From Our Pastors. Agnus Dei Lutheran Church Gather in grace Grow in faith Go in service. Upcoming Events. Nov 2nd

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1 Agnus Dei Lutheran Church Gather in grace Grow in faith Go in service 2014 From Our Pastors Inside this issue Calendar p.12 Celebrations p.11 Council Message - p.2 Human Concerns - p.5 Parish Nurses - -p.8,9 Stewardship - p.6,7 Worship Schedule p.13 Upcoming Events Nov. 2 Pastor Morse Celebration Nov. 16 Congregational Meeting Nov 2nd Nov. 16 Clarinet/Piano Concert Nov. 23 First Sunday with Pastor Seth Novak and Pastor Stephanie McCarthy Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Eve worship followed by Pie Potluck Nov. 30 Advent 1

2 Greetings from your Church Council, What an exciting time for Agnus Dei! Having accepted our call, we are greatly looking forward to pastors Seth and Stephanie's arrival with excitement and anticipation. The council met on October 9th and had a full slate of topics. Shannon Moore, director of Little Lambs Preschool, addressed the council about the current state of the preschool and plans for the future. While enrollment has been down over the past year, they are currently running three classes. Shannon also shared her plans for the future of Little Lambs with a focus on increasing the preschool's profile and visibility in the community as well as on the internet. New signage was also discussed. The emphasis for next year is on increasing enrollment. A big topic was reviewing Pastors Seth and Stephanie's breakdown of their divided responsibilities. It is clear that they have put a lot of time and thought into these divisions. It will be important for the congregation to become familiar with these so they will know how our new pastors will schedule their time, preaching and other tasks. We discussed how to allocate the Above and Beyond funds for the most urgent needs here at Agnus Dei. We will ask the congregation at the meeting on the 26th for funds to replace our church office's computer equipment. Many have also expressed interest in improving the church's signage both indoors and out. Church security was also discussed and more options will be explored over the next month or two by the Property Committee. We hope your fall is going well and that you and your family are happy and healthy. Please contact any of us with any concerns or questions as we move forward during this exciting time of transition. Peace and Blessings, Your Council Jeanette and Loren Carlander Audrey Clinton Jim Greenley, Krump s Brother in Law Judy and Dick Latimer Dave Roberts Myra Snider Doris Sorrels Jack Stier Rose VanderKlomp Alene Wilkes Serving Our Country: Jason Barelli, U.S. Navy Matt Fistler, U.S.A.F.(Carlander s Grandson) Staton West, U.S. Army Thanksgiving Eve Worship Wednesday, November 26, 7:00 PM Followed by a Pie Potluck mmmm.pie 2

3 EMBARKING ON A CO-PASTORATE To begin a new ministry partnership effectively, Pastor Stephanie, Pastor Seth, and the members of Agnus Dei will focus their energies on understanding each other s priorities for mission and ministry. This focus will require intentional engagement in the search for a harmony of perspective, a level of comfort in working relationships, and a blending of gifts and graces. The Council and the pastors have already been involved in a discussion to establish working relationships around all of the congregation s tasks. Having a clergy couple as co-pastors is new for Agnus Dei and serving as a clergy couple is new for our pastors. We already agree that we will need clarity and flexibility as we grow into new relationships. It will be a learning process and adjustments will happen. In striving to create a collaborative leadership at Agnus Dei, here are some initial thoughts about what co-pastoring may look like at Agnus Dei: Staff Supervision Pastor Seth will supervise Shari Shull Pastor Stephanie will supervise Cindy Beals Both pastors will attend and collaborate in leadership of staff meetings Worship Preaching and presiding will be divided between both pastors Both pastors will participate in worship planning as a part of staff Since Pastor Seth is supervisor of the music staff he would also relate to committees as needed and be the primary pastor in this area The pastor who is preaching will lead the weekly text study Pastor Seth will provide baptismal preparation; both will baptize Pastor Stephanie will provide communion preparation instruction Faith Formation/Education Both pastors will participate in teaching and spending time with all of the different age groups Pastor Stephanie will be the primary pastor in the area of Sunday School, family ministries, and crossgenerational ministries Pastor Seth will be the primary pastor in the area of confirmation, youth-specific activities, and Forum The current plan is to use the gifts and experience of the co-pastors to fulfill the responsibilities of the Director of Faith Formation Council Meetings/Strategic Planning/ Visioning with Leadership Both pastors will collaborate in these areas and lead together Both will attend Council meetings Website/Publications Pastor Stephanie will be the primary pastor in this area Primary leadership for other areas of congregational life will be determined as the pastors learn more about them. Since each pastor is called to a ¾ time pastorate, they expect to work hours per week. They will communicate their intended working schedule after they arrive in Gig Harbor. The expectation is that Pastor Seth and Pastor Stephanie will have the same Sabbath Day (day off), vacation time, and sabbaticals. And speaking of expectations, just as we have experienced in our life together over the past year, expect the Spirit to be involved as we find joy in our ministry and mission together. Carol Dana, Council President 3

4 FAREWELL PASTOR MORSE Sunday, November 2 is Pastor Valinda Morse s last day as our Interim Pastor. It s hard to believe an entire year has passed since she arrived! Join us at the hospitality hour at 9:40 on that day as we thank Pastor Morse for her interim work with us at Agnus Dei and celebrate her retirement. Cards with your well wishes are welcome! WELCOMING OUR NEW PASTORS November 23 is Pastor Stephanie McCarthy s and Pastor Seth Novak s first Sunday at Agnus Dei. They will be leading worship that day so be sure to be a part of their welcome to Agnus Dei. We will welcome them with a Gift Card Shower at the hospitality hour at 9:40. If you would like to participate please bring a card with words of welcome on that Sunday. If you wish, you may include a gift card to help them get acquainted to the area or to help set up their home here. Gift cards from local grocery stores, Target, Home Goods, or Home Depot may be helpful in filling their pantry or purchasing household items. Remember they are relocating here from Minnesota and have not yet had time to explore the area. Gift cards from your favorite local restaurant or theater may help introduce them to Gig Harbor. What experience would you like to share with them? Perhaps a membership or entry fee to the Gig Harbor Museum, Point Defiance Zoo, or any of the Tacoma Museums; or how about a Discover Pass for Washington State Parks? Use your imagination! It will be fun to share what we love about this area and say welcome to your new home! WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 4 Van Hardison and Tom Bradford Mary Beth Harrison and Doug Hettinger John and Sherry Stava On Reformation Sunday, Oct. 26, six new members became a part of our Agnus Dei community. We give thanks to God and welcome these new members into our shared mission.

5 Ebola Response Overwhelming Human Concerns Thank you for all your donations of money and crafted articles. In two weeks you contributed $ 2251 which will be sent immediately to ELCA Disaster Relief Ebola. Check out the website at to see what your contributions are doing to help combat ebola in West Africa. Sending Quilts and School Kits 12 quilts and 40 school kits were blessed on Sunday, Oct 26 th, will be boxed on Oct 28 th, taken to St. Marks in Tacoma on the 30 th and then on to Seattle. Soon they will be arriving in Baltimore at the Lutheran World Relief warehouse. But they won t stay there long, as all are needed, especially in Africa and Asia Thanks to all of you who contributed time, materials and money for this project. We can always use more people to tie quilts. You DO NOT NEED TO BE A QUILTER to tie quilts! Normally quilters meet the 4 th Tuesday of each month in the community room at 1PM. In November and December, due to holidays, we ll meet the third Monday of the month at 1PM. FYI In May 2014 we sent off 21 quilts which went to Burkina Faso in Aug. (Extra credit if you know where Burkina Faso is located.) We also sent off 38 Baby Care Kits and 18 Personal Care Kits which to the Philippines in Aug. as part of Hurricane Haiyan Relief. November is FISH Month Good news.. Our local FISH Foodbank has expanded to serve more clients than ever before. According to Rose V., FISH has changed their way of offering food from a standardized package to a guided shop from food groups approach. In the new way, a volunteer guides the client from group to group and the client chooses what their family likes. The hope is that all food will get used. If you have questions about FISH or want to volunteer there, just ask Rose. She is there at least 3 days a week. Bad news..fish has to pay more for rent and utilities. Double bad news.we aren t getting any Thrivent matching funds for FISH this year. (However we have gotten Thrivent funds for Banner storage, Music Program items and for Food B4K.) The hope is that we will get funds again in Soooooo, it is up to us to be as generous as possible. You may designate donations on your offering envelope or use the special FISH envelopes which will be available in your bulletins in Nov. And, of course, you are encouraged to leave food and personal hygiene donations at the Donation Station in the FISH basket. Key Peninsula Children s Home Society Two Week Christmas Blitz Nov.21st-Dec 4th Many children who live on the Key Peninsula come from financially challenged families. The Key Peninsula Children s Home Society helps qualified families with various services throughout the year. At Christmas they have a store set up for parents to shop for their kids (infants-teens). Parents make an appointment for this service, so they have the privacy to shop thoughtfully. This is a great project and you are being asked to donate new unwrapped toys and clothing to help. There will be a special Christmas box on the counter by the Donation Station. Please donate in November, and until December 4 th. This is a tight schedule because the Home Society folks need time to set up the store and to allow a large number of families to shop by mid- December, so that presents can be wrapped and ready for Christmas. You are such generous people! Thanks for all your efforts. Happy Thanksgiving to all! The Human Concerns Committee Sundays at 9:40am in the Parish Hall On November 2 and 9, Dan Dana will lead an adult forum discussion of the Lutheran practice of Holy Communion from the Reformation to the present. Presiding Bishop Eaton has requested that every ELCA parish discuss this topic, with an emphasis on how our current practice reflects the hospitality of Jesus in the gospels, taking into consideration the subjects of close and open communion, along with any new developments. Sacramental theology, discussed! On November 16, there will be no Forum due to the Congregational Meeting. On November 23 there will be no Forum due to the New Pastors Welcome event. November 30 is the first Sunday of Advent, the Forum will focus on the meaning of Advent on that day. 5

6 Clarinet/Piano Concert Sunday, November 16, 4:00 PM <a few of> The Many Voices of the Clarinet An exploration of musical styles from classical to klezmer The performers are clarinetist David Salge, former member of Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera Orchestras, and pianist (and ADLC member), Coni Liljengren, who brings extensive experience as an accompanist in chamber music communities of Tacoma, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Brattleboro, Vermont. ReNewed and ReFreshed Stewardship Campaign We are ReNewed and ReFreshed: By God s PRESENCE in us enabling us to do God s Mission in the world. As we realize God s PURPOSE for us as we live in God s world. By the PEOPLE God has given us on our journey through life. Through the gift of PROMISE and then also our own PROMISES to trust and serve this God of grace who gives us so much During this past month we have heard from members of our congregation on each of these topics. A letter from the Stewardship Committee along with our 2015 Promise cards have been mailed. The committee s goal is that each family will return a completed card on Promise Sunday, November 2 Sharing our Gifts Stewardship Update Thank you to all, good and faithful stewards. October Attendance Oct Oct Oct Oct General Fund Giving Report General Fund: Goal Actual % of Goal Annual $380,000 October $31,667 $27,396 87% Year to Date $348,337 $270,146 78% Above and Beyond $125,000 $129, % 2014 Designated Giving Report October Year to Date Building Fund $1050 $18,325 FISH (local food bank) $1370 $4960 World Hunger $1417 $12,479 Organ Lease $290 $4999 Ebola Disaster Response $2251 $2251 Building Fund Balance $72,970 6

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8 From The Parish Nurses Zoe Holmes, Gwen Daugs and Teresa McDonald The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14 NIV Bible September 23, 2014 was the 7 th Annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day. This event always falls on the first day of autumn. Falls prevention has been written about in previous Agnus Dei newsletters, but this topic continues as a health concern, something we all need to be vigilant about. Accidents are more likely to happen in autumn, especially around Halloween and Thanksgiving, and of course during the first winter holiday, Christmas. The upcoming holidays are a time when we are more hurried, more anxious, and more likely to take a wrong step. And with the change to Daylight Savings Time, we experience more darkness, making it more difficult to drive and walk, not to mention the autumnal increase in rain that creates slippery walkways and roadways. Pierce County takes falls prevention very seriously. There is now a Pierce County Falls Prevention Coalition which promotes a list of resources for SAIL (an acronym for Stay Active and Independent for Life). Independent living assessments, exercise classes, medical alerts, and even a list of contractors from the Pierce County Master Builders Association who will install grab bars and ramps in your home are just a few of the resources they provide. Check the parish nurse bulletin board for a list of useful phone numbers. A prescription for living free from falls hasn't changed much since we last addressed the subject, but these salient points bear repeating: 1. Stay fit with a friend. It's more fun for both of you. Fit people fall less frequently. 2. Check with your insurance provider to see if exercise classes--even a membership in a local YMCA-- are covered in your plan. 3. If you want to begin a new fitness program, ask a fitness expert or your physician about an exercise program that is right for you. 4. Review your medications with your physician or pharmacist at least once a year. Include any over the counter drugs and supplements. Ask if any of your meds could cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase your risk of falling. 5. Have your vision checked at least once a year to insure your prescription is current and to check for other potential eye conditions. Poor vision contributes to more falls. 6. Make your home "falls safe" by removing all throw rugs, utilizing non-slip mats in bathrooms, utility rooms, and entrances, and by installing grab bars in bathrooms before you take your first fall. 7. Wear proper footwear at all times. Eliminate toeless, heelless shoes and especially heelless slippers and flip flops. 8. If you use a walker or a cane--or are about to--have them properly fitted to your height, weight, and your lifestyle. Check with your physician to see what other equipment is needed and whether it is covered by your insurance plan. 8 The Prevention and Education Division of Central Pierce Fire and Rescue has put out the following

9 recommendations on what to look for in seniors' housing to help prevent falls and to also improve the response time on a 911 call. Access into Home: Is the driveway and walkway in good repair? Roots and moss cause tripping hazards. If the senior uses a cane or walker, is there a ramp leading to the home entrance rather than stairs? Does the senior who still drives park in the center of the driveway so as to avoid transit from pavement to grass to pavement? If the senior lives alone, does the local fire department know the location of a hide-a-key box for the home, or has one been labeled for identification and given to the local dispatch center? Entrance: Is there any hoarding? Is there open access for a gurney? If the fire department has potential trouble navigating the entrance to the home, so will the senior. Carpeting should be in good repair and stretched if there a carpet lumps. Other flooring material should be kept in good repair and free from tripping hazards. Small pets are tripping hazards, as are pet's toys and grandchildren's toys. Kitchen: Floors should be swept daily, which is also good exercise! Food debris, cat and/or dog food, and spilled pet water dishes are common slipping hazards. If there is a rug next to the sink, make sure it is has a nonslip backing and is in good repair. An updated "File of Life" should be on the refrigerator with current emergency contact info and medications. A long phone cord, extension cords, or even oxygen tubing can be tripping hazards. Step stools should have wide bases and should not be used outside. Bedroom: When rising from a nap or night's sleep, if a senior is weak or dizzy, he or she should be taught to place both feet on the floor and to count to three before standing up. Also, he or she should sweep floor in front of them with a foot to check for tripping hazards. When standing, he or she should count to three before moving. Many people have low blood pressure when getting out of bed. It is believed that the action of counting allows time for the blood pressure to stabilize. In summary, I consider myself as sure-footed as any senior can be with years of tai chi and yoga under my belt. However, in early February of this year, I planned a five-day trip to San Francisco with two long-time friends. On the evening of our third day, returning from dinner to our hotel in a light rain, I stepped on a metal sidewalk grate, my feet went out from under me, and I fell on my bottom on the sidewalk. I remained seated for a few moments, gathering my thoughts and pride, and I thought that all was well until a pain began to throb in my right wrist. In the emergency room, I was diagnosed with a severely broken wrist which would require surgery. That fall ended our lovely vacation, and I spent months recovering from the surgery. My wish for all of you is to be careful this autumn and winter and to enjoy a free-from-falls holiday season. Please contact one of your parish nurses if you have a health concern for yourself or for your family. 9

10 We are thankful to the October lawn mowers Rich Cook, Harlan Damron, Don Krump Denny Sapp for the barn restoration. The view from the sanctuary is much improved! Bruce Shull and Harlan Damron for their work on the new banner cabinet Bruce Shull and Harlan Damron for the new window in Pastor s office door Harlan Damron for the new doorbell for the front door. Bob Beals and Steve Carlson for technology support. the Women s Retreat Committee for planning and facilitating a wonderful retreat for the women of Agnus Dei on Oct. 25 Thrivent Grant for Banner Cabinet & Handbell Tables We give special thanks to Thrivent Financial for providing funds to purchase supplies to build a new banner cabinet to store worship banners. Adjustable tables and special handbell music folders for the Handbell Choir were also provided through this grant. Thank you to Bruce Shull and Harlan Damron for constructing and painting the new cabinet. Thank you to the Pierce County Hunger Walk Supporters! Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2014 Hunger Walk on October 5. Over $ was raised by Team Agnus Dei to help end hunger both locally and globally. Thank you to not only those who walked but also to those who supported by contributing funds. Don Clinton Agnus Dei Women s Retreat, Faith Journeys 10 The annual retreat was held at Agnus Dei this year with great success. Perhaps, due to the change of location, many more women were able to participate. The day was filled with wonderful moments, fellowship and of course, delicious food. Thank you to Lynette Brentin for teaching the Fall Floral arrangement project, to the speakers, Pastor Valinda Morse and Mary Frances Oakes, to the small group leaders and to the retreat committee members (Linda Olson, Barb Deák, Dianna Carlson, Ronnie Kulman, Sonja Miller) for a wonderful retreat.

11 November 2014 S M T W T F S Nov 20, 12:00 Dining for Women in the Parish Hall. This meeting marks the 4th Year Anniversary of the Agnus Dei chapter of Dining for Women. Nov. 25,Tues, 1:00 pm Quilting for Lutheran World Relief in the Community Room Nov 26 Weds. 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship followed by pie potluck This Month at Agnus Dei--(all meetings at church unless noted.) Wednesdays, 1:30-3:00--Prayer Shawl Ministry meets in the ADLC Youth Room. All knitters and crochet enthusiasts are welcome! Contact Gwen Daugs Wednesdays, 9:45 am--back Packs 4 Kids in the community room. Donations always welcome. For information Contact Phyllis Brandt or Pat Borgen Wednesdays, 11:30 am Lectionary Study in the Youth Room, Suspended for now, presumably will resume after our new pastors arrive. Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Adult Choir, Contact Shari Shull, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Church Staff Meeting Fridays, 10:00 am--augsburg Bible Study in the community room. Contact Rose VanderKlomp Nov 1, Saturday, 8:30 am--men s Square at the Sunset Grille, Breakfast and Bible Study. Contact Steve Carlson Nov 1, Saturday, 8:30 am--women s Circle at the Sunset Grille, Breakfast and Bible study. Kayaking or walking for those who wish. Contact Sonja Miller Nov 6, Thursday, 1:00-- Poetry Alive meets at Peninsula Library, Contact Marilyn Colyar Nov 13, 7:00 pm Council Meeting in the Community Room Nov 20, Thursday, 5:30 pm-- Theology on Tap at The Marketplace Grille. Contact Doug McDonnell Nov 21, Friday, 7:00 pm--agnus Dei Book Group in the community room. Contact Neal VanDerVoorn Nov. 18 1:30 pm--gather Bible Study in the community room. (Optional social time begins at 1:00 pm). A study in the Gather magazine entitled All who Hunger, Gather Gladly, based on the Gospel of Mark. Contact Barb Deák (cont.) Celebrations: NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Ellis Rousseau, Brian Knesal 4 Pastor Stephanie McCarthy, Megan Nation 5 Mike Snowden, Marilyn Colyar 6 Jet Moore 7 Laurie Spitzer 8 Judy Latimer 10 Don Clinton 13 Steve Carter 15 Lissa Racette 16 Doug McDonnell 17 Lorelle Leacy 18 Dave Kulman, Cheryl Cleven, Mary Ann Harshman 19 Mark Spadoni, Don Krump 20 Marge Olmsted, Eiko Park 24 Beverly Henne 26 Ardith Johnson, Sharon Krump 29 Matt Humlie NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 11/55 Jerry and Mavis Moore 22/69 Don and Sharon Krump 22/75 Dick and Lynnette Brentin 24/89 Ken and Brenda Gormly 29/87 Barbara and Michael Deák 11

12 Agnus Dei Lutheran Church Calendar For more information see event details Cindy on vacation this week, church office staffed by volunteers 9am to 12:00 12

13 Serving in Worship November 2014 November Hospitality Team Leader: Ghita Lorenz Team: Kenefick, Leacy, Meacham, Michaud, L. Miller, Smith Serve in Worship Schedule Coordinators: Altar Guild: Dianna Carlson Altar Flowers: Dianna Carlson Assisting Ministers Shari Shull Communion Servers and Greeters: Marilyn Hermstad Lectors: Marilyn Colyar Offering Counters: Linda Ribary Ushers: Marilyn Hermstad 13

14 The monthly newsletter of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church Peacock Hill Ave NW Gig Harbor, WA Submit newsletter items, subscription requests and address changes to Editor/Administrative Assistant: Cindy Beals Church Staff Pastor: Rev. Valinda Morse , Minister of Music, Shari Shull, A.I.M , Pianist, Susan Luebeck Administrative Assistant, Cindy Beals , Council President Carol Dana Treasurer, Lance Colyar Financial Secretary, Pat Humlie Asst. Fin.Secretary, Rose VanderKlomp Zoe Holmes, Parish Nurse Gwen Daugs, Parish Nurse Teresa McDonald, Parish Nurse Jack Stier, Parish Sexton Council John Barelli, Marlene Bridgforth, Steve Carlson, Lance Colyar, Carol Dana, Ehren Gossler, Don Krump, Linda Olson, Tim Wilson Little Lambs Preschool Director/Teacher Shannon Moore Board President Debbie Snowden Financial Secretary Kimberly Morgan Secretary Kristin Page 14