LAKE CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) L AN OPEN & AFFIRMING CONGREGATION V i s i o n Called by God, we open our arms to welcome all God's children. Led by Jesus, we work to bring justice and renewal to our community and the world. Inspired by the Spirit, we sing for joy! a monthly newsletter july/august 2015 page 2!!!!! from the pastor page 3 honors for dedication and service a special thank you page 4 communication through committee chairs roles of the elders page 5 garden news bbq help needed giving opportunities page 6 calendar of events Godspell & the Amazing Technicolor Superstar Act Coming this September Neighborhood BBQ LCCC Community Concert, Coming this September Date TBA Rehearsals for our annual Lake City Christian Church Community Concert will resume soon. Look for the new September date to be announced for Godspell and the Amazing Technicolor Superstar Act. This fun production will be performed by members of our very own LCCC choir. It's an event you won't want to miss! BBQ with Our Neighbors Monday, August 10 6pm 8 pm We're looking forward to another great year of food and fun as we host the neighborhood in our 4th Annual Neighborhood BBQ on August 10th. Our favorite Cajun band, Folichons, will be entertaining us again this year. Join in the fun hosting our neighbors and enjoying the community fellowship. (see page 5)
LAKE CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) Congregational News From the Pastor A number of years ago the daily devotional book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, was all the rage. Some of you probably read it. It s premise was that if you read one chapter a day at the end of forty days you would have a much clearer sense of your purpose as a Christian. It was scripturally based, easy to read, and put forth some good challenges to how devoted a disciple we really were. It generated lots of conversations and made us re-think a few things. In the outer ring he wrote WHAT. A few years later during a discussion at seminary, the professor helped us to see that something vital was missing from the book's premise. He explained that in order to properly understand our purpose we have to first understand our identity. He then drew 3 concentric circles on the whiteboard. He said churches know what they do. In the next circle in he wrote HOW. He said churches are usually fairly good at knowing how to get things done, although there are just as many that struggle with that. Then he sat down and invited us to discuss what we thought needed to be in the center. What we finally arrived at, with some guidance from the professor, was WHY. Why do we do what we do? The only way to answer that question means that we must understand who we are, what is our identity? We were then given some scripture passages and told to study them and look for Identity, Purpose, and Vision. This exercise proved useful in opening up the scriptures to us in a new way. Identity is what drives Purpose. And Identity and Purpose is what drives Vision. So...why do we do what we do at LCCC? Because God loves the world and wants it to be whole. We are a Movement for Wholeness in a fragmented world. When we love God back by loving others, we become part of a movement for wholeness and we participate with God in remaking a world of justice and peace. How do we love others? By acting in ways that reflect God s love for humanity and creation. When we show compassion and caring, not judgment and criticism. When we value a person simply because they are loved by God, not because they have something to offer us. There are countless ways to show compassion and love. There are countless ways to show indifference and hate. The more we understand our identity the clearer the difference between the two. Thanks be to God, Pastor Sacia 2
LAKE CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH Congregational News Special Honors for Dedication & Service On June 28th we celebrated and recognized three folks in our congregation for their dedication and service to the church and the community. Elder Emeritus - Verginia Aylesworth After many, many years of steadfast service to the congregation and the Region, Verginia recognized it was time to retire from her many labors and responsibilities. Since she will no longer be an Elder, the other Elders and the Board wanted to have a public recognition of all the invaluable guidance, knowledge and time she has offered the church, and so, she was conferred with the honor of Elder Emeritus. With this honor we are acknowledging all that Verginia has done for LCCC and the many, many people who have passed through its doors. This honor goes only to those who have consistently gone above and beyond the requirements of the position, and that clearly describes her contributions. And while we know she will continue to work for the good of this church and this neighborhood as she always has, as elder emeritus she will no longer have to serve in an official elder capacity. We thank you for your good work and pray that you will enjoy your retirement. Order of the Towel Sue Glaspie and Malinda Lewis A few years ago we started the Order of the Towel as a way to recognize and thank people in the congregation for their initiative and service in ministry to the church and/or the community. Sue and Malinda stand out as women of caring and selfless giving in a variety of ways. Sue is the force behind our annual Spring rummage sale and the Autumn Christmas bazaar. Coordinating these events takes time to organize, plan, and carry out. Through Sue s ministry, these events raise money for the church so it can be invested in other ministries. She also coordinates the Women s Round Table (more affectionately known as Sue s Sweatshop), is a contributor to the Book Club, and volunteers at the Northshore Senior Center. Special Honors continued Malinda is a walking bundle of love as she tirelessly and persistently gives of herself in a variety of ways. She is a long-time supporter of all efforts to aid the homeless and less fortunate among us, including Mary s Place and the monthly Homeless Dinner at George s Place. She regularly gets us to collect things for North Helpline (razors, diapers, food, toothpaste, diapers and laundry supplies). She is also the one who coordinates giving to a charity each Christmas. Thank you Malinda, Sue, and Verginia. You three women are truly an inspiration for all of us to serve God in whatever ways we can. Book Group Sacia will be out of town July 25-August 8 attending to family with health needs. She will be checking email and available by phone. In case of pastoral emergency while she is away, please contact the church office. You may also call your Shepherding Elder. A Note of Thanks Dear Ones All, What a wonderful honor you bestowed on me Sunday, June 28! The honor of being named Elder Emeritus is so great I don t even know how to say thank you. I remember years ago when others had that great honor given to them, so know how they must have felt. I do want you all to know how much I appreciate that honor. Age and health issues forces one to slow down and I am doing that. However, I also want to let you know that I will continue to be helpful in ways that I can. Although I don t feel I can make many long term commitments. I do love this church and the congregation, and will do what I can to continue to be supportive and helpful. Again, thank you all. The summer months have arrived. Much like many in our congregation, our book group is taking a vacation. Our meetings will resume this fall on September 27. Our September book is The Road to Character by David Brooks. All are welcome! Verginia 3
LAKE CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) Congregational News Communication through Committee Chairs Many of you may remember this famous statement by Richard Nixon,"I know that you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Anyone who has ever been to a meeting knows that by the time it s over there will be multiple interpretations of what people think they heard. Communicating is always tricky, whether there are only two people involved, or many. Communicating is especially hard in churches because no one is ever together on a daily basis. In an effort to improve communications, make sure that needed ministries are being tended to, and to give everyone an opportunity to use their skills and abilities in service to God, the Elders and Pastor Sacia are working to make detailed lists of the different ministries LCCC does and ensure that someone has responsibility for it. This is part of an overall plan to help everyone realize that they have a gift to offer in service to God. As part of this approach we are encouraging anyone who has a question, suggestion, idea, or concern to be in touch with the proper people so that you are heard. Here are the chairs of the standing committees. Fellowship and Nurture Carolyn Poe Outreach Malinda Lewis Worship & Music Richard Record Property Leslie Moe Office Jeannie Anything else/not sure Pr Sacia These folks should be able to help you or they will be your voice if it needs to be addressed at the Cabinet meeting. The Roles of the Elders The elders just had their first meeting of the new church year, and I thought this might be a good opportunity to reflect briefly on what we do. Our bylaws say that the elders promote the growth and welfare of the church and give spiritual oversight to the members. That plays out in three ways. First, the elders assist in leading worship. It is noteworthy that in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), elders offer the prayer consecrating the elements of communion (this is more commonly the exclusive role of the minister or priest). Our tradition comes from the early, frontier days of our denomination, before we had paid, settled pastors. Between visits by traveling preachers, the elders had the responsibility of leading worship. And to this day, we honor the concept of the priesthood of all believers by having elders preside at the communion table. Second, elders provide pastoral care. This includes visiting members who are hospitalized or homebound as well as having a group of people in the congregation to keep in touch with. This aspect of our responsibility has become more important now that our pastor position is only part-time. The third role of the elders is to provide oversight for the congregation. This includes both spiritual and interpersonal aspects of the church s life. The elders meet monthly with the pastor to discuss issues of all kinds. We try to find possible solutions, always remembering that God is in charge, and always holding our people up in prayer. So if you have a concern, about anything, you can always relay it to an elder. Sometimes we ll be able to direct you to a person, such as a committee chair, who is the right person to address your concern. Other times we will carry your concern to the elders meeting. But always, we re available to list and to support you. Your elders for 2015-16 are myself, Jimmie Talley, Pam Klopfer, Ingrid Lewison, Richard Record, Leslie Moe, Brett Taylor, and Cat Sullivan. Jennifer Prekeges 4
LAKE CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF Congregational News!! Garden News This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. And there is a lot to rejoice in! Last month s work party succeeded in placing wood chips in the front garden beds of the north side of the church and weeding out the east and north side garden beds and in the process opening up 2 parking spaces! We are having this month s work party on Saturday July 25th, and in August the 29th, both the last Saturday of the month. The time is set from 10-noon but I arrive early, 9:00 am-ish, especially if it will be a hot day. The goals for this work party will be trimming/pruning the rhododendrons as they are attacking the cars as they park on the south side. Trimming back the plants on the north side, which are enjoying too much freedom. Please come help, even if for an hour or half hour as it makes it more fun and the weeding, bush trimming, goes so much faster. Many hands make for light work. Sad news: We had a break-in, in our tool shed. Someone ripped off the wood holding the lock and stole the weed trimmer, battery, charger and all of the line and replacement spools. Very sad. Pray for their needs and their soul that drove them to this. Also, the lovely solar bird fountain in the meditation garden that Cathy and Gary McKee had donated has been vandalized, the heads of Jack and Jill have been removed, and one is missing. Again, pray for those responsible that they take responsibility and grow to see their part in community. Blessings on you and yours and may this summer find growth in your spirits and walks with the Lord. Leslie Moe Neighborhood BBQ August 10 We'll be welcoming our neighbors to join us for our Neighborhood BBQ on Monday, August 10 from 6-8 pm, but we'll need help prior to and after the BBQ. Below is a list of needs: Distributing door hangers to our neighbors after church on Sunday, August 2 Putting up flyers in public areas such as your favorite grocery store, coffee shop, etc Preparing salads, desserts & veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, etc.) for the BBQ Setting up before the BBQ beginning at 5 Cleaning up afterward Please look for the sign up sheet and indicate if you can bring a salad, veggies or dessert for 8-10 people and the type of salad, veggie or dessert you can bring. CHRIST) Women's Roundtable Lunch On Tuesday, August 11, the Women's Roundtable Group will meet from 11-1pm. These meetings are always full of fun and conversation. Bring your lunch and ideas for projects for the upcoming year, and come join the fun! Giving Opportunities!!! North Helpline Ministry Opportunity North Helpline is a vibrant and vital program that has been serving the needs of the less fortunate in North Seattle since 1989 and serves over 1,600 people each week. To help offset the cost of groceries they have a Grocery Rescue Program in which they pick up groceries from grocery stores that would otherwise be thrown away. The food is then brought back to the Food Bank for distribution. This is done every morning, 7 days a week. They need our help and are asking us to join their Grocery Rescue Program. We would adopt one of their grocery stores, and ONE day each week volunteers from LCCC would go to that store, pick up the groceries, and deliver them to North Helpline s Food Bank. It only requires about one hour a week yet the impact it has on the lives of those who are served is huge. 1st Sunday Community Meal The first Sunday of every month, a meal is offered to the homeless citizens of Lake City. If you would like to help serve or prepare food, please speak to Malinda or look for the sign up for August 2nd on the bulletin board. Volunteers arrive at 5 pm, and the meal is served at 5:30. Father's Day Outreach Thank you so very much for the outpouring of donations of laundry soap, dryer sheets and toiletries for God s Little Acre! They were so grateful to receive the armload after armload of donations. Calling for LCCC Reading Tutors On Sunday, August 2, we will have a representative from AmeriCorps visit our congregation to provide information about the tutoring program with Olympic Hills. Please plan to come if you are interested in volunteering for this program! 5
LAKE CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) LCCC Calendar of Events!!! Coming this September 7/25 10-12 Outdoor Work Party 7/25-8/8 Sacia Out of Town 7/26 10:30 Prayer, 11 Worship 7/28 10:30 am PATHS 8/2 10:30 Prayer, 11 Worship 1st Sunday Birthdays Distributing Door Hangers after Coffee Hour 2 pm Memorial for Gene Klopfer at Fairway Estates Community Hall, 1427 100th Street SW, Everett, WA 98204 1st Sunday Community Meal 8/9 10:30 Prayer, 11 Worship 8/10 6-8 pm Neighborhood BBQ. Folichon will again be our band providing lively Cajun music. Sign up to bring a salad or dessert & come at 5 to help set up. Jeannie off 8/11 10:30 am PATHS 11:00 am Roundtable 8/16 10:30 Prayer, 11 Worship Board Meeting after Worship 8/18 10:30 am PATHS 11:30 am Cabinet Meeting (tentative) 8/23 10:30 Prayer, 11 Worship 8/25 10:30 am PATHS 8/29 10-12 Outdoor Work Party 8/30 10:30 Prayer, 11 Worship LAKE CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) 1933 NE 125th St. Seattle, WA 98125 6