The Wedgletter. Wedgwood Community Church. Inside this issue: Sunday March 15 Soup and Sandwich 12:00 1:00 PM. Good Grief Discussion 1:15 2:15 PM

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1 Wedgwood Community Church The Wedgletter Volume 42, Issue 3 March 2015 Publisher: Barbara Johnson Editor-in-Chief: Ellen Brown Wedgletter Contribution If you have a personal experience for Journey Talk, a book review, or an article you would like to share with us, please let Ellen Brown know by the 15 th of the month and submit it to her by the 23 rd. Inside this issue: America for Christ Offering 1 Upcoming Events 1 Pastor s Piece 2 Worship Themes for March 3 Book Club 4 Movie Night 4 Thank You, Banquet Helpers 4 Thank You, Bruces 4 Birthdays 5 Humor 5 Bulletin Board 6 The America for Christ (AFC) Offering 2015 theme Discipleship: A Journey of Grace is a reminder that Jesus public ministry was all about connecting and caring for people in need. American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) ministers as the caring heart, serving hands, going feet, and prophetic voice of Jesus Christ establishing ministries of discipleship, community and justice, along with equipping and networking followers of Jesus to transform persons, congregations, neighborhoods, and cultures throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The AFC 2015 offering window is from January 1 through March 31. Here are some examples of how the AFC offering is making a difference. This offering supports school students, families, and teachers in a city plagued with high rates of dropout, poverty, broken families, and gang violence. The America for Christ offering helped start a program which provided tutoring to struggling students, classroom supplies and books, a health fair for children and families, and other support systems. Taking care of others is a part of Christian life. AFC supports help and healing for those with mental health conditions, makes publications and resources available to churches, and aids organizations such as the Men in Motion program that change individuals lives throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. So far, we have raised $140 and I thank you for your generosity. Please give to this year s AFC Offering 2015 and help us to reach our goal of $700 in support of a mission that is making a difference. Together, we can make a difference by supporting the America for Christ (AFC) Offering Victoria Wenick Sunday March 15 Soup and Sandwich 12:00 1:00 PM Good Grief Discussion 1:15 2:15 PM Saturday March 21 Son of God Movie 6:00 9:00 PM Sunday March 29 Palm Sunday

2 Page 2 Pastor s Piece The Death with Dignity Program of the State of Washington has gotten a lot of attention in our congregation over the last few weeks. After discussing the issue with several people, including the Tuesday Morning Bible Study group, we decided to plan a congregation-wide conversation about it at after worship at 1:00 pm, probably toward the end of April or the beginning of May. I am letting you know now, because now is when people are wondering how they might be able to discuss it more thoroughly. The Death with Dignity Act states: This act allows terminally ill adults seeking to end their life to request lethal doses of medication from medical and osteopathic physicians. These terminally ill patients must be Washington residents who have less than six months to live. These are statistics available for the years since it became available from the Washington State Department of Health: 2013: Of 178 who signed up, 119 are known to have died after ingesting the medication 2012: Of 121 participants, 83 died after ingesting the medication 2011: Of 103 participants, 70 died after ingesting the medication 2010: Of 87 participants, 51 died after ingesting the medication 2009: Of 63 participants, 36 died after ingesting the medication. The interest of most people at Wedgwood Community Church is how do we think and act in times of imminent death and potential pain. The long-standing position of the Christian Church has been that the taking of one s own life is a violation of the sanctity of life and the sovereignty of God in matters of life and death. Today, as is the case with issues that are controversial in our society as a whole, Christian denominations espouse a variety of positions on the subject. view.answers.php?questionid= The line dividing individuals and denominations regarding abortion pro-choice or pro-life - generally divide individuals and denominations in the debate about euthanasia as well. Having my own interest and position regarding the Death with Dignity program, I am very much looking forward to this conversation and hope that you will come and participate as well. In Christ s service, Pastor Wim

3 Page 3 Series on Healthy Grieving - Continued March 1 Accepting the Reality of Loss Matthew 16:21-26 The stark reality of death and loss is difficult to accept. It often takes irrefutable evidence not only that they have really lost the deceased, but also that they have hope, that they can survive, that their life has meaning without the one they have lost. March 8 Working Through the Pain of Grief John 11:21-37 The depth of grief a person experiences is usually proportionate to the depth of love for the one lost. Expressions of pain are often discouraged and a limit is put on the length of time for grieving by a society which has no hope that can face the reality of death. March 15 Adjusting to Life Without the One Who Was Lost Luke 24:13-27 Grieving does not mean forgetting. Grieving means finding a way to live meaningful lives without the one lost. At first that adjustment often does not seem possible. Yet, with God all things are possible. March 22 Relocating the Deceased and Moving On Luke 24: The deceased will always be part of the loved one s life; only now the relationship has changed significantly. It is different in the loss of a loved one, but we gain some understanding in the disciples redefining of their relationship with Christ after the resurrection. March 29 Palm Sunday Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus and Non-violence: The donkey on which Jesus rode into Jerusalem was a clear indication that Jesus was not a king in the conventional sense. He did not control armies which would take territory by the edge of a sword. His strategy was more subtle and more permanent. April 2 Maundy Thursday (7-8 PM) Multiple Passages This communion and candlelight service recounts the last supper and the day Christ died. We will sing, read scripture, and pray through these pivotal moments in our lives two thousand years ago. April 4 Easter Egg Hunt (10 AM-1 PM) at Wedgwood Community Church April 5 (Easter) Resurrection Day Matthew 28:1-10 The hope that survives death and cynicism emerges from the grave on the third day. We celebrate life after death and the sense of meaning that makes it worth living. Pastor Wim

4 Page 4 Thank You, Valentine s Banquet Helpers On Valentine s Evening, Wedgwood Community Church hosted a banquet with the theme, The Love Boat. This banquet was dedicated to the memory of Cheryl Wallace. A big thank you to all the deckhands, galley workers, and entertainers. We are especially appreciative of Katie Zelaya s decorations and artwork. A special salute, also, to Captain Bruce Wallace, Margueritte Nsimba, Sarah Brown, and Linea Croly, who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our smooth sailing. -- Ellen Brown Thank You, Bruces Many thanks to Bruce Wallace and Bruce Sagor for building the attractive storage closet in the Fellowship Hall. Located in the back of the hall by the piano, it houses the tables and chairs that we use for social events. We appreciate their time and effort on this project. -- Ellen Brown BOOK CLUB For March, our book club will continue with the current selection, Moloka i, by Alan Brennert. This historical novel is a worthy read. Everyone is welcome to join us. If you have a book suggestion, please let Kris know. We enjoy reading and discussing both fiction and non-fiction works. On Saturday evening, March 21, from 6-9 PM, the movie The Son of God will be shown in the church Fellowship Hall. The Son of God spans the time from Christ s humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion, and ultimate resurrection. It is rated PG-13. There will be snacks at two breaks in the middle of the movie and before our half-hour discussion at the end. -- Pastor Wim

5 Page 5 We are including the birthdays of our American Baptist Special Interest Missionaries, including their children. If you would like to send a birthday greeting, , or financial support, please contact Ellen Brown for their mailing or addresses. March 5 Matthew Hwang** 7 John Bigas 10 Pat Kemp 14 Nancy Darnell 14 Shirley Harlow 14 Sean Brown 16 Sura Charlier 17 Miki Hwang** 21 Charlette Tapsoba 22 Dick Langham 29 Linea Croly April 2 Ron Kirstein 2 Abbie Wenick 4 Jeff Klein 5 Mildred Anderson 6 Pam Bigas 12 Katie Zelaya 12 Kevin Kemp 13 Ellen Brown 15 Nina Romig 17 Beverly Heerdt 24 Corenne Smith* 27 Kris Delaney 28 Christina Johnson** 29 Aidan Klein 30 Lynn Pulliam 30 Rosita Forbes Faith Trials Don Fortner, Author Let Him therefore send and do what He will. By His grace, if we are His, we will face it, bow to it, accept it, and give thanks for it. God's Providence is always executed in the 'wisest manner' possible. We are often unable to see and understand the reasons and causes for specific events in our lives, in the lives of others, or in the history of the world. But our lack of understanding does not prevent us from believing God. Church Humor *Special Interest Missionary **Child of Special Interest Missionary Reverendfun.com Bible Gateway

6 BULLETIN BOARD Read the Bible in One Year (March 1-31) Day Old Testament New Testament Psalms & Proverbs Samuel 20, 2 Samuel 21 Acts 8:4-40 Proverbs 14: Samuel 22, 2 Samuel 23:1-7 Acts 9:1-31 Psalm 73: Samuel 23:8-39, 2 Samuel 24:1-25 Acts 9:32-43, Acts 10:1-23 Psalm 74: Kings 1, 1 Kings 2:1-12 Acts 10:23-48, Acts 11:1-18 Psalm 74: Kings 2:13-46, 1 Kings 3:1-15 Acts 11:19-30, Acts 12:1-19 Proverbs 15: Kings 3:16-28, 1 Kings 4, 1 Kings 5 Acts 12:19-25, Acts 13:1-12 Psalm 74: Kings 6, 1 Kings 7:1-22 Acts 13:13-41 Psalm 75: Kings 7:23-51, 1 Kings 8:1-21 Acts 13:42-52, Acts 14:1-7 Psalm 76: Kings 8:22-66, 1 Kings 9:1-9 Acts 14:8-28 Proverbs15: Kings 9:10-28, 10, 11:1-13 Acts 15:1-21 Psalm 77: Kings 11:14-43, 1 Kings 12:1-24 Acts 15:22-41 Psalm 77: Kings 12:25-33, 13, 14:1-20 Acts 16:1-15 Psalm 78: Kings 14:21-31, 15, 16:1-7 Acts 16:16-40 Proverbs 15: Kings 16:8-34, 17, 18:1-15 Acts 17:1-21 Psalm 78: Kings 18:16-46, 1 Kings 19 Acts 17:22-34, Acts 18:1-8 Psalm 78: Kings 20, 1 Kings 21 Acts 18:9-28, Acts 19:1-13 Psalm 78: Kings 22:1-53 Acts 19:14-41 Proverbs 15:31-33, 6: Kings 1, 2 Kings 2:1-25 Acts 20:1-38 Psalm 78: Kings 3, 2 Kings 4:1-37 Acts 21:1-26 Psalm 78: Kings 4:38-44, 5, 6:1-23 Acts 21:27-40, Acts 22:1-22 Psalm 79: Kings 6:24-33, 7, 8:1-15 Acts 22:22-30, Acts 23:1-11 Proverbs 16: Kings 8:16-29, 2 Kings 9 Acts 23:12-35 Psalm 80: Kings 10, 2 Kings 11 Acts 24:1-27 Psalm 80: Kings 12, 2 Kings 13, 2 Kings 14:1-22 Acts 25:1-22 Psalm 81: Kings 14:23-29, 2 Kings 15 Acts 25:23-27, Acts 26:1-23 Proverbs 16: Kings 16, 2 Kings 17 Acts 26:24-32, Acts 27:1-12 Psalm 81: Kings 18, 2 Kings 19:1-13 Acts 27:13-44 Psalm 82: Kings 19:14-37, 2 Kings 20 Acts 28:1-16 Psalm 83: Kings 23, 2 Kings 24:1-7 Romans 1:1-17 Psalm 84: Kings 23, 2 Kings 24:1-7 Romans 1:1-17 Psalm 84: Kings 24:8-20, 2 Kings 25 Romans 1:18-32 Psalm 84:8-12 Items Currently Needed Food Canned Fruits Canned Soups & Stews Canned Protein Items (tuna, corned beef hash, chili, peanut butter-especially crunchy) Soy Milk/Rice Milk Vegetarian Items (tofu, canned beans, soups, chili) Pasta and Rice Canned Vegetables (pasta sauce, peas, olives, etc.) Cooking oil Other Items Bar Soap Toothbrushes and Toothpaste Toilet Paper Shampoo Deodorant Pet Food Paper and Plastic Grocery Bags Baby Diapers, Food, Formula and Wipes