the VOICE January 2019 Growing Forward...One in Christ --- Along the Way

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1 , Saint Andrews LUTHERAN CHURCH the VOICE January 2019 Growing Forward...One in Christ --- Along the Way What s inside... Advent, Christmas, Epiphany Calendar Celebration for Pastor McEachran... 4 Congregation Council Discipleship Ministries. 6-9 Fellowship Health and Wholeness Ministry In Our Community Initiatives Managing God s Gifts... 5 Ministry Team Northwest Washington Synod Outreach and Servant Ministries Pastoral Care... 3 Reflections... 5 Serving in Our Community Sunday Servers Thank You... 3 Worship and Liturgical Arts Christmas Eve Worship December 24 4:00 pm Family Worship 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm Worship with Holy Communion Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church th Ave SE Bellevue WA Phone: Fax: The Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church newsletter is a free monthly publication. Tis the Season with a Reason and Jesus lives! am in the midst of remembering Christmases past. Not in the way you might expect. I I recall the smells of Christmas. The first is the smell of the Christmas tree as it was placed in the front room. Pine permeated! Do you recall a similar moment? It was my job to do the final placing of the tinsel. Long strands of aluminum foil. At first, I would begin by placing one strand at a time. Minutes later they became clots of tinsel. And in the end, my dad told me to begin the redo with one stand at a time. The other memory rests around the smell of the presto log in the fire place on a snowy night. It was my job to strike the match, carefully, and to light the log. The warmth of the room and the smells of the season seemed to mean family and safety. Think about what may have been the smells around the stable in Bethlehem. Ever been in a real barn? I recall a once or twice visit to one where the smells were less than welcoming. The Time of Advent continues a bit longer. There are the chores and lists to accomplish. In the midst of our planning and getting things ready we do well to remember the gift, the Gift given by God to us, Jesus. What Child Is This? has been our theme in these new days of the Church Year. With it goes that compelling question of Jesus to the 12, Who do YOU say that I am? And to each of us the pause begs an answer which we call a witness to what we believe. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NRSV) The changeless One is with us in times of change, even as we spend our last Christmas together. Call it what you will, but all things are about the rekindling of the faith we share in Jesus, the One in whom we are called to serve and to live. And He is OUR future with the warmth and safety of the Holy Spirit! In 2 Corinthians Paul writes, But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not peddlers of God s word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence. (2 Corinthians 2:14-17). He is coming soon. And it may be that until then, we are the sweet aroma of the Lord Jesus by the way we love and care for one another. See you in church! Pastor Jim McEachran G a t h e r... E n Celebration for Pastor McEachran January 5, :00 pm - 4:00 pm See page 4 c o u r a g e... E q u i p... S e n d...

2 Worship Texts January 6 Epiphany of Our Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 January 13 Baptism of Our Lord Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, January 20 Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36: Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11 January 27 Nehemiah 8:1-10 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21 Worship and Liturgical Arts Children s Christmas Program and Children s Choir Children s Choir Christmas Program The Children s Choir will sing as part of worship and the Children s Christmas Program on Sunday, December 23, at one 9:30 am worship service. The final rehearsal will be on Sunday, December 16, from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, in Room 106. Contact Children s Choir Director Erin Simpson for more information. 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 rehearsal at 9:00 am on Saturday, December 22, in the Sanctuary. Parents are expected to stay for the rehearsal to help with costumes and placements. 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 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 Sunday, 3:00 pm December 16 Worship Bulletins and Notes and Audio Podcasts of Sermons can be found at sermons.salchome.org 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 Grab 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!! 2 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA January 2019

3 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: org. 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. 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. 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 Altar Guild All are invited to consider Altar Guild as a way to serve at Saint Andrew s! Here s what we do: Working in teams of two, Altar Guild members prepare the elements and set the altar for communion. Each member chooses when to serve and usually serves several times a year. It takes about 1 hour on Saturday, 1/2 hour between services, and 1 hour after second service. Decorate the Easter cross with flowers and the Sanctuary Christmas tree. Meet only 3 times a year and one of those is a luncheon. You re welcome to come to our next meeting on Sunday, January 13, at 9:45 am to find out more. If you have questions, please contact Altar Guild chair Linda Powell. Thanks! Timber Ridge Worship Postponed Please note that the worship gathering at Timber Ridge, scheduled for December 19, has been postponed. Pastoral Care Baptisms Austin C, December 23 Weddings None Memorial Services Michael Lenci, December 15 Elizabeth (Betty) Rose, December 29 Committals Michael Lenci, December 15 James Gamrath, December 17 Elizabeth (Betty) Rose, December 29 Thank You! Many thanks from Cheryl Jurrus: for the many cards, phone calls, visits, rides, and food offerings that kept my spirits up after hip replacement surgery. I am recovering well and grateful to God for healing and patience. The beautiful scarlet prayer shawl really wrapped me in your prayers. Cheryl Jurrus Thank you for your prayers, s, cards and caring during my mother s recent decline and death. The community of Saint Andrew s helped our family during a difficult time. Sherry and Dave Grindeland January 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 3

4 Celebration for Pastor McEachran ALONG THE WAY Celebrate Pastor James McEachran s ministry at Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019 Program begins about 2:00 p.m. Renton Technical College 3000 NE Fourth Street - Building I Renton We welcome stories and photographs for a party slide show and booklet. RSVPs for the celebration are appreciated. Send RSVPs, stories, and photographs to Saint Andrew s Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland sherry@salchome.org th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA 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 Sunday, January 6 Pastor McEachran s last Sunday at Saint Andrew s is Sunday, January 6. We will worship together at one 9:30 am worship service. A celebration for Pastor McEacrhan will follow worship. 4 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA January 2019

5 .... on Seeking to Understand by Lowell Arneson wise man once said, The way the world looks depends a lot on where you sit. In 1989, Stephen Covey published A his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, in which he covers at length the dynamics of personal change. In doing that he introduces us to the concept of personal paradigms. Our paradigms come in the form of our models, theories, perceptions, assumptions or frame of mind. In a more general sense, our paradigms represent the way we see the world. Our paradigms are our foundational source of all our attitudes and behaviors. Paradigms are our roots. Attitudes and behaviors are our branches, leaves, flowers and fruit. We have a tendency when seeking to change ourselves, or others to mess only with the branches, leaves, and fruit. Sustainable change can only come from the roots, our paradigms. This aha moment when all the world looks a bit different is referred to as a paradigm shift. And these shifts can be a powerful force for change in the hearts and minds of all of us. Seek first to understand... and then to be understood. This could be Covey s 11 th commandment, and when you give it some thought, it really is profound. Seek first to understand. We often listen to others, but not with the intent to understand. While we are listening, we are usually thinking about what we are going to say next. We are preparing to speak. If we are ever going to understand the other person, we must listen empathetically with a true desire to understand his or her paradigms. The story is told of a father whose teenage son told his Dad that he would like to quit school. The father, talking with a friend, said how frustrated he was with his son. I ve told him how important it is to get a solid education, and how his Mother and I have worked hard to save enough to send him to the right schools. I told him he just needs to buckle down and try harder, and things will get better, but he just doesn t listen to me. The friend asked, Why does he want to quit? The father responded, I don t know. I ve never asked him. For the father, at that moment, suddenly the lights came on (a paradigm shift). He sat down with his boy, and listened! A literature teacher had told his son that his problem was that his reading skills were at the 4 th grade level. The boy saw no hope, and wanted to quit. The father and son talked more, and together got help, and on to a positive track. At the time this story was told, the boy had gone on to receive his Doctor s Degree and was serving as the Chairman of the History Department at Northwestern University. Seek first to understand! We are living in uneasy times. There is deep polarization in our society over politics, religion, and popular culture. Our long established institutions all seem to be under one kind of threat or another. Much of our communication has been reduced to bumper sticker lingo, signs carried by protesters, and people shouting at and over each other on cable TV. There is a certain crassness and vulgarity that has crept into our language and some conversation, even in public, that ten or more years ago would have made the lower life forms embarrassed. Today, not so much. This unease is probably not sustainable, which makes the future unclear. We (everybody) need to change. It is obvious that there are some pretty wild personal paradigms out there. Where can we begin? As we start a new year, perhaps it is time to seek first to understand, pray hard, and let it be revealed. 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 2019 Commitments Reflections.... 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! Thank you to all who have submitted your 2019 financial pledge. As of December 4, we have received 121 pledges totaling $514,022. Financial support carries God s work in mission and ministry forward, and pledges are very helpful as we complete financial planning for Commitment/Pledge cards can be found in the Narthex, and can be returned to the offering plate or the church office. You can also submit your pledge online at stewardship.salchome.org Year-End Contributions To be counted for 2018, contributions must be dated December 31 or earlier and received in the church office no later than December 30. January 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 5

6 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. Tuesday Morning Bible Study Every Tuesday, 10:00 am 11:00 am, 322/Conference Room Presenter: Pastor James McEachran Our series is Witness to New Life in Christ --- Paul s Letter to the Romans. This time has marked a study that marks for each of us a path of witness and service as ambassadors for Christ in the world. Our class concludes on December 18. 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. Early Sunday Morning Bible Study 1 John Sundays, January 6 - February 17, 7:15 am 322/Conference Room (The first class on January 6 will be at 8:15 am.) Facilitators: Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen It s really all about Jesus, so make your resolutions and reservations (just kidding on this last one) early. The first study is on Sunday, January 6, at 8:15 am. Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen begin their Winter Bible Study program, looking at First John, that five chapter, 105-verse, 2,523-word most gentle epistle. This sevenweek series has no exams but does provide coffee and snacks. It does unfortunately meet at 7:15 am on the six sessions following (January 13 - February 17.) Do ONE Thing To grow faith in the youth of Saint Andrew s Thank you to all who have added your name to the Do One Thing list. When 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 many youth events, all we need is an extra body in the room. 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. There is always space for more participation - sign up on the Do One Thing list in the Narthex/Commons. Pastor Drew Yoos, Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries 6 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA January 2019

7 GOD SQUAD is Grades 9-12 Discipleship Ministries God Squad and Fire Force Youth in Grades 6-12 Combined Christmas Party Sunday, December 16, 9:45 am We will have a combined God Squad and Fire Force Christmas party on Sunday, December 16, during Discipleship Hour at 9:45 am in 319/Youth Room. All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to bring a silly, wrapped gift and a snack and come dressed in their goofiest Christmas attire. We ll play a white elephant game to exchange gifts and enjoy food and fun together! 2019 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. FIRE FORCE is Grades 6-8 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 by January 27. Happy Birthday to You! Kassandra K...1/01 Happy Birthday to these youth who celebrate in January! Alex E... 1/04 James H...1/10 Emily A... 1/12 Ava S... 1/13 Jack W... 1/13 Avery L... 1/20 Jenna M...1/23 Parker N... 1/26 Emerson R... 1/28 Adam C... 1/29 Sebastian M... 1/31 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: January 12, 10:00 am God Squad will be going on a trip to Baja, Mexico as we partner with Lantern Hill for a cross cultural exchange and service trip. All participants in the 2019 Summer mission trip to Mexico should plan to attend our mandatory meeting on Saturday, January 12, in 319/Youth Room from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. At this meeting we will plan our fund raisers. 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. FIRE FORCE is Grades 6-8 January 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 7

8 Discipleship Ministries...Sundays 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... December 16 A Global Missions Update: Maasae Girls School, Navajo Mission, The Plaster House, and Bihar!! Facilitators: Jean Wahlstrom, Marvin Kananen, Becca Piel 301/Fellowship Hall North Jean Wahlstrom and Marvin Kananen will show pictures of the October Form Four Graduation at the School, speak of the current scholarship needs, introduce the Navajo Mission site (Rock Point, Arizona), and give an update on surgical needs at The Plaster House. 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. January 6 (10:45 am) Celebration for Pastor McEachran 301/Fellowship Hall Following one 9:30 am worship service, there will be a celebration for Pastor McEachran. January 13, January Budget Facilitators: Congregation Treasurer Joni Barrott, Finance and Outreach and Servant Ministries Committees 301/Fellowship Hall North We re devoting two discipleship hours for discussion about the 2019 budget. On January 13, Treasurer Joni Barrott and Finance Committee members will be open to any general questions about the budget, our current fund, and reserve funds. On January 20, join us for conversations with Joni and members of the Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee to learn about planned opportunities for our outreach ministries in 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. 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 Adult Discipleship 2019: We are currently in the process of lining up speakers and topics for our Adult Ed discipleship hour for If you would like to speak or lead a discussion on a topic or know someone who would, please contact Pastor Drew Yoos, drew@salchome.org or We are especially looking for relevant topics in our lives that have an intersection for our faith. 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. 8 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA January 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 Please note that there will be Sunday Morning at 9:45 am for children and youth no youth classes on age 2 through grade 12. Sundays, December 23, December 30, Sunday Offering and January 6, and January 27. 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 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 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. December 16: God Squad/Fire Force Christmas Party, 319/Youth Room December 23, December 30, January 6: no ABC January 13: Vision Initiative Team meets with ABC students January 20: MLK Weekend, no ABC January 27: Annual Meeting, no ABC February 3: Apostle s Creed, led by Ben Johnson ABC Lunch Sunday, January 13, 12:15 pm, 301/Fellowship Hall On Sunday, January 13, 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. Our topic for this lunch will be, Being Lutheran in Potluck assignments: 6th grade families- Main dish, 7thside/salad, 8th- dessert. 8th grade families will be responsible for setup and clean up. January 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 9

10 Cold Weather Precautions by Stella Nieman, R.N., Parish Nurse This information is reprinted with permission from Church Health Reader magazine. Health and Wholeness Before you find yourself unprepared for winter weather, consider these tips to promote safety and good health. IN YOUR HOME Make these smart precautions for a winter-ready home. Install a door sweep under your front door to keep the draft to a minimum. Don t use your oven for heat! Ovens can harm from carbon monoxide poisoning and accidental burns and fires. Install carbon monoxide monitors, especially near bedrooms. Home improvement stores carry affordable models. If you are using a space heater, make sure it works properly and does not have frayed wires. Never run it while you are asleep or away from home. Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating sources (such as space heaters, the fireplace, or furnace). IN YOUR CAR Create an emergency kit in case of a breakdown or weather-related stall. Invest in a basic first aid and emergency car kit. You can purchase one ready-made or stock your own with first aid supplies, handwarmers, flares, flashlight, blankets, water, and snacks. Since proper tire pressure is paramount in winter driving, know the proper pressure for your tires, keep a simple tool to check pressure in your glove box, and know where to go for air when you need it. Keep a minimum of a half tank of gas in your car during the cold months to prevent the fuel line from freezing. IN YOUR HABITS With colder weather and shorter days, follow these tips to stay active and healthy through the winter months. Be sure to get your flu shot! Emphasize handwashing among friends and family to fight germs that seem to be everywhere in the winter. Plan your exercise routine a week in advance. Having a plan helps you follow through! If the weather is too bad to visit your gym, be creative with indoor workouts: play with a Wii Fit, practice yoga with a free online video, or call up a friend and go on a virtual walk while making laps around your homes. Parish Nurse Hours Tuesdays, Room :00 am - 1:00 pm Blood Pressure Screening Sunday, January 13 (note that this is the second Sunday) 10:45 am, in Room 212 Healing Prayer Stations for individual prayer Sundays, December 16 and January 20 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, (we will not meet in January) at 9:45 am in 322/Conference Room. Dianne Chong is the KnitWits Coordinator Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA January 2019

11 Older Wiser Lutheran Saints (O.W.L.S.) 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. January 15: Learn ins-and-outs of Bellevue Botanical Garden Garden Manager Nancy Kartes will share stories and highlights of the Bellevue Botanical Garden at the January 15 O.W.L.S. luncheon. (There s still time to catch the annual Garden D Lights display, open 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm daily until December 30. Tickets are $5 per person.) The OWLS, the Older, Wiser Lutheran Saints, meet the third Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. in the Saint Andrew s 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. If able, please pitch-in with a potluck dish for the luncheon. For more information, contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, or sherry@salchome. org. 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 January 9 and January 23, both at Crossroads Food Court. 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. Fellowship 2018 Year-End Office Hours Please note that the church office hours will be 9:00 am - 12;00 noon on December 26, December 27, December 28, and December 31. The church office will be closed on Tuesday, December 25, and Tuesday, January 1. 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. 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. 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.. 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. January 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 11

12 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. W.E.B.S. will start our Winter Session on Wednesday, January 16. Our 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. 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 January 8 and February 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. Fellowship For All: Coffee and Compline Sunday, January 20, 7:30 pm - 10:45 pm All youth and adults are invited to join us for an outing to Seattle for coffee followed by the evening Compline service at St. Mark s Cathedralon Sunday, January 20. Compline is a meditative, sung evening prayer service led by a choir. We will meet at Saint Andrew s at 7:30 pm and return by 10:45 pm. Everyone interested is asked to sign up on the bulletin board in the Narthex/Commons or contact Fellowship Coordinator Sherry Grindeland, sherry@ SALChome.org or 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 Church, 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 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA January 2019

13 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! In Our Community I m Not Leaving with Carl Wilkens Carl Wilkens will be at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church on Sunday, January 13, He will be preaching at their 8:45 am and 10:45 am worship services and there will be a screening of the documentary, I m Not Leaving, at 4:00 pm that day, followed by a Q-and-& A with Carl. Carl was the only American to stay in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide. After the first interview sequence with Carl in the PBS Frontline documentary, The Ghosts of Rwanda, the narrator informs viewers that Carl saved more lives during 1994 genocide than the entire U.S. government. Each year he returns to Rwanda with students and educators to see for themselves how people are working together to rebuild their country and rebuild trust. Carl is a humble, down to earth communicator who tells stories of hope from Rwanda. He is always on the lookout for the good and encourages others to practice respect, inclusion, and empathy. The stories he shares in his book, I m Not Leaving, and the documentary of the same name bear witness to Carl and his wife Teresa s capacity for extraordinary grace and sacrificial love. Pastor Larry Thomas, interim Pastor at Sammamish Hills Lutheran, is chairman of the board of the non-profit World Outside My Shoes that supports Carl s work as a storyteller and speaker. For more information, contact Pastor Thomas through Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, NW 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, Fellowship 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. Initiatives Saint Andrew s Vision Initiative 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 December: The Vision Initiative Team met and reviewed the thoughts and ideas collected at the adult discipleship hour on November 11 and at the Congregation Council meeting on November 12. With these ideas, some revisions were made to the Value Statements. Plans were made to meet with the youth of our church, in early January, to discuss mission and values and hear their perspective In January: The Vision Initiative Team will meet with both middle school and high school youth to discuss our church s mission and values. Their ideas and comments will be collected. The Vision Initiative Team will meet to review the thoughts and ideas form the youth and to finalize the mission statement and the values statements to prepare for the Annual Congregation Meeting. On Sunday, January 27, the final version of our mission statement and values statements will be presented at the Annual Meeting. Coming Up: A final version of the mission statement and the values statements will be presented to the congregation at the Annual Meeting on January 27. Contact Dick Szabo for more information. January 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 13

14 Congregation Council...What s Ahead What s Ahead by Scott Lester, Congregation Council President Here are a few notes and thoughts on what s ahead... January Celebration 5th Celebration Event in Renton Details included on page 4. Transition Pastor and Process Bishop Kirby Unti has recommended a transition pastor to Saint Andrew s, and an interview of the candidate will be held Thursday, December 13. Interview results and/or other details will be delivered after Christmas. Recall that the Transition Pastor will be with us for as long as necessary during which time we will form a Transition Team, prepare a mission site profile, and form a Call Committee. In many cases this can take several months to two years. We should be prepared to be prayerfully patient as we enter this next phase of our ministry. More details concerning the process will be delivered at the January 27 Annual Meeting. Annual Meeting Concerning the Annual Meeting, it is scheduled for January 27, There will be a single 9:30 service. The meeting will then be called to order at 10:45 am. We will attempt to conclude by noon. Here are a few of the anticipated topics. Review of Constitutional Updates and the Impacts on the Council Vote Vote on a Slate of 8 Council Candidates for 4 Positions including Youth Representative Vote on Slate of 6 Nominating Committee Candidates Financial Report + Discussion Concerning the Imagine Housing Investment Fund Vision Initiatives Update and Formal Introduction of the new Mission Statement and Values Statements Transition Pastor Introduction Transition Process and Call Committee Update on Pastor Drew and the Interim Director of Discipleship Ministries Position Committee Highlights from Chairs Pathways Hub Updates and Council Initiatives February Advance for New Council and Committee Chairs Open Period For Questions, Comments and Reflections Quiet Servants January Discipleship Hours As we have successfully done in past years, Council will host two discipleship hours in January on the 13th and 20th to facilitate advance discussions concerning the congregational budget and the Mission and Outreach budget, respectively. Please contact me with any questions. Congregation Council Correction to November Council Highlights The Congregation Council highlights in the December 2018 issue of the VOICE newsletter indicated that congregation members may be able to designate giving for the purpose of increasing the amount Saint Andrew s invests in the Social Impact Fund for Imagine Housing. Due to the nature of the investment, these contributions will not be allowed. Our regular mission and outreach contributions to Imagine Housing will continue as always, but this investment is a separate transaction of the congregation s funds. Donations to Imagine Housing will be forwarded to them for their use as most needed. If you have any questions, please contact Congregation Treasurer Joni Barrott Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA January 2019

15 Congregation Council At the December Council Meeting... Pastor McEachran led worship with devotional words based on Colossians 1: Pastor McEachran shared observations on the high Initiatives: level of energy in ministry and gave examples of worship, Vision: Discussed the draft mission statement and music, and outreach opportunities. He has observed more values, noting the scriptural foundation for the visitors, and enjoys learning about them. He encouraged mission statement and each value. The Team will everyone to welcome and visit with those we don t know. meet with youth in January. Final versions will be Dr. Will Simpson reminded the Council about the Bells presented at the Annual Meeting on January 27. of the Sound concert on December 16. These concerts are Discipleship: The Team is focusing on supporting the outreach to the community; about 350 people are expected. Discipleship Ministries Committee. He is planning for Christmas Eve worship and is also Stewardship: The Stewardship Committee and planning music for Initiative Team received positive feedback about Pastor Drew Yoos discussed the climate of Discipleship Commitment Sunday and the power of the narratives Ministries, the importance of relationships between adults shared. and youth, and how to improve communications and the Building: There will be a meeting with VIA message of discipleship. The Discipleship Ministries Architecture in January. The Initiative Team is Committee is having a retreat in January. communicating closely with the Building and Sherry Grindeland thanked the Council for serving Property Committee on coordination of projects. Advent soup and bread. More ushers, greeters, lectors, and Nominating Committee: Hal Ferris is chair. They coffee hosts are needed; Sherry loves to see families continue to seek a total of eight candidates to run for four participating in these ways. She is planning for Pastor Congregation Council positions. McEachran s celebration on January 5. Sherry also Nominating Committee 2019: Candidates for next volunteered for the October Fire Force Retreat and year s Nominating Committee are being sought prior to the commended Pastor Drew on his leadership. Annual Meeting. President Scott Lester has volunteered to Finance: In November, the Current Fund had a negative serve. Contact Scott if interested in serving. cash flow of -$17,665, giving us a year to date net negative Committees are active in ministry. cash flow of -$39, budget had planned for Packets containing reports from all committees are -$48,187 at the end of November. The preliminary 2019 available in the church office; ask Office Administrator income and expense budget amounts were discussed.. Mary Mills if you would like to see them. Minutes from Imagine Housing Social Impact Fund Investment: Council meetings are in the office and on the Saint The Council has approved a $25,000 commitment to invest Andrew s website: visit 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 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 January 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 15

16 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 January, we pray for students who receive scholarship support from our congregation. Through Operation Bootstrap Africa, we support students at MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School and in post-secondary educational programs. Through the Pastor Homer W. Berner Scholarship Fund, we support Saint Andrew s members who attend Lutheran universities/colleges. Advent Outreach Collection of Socks and Hats for MaaSAE Girls Uniforms Compass Housing Alliance year Saint Andrew s In 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. Love Tree Thank you to all who took tags and purchased gifts for people in our community. Gifts have been given to Imagine Housing children and veterans, Sophia Way women, and Eastside Baby Corner. Foods of the Month - January Each 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. Each month, we collect food in the Corner of Blessing in the Narthex/Commons. All donations are given to Hopelink to help feed those in our community. In the month of January, we are collecting cooking (vegetable) oil, small size (24 32 ounces.) This is something that Hopelink really needs, but never gets donated. Monetary donations are also welcome, returned to the church or placed in the offering plate. Note Hopelink on your donation Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA January 2019

17 Outreach and Servant Ministries - Global Tanzania Sustaining Success Funding for MGLSS and at University Students The Plaster House Girls Lutheran 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! The special Christmas Appeal is for providing adequate nutrition for the weakest who are approaching surgery and are too malnutritioned for a successful operation: SURGERY STRONG. Their website and December newsletter has more information 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. 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 January 2019 Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA - 17

18 Volunteer with The Sophia Way 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. 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. 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. December 24, Christmas Eve Assisting Ministers Communion Assistants 4:00 pm Sharon Gurtel -- 6:30 pm Karen Grams Judi Miller, Jan Bowerman, Art Gurtel 9:00 pm Sue Short Livi Myhre 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. (If you happen to be wintering in Phoenix, come join us!) 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. 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 Boxtops for Education Christmas Eve Servers 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 Acolytes Greeters Lectors Ushers Altar Guild Anthony Martin, Izzy Martin; Sam Wilkes, Crucifer Sonja Wetmore, Abby Kasper; Collin Feldman, Crucifer Alden Johnson, Gavin Johnson; Quinn Myhre, Crucifer Dave and Sherry Grindeland The Wilcox Family JJ and Maureen Dorwart Shelly Abner Linda Gilham The Kasper Family Mark Davis, Kirk and Amy Myhre Phillip Misner, Karin Eklof Phillip Misner, Karin Eklof, Christine Koch 18 - Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church, Bellevue WA January 2019

19 January 27 9:30 am Josie Marti, Jack Holmes Janell and Carl Erickson Vrishtilata Erling Alexander Erling, Janan Twito Christine Koch, Janan Twito Matt and Christine Camrud January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27 January Servers January 20 11:00 am Anthony Martin Stella Nieman, Beverley Watt Marli Edde Mark Davis, Ann Thorpe Emer Neu and Signe Wraith Chad Oftedal 8:30 am Ian Maland Joyce Arnold Joyce Nelson Tom Anderson, John Arnold January 13 11:00 am Sam Wilkes The Ben and Jenny Johnson Family Jessica Allen The Feldman Family Bev Anderson, Carolyn Haralson George and Judi Miller 8:30 am Emily Elien Lois and Lowell Arneson Brett Nelson Curt and Lois Eckley Flowers for January Jill Nichols-Hicks and Brent Hicks John and Joyce Arnold January 6 9:30 am Izzy Martin, Quinn Myhre; Ian Maland, Crucifer The Engan Family Shelly Abner George and Judi Miller Phillip Misner, Christine Koch Shirley and Dean Hobson Acolytes Greeters Lectors Ushers Altar Guild Coffee Hosts Please note that Assisting Ministers and Communion Assistants will be notified via . 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 Serving in Our Community We have many in our congregation family who serve on boards and commissions in our community. Some of those who serve are: Clare Moe Board Vice President, Congregations for the Homeless Bill Brueggemann, Carolynn Ferris, Dan Johnson, Rob Moe Board Members, Imagine Housing Pastor McEachran Member, City of Bellevue Human Services Commission Member, Emerald Ballet Theatre Board of Directors Marcia Riggers Board President, Compass Housing Alliance Deadline to submit items for the next issue of the VOICE: January 10 Send to Susan Hegedus, susan@salchome.org January 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. 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 Christmas Eve Worship Services Family Worship, 4:00 pm Worship with Holy Communion, 6:30 pm Worship with Holy Communion, 9:00 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:

21 Advent ~ Christmas ~ Epiphany?What Child Is This? In this short space of Advent and Christmas 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! Advent Epiphany Sundays of Advent 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 19 John 1:1-18 This, this is the Word made flesh Epiphany of Our Lord January 6 Epiphany of Our Lord Worship with Holy Communion 9:30 am Celebration of Pastor McEachran s ministry 10:45 am January 13 Baptism of Our Lord Worship with Holy Communion 8:30 am and 11:00 am Discipleship Hour 9:45 am Christmas 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 One Worship Service No Discipleship Hour Christmas Eve Prelude Music First Sunday of Christmas 9:30 am We welcome all children and teens to consider sharing a piece for the prelude music to the 4:00 pm Family Worship service on Christmas Eve. The piece does not have to be Christmas themed but can be something you played in a recital. Contact Dr. Will Simpson, will@salchome.org or , to participate or for more information. Saint Andrew s Lutheran Church th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA

22 January 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