint Pastor Drew Yoos to the Discipleship role under a one-year contract. He has seamlessly taken the reins and added momentum to these programs. Another recommended path forward from our 2017 planning suggested a review of our Visioning. Following a series of workshops and much congregational engagement, two parts of a four-part Vision frame have taken shape. Part one, a new mission statement: Growing Together, in Christ, to Love and Serve All People. Part two, a new value statement that is focused on worship, discipleship, outreach, and relationship. The third and fourth parts of the Vision frame are Strategy and Measurement. Those pieces will be prepared as part of our Ministry Site Profile (MSP) during the pastoral transition process. So what will the pastoral transition process look like? Throughout this two-year journey, congregation leadership has been in regular communication and coordination with the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod office to plan for the Pastoral Transition. Starting on January 22, 2019, Pastor Brian Red Burchfield is serving as our Transition Pastor. This Pastoral assignment followed the standard ELCA and Synod candidate identification process, and Pastor Burchfield was recommended by Bishop Kirby Unti specifically for the Saint Andrew s position. After some brief discernment, the church Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the Congregation Council, affirmed the recommendation. Our path forward to call a new full-time Pastor will be carried-out in two phases. In early 2019, a Transition Team will form and complete the MSP and finalize the Vision frame with Pastor Burchfield s input. That material will be submitted to the Synod office in preparation for the subsequent Call process. The Transition Team will be dissolved, and then in phase two, a separate and distinct Call Committee will be formed. At this point, it is uncertain how long these two phases will take due to many factors, however, as these phases start, a timeline may become more clear and then shared accordingly. In addition to the Vision and Transition initiatives this past year, the Congregation Council was also committed to revitalizing our stewardship efforts, considering options for any future building and/or capital needs, and looking for ways to continue to keep a multi-generational and vibrant congregation engaged in service and discipleship. In deference to a previous statement, building-related issues will be woven into the work the council considers in 2019 we simply didn t feel that we as a Council or congregation had the capacity or appetite to fully commit to a building campaign given other initiatives and priorities. We are a blessed and busy church. With all the work our members, staff, and committees do, it seems a disservice to omit other specific and significant blessings we have received or shared. That said, I will say with some exuberance because you can now hear me we have a new sound system in the Sanctuary. In conclusion, please pray for Pastor McEachran and his family as he embarks on new ministry opportunities. And pray for this congregation as we move forward growing together, in Christ, to love and serve all people. Please contact me with any questions. 4 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2019

5 At the January Council Meeting... Congregation Council Jean Wahlstrom led worship with devotional words and litany based on Newness in the Light of the Gospel. The Council welcomed Pastor Brian Red Partial Roof Replacement: the Council approved the Burchfield. expenditure of up to $30,000 to replace the roof over the Pastor Drew Yoos noted that planning for the Adult office wing, to be paid from the Deferred Maintenance Discipleship Hour classes through May is nearly complete. Fund. The Discipleship Ministries Committee is having a retreat Room 212 Update: The Council approved the in January that will focus on relationship building and the expenditure of up to $10,000 to update furnishings, question What are we doing to build faith? He invited window coverings, etc. in Room 212 (the Hub, former everyone to Family Dinner Church on February 9, and Library), to be paid from the Share the Vision, Be the Life noted that February 17 will be an Intergenerational Campaign Fund. Discipleship Hour, with all ages gathering together. Sanctuary Refresh: The Council approved the Dr. Will Simpson thanked the Council for their support expenditure of up to $5,000 for the purpose of replacing of music ministries, through finances, prayer, and the sconce lights in the Sanctuary and to paint the attendance. He invited all to the Seattle Bach Choir concert Sanctuary and Sacristy, to be paid from the Share the on March 9, and noted that Bach Choir members will join Vision, Be the Life Campaign Fund. the audience during intermission for informal conversation. Committee Communications: Committee Chairs will He is planning spring music for have the opportunity to give a report of their work and Sherry Grindeland reported that there were over 400 opportunities at the Annual Meeting on January 27. people who attended Pastor McEachran s celebration on Vision Initiative: The Vision Initiative Team met with January 5. A book with photos and notes will be prepared high school youth and middle school youth to gather input and given to him. Our Savior Lutheran is organizing a about the mission and value statements. Final versions will Women s Retreat in March and has invited women from be presented at the Annual Meeting on January 27. area churches; Saint Andrew s donated a basket to their Nominating Committee: Eight candidates have fundraiser for this retreat. The Children s Christmas volunteered to run for four Congregation Council positions. Program was a delight to help lead. Nominating Committee 2019: Candidates for next Finance: year s Nominating Committee are being sought prior to the At the end of 2018, the Current Fund had a positive Annual Meeting. President Scott Lester and Amy Myhre cash balance of $22,406. The Council approved have volunteered to serve. Contact Scott if interested in transferring this balance to the Deferred serving. Maintenance Fund. The 2019 Council and Committee Chairs will hold an The 2019 proposed Current Fund budget was Advance (aka retreat) in February. presented. Income levels are anticipated to be similar The Northwest Washington Synod Assembly will be to 2018 income. Except for wages and benefits, held in May A new bishop will be elected as part of expenses have been adjusted to align more closely the Assembly. with 2018 actual expenses. The proposed budget is balanced. The Council approved recommending to Council members and staff have prayer partners. the congregation the 2019 Current Fund budget as Prayer partners for the past six months were shared. presented. Committees are active in ministry. Imagine Housing Social Impact Fund Investment: The Council has approved a $25,000 commitment to invest in a fund offered by Imagine Housing. The fund is described as a CD with a purpose. Saint Andrew s is in the process of confirming that it is an accredited investor. 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 February 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 5

6 Reflections on A Young Man and His Chest by Lowell Arneson In the late 1870s, there were two teenage brothers, growing up on a small hardscrabble farm in the Hardanger area of Norway. They were the two youngest boys in the Tokheim family with eight children. The older, Jacob, was born in 1861, and his brother, Thorsten in By tradition, in Norway, the family farm would pass to the oldest male in the family, so Jacob and Thorsten pondered their future. At this time, emigration to America was being promoted by steamship companies and others. Norwegians who had previously left, wrote back to friends and relatives, describing life in the new country. Land was inexpensive (almost free since the Homestead Act of the 1860s), people were friendly, government was light handed, and the future looked prosperous. The brothers began making plans. The boys decided to go to America. With the reluctant approval of their parents, they gathered the support that they needed, then packed up, and at the ages of 19 and 17 they boarded ship at Stavanger and went West. At that time, it was common for steamships to allow one trunk (called a steamer trunk) of belongings per passenger, along with a small chest. Today, we would say the trunk was checked and the small chest was a carry on. As the ship cleared the Stavanger harbor, the brothers were leaving behind their family, their homeland, an organized society, including the government and church. Neither of them would ever return. The only things they took with them were their personal belongings in a chest and their memories of family and the homeland. The crossing was frightful. Major storms roiled the sea. People on board were scared and sick. They made it to New York and spent a couple days getting their immigration status settled. It was possible for immigrants to change their names as they entered the new country. Jacob decided to keep his given name. Thorsten changed his to Thomas Arneson. (Yes, he was my grandfather.) Details are sketchy, but it seems that the two young men headed to northern New York state, found work, and stayed there until the following spring. Then they proceeded by boat and horses to a small village in Iowa, called Thor. Jacob would remain there, and farm the rest of his life. Tom would marry Malinda Lund whose family lived in the area around Clarkfield, Minnesota. With some help from Malinda s family, they were able to buy a farm, and move to rural Clarkfield, where they raised a family of ten children. These were good years. Then in 1922, Tom got wind of a farmer in the Red River Valley who wanted to sell his farm and move back to Minnesota. The short story is that the two men traded farms, and Tom and his family moved to North Dakota. Grandpa would die on that farm at age 91 in The two teenage boys who left Norway in 1880, with all their belongings in a chest, gave up a lot in Norway to become Americans. They came because they wanted to be Americans. They loved the land, their fellow Americans, the freedom to speak, to assemble, to move, the light hand of government, the freshness of the new church, and democracy. They rarely spoke of the old country, but neither did they forsake it. It would probably be a healthy thing if we would all once in a while take the journey (mentally) that Jacob and Thorsten took to the country we all call home. We have become quite picky in our regard for our homeland. We seem to find ourselves way more concerned with things that have to do with our shortcomings than with the blessings that surround us. I do not need to enumerate all the various reasons we should be thankful. I m sure you have a long list of your own. Thank you, America! Baptisms None Weddings None Memorial Services None Committals None Pastoral Care Thank You! Thank you for so much for your prayers, cards, visits, food, and flowers for my mother Elizabeth Betty Rose. They gave my mom comfort when she was with us on earth, and continued to give her and our family comfort as she passed away. Love and blessings, Debbie Rose-Armstrong and the Family of Betty Rose. 6 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2019

7 ALL Youth FAMILY Dinner Church Saturday, February 9, 5:30 pm - 7:00pm Discipleship Ministries All children, youth, parents are invited to come and experience a new way to worship. On Saturday February 9, in 301/Fellowship Hall, join Pastor Drew Yoos for this unique worship event where we ll pray, sing, hear God s word, and even take Communion all over the course of a meal together. Sign up on the bulletin board so we know how much food to prepare. You don t want to miss this one-time event! Lunch with Pastor Drew Friday, February 22, 12:00 noon Since most of the schools in the area are on break during this week, come by 319/Youth Room at noon and have pizza with Pastor Drew Yoos. Feel free to bring a video game or another game or just come to hang out. GOD SQUAD is Grades 9-12 FIRE FORCE is Grades 6-8 Sheep and Shepherds SHEEP and SHEPHERDS are FAMILIES with kids ages birth through Grade Schedule of Activities God Squad and Fire Force Families: please pick up a copy of the 2019 Event Calendar from the bulletin board in the Narthex/Commons. GOD SQUAD is Grades 9-12 God Squad Youth in Grades 9-12 God Squad Holden Village Retreat The 2019 Holden Village May Youth Weekend is May 24-26, This year s theme is Ready, Set, Glow! about letting God s light shine in the darkness. All interested High School youth and adult leaders should sign up in the Narthex/Commons and give $100 to Pastor Drew. Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to these youth who celebrate in February! Lauren S...2/4 Erik N...2/12 Mackenzie N...2/12 Owen L... 2/18 Jackson U...2/21 Alaina B... 2/27 Tyler K... 2/27 Colin S... 2/28 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 God Squad is going on a trip to Baja, Mexico as we partner with Lantern Hill for a cross cultural exchange and service trip. On Sunday, February 24, we will be in 301/Fellowship Hall North during Discipleship Hour for a time of open conversation about our youth mission trip and talk about how an international mission experience shapes faith. IDAHO 2019 Mission Trip Fire Force 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, 2019 All youth and adult leaders attending the Idaho Servant Adventure Mission Trip should plan on staying after worship for a brief meeting at 12:15 pm in 319/Youth Room on Sunday, February 10. We will get more information about the trip and get to know one another. FIRE FORCE is Grades 6-8 February 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 7

8 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! Adults... January 27 (10:45 am) Annual Congregation Meeting 301/Fellowship Hall Following one 9:30 am worship service, our Annual Congregation Meeting will be held. The Navajo Mission Team will be hosting the lunch at the Annual Meeting. The free will offering will be used for supplies for a work project when the team goes to the Navajo Nation in Arizona later this year. Checks can be made to Saint Andrew s with Navajo Mission in the memo line. February 3 State of the Youth Presenter: Pastor Drew Yoos 301/Fellowship Hall North Pastor Drew will give an update on the state of youth ministry in this congregation and the ELCA at large. Together we will wonder what role a congregation has in shaping the faith of youth and how to keep youth growing in faith after high school. February 10 Report from Bihar, India Presenter: Becca Piel 301/Fellowship Hall Becca Piel will share with us her stories and experiences from her recent mission trip to Bihar, India. Discipleship Ministries...Sundays Early Sunday Morning Bible Study: 1 John Sundays, through February 17, 7:15 am, 322/Conference Room (The class on January 27 will be at 8:15 am) Facilitators: Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen It s really all about Jesus! Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen continue the Winter Bible Study program, looking at First John, that five chapter, 105-verse, 2,523-word most gentle epistle. This series has no exams but does provide coffee and snacks. February 17 Intergenerational Sunday School Facilitator: Pastor Drew Yoos 301/Fellowship Hall North Join Pastor Drew in 301/Fellowship Hall for a one-time Sunday School experience with adults, youth, and children in the same place. We ll spend some time together singing, learning, and sharing our faith stories with one another. February 24 Open Conversation with Mexico Mission Trip Team 301/Fellowship Hall On the last Sunday of each month, instead of a speaker or presentation, we re going to try a time for open conversation around a topic. On this day, you ll have a chance to sit at a table with a team member going to Mexico with our youth mission trip and talk about how an international mission experience shapes faith. 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 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2019

9 Discipleship Ministries...Sundays Discipleship Hour on Sunday Mornings 9:45 am every Sunday, with classes for everyone age 2 through adult! Youth... Discipleship education classes are offered every Sunday Morning at 9:45 am for children and youth age 2 through grade 12. February 17- Intergenerational Sunday School- Join Pastor Drew Yoos in 301/Fellowship Hall for a one-time Sunday School experience with adults, youth, and children in the same place. We ll spend some time together singing, learning, and sharing our faith stories with one another. 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 Meet in 319/Youth Room (the couch side) to hang out. Discipleship Hour Volunteers Needed 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 Recordings of Discipleship Hour Classes 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 Burchfield. ALL students meet in 302/Fellowship Hall South. February: Apostle s Creed, led by Ben Johnson February 17: Intergenerational Sunday School ABC Reflections All ABC students are required to turn in 4 worship reflections over the course of a year and each grade level has 2 additional reflections. Blank reflection sheets can be found on the bulletin board and in Pastor Drew s office. For more information, contact Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries Pastor Drew Yoos, drew@salchome.org or ABC Lunch Sunday, March 10, 12:15 pm, 301/Fellowship Hall On Sunday, March 10, all ABC students, parents, and mentors should plan on attending the ABC lunch after the 11:00 am worship service. We will eat together, learn together, and share faith together. 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. February 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 9

10 W.E.B.S. (Women s Evening Book Study) Wednesdays, January 16, - February 27 7:00 pm, 322/Conference Room Facilitator: Cheryl Jurrus Our theme for this year is Remarkable Women. The W.E.B.S. Winter Session book is The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes. Inspired by true events, Kelli Estes s brilliant and atmospheric debut serves as a poignant tale of two women determined to do the right thing, and the power of our own stories. The story takes place in Seattle and the San Juan Islands and is written as a mystery to be solved about the silk embroidery that tells a story. The book is available in paperback. All women are welcome to join us for a great discussion of the author s story, our stories, and God s part in our lives. We meet at 7:00 pm for devotions, prayer, sharing, laughter, and critical discussions. Contact Cheryl Jurrus for more information. Looking ahead, our Spring selection will be Where There s Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up by Elizabeth Smart. She was kidnapped and held captive as a teenager and is now a wife and mother. She interviews other women who have survived tragic events and shares their recoveries. Tuesday Morning Men Every Tuesday 6:30 am 7:30 am, Room 212 Facilitator: Dick Swaisgood We have begun a study of the book Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love by William H Willimon. It is about how we are called to treat the stranger or outsider. We will be using this study through December. The men s group gathers for coffee, conversation, some prayer and early morning snacks at 6:30 am each Tuesday. Questions? Contact Dick Swaisgood. Piano Available Several years ago the Getzinger family purchased the baby grand piano that had been in Fellowship Hall at Saint Andrew s. They would now love to pass it along to a new family. They are not looking to sell it, but would love to give it to another Saint Andrew s family to enjoy. If you are interested, contact Karen Getzinger. Fellowship Women s Retreat Hello to the women of Saint Andrew s! Our Savior Lutheran Church in Issaquah is inviting the women of area churches to attend their 2019 Our Savior Women s Retreat! It will be held the weekend of March 1-3, 2019 at the Rainbow Lodge in North Bend. The retreat s theme this year is Living For the Common Good, and the speaker will be Pastor Mary-Alyce Burleigh from Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland. We all strive to achieve the common good - the shared values and shared goals that will benefit our society as a whole. Through both study sessions and small groups, Pastor Mary-Alyce will discuss how the church has evolved in its ways to achieve these ideals, how we can continue to keep the common good, and how we can maintain this ethos to live for the common good. Registrations are now being accepted. You can register online at Paper copies are available in the Narthex/Commons. The fee for a full-time guest is $160 for doubleoccupancy, $180 for a single room. This covers lodging and meals for the entire weekend! A $50 registration deposit will be due by Friday, February 8. You can also come for part of the weekend if you d rather the registration form has several options. If you have any questions about the retreat, please contact Joan Friel through Our Savior Lutheran, 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 Wednesdays of every month. Our next dinners are February 13 and February 27, both at Crossroads Food Court. Please contact Carolyn McKenna by the Monday before the dinner to let her know you plan to come. Insider s secrets: Learn How to Use Our Kitchen When your committee or group will be using the church kitchen, please contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland to set up an orientation. We ll teach you how to turn on the stove, how to make coffee, where to find basic supplies and how to do the dishes. For more information, contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, or sherry@salchome. org Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2019

11 Holden Village Re-visit A few people have indicated they d be interested in another Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church group trip to Holden Village this summer. Because of Vacation Bible School and planned youth mission trips, proposed Holden dates would be either June 30-July 6 or July We need a minimum of 15 people to get the group rates. Holden group options fill up fast. If you re interested, contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, sherry@salchome.org or ASAP! 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 February 5 and March 5. 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 contact Linda Willenberg. Dorcas Circle needs Sheets Dorcas Circle uses sheets to back quilts that we create for Lutheran World Relief. We particularly appreciate colored sheets and sheets with patterns. New sheets and used sheets in good condition may be placed in the Dorcas collection basket in the Narthex. All sizes are welcome. Please contact Linda Willenberg if you have any questions. Fellowship Post-holiday clean up reminder Please return your Advent wreath bases to Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland in the church office. Recycling and reusing them each year defrays expenses and keeps them out of the landfills. Become part of our Fellowship and Family! The Saint Andrew s congregation is a faith community powered by a belief that God s love offers us a chance to do amazing service through many activities and volunteer opportunities. Our extended family provides ongoing fellowship for all ages. We will be welcoming new members in mid-january or early February. For more information on how to join, contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, or sherry@ ssalchome.org. Older Wiser Lutheran Saints (O.W.L.S.) February 19: Meet the Pastor Get to know our Transition Pastor Brian Red Burchfield at the O.W.L.S. (Older, Wiser Lutheran Saints) luncheon February 19. Pastor Red (only his mother called him Brian when he was in trouble, he says) starts at Saint Andrew s in January and his first day to preach will be February 3. The O.W.L.S. meet the third Tuesday at 11:45 am in the 301/Fellowship Hall North. 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 s. Inclement Weather If the weather gets wild and traveling is treacherous, you may wonder if events at church are on as scheduled or have been cancelled. Up-to-date information can be found at There is a link to a list of daily events. If an activity, meeting, or event has been cancelled, it will be noted there. There are also links to the Bellevue city traffic camera located near the church, which you can use to check road conditions and decide whether or not it is safe to travel to church. Safety is paramount. Please come to church only if you feel safe travelling the roads. February 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 11

12 Tips for Adding Steps to Your Day by Stella Nieman, R.N., Parish Nurse Health and Wholeness This information is reprinted with permission from Church Health Reader magazine. As we start a new year, we think about how we can improve our health this year. This article by Church Health Reader gives us seemingly small things we can add to our daily lives, but they add up to help improve our body, mind and spirit Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2019

13 Health and Wholeness Germs - It s Not Just About Protecting Yourself by Cheryl Jurrus, Health and Wholeness Ministry Committee Some area hospitals are full right now because of the number of patients with a respiratory virus. Don t be one of them. Protect yourself and others. Yes, washing your hands with soap and warm water for 30 seconds is a great step in protecting yourself from all the germs being passed around, but it also protects your family, friends, and community. Make your home a no sharing germs zone. Wash your hands as soon as you come in the door and again before touching food or utensils. If someone is sick, make sure they use a separate hand towel or have everyone use paper towels temporarily. Cough and/or sneeze into your elbow to avoid spreading germs with your hands and everything you touch (including steering wheel in car). If you are under the weather or feeling like you re catching something: οο Don t prepare food for people outside your family. Cancel the cupcake donation, casserole for church, etc. οο If you do go to church, sit in the back and you don t need to share the peace with a handshake. People should understand if you stand back and just raise your hand slightly. οο Wear a mask if you must be around elderly or small children. They are more vulnerable. Remember the Golden Rule: Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31) Love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10) Parish Nurse Hours Tuesdays, Room :00 am - 1:00 pm Blood Pressure Screening Sunday, February 3 9:30 am - 10:30 am, in Room 212 Healing Prayer Stations for individual prayer Sunday, February 17 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, February 10, at 9:45 am in 322/Conference Room. Dianne Chong is the KnitWits Coordinator. Health and Wholeness Ministry Retreat: Saturday, February 2, is the annual Health and Wholeness Ministry Retreat. EVERYONE IS INVITED to hear Dr. Mark Houglum speak to us about Transition. Dr. Houglum is a Saint Andrew s member, Lutheran Pastor, and a counselor for Samaritan Center of Puget Sound. Anyone interested, especially nurses, are asked to come and learn about what our ministry is all about. We will meet in 301/Fellowship Hall North at 9:30 am. Lunch is included. February 2019 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, 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 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 much needed services, including lunch, showers, laundry, phones, computers, and resources, every day of the week. The Sophia Way also operates 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, volunteering, and participation at many of The Sophia Way events and fundraisers. 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 (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. Volunteer How About Lunch? V O olunteers are needed at the Day Center and to help ne of the very important ways we can help the ladies with meal serving. Donations of clothing, personal at the Sophia Way Day Center, is by preparing and items, food, and other essentials are also welcome. Visit delivering lunch to them! We at Saint Andrew s are or contact Saint Andrew s liaison to planning to bring them lunch on Wednesday, February 27. the Sophia Way, Joyce Arnold for information. You can make/bring one of the entrees (usually a casserole), salad, breads, vegetables, or dessert. Also, the ladies love rice, too! We are asked to deliver the food by 10:30 am, but one or two of us can do the delivery. If you are interested in helping make this lunch for the ladies, or want to learn more, please contact Joyce Arnold. It is easy, fun, and very appreciated! Congregations for the Homeless Clothing Needed The CFH Day Center is open year-round 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. 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 February 2019

15 SOUPer Bowl of Caring Outreach and Servant Ministries Saint Andrew s is participating in a national effort to help those who are hungry. It is called SOUPer Bowl of Caring and is held in connection with the Super Bowl. On February 3 Super Bowl Sunday, we will be having a special collection to address hunger in our neighborhoods. Hunger is everywhere in our community, from the suburbs on the Eastside to South King County to the streets of Downtown Seattle. It affects everyone: working families, the elderly, young adults and especially children. One in five households in Washington State doesn t have enough money to feed their families. As we get excited about the big game on February 3, let s make an extra effort to fight hunger. Before and after the services on that day, members of our church will be in the Commons/Narthex collecting food and donations for this effort. Some of the key items we will be collecting are: canned fruit (HopeLink always needs canned fruit) cereal (cold or hot) healthy snacks (like granola bars) canned soup (of course it s the Souper Bowl). HopeLink provides a wide variety of food through their food bank. A more detailed shopping list is in Sunday bulletins and includes: canned tuna canned meat (chicken, SPAM, Vienna sausage) canned meals (chili, beef stew, Spaghetti-O )s baking items (flour - 5 pound bags, sugar - 4 pound bags, cooking oil (24 32 ounces) peanut butter (especially crunchy ~ 16 ounce) rice (white or brown) pasta canned vegetables (corn, peas, carrots) dried beans (kidney, navy, pinto) macaroni-and-cheese Everything collected will go the HopeLink Food Bank in Bellevue. All money donated will be used by HopeLink to buy the food items required to provide needed nutrition to those who are hungry right in our neighborhoods. So, come to church on February 3, fired up about the big game and ready to make a difference for those who are hungry! Collection Items - February Each month, we collect food and other items in the Corner of Blessing in the Narthex/Commons. All donations are given to Hopelink to help serve those in our community who are in need. For the month of February, the Hopelink Food Bank has asked us to focus on items for babies. These are items that families with very young ones really need, but are hard for the food bank to get. So, we will be collecting baby food (any kind), formula, and diapers (size 4, 5 and 6). M onetary donations are also welcome, returned to the church or placed in the offering plate. Note Hopelink on your donation. Imagine Housing Thank you so much to the Saint Andrew s community for all the generous support you provided during our holiday gift program! You made the holidays so special for kids, veterans, and seniors, and we are so grateful for your generosity toward your low-income neighbors during the holiday season. Several parents have told us how grateful and overwhelmed they were, and others said that, without your support, their kids would have had no gifts after an otherwise difficult year. Imagine Housing is inviting groups to provide monthly dinners for residents at our communities in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Issaquah. This is a great activity for families or groups of ~5 or fewer. Community dinners are a wonderful way to build community and get to know our residents, and to ensure that the many growing kids in Imagine Housing communities are getting consistent, healthy, balanced meals. Please contact Kathryn at kathrynj@imaginehousing.org or extension 17 for more info or to sign up. We also invite anyone who would like to get more involved or learn more about our upcoming plans and projects to attend our next Lunch and Learn on Thursday, February 7, from 11:45 am 1:00 pm. As a bonus, you get to see one of our affordable apartment buildings. We would love to have you join us, whether you re just curious about what we do or you re looking for ways to get involved in your community. Lunch is provided. Details and signup are available at imaginehousing.org/events. February 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 15

16 Mission Trip to Arizona - Postponed Outreach and Servant Ministries The spring trip to the Navajo Nation in Arizona has been postponed due to the death of Lea Begay. Lea was the manager of the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Rock Point. She recently died from injuries sustained in a car accident in December. Meanwhile the mission team is beginning fundraising for the planned building project they hope to complete when there. The goal is to raise enough money to remodel an apartment at the mission so it is ADA compliant. This would give disabled Navajo Nation residents better access to services at the mission. We will announce new dates as soon as possible. The trip will include a combination of construction work (no experience necessary) and less physical things such as volunteering in the kitchen, participating in a Bible study or listening to children read. Meanwhile, please keep the Navajo Mission folks and Lea s family in your prayers. Got questions? Contact Congregation Council member Jean Wahlstrom or Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland sherry@salchome.org or Bihar, India Project Bihar/Lutheran World Relief 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 food security for the family, empowering women in the community, and increasing incomes for families. Our involvement is with nine congregations throughout the United States, including three in Washington (The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Olympia; Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland; and Saint Andrew s). Saint Andrew s has 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. 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 Friends of Youth Fundraiser All are invited to a Celebration of Youth fundraising luncheon for Friends of Youth on Friday, March 1, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue (900 Bellevue Way NE). Registration begins at 11:30 am; the luncheon is from 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm. Visit www. friendsofyouth.org to learn more and to register. Partnership Bihar Trip Saint Andrew s member Becca Piel has felt the call to join the LWR trip to Bihar, representing Saint Andrew s, January 17-24, She is a member of the Chancel Choir and the Outreach Servant Ministries Committee. Project Bihar Prayer Bookmarks Project Bihar Prayer bookmarks are in hymnals. Use them in the hymnals and/or take them home and pray for the highlighted family and their community. 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 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2019

17 Outreach and Servant Ministries Tanzania Sustaining Success Funding for MGLSS and at University Students The Plaster House In February the Plaster House will again be hosting visiting surgeons from the USA to do the rehabilitative procedures on children coming for treatment. This means extra funds will be needed to handle some 50 potential surgeries, plus the post-surgical care on campus. Please consider an extra gift at this time because of these additional children receiving surgical correction. Praise God for these caring and competent surgeons who will come and volunteer their skills, time, and energy without cost. Pray for them as they bring hope for a better future for these young Tanzanians!! NEWS regarding our special requested donation of $500, sent out with a volunteer Ann Rowberg, a former member of Saint Andrew s who is there for two months: Ann wrote to say that it is being used to purchase uniform pants for the children. The best ways to give: Use a credit card/atm card and go online to and click on Donate. Write a check to Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church with Plaster House on the memo line. You can also subscribe to their monthly newsletter at Jean Wahlstrom Plaster House International Advisory Board member From Joyce Kesoi Joyce Kesoi is a university graduate in Tanzania who Saint Andrew s supported. I wish you all best and happy Christmas and prosperous new year May it be the year of blessings to you my Saint Andrew s family. I wish we could celebrate together, but let us all believe that one day we shall meet and celebrate together. May Almighty God be with you. Wishing you the best! Sifa na utukufu ni kwa Mungu peke yake.nawapenda sana na Mungu awabariki sanaaa! I am asking for your prayers; till I completed my studies there is employment problem in our country. Even though I have started to do self employment, it s just enough to satisfy my needs and my family. My products are Peanut butter and Yogurt. Thanks! Joyce Kesoi MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School (MGLSS) is located on the outskirts of Monduli, Tanzania, a village about 45 kilometers from Arusha. Thank you for the gracious response to the December presentation during Discipleship Hour. We rejoice that 3 of the 4 new first year secondary students shown in the presentation now have full scholarship sponsors! If the students could, they would say, ASANTE SANA (Kiswahili) or AASHE NALEENG (Maa) = thank you very much!!! This is a redemptive investment!! In addition, our budgeted scholarships for the current MGLSS Post-graduate students will continue. We provide half support for Naserian Kambaine at Josiah Kibera University and Paulina Gidamadenga at Mwenge University for their 3rd and final year; both studying to be teachers, graduating with a bachelors degree in We provide full support for Namayani Saiko at the University of Dar es Salaam in her 2nd year, also in an education degree program. Please see the display boxes in the Narthex/Commons for more information on MGLSS and OPERATION BOOTSTRAP AFRICA. 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 educated there, contact Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen. Join a Trip to Tanzania and MGLSS Operation Bootstrap Africa (OBA) is offering a tour of OBA projects, including the MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, primary schools, and more. Also included is a safari in the Tarangire National Park, cultural activities, and attending a traditional Maasai Graduation ceremony at the school. The trip will cost approximately $6,000 per person and includes airfare, meals, lodging, tips, and overland travel. Additional activities may be available for an added expense. For more informayion or to secure a spot on this May 2019 journey, contact OBA, info@bootstrapafrica.org or February 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 17

18 ... from Dorcas Circle Dorcas circle would like to thank everyone who donated socks and warm hats for Compass Housing Alliance. We collected 302 pair of socks and 67 hats. We will continue to collect socks and toiletries for Compass Housing Alliance throughout the year. We also appreciate your donations of fabric, sheets and embroidery thread for quilts. In 2018 our members created 78 quilts. Outreach and Servant Ministries THANK YOU Love Tree big THANK YOU to those who A participated in providing Christmas gifts to the various agencies supported by the Love Tree. Because of you we were able to give 21 gifts to Bridge Ministries clients, gift cards to 20 Veterans at Andrews Glen and 21 Sophia Way ladies, gifts to 50 children in Imagine Housing units and 70 gifts to Eastside Baby Corner. St Andrews also supplied the 82 elderly residents of Ellsworth House with a holiday goodie bag. Your generosity helped many have a brighter holiday.... 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. Praise and thanks to God for providing $4,100 through the people of God at Saint Andrew s for outfitting 50 new students who started their secondary school journey on January 7, 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, Nominations for Bishop: Northwest Washington Synod Synod Survey: The Northwest Washington Synod is engaged in a call process for our next bishop. Part of this process includes receiving input from members of the synod. Their hope is to have as many folks in the synod complete the Synod Survey as possible. The results will provide helpful information that will inform their discernment. Please take some time to complete this online survey by Saturday, February 16: For more information about the Bishop Nomination and Election Process, including how to complete a paper copy of the survey, visit the synod website: org/bishopelection. The Northwest (NW) Washington Synod is engaged in a call process for our next bishop. Any member of a NW Washington Synod congregation may nominate one candidate for the office of bishop. The nominee must be a member of the ELCA word and sacrament roster. A person may not self-nominate. Nominations must be received by February 16. Find the nomination form and instructions on how to nominate on the synod website: BishopElection Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA February 2019

19 February 24 11:00 am Dick Swaisgood Art Gurtel Josie Marti volunteer needed Joni Barrott Sherry Grindeland Mary Jo Nelson, Linda Powell volunteer needed 8:30 am Carolyn McKenna sharon Gurtel Sara Marti Cheryl Jurrus Mark Davis February Servers February 17 11:00 am Tom Getzinger Dick Swaisgood Alden Johnson Stella Nieman Carolyn Haralson, Christine Koch Sherry and David Grindeland 8:30 am Sharon Gurtel Livi Myhre Sonja Wetmore Janan Twito February 10 11:00 am Sue Short Judy Gowdy Quinn Myhre Anna McLeod, Ella McLeod Cyprian Linda Powell, Carla Smith Mark Davis 8:30 am Jean Wahlstrom Judi Miller Sam Wilkes Hal and Carolynn Ferris Lois and Curt Eckley February 3 11:00 am Carolyn McKenna Celeste Ackerbloom Anthony Martin Dave Marcrander JoAn Eklof, Karin Eklof 8:30 am Dick Swaisgood Art Gurtel Ian Maland Tom and Bev Anderson George and Judi Miller Aaron and Mary Davis, Luke Davis Assisting Ministers Communion Assistants Acolytes Greeters Lectors Ushers Altar Guild Coffee Hosts Saint Andrew s Ministry Team The Reverend Brian Red Burchfield, Interim Pastor red@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 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 Marcia Riggers Board President, Compass Housing Alliance Deadline to submit items for the next issue of the VOICE: February 11 Send to Susan Hegedus, susan@salchome.org Flowers for February February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24 Signe Wraith and Elmer Neu Beverley Watt CJ Tatum February 2019 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. Sunday Worship Services with Holy Communion 8:30 am and 11:00 am Discipleship Hour, 9:45 am Church Office Hours Monday Friday, 8:00 am 4:00 pm info@salchome.org Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church supports the mission and ministries of Lutheran World Relief, Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church is a Safe Place for youth We Support:

21 February 2019 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 Celebrations for Pastor McEachran January 5 and January 6 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA