VBS Pg. 5 Lutheran Region 1 Counseling Open House Network Pg. 51 APRIL 2017 A Publication of the Mission of Advent Lutheran Church Facilities Update Pg. 4 Upcoming EVENTS VBS - July 10-14, 9:00am - 12:00pm Classics Luncheon - 12:30pm, Wednesday, July 12th in the Fellowship Hall. VBS Service - July 16th, 9:30am Root Beer Floats - 10:30am, Sunday, July 16, Adopt a Highway - 9:00am, Saturday, July 29th Region 1 Open House - Sunday July 23rd Rev Mark Nelson, Candidacy and Leadership Manager, ELCA (formerly Region 1 Coordinator) will be preaching Sunday July 23rd with an Open House following worship. Karen Dicken and Alyce Bakker will be in C-2 so feel free to stop in say hello and enjoy some cake and conversation! The six synods of Region 1 have a history of cooperative ministry, Inter- Lutheran cooperation and ecumenical vision. The Region 1 Financial Services Office provides accounting and bookkeeping services for the six synods and synod ministries, which include; Alaska, Northwest Washington, Southwestern Washington, Eastern Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. Merry Long with Lutheran Counseling Network recently moved her office into the C building and will also be showing her new space at this time. Please join us in saying hello.
2 ADVENT VOICE A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. This is the first verse of chapter nine in Matthew s Gospel. It is the lead-in to the story of the healing of the paralytic where Jesus first declares that his sins are forgiven, and the religious leaders angrily declaim that only God can forgive sins. We listen to scripture knowing the whole story. We know the powerful Word of God that calls all things into being. We know the creative hands of God tenderly forming the first humans from the earth. We have heard that this God bends down to breathe into the human the breath of life. We know the gift of a partner with whom to share the work and joy of tending God s garden. We know the disastrous consequence when humanity sets itself over God, judging for themselves the meaning of God s command. And we know the tender compassion of God who clothes and protects the creatures who have rebelled. We know the call of God to bring blessing to the world through a descendant of Abraham. We know the guiding protecting hand of God that watches over Joseph in Egypt and saves the infant Moses from Pharaoh s murderous command. We know the God who rescues slaves from Egypt and brings them to a good and promised land. We know the justice of God who provides a new law, so distinct from the laws of power and privilege known throughout the ancient world, in order that God s people might live in freedom, no longer slaves nor enslaving. We know the cry of the prophets who call the nation to repentance when they have wandered far from God s way, and the tender voice of the prophets when they speak God s forgiveness to a crushed and broken people. We know the promise of an anointed one who bears the sins of the world, and we know the voice of him who opened the eyes of the blind, who made the lame to walk, who set prisoners free. We know the whole story, and each part, each verse, each line is read through that great lens. So what do we hear when we read that Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town? I think there s something to be heard in the idea that Jesus took a boat. It helps us connect with the simple reality of Jesus life. He was a person who stepped down into boats and rowed with friends across the lake. There is the smell of the air, the feel of the breeze, the aroma of fishing, the cry of the seagulls, the rocking of the boat, the threat of a squall. There is an ordinary humanness in Jesus we tend to forget. But above all in this passage we hear the fundamental journey of scripture. Scripture is not about humanity finding its way to God, but God finding God s way to us. God is a God who comes to us. God is a God who visits God s people, who finds us, who meets us. God is a God who searches and seeks, who hunts for the lost sheep, who visits Abraham, who meets Moses on the mountain, who speaks to Jacob in a dream and wrestles with him on the river s edge. God is a God who comes to us, who incarnates himself in Jesus, who shares our humanity, who walks our journey. Cont. on next page
God is a God who comes to us. God comes to us in the scriptures. God comes to us in baptism and in the bread and wine at the altar. God comes to us in the joys of family life and its desolations. God comes to us in the fellowship of friends and the quiet moments of solitude. God comes to us in the grateful moments of recovery and the desperate moments when life slips away. God is a God who comes to us. Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. God is a God who comes. Who always comes. And if we watch, we are more likely to see that our healer is at hand and to bring ourselves and our wounded friends to hear his word, your sins are forgiven and his command, Rise, take up your pallet and walk. Glad to be on the journey with you, Larry Kappmeyer and Alan Yoder invite the congregation to their union celebration on July 22nd, 6:30 p.m. at Advent. It would be our honor to welcome our Advent Family to our union celebration. Please join us for the ceremony with reception following. The reception will be potluck hors d oeuvres bring an appetizer and the recipe to share. July 2017 3 Making the Love of Christ Known Advent Lutheran Church Contact Us: 4306 132nd St. SE Mill Creek, WA 98012 Phone: 425-337-5373 Website: www.adventlutheran.net E-mail: churchoffice@adventlutheran.net Summer Worship Schedule 9:30am Advent Staff: Pastor: Scott Postlewait, pastor@adventlutheran.net Visitation Pastor: G. Lee Kluth Office Manager: Jennifer Schroeder churchoffice@adventlutheran.net Choir Director/Accompanist: Kirsten Lysen Volunteer Pastoral Care Minister: Jill Bossen prayerrequests@adventlutheran.net Lutheran Counseling Network: Merry Long merrylong06@comcast.net Church Council: Fred Row President/Admin George Howard Vice President Kim Hall Secretary Kathy Stamey Fellowship Bill Case Worship Deb Shaffer Youth Pamela Stubsten Finance JoAnne Purvis Social Justice/Outreach Ken Krause Education Jon Schneidler Facilities/Columbarium Irene Bizier/Karen Young Treasurers Carolyn Johnson Finance Secretary churchcouncil@adventlutheran.net Give Online Online giving is a great new way to support the www.adventlutheran Advent Voice is the monthly newsletter of Advent Lutheran Church The deadline for articles is the 15th of each month. Please submit articles, graphics, and photos to churchoffice@adventlutheran.net
4 ADVENT VOICE Facilities Update As you all know - lots of things around here happen and nobody even notices that it happened. So I thought I might give you a brief overview of all that has been and is happening. Prior year: 1. New locks have been installed on doors - this helps control entry AND there are times when doors are left hanging wide open when the user has finished for the day and gone. No more prop it open for the next user. 2. Everything was taken out of the every closet and room and storage facility in the complex AND brought to the Fellowship Hall and sorted and kept and/or went to the dump or at least AWAY. Many, many hours and trips in total. 3. A new step thru path has been installed from the bus stop to parking area - keeps the front planting from getting trampled. 4. A new office has been constructed for ELCA Region 1 in C2. Last summer the office was constructed to meet their needs and their phone/computer/internet needs were eventually met by Comcast in late February. This construction resulted in 2 offices and an entry in the same space. Merry Long of Lutheran Counseling Network moved into the smaller office. 5. The C building roof was cleaned, building was painted to match the rest of the campus and new gutters were installed. The ramp was modified and parking pavement sealed and re-striped. 6. New LED lights have been installed on the C building for better lighting and money saving. Current Year: 1. New secure footing grating has been installed on the ramp and step of C building. 2. Heating in A building has had some issues and has been monitored and taken care of. 3. The Garage has had a new pad constructed and as you all know it was moved and swung 180 degrees to fit on the wonderful new pad and has been secured and signed off by the City of Mill Creek. You cannot know the number of hours and the effort that were involved in this project. The balance of this includes the lighting and heat and storage for all yard care equipment and eventually the removal of the Container. 4. A speaker has been installed in the Sanctuary Narthex - for children and parents to still be a part of the service if they feel the need to take the child out. 5. Soon all the lighting in the Sanctuary and all of the outside lighting of our facility will be changed to LED. This is a somewhat costly project, but we have worked with the PUD. The net savings will make it worth the cost in about 3 years. 6. The flooring in all 3 classrooms in A building is to be changed after VBS to part vinyl, part carpet. Needs to be done before preschool starts. This was requested last year and we held off. Upcoming Projects: 1. Much effort and study has been done on the need for an update to the main bathroom. We all know it is in sad condition and needs an update BUT we feel we need to be sure we spend the dollars and energy wisely. There are a number of things to be considered - access for all and configuration that meets those needs and what is the best use of our limited space and also limited dollars. The Council has asked us to modify the restrooms in the Fellowship Hall to be single use/all purpose bathrooms. The Facilities Committee has taken actions. A. Met with the City of Mill Creek to understand the bathroom code. We found that we could reduce our capacity in the Fellowship Hall from 3 toilets/1 urinal to two single use facilities and still meet the code. Cont. on next page
5 B. The Facilities Committee agrees that the Church has a need for a single use bathroom but feels that reducing capacity does not fit a growing congregation. July 2017 C. We are proposing that we convert an office in the Fellowship building for one all purpose bathroom and refurbish the existing bathrooms. D. We are building an additional office in the Fellowship Hall by reducing the Fellowship Narthex space. 2. We are in the process of configuring bump-outs for storage in the Fellowship Hall. This has been cleared with the City of Mill Creek and since it is storage only and no occupancy, no upgrades or permits are required. 3. The HAV system for the Sanctuary is VERY difficult to access and the service vendor is requiring that we make the access easier. This must be done before July 13 which is the next service date on filters. Work has begun. 4. B Building is in need of considerable care and upgrade. The structure is very sound but needs a new door for easier access and siding and ramp repair and painting. 5. The play yard needs to be moved across the drive and a new fence installed for security for the kids - to not run in the driveway. 6. Landscaping - much has been discussed about the condition of the flowerbeds in the complex - it is the opinion of the Facilities Committee we need a Coordinator for this - one who can coordinate mowing and mower service, a future sprinkler system and upkeep, and overseeing of the large plantings surrounding our facility. The feeling is it would be unwise to hire a landscaping company at this time as we do not have a sprinkler system and NOTE that the conduit for said system was installed during construction. VBS is here!!! Thank you for all your support and prayers. Please continue praying for our more than 155 participants and more than 70 volunteers as we help make God s love known to those in our community. The fun begins Monday July 10 at 9:00 a.m. But first... Be sure to come to the Volunteer Appreciation Day Extravaganza on Saturday, July 8 beginning at 10:30 a.m. (9:30 if you are an incoming 6 th or 7 th grader who has not gone through training this year) ALL ARE WELCOME even if this is the only time you can help out and be part of the fun! There will be games, competitions, decorating and food. Pick up your t-shirt and crew list! Lots of fun to be had by all!!! Questions please email Kim and Diane at vbs@adventlutheran.net. Helping Make God s Love Known!
6 ADVENT VOICE A Message from Your Council President: A Council Update from President, Fred Row: With the installation of a new AED Defibrillator for the Sanctuary, the Council sponsored First Aid training on June 10 for representatives from the following Ministries: Facilities, Garden of Giving, Youth/VBS, Classics, Food Bank and Council. In addition to the Sanctuary, there is an AED located in the Fellowship Hall. A video link will soon be posted on Advent s website that explains how to use the AED for all members to preview. The Council met on Tuesday, June 20. Jon Schneidler lead devotions to open the meeting. Members of the Facilities Committee joined the Council. (See Facilities Report page 4) Matt Smith, CPA and Senior Manager with Peterson and Sullivan, LLP Accounting Firm in Seattle presented their Independent Audit/Review of Advent s Finances. The Audit/Review included review of policy and procedures, sampling of giving income, designated giving, expenses, checking account, fund balances and ministry accounts for 2015 and 2016. Advent was recognized as following generally acceptable accounting principles in all areas. The only finding was around the Classics maintaining a separate checking account which could jeopardize our non-profit status and create greater financial risks. Because of this finding, the Classics have closed their separate account and are now part of Advent s budget just as all other ministries. The Council accepted and approved the Audit/Review which will now be formally finalized Peterson and Sullivan. An executive summary will be communicated to the congregation upon receipt of the final report. The Council approved continuing Kirsten Lysen s combined Choir Director and Church Musician position, based on a performance review and recommendation by the Personnel Committee. The Facilities Committee remodel proposal was approved with the request that the family bathroom be completed by 2018. Liaison reports provided by various Council members. VBS has 170 children registered and 69 volunteers. Construction of the VBS set will be July 8. Deb Shaffer and Pastor Scott will be chaperoning 4 youth to the Youth Conclave in California. The meeting adjourned with the Lord s prayer. In Christ s Service, Saturday, July 29 Ages 15 and up are invited to help us keep our portion of 132nd St. clean. We ll meet in the parking lot at Advent at 9am. Bring gloves and water. Contact Chuck Christensen for more information. chuckc85@live.com We are collecting bags in the Fellowship Hall. Deadline is July 9th. Contact Jennifer Howard for more information. (jferh@comcast.net) Remember Your Pledge: While you vacation this summer, the Church will still be here doing God's work in our community. Please remember your pledge this summer. Making your contribution online is easy with online bill pay through your bank, or through our donation page http://www.adventlutheran.net/#/give-online. Thank you for
7 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY July 2017 2 6:00am Korean Worship 9:30am Worship 11:30am New Heaven Korean Worship 9 6am Korean Worship 9:30am Worship 11:30pm New Heaven Korean Worship 3 9:30am Bible Chicks 6pm AA Women s Group (C2) 10 9:30am Bible Chicks (offsite, 425-493-9260) 6pm AA Women s Group (A4) 4 Independence 5 Day - Office 10am Bible Study (FH) 5:45pm TOPS (C1) Closed 6:30pm Korean Bible Study, 11 6:30pm Korean Bible Study, 6:30pm Girl Scouts (FH) 7pm Women s AA 12 13 12:30pm Classics Luncheon (FH) 5:45pm TOPS (C1) 7pm Beyond the Book (FH) 7pm Women s AA 6 12pm PieceMakers (FH) 3pm Food Bank (FH) 6:30pm Lynnwood Community Band 6:30pm Lynnwood Comm Band (FH) No Food Bank Today 7 7pm Al-Anon (A4) 7pm Al- Anon Newcomers 14 7pm Al-Anon (A4) 7pm Al- Anon Newcomers 1 8:30am. OA 10am AA Women 8 8:30am. OA 10am AA Women 10:30am VBS Volunteer Appreciation Day Extravaganza (FH) 15 8:30am OA 10am AA Women 16 6am Korean Worship 9:30am VBS Worship 10:30am Root Beer Floats (FH) 11:30pm New Heaven Korean Worship 1:00pm Private Group (FH) 23 6am Korean Worship 9:30am Worship 9:30am Region 1 Open House 11:30pm New Heaven Korean Worship 1:00PM Private Group (FH) 17 9:30am Bible Chicks (offsite, 425-493-9260) 6pm AA Women s Group (A4) 6:30pm Boy Scouts (FH) 7pm Third Monday Bible Study (Sandy J 206-248-2154) 24 9:30am Bible Chicks (offsite, 425-493-9260) 6pm AA Women s Group (A4) 18 19 20 6:30pm Korean Bible Study, 10am Bible Study (FH) 5:45pm TOPS (C1) 6:30pm Church Council (FH) 7pm Women s AA 7pm Bible Study (offsite, Dottie Brewer 425-948-7313) 25 6:30pm Korean Bible Study, 12pm PieceMakers (FH) 3pm Food Bank (FH) 6:30pm Lynnwood (FH) Community Band 26 27 10am Bible Study (FH) 5:45pm TOPS (C1) 3pm Food Bank (FH) 7pm Women s AA 6:30pm Lynnwood (FH) Community Band 21 4pm Kappmeyer/Yoder Wedding Rehearsal (SAN, FH) 7pm Al-Anon (A4) 7pm Al- Anon Newcomers 28 7pm Al-Anon (A4) 7pm Al- Anon Newcomers 22 8:30am. OA 10am AA Women 6:30pm Kappmeyer/Yoder Union Celebration (SAN, FH) 29 8:30am OA 9am Adopt-a-Highway 10am AA Women 11am Christensen Memorial (SAN, FH) 30 6am Korean Worship 9:30am Worship 11:30pm New Heaven Korean Worship 31 9:30am Bible Chicks (offsite, 425-493-9260) 4pm Girl Scout (A3&4) 6pm Boy Scouts (FH) 6pm AA Women s Group (A4) 25 ELCA Western States Youth Gathering 6:30pm Korean Bible Study, 26 27 28 ELCA Western States ELCA Western States ELCA Western States Youth Gathering Youth Gathering Youth Gathering 10am: Bible Study (FH) 8am If Gardeners you would like 7pm to add AA (C1) or delete something from the 5:45pm TOPS (C1) 3pm Food Bank (FH) 7pm Al-Anon (A4) church calendar, or have 6:30pm Girl Scouts (FH) 6:30pm Lynnwood (FH) 7pm Al- Anon Newcomers questions about room 7pm Women s AA FH = Fellowship Hall A = A building (Preschool bldg.) SAN = Sanctuary C1 = Portable C1 C2 = Portable C1 Community Band availability, please contact Jennifer in the church office 425-337-5373 or churchoffice@adventlutheran.net
4306 132nd Street S.E. Mill Creek, WA 98012 Follow us on Facebook www.adventlutheran.net 425-337-5373 E A Publication of the Mission of Advent Lutheran Church Join us at 10:30 after worship July 16th to celebrate summer and VBS with Root Beer Floats! Thanks to the Fellowship Committee for this delicious celebration! Advent Lutheran can benefit from your Amazon shopping! You shop. Amazon gives. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com The following link will take you to your account where you can register Advent Lutheran to be your designated beneficiary. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1250069