Watching for the Spirit

Transcription

1 Mark your calendar! May 9 Paul Swinehart Memorial May SW WA Synod Assembly May 24 Pentecost with Education Hour CHRIST LUTHERAN NEWS MAY 2015 Watching for the Spirit Recently at our monthly Council meetings, we have centered our opening devotions around this question: Where have you seen the Spirit active in our community? We all share an experience from the previous month that showed God working in our midst. Sometimes we talk about a church event, such as Holy Week services or making ReachOut lunches. Other times we hear about God s presence in our personal lives and relationships. Every time, I am left feeling awestruck and grateful by the many ways God s Spirit is present among us. On May 24th, we will be celebrating Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit in our world in a new way. On Pentecost, the Spirit showed up in the world in a very visible, obvious way. The Book of Acts tells us that flames sprung up over each person s head, and each person began to pray to God in their own language. And somehow, each person was able to understand the others. Now that was a time when it was easy to see the Spirit active in the world. These days, it is not always so obvious. I certainly have never seen flames over anyone s head, or spontaneously understood another language. So we have to look a little harder to see the Spirit move among us. We have to learn to wait and watch, to notice those moments when we realize something bigger than ourselves is at work. The Spirit can be tricky, though. It is the member of the Trinity that many people don t quite know how to define or talk about. What is the Spirit? Is a ghost? A wind? In the New Testament, the Spirit goes by many names: Advocate, Helper, Breath. The Spirit is that invisible part of God that comes alongside us in our daily lives, helping us to see God in our midst. The Spirit was present with God in the beginning, with Jesus on the cross, and is still with us today. By learning to notice those moments when the Spirit is moving, we can start to see God s real, life-changing presence in our world. Watching for the Spirit (continued p. 2) Christ Lutheran Church 2501 SW 320 th St. Federal Way, WA officeclcfw@gmail.com ChristLutheranFW.com 1

2 Watching for the Spirit (continued.) Where have you seen the Spirit at work in the world? This month, I invite you to take time everyday to ask yourself this question. Once you learn to see the Spirit, you may be surprised to see where and how she continues to show up! Pentecost Readers Needed! Pentecost is on May 24, and we need help! Do you speak a language other than English, or could at least read a prayer in another language? If so, let Pastor Chelsea know! We need your help to re-create Pentecost's miracle of language! Want to write prayers? Did you know that the Intercessory Prayers in the Sunday service are called the "Prayers of the People"? And guess what? They are supposed to be written by the people YOU! If you'd like to learn how to write prayers for use in worship, please see Pastor Chelsea. All ages and writing abilities/confidences/styles welcome! New Phone Number: For pastoral emergencies outside of office hours, Pastor Chelsea can now be reached at: For your convenience, this number will be forwarded to the on call pastor when Pastor Chelsea is away. LAST CHANCE to sign up to be a Reading Helper at Decatur High School! One of the best and easiest ways to help a teen struggling in school is to volunteer as a Reading Assistant: reading to and being read to by a high school student. Interested? We're getting a team together after Easter! Let Pastor Chelsea know! 5/2: CLC Spring Cleaning We should have enough tools available, but bring your favorite one if you want. We do need sand for the steps in back of the church, so please bring any extra sandbags you might have. The inside of the church is going to get some special attention, too. 5/3: Info Meeting 500th Reformation Anniversary Trip to Germany Redeemer Lutheran in Fircrest is leading a 12- day trip to Reformation sites in Germany May 1-12, 2017, and inviting anyone to join them! Information Meeting is Sunday, May 3, 2015, 2:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran, Fircrest WA. 5/9: Paul Swinehart Memorial Sat. May 9, 2:00 PM - Join the Swinehart family in remembering Paul and dedicating him into God's eternal care. Reception to follow. 5/15-16: SW WA Synod Assembly Fri-Sat., May 15-16, Vancouver WA The theme this year is "The Three Great Listenings" Presenters will be the Rev. Steve Bouman, Executive Director of ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit; along with Bishop Richard E Jaech, The Rev. Kim Latterell (Bishop's Associate) and The Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger (Director for Evangelical Mission). We will have worship together on Friday and Saturday late morning. Saturday will include two workshop sessions surrounding the theme of The Three Great Listenings. 2

3 In the church and in the community 5/16: Break the Chains 5k walk/run against Trafficking Sat. May 16, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Sears Parking Lot Human trafficking is a problem that affects our community s children, teens and adults. With your support we can bring awareness and training to help our children and community. If you want to know more, talk to Ann Murphy. 5/17: Lost & Found Farewell Tour Concert: Sun. May 17, 3:00 PM, First Lutheran, Poulsbo If you haven't had a chance to hear the Lutheran two-man band Lost & Found, now is your last chance! Cost: FREE! More information at their website: 5/30: End of Year FLY Party Sat. May 30, 2:00 PM, Calvary Lutheran Celebrate the end of the school year with a concert by Matt Byrd's band, Bowling for Jesus! Funds raised during the event will help Calvary students attend the ELCA National Youth Gathering this summer. 5/31: Dot Sundays The Community Outreach Team will host Fellowship on Sunday, May 31 and kickoff "Dot Sundays". Together with the congregation we will identify our shared priorities for outreach in our community, and vote with dots! The next Dot Sunday will be the following Sunday, June 7th. 5/24: Pentecost Education Hour Sun., May 24, 9:00 AM Help make Pentecost decorations and crafts for our service! 5/29: American Cancer Society Relay For Life Friday, May 29th, :00PM (Survivor Dinner 4:30) Saghalie Middle School, Federal Way For more info, and if you would like to join our team Middle Age Mutant Ninja Mortals, please see Trudy or Laura. Swing by the church office and meet Alpha the Betta who lives in a most creative home, designed by Jill Curtis. If you want one like it, let Jill know she will be making more for the church bazaar in October! 3

4 Busy is the word for Social Ministries! We will be assisting the Swinehart family with the reception following Paul's memorial service on Saturday, May 9th. The "Homespun Holidays" bazaar is really gaining enthusiasm and momentum is building toward October 24th! We are excited that so many members of the church are busy with creating handmade items for the sale. In an endeavor to create, and as a fun way to socialize, we are holding "quilt/craft" sessions every Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 3::00 p.m. in Lewis Hall. Consider yourself invited to be part of this time of fellowship; come to help with craft projects, or being your own projects to work on, together with your sack lunch. It will be fun to have a "sneak peak" at what is being made. If you are not able to attend the daytime session and would prefer an evening time, please contact Marilynn Short or Sue Hupperten and we will find a time that works better for you. We hope you are saving up items for the "parking lot" sale on July 25th. Social Ministries will be working with the Property Team to help dispose of our "junk" to become someone else's "treasure." More information to follow. Social Ministries will meet on the first Tuesday, May 5th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Anyone interested in joining us is always welcome. JUNE NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: 5/26 Community Outreach The Community Outreach Team will host Fellowship on Sunday, May 30 and kickoff "Dot Sunday". Together with the congregation we will identify our shared priorities for outreach in our community and vote for our favorites with dots! We are reading from The Evangelizing Church, A Lutheran Contribution, by Bliese & Van Gelder, to inform our outreach. 15 quilts were blessed, especially for those affected by the earthquake in Nepal, and mailed to Lutheran World Relief. You re invited: Our members invite the congregation to join us in Break the Chains of human trafficking May 16 and American Cancer Society Relay for Life May 29-30th. Contact Trudy for more information or trumark1@msn.com. Next meeting is Tuesday May 19th at 6:30. All are welcome! Help Refugee Families in Our Area! Lutheran Community Services NW is asking for donations to help newly arrived refugee families settle into their new homes. Please see the flyer on the next page for a list of items needed maybe you have things to contribute to help ease their transition! Youth Activities Confirmation Class: Wednesdays 6:30pm at Calvary Lutheran. Taught by Matt Byrd (Calvary s Intergenerational Minister) and Pastor Chelsea. Studying the Ten Commandments. 4

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6 CERT Training The next round of volunteers from CLC Jim and Marilynn Short, and CJ Campbell begin CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Training on May 7. The City of Federal Way Emergency Management is encouraging the faith community to be trained and prepared for emergencies in our area. Watch for more info on how CLC can participate when the need arises. Build an Emergency Kit According to FEMA a basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items: 6 Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Manual can opener for food Local maps Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger You can find this and more info at For Peace Between Peoples First Ferguson. Then Richland. Now Baltimore. Not to mention all the places in between and elsewhere, where violence between police and people of color has exploded. In these places, the lives of people of color seem to be vulnerable in a way that I, as a white person, will never know. For those of you who experienced the chaos of the Civil Rights Movement, the racially-charged events of the last months must bring it all back. As a country, we talk about how far we've come in the last 60 years. But then these shootings and deaths happen, and we have to ask: How far have we really come? These problems may seem far away, but in reality, they are not. We live in a highly diverse city. The neighborhoods and schools surrounding our church are filled with people of all nationalities and ethnicities. Interaction with the police is a source of fear for many people. One mom I know, an African American woman, said that she tells her teenaged son everyday to always do what the police say, don't draw attention to himself, and to be aware of his surroundings. She knows that many people who see her son will automatically label him as "suspicious" or "dangerous," just because of the color of his skin and the clothes he wears. Many of us, especially those of us who are white, like to claim that we "don't see color." But let's confess: that's not true. We see color. And guess what? People of color want to be seen for who they are, color and all. It's insulting to say to people that their racial heritage and identity is not an important part of who they are. Don't you feel pride in your own heritage and ancestors? So let's admit it: We all see color. Acknowledging our ability to see skin color, and our reactions to that color (conscious or not) is the first step in moving towards a society in which color is truly a nonissue. When we give people, no matter what they look or sound like, the benefit of the doubt and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve as fellow children of God, we experience a small piece of the kingdom of God, here on earth. After all, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). Christ has erased the superficial boundaries we construct between each other, giving us all a new, single identity in him. Let us pray that we may know and believe and BE one in Christ, in our city, in Baltimore, and around the world. Peace to you, Pastor Chelsea

7 From the Prayer Team Resting In Christ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls Matt 11: Please pray for: Health and healing: for Ginny Kuhlman and Lonnie McWilliams who are suffering with bronchitis; for Grant Costa who is suffering from pneumonia; for Dorothy Wells, suffering from an extended cold and debilitating back pain; for Raanah who fell and broke her leg, and is starting rehabilitation. Mary Otterness healing and comfort as she recovers from surgery and arranges a new living situation; Kirke Sutphen; Jan Olson (Sue O Brien s sister); Cheri Kinnamon (Janeen Whitehead s aunt, who is dealing with severe MS); Lynn Kuhlman coping with the effects of a brain aneurysm Those who grieve. Prayers of peace and comfort for Maureen Atherton and family as they mourn the death of her husband Richard. (Richard was a longtime friend and colleague of Jim Short); for the family of Shirley Peterson (Guy Olsen's aunt) who died Tuesday, 4/21. Thanksgiving that although Shirley had struggled with health challenges the last few years, her passing happened fairly quickly. Peace and comfort for the Whitehead family as they mourn the passing of Janeen's Grandmother, Lucille Roberts. Join also in prayers of rejoicing that her suffering is over and that she is with her Savior in heaven. Peace and comfort for the family and friends: of Paul Swinehart at his passing March 7th; of Jeff and Robert (Matt's friends), who died in a car accident in St. George. For God to heal broken family relationships Family and Friends: Mik Kuhlman, suffering from migraines; Sarah O Brien; Aaron Wallace (Myra Skau s grandson) in Special Forces; Kathy Haley; Gary Oman (Irene Dye s brother); Coleen Adams and family Christ Lutheran News May 2015 HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Greg Whitehead May 1 Mark Lorenzen May 5 Doug Dye May 11 Grant Costa May 17 Dorothy Graham May 19 Margie Wright May 19 John Wilson May 26 If we missed your birthday, please notify the church office! (We promise not to ask what year) Got stuff to donate? We re planning a Garage Sale this summer JULY 25! Items could include household, yard, sports, camping, hobbies, children's toys, appliances, tools, decorative items - gently used and in good condition. Proceeds benefit Christ Lutheran Church s Capital Improvement Fund Interested in joining the prayer team chain? Contact Ginny Kuhlman or Ann Murphy 7

8 Sunday FOURTH SUNDAY of EASTER Christ Lutheran Church 26 FIFTH SUNDAY of EASTER 3 SIXTH SUNDAY of EASTER 10 Mother s Day SEVENTH SUNDAY of EASTER 17 DAY of PENTECOST 9:00 a.m. Education Hour 24 Education Hour: Pentecost THE HOLY TRINITY 31 Dot Sunday #1 8

9 May 2015 Christ Lutheran News May

10 2501 SW 320 th ST. Federal Way, WA Tuesday Thursday 10am-2:30pm Pastor Chelsea Globe (253) Office Administrator Laura Olsen (253) Council President Steve Atkinson Council Vice President Guy Olsen Council Secretary Karen Kennedy Treasurer Janeen Whitehead Financial Secretary Pete Hupperten Church Council members: Steve Atkinson, Karen Kennedy, Ann Murphy, Guy Olsen, Marilynn Short, Janeen Whitehead Christ Lutheran Church 2501 SW 320 th ST. Federal Way, WA ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED