BURLINGTON LUTHERAN CHURCH THE BRIDGE February 2019

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1 BURLINGTON LUTHERAN CHURCH THE BRIDGE February 2019 Grace & Peace Burlington Lutheran Church, When I was a little girl I wanted to be an archeologist. I was especially fascinated by mummified remains of any kind glimpses into the lives of past peoples and cultures. When I discovered how much mind- numbing work is involved in archeology years of careful and painstaking excavations with tiny brushes I realized that I would let the more patient do the work, and I would enjoy their findings in museums and articles. I still love to read about archeological discoveries and was recently drawn to a grisly story of child sacrifice in National Geographic. The mummified remains of 269 Chamu children have been found in a village on the northern coast of Peru. The children, who had been killed in some kind of religious ritual, were buried with 466 baby llamas. The children and llamas are a staggering sacrifice and an indication of the desperation of that people over 500 years ago. Clues at the site indicate that the normally arid region was very muddy at the time and archeologists theorize that the region was experiencing an El Nino year. A wet year or series of years would devastate the normal agricultural practices of the Chamu people and cause a significant threat to their way of life. A threat so dire that the people may have gone to unthinkable measures to save their future. The Chamu believed that the way they communicated with the gods was through sacrifice, and so they made a huge ask children from all regions of the empire that were well fed and well taken care of loved, in exchange for an end to the rains. Each child was killed by a slice to the chest and their tiny hearts were removed. While I read this article and looked at the pictures and thought about the pain and suffering that this community undoubtedly suffered through this ordeal, tears came to my eyes. It saddens me that they did something so unnecessary to try and affect their future. They lost all of those bright-eyed children for nothing. Cont d on next page

2 Then I thought of the plight of our southern resident orcas, our salmon, our eagles, and so many more species that suffer on our planet from the effects of pollution and subsequent climate change. I thought of how we know for a fact that we are changing the weather, changing our environment. We are not like the Chamu who believe that we can change the effects of environmental disaster by killing our children. We know what it would take to stop the effects of climate change less pollution, less fossil fuels, less waste, cleaner water, cleaner energy and less plastics. We know and yet, we do not make the sweeping changes that need to take place to save our future. We are no better than the Chamu, in fact we are worse we do not just sacrifice our children but our grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. We do not have ignorance as an excuse we should know that the sacrifice is unnecessary. The Chamu s sacrifice was for a better future, our sacrifice is for a more comfortable present. God has given us an amazing Creation to steward, protect and enjoy. God does not ask that we give a sacrifice to protect it, only that we might care for it on loan for future generations. To ignore the effects of climate change will not kill our children as fast as a slice to their sternums; it will not tear their tiny hearts from their chests; but it will march death across all of creation and eventually will wipe out everything. Take steps this month to be a part of the healing on Creation for the sake of future generations. Recycle, volunteer, donate to environmental organizations, vote for candidates that will fight for the future of our planet, use less, tread lightly, and take time to enjoy the amazing creation of God. This world, after all, is only on loan to us. In hope, Pr Bethany Hull Somers CONFIRMATION All 7th and 8th graders are invited to meet with Pastor Bethany directly after the service on February 3.

3 We will be hosting Family Promise guests Sunday, February 3rd through Sunday, February 10th. BLC will be responsible for the 7th 10th, and our support church, Edison Lutheran, will be responsible the 3rd 6th. Thanks to you, all shifts are filled. But there is another way you could participate in this ministry! We need gently used or new twin or double fleece blankets and twin or double flat sheets. (Fitted sheets do not fit on the cots.) Thank you for giving our homeless families hope. ~Shirley Osborn and Millie Fosberg. MULTI-CULTURAL COOKING GROUP If you like to cook or try new recipes come meet with us in the Fellowship Hall on the second Friday of each month, 6-8 pm. We ll share recipes, cook, and eat together as a community! FEBRUARY 8, 6-8 pm BURLINGTON LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (BLCW) All women of BLC are invited to attend a Bible study on Tuesday, February 19, 10:30 am. Meet in the Conference Room. For more information, please contact Avis Robinson or Fran Hansen.

4 A LETTER FROM PRESIDING BISHOP ELIZABETH EATON TO ELCA CONGREGATIONS IN 2019 Dear siblings in Christ, As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are freed by grace to live faithfully, witness boldly and serve joyfully. As communities of Jesus that nurture life-changing relationships with God, one another and the world, we are confident about who we are in Christ and what God is calling us to do. Whether worshiping wherever two or more are gathered, engaging in lively conversations about faith, or rolling up our sleeves and getting to work, we strive to share God s grace and love in Christ for all people and creation. This reflects the vitality we find in Jesus Christ, our own spiritual life and our desire to participate in what God is doing today. Within each community of Jesus there are leaders who strive to model an attitude of servanthood, trustworthiness, humility, patience and listening first while striving to work with others in healthy ways. These leaders teach all ages, motivate believers, build consensus, share a vision, discern direction and facilitate action. Their attention is focused on growing disciples who are sent into their daily life to love and serve others as friends, neighbors, parents, citizens and workers. Together we recognize the importance of growing disciples and multiplying leaders who serve inside your congregation and beyond your walls. As our congregations plan their work for the coming year and how to use the resources God has entrusted to them, I invite you all to think about the relationships that bring you Cont d on next page

5 vitality and the leaders you nurture for God s mission in the world. While you make many decisions, remember you are not alone. We are all partners in sharing the gospel. Together, by God s grace, we can do what God is calling us to. May you go forth to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. Serving together in Christ s name, The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Your help doesn t go unnoticed. Thanks again, Hans Erchinger-Davis Lighthouse Mission Ministries To the BLC Women, You re making good thing happen! Thank you for choosing to give over the holidays. You ve mad a real difference in the lives of adults and kids who are homeless. ****************************************************** Dear BLC Women, On behalf of Skagit County s Senior Nutrition and Meals on Wheels Program, I would like to thank you for your recent contribution to our program. It is through donations such as these that the nutrition program is able to maintain essential nutrition services for the growing elderly population in Skagit County. Skagit County seniors are fortunate to be situated in a community that cares about its older citizens. Your care is making a difference in our community. Thank you. Sincerely, Renee Corcoran Senior Program Coordinator

6 BLC QUILTERS The quilting group will meet on Thursday, February 14, at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in helping in any way, please come. No sewing experience is necessary! WHICH WAY? There's an old story about a gravestone with this inscription on it: As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, you are sure to be. So may I say, as now I lie, Prepare yourself to follow me. Someone came along and wrote these words in chalk beneath the inscription: To follow you I'm not content Until I know the way you went! + Christian Symbols + Agnus Dei Agnus Dei is a Latin term meaning Lamb of God. It represents the risen Christ who triumphs over death. In John 1:29, John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The lamb carries a white resurrection banner with a cross of red. The banner, representing the body of Christ, is attached to a cruciform staff, representing the cross on which Christ died.

7 BIRTHDAY OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION! You are invited to an open house celebration for Reidar Ytgard s 90th birthday! Date: Sunday, February 17 Time: 1:00 pm 3:00 pm Location: Burlington Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall Heroic St. Valentine We probably think of romance when Valentine s Day comes. That s fine, but there s more to the story than that. St. Valentine was a Christian priest and martyr who lived about A.D The Roman emperor at the time was Claudius II. Claudius had been a successful general. He would not allow his soldiers to marry, because he wanted to make sure they could go to battle quickly. He thought family ties would make the men reluctant to leave home. Because Valentine promoted marriage and family life, he was jailed and later convicted of going against the orders of the emperor. He was martyred on February 14, the day we remember him and our loved ones. While he was in jail, the jailer s daughter befriended him. He wrote her a letter of appreciation and signed it Your Valentine. The tradition of exchanging valentines grew out of that heartfelt gesture. SMALL GROUP Families with kids, meet us on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 12-2 pm at Grant and Claire Burwash's house on Samish Island. Discuss topics of interest and build a community of support. Questions? Contact Claire at claireburwash@gmail.com.

8 AUDIO SERMONS You can now listen to Pastor Bethany's sermons! Visit our website at and click on the Sermons tab. Bully for Teddy Theodore Roosevelt used his life in many profitable ways. TR, as he was fondly called, was one of the very first national leaders to see the need to treat Mother Earth with great care. Here is how he put his belief regarding the environment: To waste, to destroy, our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them. According to Psalm 115:16, NRSV, The heavens are the Lord s heavens, but the earth he has given to human beings. We are ALL stewards of that earth that God gave to us. Bible Quiz During Jesus time in the wilderness after his baptism, Satan tempted him to do three things. Which of the following was not one of the temptations? A. To change water into wine so wedding guests would know he was God s Son B. To throw himself down from the top of the temple, expecting angels to save him C. To turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger D. To worship Satan in order to gain all the world s kingdoms Answer: A (See Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13.)

9 NEW BOOKS IN OUR BLC LIBRARY FICTION: The Primrose Papers by Linda Ruth Stai This is a sequel to The Rose Journal of the Life Series. Both book covers are illustrated by Roxanne Grinstad, the wife of one of our former BLC Pastors, Dick Grinstad. Both books were generously donated to BLC library by Roxanne. 3 more books have arrived in the Miracles of Marble Cove Series: Book #19 - Home for Christmas by Anne Marie Rodgers Book #20 - All Things New by Pam Harrison and Barbara Andrews Book #21 - Friend and Family by Susan Page Davis There are 24 total books in this series and they are written by 10 different authors. Some only wrote one and others wrote several of them. If you haven't read any of them, you will want to get started! Read about the bonds of friendship that develop between 4 very diverse woman and the heartwarming happenings in their lives. BLC WELCOME STATEMENT God is love. We are all God s beloved children and are recipients of God s radical love and grace. All are welcome in this church community. You are welcome here if you have ever felt excluded or judged because of your gender, ethnicity, race, religion, status, ability, sexual orientation, doubts or questions. We believe in Jesus commandments to love God and love neighbor. Join us!

10 Connecting the Dots Rev. Kirby Unti, Synod Bishop, Northwest Washington Synod Article from The Spirit, February 2019 I have thought many times about my trip last year to Standing Rock to stand in solidarity with our Native American brothers and sisters as they fight to protect their lands and waters. I will never forget how the Standing Rock people spoke of their sacred land. Their relationship with the land is very personal. They understand the earth is their mother. The soil is the womb of the mother. The rivers, lakes and sea are the amniotic fluid. They were there with tribal representatives from around the world not to protect their property, but to protect their mother s womb and the fluids that make for life. It was so clear to me how they live in relationship with the land and water. Relationship for them is about seeing themselves as a part of the earth - not separate from it or in any way above it. Their relationship with the land is very mutual - each knowing they rely upon the other for their very existence. Compare that to how we have treated the earth in the Western world. Often, we see the earth as an object that we are free to exploit. The earth is there for our use and benefit. It becomes our property and our possession, and we have monetized every part of it. It is only in recent times that we come to the realization that we are severely harming the earth and may be pushing her beyond her capacity to heal and renew herself. The rate of decline of the polar ice cap and the increase of carbon dioxide into the air is alarming. We are noticing the damage in the rising of both temperatures and the seas. Our Lutheran Church in Shishmaref, Alaska is faced along with the whole town with having to relocate as the seas continue to rise. Luther would find this to be very disturbing because he believed so strongly that God is embedded in all the creation - even in the tiniest tree. Just as we are called to love our neighbor, we are called to see the creation as sacred and to be in relationship with it. When we do not honor our relationships, we cease to live long in the land. I am starting to connect the dots I see that we in the West have not only become separated from the land, we have become separated from our neighbors. I believe this separation is one of the leading forces that is dismantling the church as we have known it. In too many cases we no longer see our neighbors as subjects to be highly regarded. We see our neighbors as objects to be used for our Cont d on next page

11 benefit. Exploitation not only will destroy the earth, it will destroy the church and the communities in which we live. Our Living Local movement invites us to overcome the gap that exists between us and our neighbors. The movement invites us to come to know our neighbors. It is all about entering mutual relationships of caring and serving together. One of the classic definitions of sin is separation when we become separated from God and neighbor and are turned in on ourselves. Might I suggest we all need to get our hands in the dirt and discover once again Mother Earth. Might we care for her, deeply respect and honor her, and learn how to live in relationship with her. And might we come to know our neighbors, care for them, deeply respect and honor them and learn how to live in relationship with them. +BKU X = Kiss During the Middle Ages, when few people were able to write, many documents were signed with an X. Signers kissed the letter to affirm their sincerity in the same way they kissed the Bible when taking an oath. The letter X wasn t selected at random. It was the sign of St. Andrew, who was crucified on an X- shaped cross. The X implied a sacred promise to fulfill one s obligation in the saint s name. TREASURER S REPORT for DECEMBER 2018 Average Attendance for the month of December: 108 Average Attendance for the 2018 year: 82 December Total Income: $20,840 (General offering and building use) December Expenses: $14,957 $ 5,883 I am ECSTATIC to report that our shortfall for 2018 was reduced to $2,258. December revenue was phenomenal! Our total expenses for the year were about $285 below budget. Finance Committee: Linda Rudy, Treasurer Cindy Cohen, Finance Committee Chair Rhonda Brown, Shirley Osborn

12 Feb. 3: Feb. 3-10: Feb. 14: Feb. 8: Feb. 17: Feb. 19: Feb. 20: Feb. 23: Feb. 27: Every Sunday: Praise Team practice, 9 am Worship Service, 10 am El Camino worship, 12 pm Every Wednesday: Praise Team practice, 6:30-8 pm, Sanctuary Private meeting, 6:30-7:30 pm, Conference Room FEBRUARY SCHEDULE Confirmation, after worship service Family Promise guests at BLC Quilters, 9 am, Fellowship Hall Cooking Group, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall Reidar Ytgard birthday, 1-3 pm, Fellowship Hall BLC Women, 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall March Bridge deadline Special music practice, 6 pm, Sanctuary Council meeting, 6 pm, Conference Room Burlington Lutheran Church 134 E. Victoria Avenue, Burlington, WA burlingtonlutheran@gmail.com Office hours: 9 am-3:30 pm, Tues-Wed-Thurs Pastor Bethany Hull Somers burlingtonlutheranpastor@gmail.com Check in and Like us on Facebook. Follow the church on BLC Staff Rev. Bethany Hull Somers, Pastor Sean Bendickson, Worship & Music Leader Sheri Logan, Office Administrator Lynne Berg, Organist Matthew Ranten, Sound Technician Elly Pederson, Nursery Attendant Randy Dalaba, Custodian