Easter Blessings from Edmonds Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 Edmonds Luran Church th Avenue West Office Edmonds, WA Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Lynnwood, WA Permit No Change Service Requested We will be a sign community that Jesus Christ is here. Worship service Schedule Traditional worship 8:30 am Education hour 9:30 am Celebration worship 10:30 am pastorjulie@edmondsluran.org Pastor: Tim Oleson Pastoral Assistant Kira Day Admistrative Assistant: Donna Saltzberg pastortim@edmondsluran.org kiraday@edmondsluran.org office@edmondsluran.org Communications Coordator: Suzy Baroud suzybaroud@hotmail.com Music Mistries: Darren Hochstedler darren@edmondsluran.org Margo Lawrence, Nancy Furness Organists Operations Manager: Patrick Brady patrick@edmondsluran.org Learng Center: Amelia Nossum, Director Mary Sheldahl, Program Supervisor April 2015 ELC Strategic Planng Process 2015 Monday-Friday 9am 1pm office@edmondsluran.org Pastor: Rev. Dr. Julie M. Josund A few years ago, ELC engaged a process of strategic planng, where we carried out a few years ago,spirit ELC engaged process variety of exercises to reflect listen toawhat Holy was up toa our lives,of strategic planng. Through this process, we church community. This led us to a set of goals that were gleaned from mes did a variety of exercises to reflect listen that came out of this process. These goals have been met by our congregation! to what Holy Spirit was up to our lives, community. to a set Beg guided by Holy Spirit, we wouldchurch like to make our future This yearsled as us fruitful of goals that were gleaned from mes fulfillg. To accomplish this we have formed anor strategic planng task force to that came out of this process. These goals complete a process of listeng garg data as to where God is leadg us next. have been met by our congregation! Over next 6 months this task force will be askg questions collectg formation from you,we members of ELC to Beg guided by Holy Spirit, would like to make oursurroundg future yearscommunity, as fruitful see where we hear Holy Spirit leadg guidg us to our future toger fulfillg. To accomplish this, we have formed anor strategic planng task force our to community. complete a process of listeng garg data as to where God is leadg us next. Over next 6 months we will be askg questions collectg formation from The a brief outle of activities timele of we process that you,followg membersgives of ELC surroundg community, to see where hear Holy committee congregation will participate over next 6 months. We desire Spirit leadg guidg us to our future toger our community. for everyone our community to participate se activities fully The followg gives a brief outle of activities timele of process that engage prayer over next months committee congregation will participate over are. nextmore 6 months. We desire askg God to draw out this process what our next steps formation on for everyone our community to participate se activities fully engage prayer specific events will be communicated as we get closer to specific dates. ELC ne over norms next months askggrowth God toopportunitie draw out, that this are process, what our next steps are. positive identify identified. More formation on specific events will be communicated as we get closer to dates. Learng Center Sunday is April 26th Office Hours: Phone: Easter Blessgs from Edmonds Luran Church Step 1:Council / Task Force Retreat (3/14/155, Camano Isl) Exame ELC s Size Health Assessment Establish Timele for Process Sunday Forum to expla process to Congregation on April 19, 9:30 10:30 Step 4: Lookg Out Community Interviews Gar data from key leaders community Listen to needs of our neighborhood Explore with area how we might serve Step 5: Council/Task Force priority settg event Objective is to work with data to identify goals for each of growth areas. Time frame for this is September/October. Step 2: Input From ELC Member participation cottage meetgs Hosted dividual homes at church Step 6: Congregational Event to endorse Membership to share concerns visions Meetgs start mid-april through early May. strategic plan goals by October/November Different days times will be available. Signups for Cottage Meetgs available on Sundays. In Love, Hope Faith, Step 3: Congregational Event May 31st (All Congregational Event) Explore ELC s Practices We will explore how we live as God s people We will identify opportunities Your Strategic Planng Task Force

2 Worship News Announcements April Worship Schedule Apr 2 Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 pm Sock Drive for Compass Housg Alliance Apr 3 Good Friday Service at 7:00 pm Apr 5 Easter Sunday: Traditional Worship at 8:30 am Gr Coffee after each service April 12 April 19 April 26 Sendg Celebration for Pastor Julie Traditional Worship at 8:30 am Traditional Danish Luncheon at 11:45 am Earth Day One Green Planet at ELC Traditional Worship at 8:30 am Adult Forum at 9:30 am Task Force Below is a list of regularly-scheduled opportunities outside of Sunday worship services at Edmonds Luran Church. At ELC Thursday, April 2nd Please remember to brg an offerg of socks on Maundy Thursday. As we remember washg of disciples feet, we will bless ors feet with warm clean socks. Our gifts will benefit Compass Housg Alliance, a mistry of ELCA that works to house, clo feed our neighbors who are experiencg homelessness. MEETINGS Council ACK Board Meetg Learng Center Board Mtg Learng Center Staff Mtg Learng Center Sunday Traditional Worship at 8:30 am Adult Forum at 9:30 Nourishg Network A Sendg Celebration ACTIVITY/EVENT Staff Meetg Chimes Rehearsal Recorder Ensemble Prayer Shawl Knitters De Out Book Club Quilters Men s Breakfast Bible Study Annie s Community Kitchen Clergy Text Study Traditions Choir Drum Circle Pochle Group Women s Breakfast Rachel s Circle Rebecca s Circle homes NA NA NA Women NA OA Save Date! - Pastor Julie's Pastoral Renewal Sendg-Off Celebration- Danish Luncheon Sunday, April 12th at 11:45 am at ELC The time is fast approachg for Pastor Julie to embark on her Pastoral Renewal journey. We will be havg a special worship service sendg off celebration with lunch after worship. It will be a traditional Danish lunch with Frikdeller (traditional Danish meatballs), potatoes, red cabbage, pickled beets several or tasty treats. We will also enjoy traditional Scavian pastries for dessert. Hope to see you re! If you would like to help by brgg some Scavian treat for dessert, Suzy at suzybaroud@hotmail.com. Thanks! DATE LOCATION Tuesdays 10:30 am ELC (CR) Thurdays-7:30 pm ELC (S) 3rd Saturdays 11:00 am ELC (S) 2nd 4th Monday-1:00 pm ELC (FS) 4th Monday - 5:30 pm local restaurants 1st Tuesday - 7:30 pm Held at members homes 3rd Tuesday - 10:00 am ELC (FH) 1st & 3rd Wednesdays - 9am Edmonds Pancake Haus Wednesdays - 10:30 am ELC (FS) Wednesdays - 5-6:30 pm ELC (FH/K) Thursdays at 10:30 am ELC (FS) Thursdays - 6:30 pm ELC (FH) 3rd Saturday-10:00 am ELC Sanctuary 3rd Friday - 7:00 pm ELC (FH) 3rd Saturday - 8:00 am Swedish Edmonds Cafeteria 3rd Tuesdays 7:00 pm held at members homes 2nd Tuesdays 10:00 am held at members Mondays at 7-8:30 pm Tuesdays at 7:30 pm Saturdays at 10:00 am Sundays at 6:00 pm Sundays at 6:30 pm Fellowship Hall SS SS SS Fellowship Hall 2nd Tuesdays -7:00 pm 1st Wednesdays 4:00 pm 2nd Wednesday- 6:00 pm 3rd Wednesday-6:00 pm ELC (FS) ELC (FS) ELC (CR) ELC In Lovg Memory of Ray C. Glore August 30, 1928 March 6, 2015 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust God; trust also me. In my Far's house re are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am gog re to prepare a place for you. And if I go prepare a place for you, I will come back to take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. - John 14: Council President Paul Witzel (c) VP Bob Ramborger Secretary Sydney Isaac Treasurer Malcolm McCallum (c) Fancial Secretary Education Dorothy Bunste Stephanie Wick Outreach David Ruud Stewardship Bill Anderson Endowment Property Kev Jewett Grounds Worship Don Furness Music Care Lda Bloom Compassion Fellowship Betty Events Venberg (h) (c) Learng Center Sunday April 26th ELC s Learng Center is a wonderful mistry that provides a lovg safe place for children peace of md for ir families. We will be takg a special offerg for Learng Center on Sunday, April 26th which will be used for scholarship for some of our families that can use a helpg h. Thanks so much for your generosity! 15

3 Learng Center News ELCLC s babies, Britta Cameron It seems God speaks to me my dreams. I woke thkg how my life consists of leavg pieces of my clay (me) at work, with family, with friends, with life s decisions or problems, etc. The idiom, pick up pieces comes to md. I want God to take all my pieces mold m back to one to be placed at foot of cross praisg Him. Yet you, LORD, are our Far. We are clay, you are potter; we are all work of your h. (Isaiah 64:8 NIV) What a comfort to know that we are God s hs His Word will mold us. The refra for song, The Potter s H says it all: Take me, mold me, use me, fill me; I give my life to Potter s h. Call me, you guide me, lead me, walk beside me; I give me life to Potter s h. All 27 children enrolled this month Learng Center are beg molded by stories y hear about Jesus from all love y receive from our staff volunteers. We have 3 babies on a waitg list are full most days, so weekly we turn away families lookg for childcare. We are truly blessed. Thank you aga for supportg this important mistry. Pastor Tim has helped us arrange a Learng Center Sunday on April 26 th. We will recognize staff, board members, rockg grmas, prayer pals. Please jo us for some cake between services. Scholarship donation envelopes will be available to help us contue our unique tuition assistance program. Thank you, Carol Swackhammer, for requestg $750 matchg Thrivent funds. Currently, our monthly assistance is at least $1700. Your Edmonds Luran Church Learng Center is one of a kd! Donations of 5-ounce cups, kitchen garbage bags, large non-latex gloves, Kleenex batteries are always appreciated. Thank you to Zarefah Baroud for providg us with a video to show on Learng Center Sunday. Also, thank you to Joyce Soeldner for preschool floor puzzles. God contues to be faithful providg us children, staff, volunteers, supplies joy from dog His work. May you all be clay God s hs let Him renew you this Easter season, so He can use you to brg Him joy. Amelia Nossum, Director I tell you truth, unless you change become like little children, you will never enter Kgdom of Heaven. - Matw 18:3 Lent/Holy Week Schedule The Lent Holy Week Season at Edmonds Luran Church is rich with meditation, music worship. Wednesdays Lent have been a movg experience with eveng comple prayer. On Maundy Thursday, we will be participatg a sock drive to benefit Compass Housg Alliance as y work to provide clothg, housg, food hope to those experiencg homelessness. Good Friday will drape sanctuary black as we commemorate passion, sufferg death of Jesus. Saturday will brg joyous mayhem to church grounds as 300+ kids will descend upon us for Great Hunt of Holy Week will conclude with a joyous celebration with an array of glorious music praise for resurrection. A Gr Coffee with fresh cnamon rolls coffee will be served after each service at 8:30 10:30. Holy Week is perfect time to troduce a friend to your church family. Thk about brgg one or two to jo celebratory events at ELC this year! 3

4 Church Council Report Treasurer s Report Offergs for February totaled just under $26,000. This leaves 2015 offergs at $10,000 behd budget after two months. The trend is very similar to last year when offergs after two months were $3,000 higher. Pastor Julie s Report Sce last council meetg church has started season of Lent. Our 2/15/15 Transfiguration Mardi Gras Sunday followed by a Pancake Breakfast was anor celebratory day at ELC. It is good for congregations to have fun toger. Ash Wednesday worship was well attended began 6-week series of Wednesday eveng comple services. This is a new worship style for us. Regular attenders are growg familiarity ease with this form of worship. Adult education mid-week worship emphasis is centered about me of Learng to Walk Darkness. Annie Fortnum, Pr. Tim I visited staff meetg of North Sound Community Church 2/24/15 to meet say thank you to this neighborg congregation which has now sent ELC $1,000 for second year to support our work with homeless hungry. We gave this money to Annie s Kitchen fund. The Discerng our Congregation s Future Task Force (aka Discerng Task Force) is up runng. The task force is made up of Melanie Hughey, facilitator; Sy Yeigh, Robert McCullough, Wendy Flores, Pr. Tim Pr. Julie. The much anticipated Clergy Renewal experience is now rapidly approachg. The Clergy Renewal team (Paul Witzel, Lda Bloom, Betty Venberg, Travis Wills, Pr. Tim, Pr. Julie, Suzy Baroud) met to shape this opportunity for both myself congregation. Pastor Tim s Report Funerals: We have had a good amount of funerals/memorial over last few weeks. The family that I worked with was from community, a non-member. It was a good remder of how that is an important role we play this community, which is to provide a place of sanctuary support for those who are grievg help m to fd ways to honor ir loved one. Big thanks to all or volunteers that help with this important mistry. Free Prayer: As a practice durg Lent, I have decided to offer time space on Wednesday nights durg community meal to offer prayer for anyone who might need it. I open up counselg room put out a sign that says "Free Prayer" sit re to welcome pray for anyone who might come. Pastoral Care: Along with funerals, we have had 5 people with significant health problems from our congregation that between Julie I, we have been checkg on providg pastoral care. Pastoral Assistant: I am excited to share that we have found a Pastoral Assistant to hire as a contract employee for time while Pastor Julie is away on her Clergy Renewal Project. This contract employee will be paid for out of grant, so it is of no extra fancial cost to ELC. Kira Day is name of Pastoral Assistant. She will be providg pastoral care, worship leadership, or pastoral duties as needed durg 4-month period. Her first official day is April 12 th. 5 ~ Thu Fri Sat day ursday service ry Choir (S) (S) ry Choir (S) (S) ry Choir (S) (S) ry Choir (S) (S) 3 Good Friday 8a Easter Egg Hunt set-up (FH) 7p Good Friday service Lent, Holy Week or neighbors 4 9a Easter Egg Hunt 10a NA Women's Group (SS) a NA Women's Group (SS) 17 7p Pochle (FH/FS) 10a Sleep Workshop (FS) 18 8a Women s Breakfast (Swedish Edmonds Café) 10a NA Women's Group (SS) 10a Drum Circle (S) 11a Recorder Ensemble (S) 5p NA - fundraiser(fh/k) a NA Women's Group (SS) Birthday Blessgs to our Friends at ELC! God danced on day you were born April 6 Jill Nelson April 6 Dan Walr April 7 Harold Coon April 10 James Wassall April 13 Carrie Snyder April 15 Lora Herrmann April 16 Judy Nelson April 16 Travis Wills April 17 Dorothy Eckl April 19 Merillee Bradshaw April 19 James Clarke Jr April 21 Eleanor Kurtzweg April 22 Corre Petterson April 26 Dorothy Beck April 26 Skyler Herrmann April 28 Kev Jewett April 29 Thea Miklasiewicz April 30 Derek Herrmann April 30 Hannah Petterson Anniversary Blessgs to: Susan Dean Phillips- April 9 John Bumanglag Darren Hochstedler - April 21 Maurene Dick Barnes- April 24 There is no more lovely, friendly or charmg relationship, communion or company, than a good marriage. 13 ~ Mart Lur

5 ELC 5 EASTER SUNDAY 8:30a Traditional Worship (S) ~ April 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed 1 Gr Refreshment Mgle Time 10:30a Celebration worship (S) 6p NA (SS) 6:30p OA (FH) 12 Sendg Celebration for Pastor Julie 8:30a Traditional Worship (S) 10:30a Celebration worship (S) 11:30a Sendg Celebration meal 6p NA (SS) 6:30p OA (FH) 19 8:30a Traditional Worship (S) 9:30 a Adult Forum 10a 1 Green Planet recyclg 10:30a Celebration worship (S) 6p NA (SS) 6:30p OA (FH) 26 Learng Center Sunday 8:30a Traditional Worship (S) 9:30a Council Chat (RWV) 9:30a Nourishg Network Forum (FS) 10:30a Celebration worship (S) 6p NA (SS) 6:30p OA (FH) 6 6p Dance Group (SS) 7p NA (FH) 13 1p Prayer Shawl (FS) 6p Dance Group (SS) 7p NA (FH) 20 6p Dance Group (SS) 7p NA (FH) 27 1p Prayer Shawl (FS) 5:00p De Out (Edmonds Hook Seafood Broiler) 6p Dance Group (SS) 7p NA (FH) 7 10a Rebecca s Circle 10a Jamm' Pajama Tuesdays (FS) 10:30a Staff Mtg (CR) 7:30p Book Club (Eastly home) 7:30p NA (SS) 14 10a Jamm' Pajama Tuesdays (FS) 10:30a Staff Mtg (CR) 7p Council Meetg (FS) 7p Rachells Circle 7:30p NA (SS) 21 10a Quilters (FH) 10a Jamm' Pajama Tuesdays (FS) 10:30a Staff Mtg (CR) 7:30p NA (SS) 28 10a Jamm' Pajama Tuesdays (FS) 10:30a Staff Mtg (CR) 7:30p NA (SS) 9a Men s Breakfast (Edmonds Pancake Haus) 4p Annie s Kitchen Board Meetg (FS) 8 6p Confirmation (SS) 6p Learng Ctr Bd Mtg (CR) 15 9a Men s Breakfast (Edmonds Pancake Haus) 6p Confirmation (SS) 6p Learng Ctr Staff Mtg (LCR) 22 6p Confirmation (SS) 29 4p Lion's Club Health Screeng (FH) 6p Confirmation (SS) 2 Holy Thursd 7p Maundy Thu 9 6:30p Sanctuar 7:30p Chimes ( 16 6:30p Sanctuar 7:30p Chimes ( 23 6:30p Sanctuar 7:30p Chimes ( 30 6:30p Sanctuar 7:30p Chimes ( Invite a friend to church durg L Easter Sunday! Tell your friends a Church Council Report Clergy Renewal Project Events: We recently ironed out plan for congregational events that are part of Clergy Renewal Project. We will be dog an all-congregational Marers game, Musical concert, congregational norm experience, Liturgical Art Spiritual reflection event. Keep an eye out for dates details upcomg newsletters. The plan is to do one of se events every month durg 4 months. Council Busess Kitchen Floor Repair: The Council discussed how to split costs ($12,804) for kitchen floor repair. It proposed that church pay 50% ($6,402.00), Annie s Community Kitchen pay 35% ($4,481.40) Learng Center pay 15% ($1,920.60). Paul Witzel will present se proposals at respective board meetgs April. Tree Removal: At a neighbor s request we had three trees tested by an arborist. Their height proximity to buildgs creases ir surance risk score. Patrick will ask our surance company about our liability. We will also reach out to neighbors to determe if y wish to contribute to tree s removal, if that decision is made. Basement Update: The draage repairs totaled around $1,900. Pipes were cleared repaired. We will be replacg a couple of grills. Discerng Task Force: Members met with Council shared ir ideas for reachg out to congregation facilitatg a goals-creation process. This will be an excitg process for ELC as we look to future. If you are LOVES terested, contact Pastor Tim at pastortim@edmondsluran.org new members! Do you have a friend that is shoppg around for a church family? Have you been attendg worship at ELC haven t become a member yet? Interested? We will be welcomg new members on Sunday, May 3rd, we would love for you to jo us! Contact Pastor Tim with questions at pastortim@edmondsluran.org JAMMIN TUESDAYS There is a new Thrivent Action team startg up on Tuesday morngs from 10am to noon Fireside Room. Startg on March 24th, this group will gar to sew pajamas for Holly House, local non-profit that serves low-come families Edmonds School District. What a great way to use up your extra material! Sewg maches are available for use. If you have any questions, contact Merrillee Bradshaw at

6 A Gift of Love Cabaret Dner ELC Book Club HATS OFF Jo us for good discussions fellowship! Everyone is vited! To Barb Elias her amazg volunteers who have provided so much support at memorials we have hosted past months Here is formation about our next meetgs books. April 7 Sy Eastly - The Round House by Louise Erdrich Friday May 8th from 6:30-8:30pm Edmonds Luran Church To benefit Scholarships for Church Musicians On May 8th, ELC music program is gog to sponsor a Dner Cabaret Sanctuary at ELC. The Gift of Love Scholarship Concert is an event coordation with congregational events that are beg underwritten by Lilly Endowment Renewal grant. Trity Luran College Everett has a growg church music program. The difficulty for students is amount of debt y often cur college is difficult to repay while workg as a church musician. The music program is committed to providg 4 scholarships of $2000 each to college musicians who will sg with ELC choir participate or worship activities. ELC benefits from gifts, energy, creativity enthusiasm of students. In exchange y will receive modest scholarships to assist m with schoolg costs, practical experience a church settg ability to practice ir skills cludg conductg solo choral sgg. The Cabaret AND Dner will take place sanctuary. Chef John Rost, will prepare a delicious meal. There will be a small silent auction, Dessert Dash plenty of great entertament. THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO BE INVOLVED: - Host a table of 8. $150 gets you a prime reserved table for you seven family/ friends. - Provide your special dessert for dessert dash. Desserts should feed 8 people. - Donate an item for auction. Weekend vacations, pie of month, servant for a day, a special dner or tea your home. Be creative! - Perform Cabaret. Brg your best act. Fun encouraged. Does not need to be a sacred selection. - Attend! Buy your ticket for $20 after services any Sunday April. May 5 Maureen Barnes - The Heart of Horses by Molly Gloss June 2 Jennifer Cobb - How it All Began by Penelope Lively July 7 Little Century by Anna Keesey To Bob Ramborger Eric Halvorson for always beg re to support our facility operations. DINE OUT AT THE HOOK On April 27, De Out will be at The Hook Seafood Broiler Edmonds at 5:00pm. The address is th Ave W. The food is great. Come jo us! Call or Lnae McAnally at lnaemc@msn.com. Saturday, April 11, 2015 Fall Asleep Cure Insomnia Workshop 10:00-12:00 Fireside Room. Learn Md-Body-Spirit techniques to improve sleep. Take home a relaxation CD for personal use. Facilitated by Rev. Rosemary Raynaud, Luran Counselg Network $20.00 registration fee. To register, contact church office at

7 Annie s Kitchen News Many thanks to Lynnwood s Olive Garden Red Lobster Restaurants Our gleang team picked up se two restaurants are makg regular rounds to collect prepared food donations from se two busesses each week. We are so grateful for ir generosity. Northwest Lion s Foundation Partnerg with ELC Wednesday, April 29th from 4:00-8:00 pm The Northwest Lions Foundation will be brgg ir mobile clic to ELC s campus on Wednesday, April 29th from 4:00 pm till 8:00 pm. They will be dog blood pressure checks, conductg sight hearg tests testg for glaucoma diabetes. All of screeng is free of charge available to our ders at Annie s Kitchen as well as members of ELC s congregation. If you would like to participate or help any way, contact Pastor Tim at pastortim@edmondsluran.org. Thanks! ELC has a Mutual Mistry Team, a group of people who pair up with our staff to support m, hold m prayer, advocate for m if re is ever an issue that needs to be addressed. The followg dividuals support mistry of our church this capacity. Please keep m your thoughts prayers as y support tercede for our staff. Pastor Julie - Dean Sue Phillips Pastor Tim - Kev Sydney Isaac Darren - Barb Elias Patrick - Dave Gerlach Nancy Margo - Diane McCallum Donna - Barb Swenson Suzy - Lorelei Avery Congregational Survey Results On January 25th, a congregational survey was taken to explore some areas of our worship practices. We asked questions regardg worship times, Worship seasons sanctuary configuration. The followg are results of that survey. Pea Patch News ELC s Pea Patch is contues to thrive now has a waitg list of folks our neighbourhood that would like to tend ir own plot. To meet this need, we are buildg five new plots are need of material fancial support. We are completg an application process for Home Depot are open to any suggestions of or busesses or organizations to approach. If you know of any organization that provides fancial support of supplies to local community gardens, contact Dave Nelson at Worship Times I prefer Traditional Worship at 8:30 am I prefer Traditional Worship at 9:00 am Celebration Worship at 11:00 am I have no preference 7 Sanctuary Configuration I prefer to never change pews 23 I like changg pew arrangement 18 I like changg arrangement, but not too often 27 I have no preference Christmas Worship I prefer Christmas Eve Worship at 6:00 pm 30 I prefer Christmas Eve Worship at 8:00 pm 27 I prefer Christmas Eve Worship at 10:00 pm 16 I prefer Christmas Eve Worship at 11:00 pm 12 Summer Worship I prefer 1 service summer 55 I would like to have 2 services summer 20 I have no preference 3 If you would like to discuss results with your Council, contact Paul Witzel at

8 AFFIRMATION OF WELCOME Introducg Kira Day, Pastoral Assistant Hello, Edmonds Luran Church! My name is Kira Day, I am lookg forward to jog you all as a pastoral assistant while Pastor Julie is away. I am origally from Omaha, Nebraska. I attended Wartburg College, an ELCA school Norrn Iowa, where I studied French International Relations. After graduation, I taught English Sourn Cha through ELCA The Amity Foundation as mission personnel for two years. Afterward, I moved to Pacific Northwest to pursue a Master of Divity at The Seattle School of Theology Psychology. I graduated 2013 am now a cidate for ordaed mistry with ELCA. I met my husb, Kris, at The Seattle School, we were married at Gift of Grace Luran Church, where I terned with Pastor Jami Fecher. Kris I are members of Church of Beloved, an ELCA mission start here Edmonds. We have an adorable 7-month-old son named Seamus a loveable Frenchie-Boston Terrier named Margaux. I am also a doula am passionate about supportg women families through birth postpartum. I am also passionate about freshly picked flowers, Claude Debussy transcribed for harp, cookg for ors, novels by Annie Dillard. ELC S AFFIRMATION OF WELCOME TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A RECONCILING IN CHRIST CONGREGATION, THE RIC COMMITTEE IS RESPONSIBLE TO DRAFT AN OFFICIAL WELCOME STATEMENT, WHICH IS UNIQUE TO OUR CONGREGATION. BELOW IS ELC S NEW WELCOME STATEMENT: Edmonds Luran Church is a reconcilg, affirmg, clusive Christian community strivg through worship, love service to welcome all people just as God created m. If you ve never set foot a church, if you had a bad experience, or you worship regularly, we welcome everyone without exception regardless of sex, race, national orig, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, physical mental ability, age, or economic circumstances. We recognize that each person is a unique creation of God, through Grace, is called a child of God. We pledge to ourselves to all ors that we will strive to live as a reconcilg people, our life toger, workg to be a sign community that Jesus Christ is here. The Heart of Easter When I went to college at Seattle University back early 70 s, a crucifix was on a wall every classroom. While drawn to Jesus story, I had not been able to wrap my md around Jesus death resurrection. I remember askg God to be my md my learng, yet serious doubts contued to discourage me from openg my heart to Jesus dive nature eternal life he has promised us all. Only after a friend vited me to meet risen Christ, not by tellect, but through heart of a personal, trusted Relationship, did I beg to experience life Christ call of God on my life. Spiritual direction is work of helpg ors grow ir capacity to live a spiritual life from heart. Practicg trospection contemplative prayer, a spiritual director helps turn ups downs of daily life to occasions for spiritual growth development. In company of a soul friend, re is heightened awareness of dive Earth Day at ELC nature revealed Jesus Christ present ready to be awakened at core of every human beg. Wonder awe with this discovery provide a taste of heaven, encouragg an active engaged spirituality here now, lovg God, neighbor self with wisdom, satisfaction delight. We are blessed with a rich word sacrament mistry at Edmonds Luran. Our pastors underst skillfully shepherd us to live fruitful lives Spirit of risen Christ. They know importance of one-to-one small-group spiritual direction. This is why y leaders of our congregation have made room vited me to provide spiritual direction to members friends of congregation, to clergy, to or church leaders throughout our synod. Perhaps you might be terested lkg up with a spiritual director this sprg to explore livg a spiritual life from heart. Feel free to contact me at or click on to fd a spiritual director near you. Reverend Jerry R. O Neill Spiritual Director Residence We will have a special service rememberg Earth Day on Sunday, April 19th, with special music prayers for stewardship healg of Earth. We will also take action host a huge recyclg event on our campus durg after worship. 1 Green Planet will come to ELC from 10 am to 3 pm. Make sure to save your scrap metal used electronics brg m as a special offerg rescue m from lfill! Thank you so much for your participation. Please tell your friends to come. 9