September 2016 a publication of Saron Lutheran Church Dear Saron Lutheran Church, Do you remember the parable Jesus taught about the Prodigal Son? If you haven t read it before or it has been a while, please stop and read it now: Luke 15:11-32 tells the story of a man who had two sons, one who stayed and helped out around the farm, and a younger one who wanted his inheritance right away and left to travel and frivolously spend it. This prodigal son came home asking to be taken care of again without making apologies for his absence. How did his father react? He welcomed him home with open arms, throwing a feast to celebrate his son s return. The older brother who stayed home was jealous and upset because his father never offered him a calf to share in a feast with his friends. He was angry and we can probably all relate to this because he was the good son that stayed home and helped out, and dad was happy that the messed up brother came home. So what does this mean and how does it relate to our church s renewal today with the new idea of partnering with another church in creating a community center? The Luke parable teaches us just how blessed both sons were. They had a father who cared about them and a place to call home. The son who left and squandered everything had a place to return to where he was loved and accepted. A community center, specifically the First Presbyterian/Saron Lutheran Rose Center, can be that home for people without their own a place for people to come to and be shown God s love and acceptance. It also can be the vehicle for us as a church family to live out our call to show God s love to our neighbors to be like that father. The Rose Center will give our church a new way to connect with those who do not attend traditional Sunday morning services to learn and start building a relationship with God. This promises to be a new and productive way for us to practice evangelism and outreach. Each of us can try to be a perfect church person to God, but sometimes we are called to take leaps of faith in following the ways Jesus taught us to love all and serve all even though it may seem messy and scary. This is a time of discernment to see how God is calling us to be like that father (continued on page 2) Worship Sunday Service 10:00am Daily Readings found on page 4
page 2 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luk 15:20 (continued from page 1) PRAYER REQUESTS to look and reflect on how we are called to re-form ourselves and our church even if that means accepting change and those in our community who might not be perfect. Saron made a commitment with the synod to enter into the renewal process and become a church that is more open and active in our wider community. With the opportunity to partner with First Presbyterian, Saron has the chance to fundamentally effect our own renewal. The Rose Project s proposed partnership in mission presents a challenge for us to see if we are truly committed to the covenant we made for renewal. We are entering into a time of asking questions and dating to see if this partnership is the way for us as a church to become who God is calling us to be. God is calling us to have open arms and hearts to all of Grays Harbor. Lord give us the peace and understanding to hear Your call, Help us to have open hearts and minds to Your voice, Give us the courage to see how you call us in this community, Guide us through this time of discernment. Amen. Love and Peace, Pastor Michelle P.S. For more information for a copy of the proposal The Rose Project please come it and pick up the proposal and Q/A packet at the church during office hours. We announced this at the September 4th worship when our council president read his letter (which is printed in here on starting on page 5). Val Rhodes Ongoing health problems Kathleen Smith Living with lymphoma. Ron Bacon Needs continued healing. Don Lofgren Lillian s nephew (seizures). John Sullivan Needs healing please also include: Julie, Karen & Mark, Christopher, Allison Hanson, Ron Bacon, and Jim Richardson...
page 3 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. Isaiah 40:11 STAFF pastor Rev. Michelle de Beauchamp admin assistant April Montes-Hamm music director Kari Hasbrouck custodial care Lillian Matheson treasurer Sandie Mullikin pastor s office hours Monday 12:00am-3:00pm Wednesday 8:00am-2:00pm Thursday 9:30-11:00pm admin assistant s office hours Monday 12:00-3:00 pm Wednesday 8:00am-2:00pm COUNCIL MEMBERS president John Larson vice president Elichia Enzler recording secretary Marilynn Anderson finance committee rep Tim Pelan Treasurer Sandie Mullikin Council Meetings are generally held on the Second Monday of each month. The next meeting is: July 11th at 7:00pm. Blessing of the Animals Worship Service & BBQ
page 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 Thursday (September 1, 2016): Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Jeremiah 15:10-21; Philippians 2:25-30 Friday (September 2, 2016): Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Jeremiah 16:14-17:4; Colossians 4:7-17 Saturday (September 3, 2016): Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Jeremiah 17:14-27; Matthew 10:34-42 Sunday, (September 4, 2016): Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 1, Luke 14:25-33 Monday (September 5, 2016): Psalm 2; Jeremiah 18:12-23; 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Tuesday (September 6, 2016): Psalm 2; Jeremiah 19:1-15; 1 Timothy 4:6-16 Wednesday (September 7, 2016): Psalm 2; Jeremiah 20:1-18; Luke 18:18-30 Thursday (September 8, 2016): Psalm 14; Jeremiah 13:20-27; 1 Timothy 1:1-11 Friday (September 9, 2016): Psalm 14; Jeremiah 4:1-10; 2 Peter 2:1-10a Saturday (September 10, 2016): Psalm 14; Jeremiah 4:13-21, 29-31; John 10:11-21 Sunday, September 11, 2016: GOD S WORK, OUR HANDS SUNDAY Monday (September 12, 2016): Psalm 94; Jeremiah 5:1-17; 1 Timothy 1:18-20 Tuesday (September 13, 2016): Psalm 94; Jeremiah 5:18-31; 2 Peter 3:8-13 Wednesday (September 14, 2016): Numbers 21:4b-9, Psalm 98, 1 Corinthians 1:18-24, John 3:13-17 Thursday (September 15, 2016): Psalm 79:1-9; Jeremiah 12:14-13:11; Romans 3:1-8 Friday (September 16, 2016): Psalm 79:1-9; Jeremiah 8:1-13; Romans 8:31-39 Saturday (September 17, 2016): Psalm 79:1-9; Jeremiah 8:14-17; 9:2-11; Mark 12:41-44 Proper 20 Sunday, ( September 18, 2016): Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113, Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 Monday (September 19, 2016): Psalm 106:40-48; Jeremiah 9:12-26; Acts 4:1-12 OR Psalm 12; Proverbs 14:12-31; Acts 4:1-12 Tuesday (September 20, 2016): Psalm 106:40-48; Jeremiah 10:1-16; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ORPsalm 12; Proverbs 17:1-5; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Wednesday (September 21, 2016): Psalm 106:40-48; Jeremiah 10:17-25; Luke 20:45-21:4 OR Psalm 12; Proverbs 21:10-16; Luke 20:45-21:4 Thursday (September 22, 2016): Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; Jeremiah 23:9-22; 2 Corinthians 8:8-15 Friday (September 23, 2016): Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; Jeremiah 23:23-32; Ephesians 2:1-10 Saturday (September 24, 2016): Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; Jeremiah 24:1-10; Luke 9:43b-48 Proper 21 Sunday, (September 25, 2016): Amos 6:1, 4-7, Psalm 146, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 Monday (September 26, 2016): Psalm 119:49-56; Jeremiah 32:16-35; Revelation 3:14-22 OR Psalm 62; Amos 6:8-14; Revelation 3:14-22 Tuesday (September 27, 2016): Psalm 119:49-56; Jeremiah 32:36-44; James 5:1-6 OR Psalm 62; Hosea 10:9-15; James 5:1-6 Wednesday (September 28, 2016): Psalm 119:49-56; Jeremiah 33:1-13; Matthew 19:16-22 Thursday (September 29, 2016): Lamentations 3:19-26; Jeremiah 52:1-11; Revelation 2:8-11 Friday (September 30, 2016): Lamentations 3:19-26; Jeremiah 52:12-30; Revelation 2:12-29
page 5 Dear Saron Lutheran Church, In looking back to Pastor David Monsen s brief yet rejuvenating months as our interim pastor last year, I am reminded of one particular sermon when he revealed why he chose to read his well-crafted and thought-provoking Sunday sermons. Pastor Monsen explained that early on in his career as a Lutheran pastor, a senior mentor emphasized that when you have something really important to say, put it in writing. In following this sage advice, I would like to share with you news that I have chosen to put down on paper because of its importance to the future growth and vibrancy of this congregation. It is my great pleasure to announce a truly significant effort that your church council and Pastor Michelle have been developing over the past months. At our August council meeting, your council voted overwhelmingly and enthusiastically to proceed with what we are calling the Rose Project. To summarize, we are actively and mutually seeking to partner with Hoquiam s First Presbyterian Church in a shared mission experiment whose impact is twofold. First, we are inviting the Presbyterians to join us here at Saron to worship together, participate in church programs and share in fellowship. Second, the Presbyterian congregation and their pastor, Jeani Shofner, are inviting us to join them in developing a multi-purpose community center we are calling the Rose Center in the historic manse on K Street that has for the past decade served as their sanctuary. Your council has carefully and thoughtfully discussed what the Rose Project means for Saron Lutheran and how it will shape our future. We have prayed about taking this major step and believe that the Rose Project and its centerpiece Rose Center is precisely what God has been calling us to do as we seek to better define what Saron s formal renewal means. When our church voted to enter into a Covenant of Renewal in 2014, none of us knew where the journey would lead. However, one renewal goal has always been clear: for Saron to remain relevant and thrive well into the future, we need to dynamically involve ourselves in new ways in this community. Since Pastor Michelle joined us late last year, she has proven to be a vibrant voice for Saron in Grays Harbor and has actively engaged people well beyond the walls of this church. Through her activism in addressing the local homeless problem, Pastor Michelle met and befriended Pastor Jeani Shofner. The two discovered that our respective congregations shared much in common and could potentially grow stronger together. In conceiving the Rose Project, Pastors Michelle and Jeani consulted extensively with respective leaders at the Southwest Washington Synod and Olympia Presbytery who all have enthusiastically endorsed and encouraged this partnership.
page 6 At our August meeting, we were joined by Pastor Melanie Wallschlaeger who provided examples of similar, successful cross-denomination partnerships. To fully explain this proposal, we have prepared two documents for you to read and digest regarding the Rose Project. The first is a proposal that covers what this shared mission experiment entails, covering details related to staffing, facilities, financials, programs and worship. The second is a question and answer sheet which we hope anticipates what you may wish to ask about the Rose Project. Your council members and Pastor Michelle are happy to discuss the details of this new venture and we welcome your input. John Larson, Council President September 11, 2016 God s Work Our Hands We will be helping the community by cleaning up after the Logger s Day Parade. We are hoping to reach 50-100 workers. There is a sign up sheet downstairs. It is from 9:00 11:00 AM. We, also, have a sign up sheet for people to volunteer to donate doughnuts and coffee, and to keep the coffee going during this time. There is a separate sign up sheet down stairs, on the board, as well. Thank you for volunteering.your reward is in Heaven.
page 7 Letter from Synod Dear Friends in Christ, Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, just as fair Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. (Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken) Summer is a great time for traveling and is also the time when we go exploring down the roads less traveled. When we are on a vacation trip, we probably have our main route all planned out and we intend to stick to it. But then there is that moment when we come upon a sign that says, Scenic route, or we get an unexpected invitation to visit a friend, or we re just walking down the street and something catches our eye. All of a sudden we have a choice. Do we stay with what s planned or do we step off into a new adventure where we ve never been before. Some of our best summer stories come from taking the road less traveled! When we read the book of Acts, a lot of the stories about Peter and Paul tell about them taking the road less traveled. They are traveling along and all of a sudden have a choice to make about where to go. Go to Athens or go to Ephesus? Stay in Philippi or head to Macedonia? The writer of Acts tells us that the choice they make does not depend only on their rational, analytical thinking. Rather, they regularly take a path because the wind of the Holy Spirit blows them in that direction. They think with their heads about what to do, but they also listen to their hearts to see where the Spirit is tugging them. Often it s a sudden, instinctive decision. Continued next page 2 The Road Less Traveled, continued from page 1 That gives me an idea for something we could have fun with and learn from this summer. As we are traveling around, we can notice the moments when something catches our eye. We can notice the places where we are drawn to take a new path, to try something new or take a road less traveled. Then, when it seems right, we can let ourselves do it. Take the Scenic route; stop for an ice cream cone; buy the train ticket and go! Then, as we enjoy this summertime travel and exploration, we can also ask ourselves, Where is God trying to catch my eye? What new path might the Spirit be prodding me to take? Is it possible that my life journey is going to present a road less traveled that will bring much deepening and growth? Enjoy the rest, relaxation, and adventure that this summer offers. Yours in Christ, Bishop Rick Jaech
page 8 pray renew restore transform Announcement An incident occurred last month at the church with a person approaching Pastor Michelle and saying threatening things specifically targeting some church members (you have been contacted if you were one of them). This person has had access to keys in the past, therefore the church council decided during an emergency meeting to rekey the entire building and parish house. The people who have keys are the following: the staff, property/ maintenance people, leaders of weekly/monthly church programs (i.e. Union Gospel and the Quilters), the council president, and outside groups that have signed a space use agreement. How to get into the church: We ask that you come in during office hours. Currently the hours are Monday 12-3PM, Wednesday 8AM-2PM, and Thursday 9:30AM-11AM. The church will also be open Sundays 9AM-12PM. We hope we might be able to expand these hours in the Fall. Call ahead of time and schedule with a staff member to meet you to let you into the church. Church Key Short Term Loan: Council has decided we will have two keys that can be checked out from the office for church members to use for special events (i.e. occasional services, group meetings, church events/fundraisers etc). The staff will follow up that they key is returned by agreed due date. We ask if you check out a key you do not make duplicates. Sorry for any inconvenience, but first and foremost we must keep our staff and church members safe. Peace, Church Council The quilters are back!!! They are busy sewing on Wednesdays and Thursdays mornings. Please talk to Leona Anderson if you are interested in joining them. What an awesome ministry these ladies and gentlemen are doing. They are blessing so many.
page 9 44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Matthew 13:34 AUGUST Birthdays Elichia Enzler 3 Robb McAllister 13 Marie Ask 17 Iver Matheson 17 Brianna Parmley 18 Ken Matheson 20 Tim Pelan Sr. 22 Justin Gaddis 23 Jane Bacon 25 Carole Sandstrom 26 Dale Larson 28 Madison Smith 28 Church Finances date offering income attendance 7/3 $2041.00 55 7/10 $1340.00 54 7/13 $700.00 N/A 7/17 $958.00 52 7/24 $1650.00 61 June Total Income: $8,429.63 June Total Expenses: $7,983.12 This results in a $446.51 balance $6,689.00 offering Saron s birthday list may be showing signs of age. Help us update our dates by telling us your birthday. Carillon Changes If you have anything to add to the Carillon or any questions please do not hesitate to call April at the church office at (360)532-4611 or email us at: Saronluchurch@qwestoffice.net. Martha Circle Martha Circle Ladies: Our first meeting since summer will be Thursday, September 1st at 1PM with Haldis Totland as hostess! We will be planning our coming year events. Hope to see all of you ladies there! Put it on your calendar. Anyone is welcome to join our friendly group. Ona Karnath, President
page 10 Youth Group Page Hi Everyone! I am so excited about this upcoming year! We have a lot of things going on. Please look at the schedule below for the upcoming youth events and mark them on their calendar. Young adults can come to these events also as mentors/helpers for the youth group. If you want to be a mentor please let me know and we will schedule a mentor/helpers training this fall. The most exciting news I have is we are going on a mission trip through the ELCA group Connections located in Southern California! At the September 18th meeting Pastor Michelle will present on the options for the mission trip this summer and the kids get to decide some of the activities we will do on the trip. In addition, parents we will have the optional dates and will pick at that meeting the week we will be going. Also there will be a plan for fundraising handed out. The trip will be open to middle schoolers and high schoolers and young adults to come as mentors. We will NEED adult chaperones too. So if you want to be a chaperone and don t have a youth come to the September 18th meeting too. Invite your friends to come to youth group too! ~Pastor Michelle Youth Group 2016-2017 Sunday, September 18 11:30AM-1:30PM- Fall Youth Group Meeting. Parents/Guardians please attend because we will choose the dates and topics of our mission trip next summer. Lunch will be provided. Bring your calendars. Please RSVP to Pastor Michelle via email. Saturday, October 22- Youth Group Bowling or Paintball Event. We will decide on the 18th which activity we will do. Sunday, November 6- Youth Group Lunch and Fun starting at 11:30 AM. Sunday, December 4: Holiday Party Cookie Sale Fundraiser for Mission Trip. December 18th @ church starting at 4PM. Youth Group Christmas Party and Movie Night or possibly go to Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo. Kids get to choose on September 18th which activity it will be. Sunday, January 15th- Youth Group Lunch and Fun starting @ 11:30 AM. Ski Trip to Snoqualmie: Possible Dates: President s Day Weekend Feb. 17-20, January 27-29, February 3-5, February 10-12. Doreen Parker is helping Pastor Michelle get these dates solidified with Trollhaugen. We will have this date at the September 18th meeting.
page 11 Serving Our Community Page Please know that the new Saron Lutheran page on Facebook is up and running. Please take a moment to like the page. The other Saron Lutheran page has been removed and you will no longer be able to access it. This is the link to the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/saron-lutheran-church Adult Education/Discussion Sunday Mornings 9-9:45 AM Church Topics Sept 18- Bonhoeffer: Cheap Grace vs. Costly Grace Sept 25- Bonhoeffer: Ethics- 2 Kingdoms Oct 2- Bonhoeffer: Creation Bible Study Part I October 9- Bonhoeffer: Creation Bible Study Part 2 PM gone for Women s Retreat Oct 16- Bonhoeffer: Creation Bible Study Part 3 Women's Retreat Grace Filled Living: Showing God's Love to Others and Ourselves October 7th-October 9th, 2016 All Are Welcome to Come! Cost: $130 (includes all meals- except one we are hosting, accommodations, program materials etc.) The Women's Bible Party Group is joining up with Bethany Lutheran Church to host a women's retreat at The Bend on Hood Canal. Pastor Michelle will be leading the program for all of us. People can start arriving at 5 PM Friday (if you work or need to come later it is completely fine), and we will end Sunday morning around 10 AM. Sign up with Pastor Michelle and write your check out to Saron Lutheran Church and put in the memo line "Women's Retreat." Once you sign up Pastor Michelle will give you the "what to bring" list and note that Saron Lutheran's group is hosting/making dinner on Saturday night. Please sign up by September 18th.
page 12 Serving at Saron September 4 Lector Cathy Kallio Prayers Pat Morgan Altar guild Communion Ushers Greeter Flowers Coffee hour Karla Johnson & Cathy Kallio September 25 Lector Cathy Kallio Prayers Pat Morgan Altar guild Communion Ushers Greeter Flowers Mark & Karla Johnson Coffee hour September 11 Lector Prayers Cathy Kallio Altar guild JoAnn Ray Communion Ushers James Ray Greeter Flowers Coffee hour Linda Borth September 18 Lector Ken Matheson Prayers Altar guild Communion Ushers Greeter Flowers Coffee hour
page 13 September Calendar Sunday Please see PAGE 4 of for DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8:00 am Quilting Martha Circle 1:00 pm Coin Club 5:30 6:30 pm 1 Saturday 2 3 10:00am Worship Baptism of Dakota Lord 4 AA 7:00- - 8:30 pm 5 4:00pm - 6:30pm 6 8:00am Quilting 10:00am Coffee 4:00pm - 7:00pm 7 8 8:00 am Quilting 4:00pm - 6:30pm Homemakers 6:00 9 10 Choir Practice 6:00 pm at AG 11 10:00am Worship God s Work Our Hands Service AA 7:00-8:30 pm 12 4:00pm - 6:30pm Mission Dinner Homemakers 4:00 pm 13 8:00am Quilting 10:00am Coffee 4:00pm - 7:00pm 14 Hand bells Practice 5:00 pm at AG 8:00 am Quilting 4:00pm - 6:30pm 15 16 17 Coin Club 6:00 9:00 pm 18 9:00am Adult Ed 10:00am Worship Youth Group 11:30-1:30 19 4:00 pm 6:00pm 20 8:00am Quilting 10:00am Coffee 4:00 7:00pm 21 8:00 am Quilting 4:00pm - 6:30pm 22 23 24 25 9:00am Adult Ed 10:00 am Worship Forum on Rose Project 11:15am- 12:30pm 26 27 28 8:00am Quilting 10:00am Coffee 4:00 7:00pm 29 PM @ Lutheran Conference @ PLU 8:00 am Quilting 4:00pm - 6:30pm 30