SALMON CREEK
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
12217 NE HWY 99
Vancouver, WA 98686-3621
(360) 573-3111
www.salmoncreekchurch.org
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
PAID
PERMIT #610
VANCOUVER, WA
Salmon Creek United
Methodist Church
CIRCIUT RIDER
Message from Our Pastor
Staff Changes
United Methodist Women
Dispatches from Youth Culture
Health Ministry Corner
Serving and Sharing Christ
Ministry Spotlight: SPR
The Arts: “Oh Little Christmas
Town”
Ministry News
Calendar
What’s Inside?
12217 NE HWY 99
Vancouver, WA 98686
360.573.3111
Check us out online for more pictures,
information about the ministries, and to
subscribe to our online version of the Circuit Rider
Salmoncreekchurch.org
Pastor
Church Secretary
Children's Ministry
Youth and Young Adults
Communications
communications@salmoncreekchurch
Join Us For Worship
Sundays at 8:30 and 10:00
Sunday School at 9:50
Nursery Care Provided
Something Look a Little
Different? The Council on Ministries voted at their December 2 meeting to refocus the Circuit Rider in 2015 on thematic areas of ministry, one each month, more like a journal or magazine instead of a newsletter. This volume starts off the year with special articles written about SPR and the historical perspective of staff in the Methodist church. We start the year thinking about Staff Parish Relations (SPR). Our chairperson Ann Stillman writes the lead article (pg.8). Pastor Joyce reflects on the biblical model of Providing for spiritual leaders, and then, we hear from the staff. This edition of the Circuit Rider has been a joy to put together, and we can only hope it will get better and better in the months to come!
Contact Us
January 2015 edition
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Winter Overflow Housing (W.H.O)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS....Salmon Creek Church will host/staff Winter Housing Over-
flow at St. Paul Lutheran Church from February 25th thru 28th. Each winter the Council for
the Homeless opens doors for the homeless at two church sites. St. Andrew for women,
children and families and St. Paul for men. Local churches take turns staffing at the host
churches in the early evening as people arrive, overnight as they sleep and in the morning
as they leave and clean. Participants who come to the sleeping shelters are pre-registered
for the evening thru the Council for the Homeless. Those staffing are teamed up with others
for the various shift times. Consider taking your turn....sign-ups will occur in late January,
early February.
Ministry News (cont.)
Salmon Creek Church, through the Missions Team, partners with a missionary of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church who is promoted in the Pacific Northwest Conference. In previous years, we have supported Dr. David and Lorene Persons of the Congo. They have recently retired. We are excited to introduce our new Missionary Covenant Relationship with Larry & Jane Kiews of Zim-babwe. We support them both in prayers and in dollars. Larry is assigned to Africa University as a technical advisor, assisting in the develop-ment of the university’s farm and working to train a new generation of agriculturalists from countries across the continent. Jane teach-es English to Africa University students coming from countries where it is not spo-ken. Larry says, “I am in mission with the African people as we manage a commercial-scale farm that demonstrates appropriate farming methods. Students, even those not studying agriculture, are exposed to sustain-able practices, as many work part-time on
the farm to help pay their school fees. In teaching, I hope to reinforce in students a Christian outlook toward farming and business, since many of them will be the African leaders of the future. By so doing, I hope Jesus’ command, implicit in Matthew 25, to feed the hungry.” Jane says, “Working with young people who come to Africa University with a pas-sion to learn English is a rewarding experi-ence. Fluency in English equips them to study for a degree that will enable them to carry out their particular ministries and use their gifts. I am thankful for the opportunity my stu-dents give me to learn about the diversity of cultures and peoples on the African continent. I also value the opportunities there are to study and discuss the Bible together, and help the students apply its teachings to their lives and experiences at Africa University.” Larry and Jane have 4 children: Ben, Andrew Pule, Carly and Michael.
Salmon Creek Missionary Covenant
Disciple Bible Study
Would you like to participate in a meaty, in-depth Bible study with like-minded disciples, but have difficulty committing to the 34-week length of a DISCIPLE Bible study class? The same people who developed the successful DISCIPLE Bible study program now offer a series of shorter term Bible studies based on the same effective model used in their longer term studies. We are offering a short term DISCIPLE Bible study on the Book of Romans beginning in January, 2015. If you are interested in joining this class, and want to know more about what's involved contact Mike Pervere at 574-8308.
Budget Items What we spend on staff (not daycare) 2014– 270,442 (59% of the budget) 2014– 277234 (projected 60%) of the budget
Message From Our Pastor A Biblical Perspective When we are baptized we take on the vocation of Christian. We are in training for life-long service to our Risen Savior. At Confirmation or when we join a congregation we pledge to turn from sin and follow Christ in the midst of our fellow believers. Why do we need a paid staff to serve with our congregation when we are all members of the Body of Christ? Why do we need clergy? Why do we invest in staff at a United Methodist Church? When we attempt to trace the various roles of form and function in service of God, we can go back to the twelve tribes of Israel to understand the priestly office. Remember those Levites, the sons of Aaron? (Exodus 40:15, Deut. 18:5) They were not assigned any terri-tory in the Promised Land. Rather they were imbedded into each tribe to perform the rites and rituals of sacred service: worship, purification, offerings and praise. These priests were to be a conduit of the blessings of the Lord. (Numbers 6:22-26). A portion of every tribe’s harvest and spoils were to be shared with the Levites. (Numbers 18, Leviticus 2:3, Ezekiel 44:30) When the temples were built in Jerusalem a Levitical priestly class developed around the temple worship. Recall the sacrifices that went to feed the priests and those in the welfare system around the temple. (Think widow’s mite.) Jesus shook up the priestly system. At his death the curtain was torn between the Holy of Holies and the temple. Jesus became our High Priest providing direct access to the mercy and blessings of God. Who would support these early disciples? Judas kept the money for
these traveling itinerates. Jesus instructed the seventy, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’” (Luke 10:2, 4-5). It was expected that God would provide for the preachers, evangelists and teachers from the folk who offered them hospitality. “Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move from house to house.” (Luke 10:7). We know of people like Lydia who shared from her wealth as a benefactress with the early apostles. (Acts 16:14) This brief article does not afford the space to trace the rise of priests, monks, teach-ers across a 1700 span of history. As United Methodists we celebrate those early circuit riders who were willing to move out across the vast terrains of what would become these United States. They worked with Sabbath School missionaries and colportiers who were beginning libraries and schools across this nation. Congregations enjoyed these itinerate preachers who covered many charges bringing the Word and the Sacraments. Our own Salmon Creek Church enjoyed these circuit riders at the very beginning in the 1850’s and 60’s. Today an elder appointed to a charge has a salary package that is approved each year at Charge Conference. The laborer is paid for his or her work. A church that is able to afford to have staff is truly blessed to work with members of the congregation to serve and share Christ. We celebrate the gift of staff in this issue of the “Circuit Rider.” (see pages 6-7)
Welcome: Janis Sykes- Bookkeeper
On December 15, Janis Sykes will join the staff as our part-time Bookkeeper. She will be keeping regular office hours in the office just off Sue Wiltsey’s office. Janis has had her own Bookkeeping business with long term clients and a record of competent ser-vice. We are grateful to have her join the team. Janis is a church member.
Farewell: Phyllis Lightner: Bookkeeper/
Treasurer Phyllis began her tenure as Bookkeeper and Temporary Treasurer during the early part of 2013. This year she became our Bookkeep-er and elected Treasurer. Phyllis secured a full time position in her field early in 2014 and began to do our books during the early and late hours of the day. The Bookkeeper serves the congregation 10 hours a week and the Dayschool 10 hours a week. Phyllis, with her Masters Degree in Accounting, has
brought us many new policies and procedures which have streamlined the processes. For example, we now have direct deposit for payroll and many of our bills are paid online. Quickbooks Pro is our accounting software. Monthly reports are generated for the Finance Committee. This Committee voted to change our bookkeeping to a cash based accounting system. Phyllis had to restate all of the books for 2014. Phyllis Lightner will complete her service to us on December 31. We are so grateful for the tremendous gifts she has shared with us. Thank you! Farewell: Pat Prichard- Director of Music Pat Prichard has served this congregation for the past nineteen years. He is the master of puns and as a Postal Worker we know that he is always out “spreading cheer.” We have so appreciated his ability to lead us to the throne of grace in music as he has led hymns, the Praise Team, and offered special music to us using his own
instrument, the voice, the Chancel Choir and the Bells and the Praise Team. He is a master at bringing people together and helping them support one another in the endeavor of making music. It is to be noted that Pat led the way with others to start the Annual W.H.O. concert each November. That has been a seventeen year endeavor. Pat has also coordinated the running of the soundboard, all video work for sermons and rendered them up on the website. He has prepared all of the Easy Worship displays for worship with the help of his visually gifted wife Ellen. She has freely shared her visual gifts with us. We are eternally grateful to this couple for their generous service. They will be missed! We will see them around in the future when they are not traveling. May the road rise to meet you! May the sun be always at your back! And may a Disney musical be playing on your dvd player!
Staff Changes
It’s time for our UMW to wish each of you a
Happy New Year. I found The Gold Star
Family Album these Golden Thoughts that
will help us make 2015 worthwhile and
enjoyable. Peter Marshall said, “We cannot
speak with any truth or realism about our
faith in the future unless we understand the past.” Will Rogers
emphasized, “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”
Already your UMW officers have programs scheduled for the 2015
year. “Let’s Change the World- UMW Helps” is the theme for the
January 20 Program at 1 o’clock in the St. Paul Room. Marge Pound
always presents the Treasurer’s report and will talk about January’s
pledge drive program. Elaine Gilbert will provide Dessert and Carolyn
Fox, the devotions.
Here’s my update about our November meeting. Elaine led devotions
with a reading from “Help, Thanks, Wow.” By Anne Lamott in the
church library on the UMW reading program. Jan Hayden’s program
on conditions in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake was unique. She
had UMW members read portions of interviews from a radio show in
January 2014. It then led to her presentation about Haiti Hope House
to which out UMW made $250 donation.
President Phyllis Browning asked Elaine to present Reading Pro-
gram award certificates for Level 1 (those who ready one book in
each of the five categories and Response magazine) to Kathleen
Zimmer, Clare Kennedy, Lucille Harwood, Phyllis Browning, and
Elaine Gilbert. Lucille’s certificate was level 2 for two books in each
category. Thanks to Elaine for selecting the books.
United Methodist Women
Thanks to Linda Garrison who is our UMW photographer. She plays
her flute now and then at SCUMC. Special thanks to Michele Turner
who put together our UMW mission basket for the auction and to
those who donated. Also thanks to Elaine for her many hours of work
on a beautiful quilted wall hanging that appealed to bidders in the live
auction. We extend special thanks to everyone who helped our UMW
have such a good 2014 year. President Phyllis was happy to present
Auctioneer Roger Brindle with a $500 check from UMW at the
auction.
As I continue to write for UMW, I am grateful for kind comments and
your encouragement. This is sort of how I feel about the soon-to-be
2015 year: “Lord, every day, I will take time to appreciate all you have
done for me, giving you glory and praise.”
What’s Next? Director of Music Search
SPR and the Worship Committee began working to move us to the
selection of a new Director of Music when Pat Prichard tendered his
resignation. Lauren Hubbell, the new Worship Chairperson was
asked to begin holding conversations across the congregation to
learn what is desired in a music program into the future. The new
Worship Committee that was elected at Charge Conference was
asked to look outside our congregation to see what other churches
are doing and to ask questions about our role in the larger communi-
ty. The responses are being gathered. An initial report has been
Staff Changes (cont.)
submitted to SPR. Please speak to any member of SPR, the Wor-
ship Committee especially Lauren Hubbell with your insights. Come
January 1 a new Job Description will be written and the position post-
ed far and wide. SPR has requested an increase in the salary and
the hours of the position to 20 hours per week. The audio visual
pieces will not be included in this new position. (They were not in the
past position either.) Those listening sessions have identified a de-
sire to begin a children’s choir program again. The hope is to have a
new Director on staff before Easter.
By Lucille Harwood
Kathleen Zimmer, Clare Kennedy, Lucille Harwood, Phyllis Browning, Elaine Gilbert
Ministry News
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow By SCUMC Missions With approximately $16,000 raised from the 2014 Annual Missions Basket and Dinner Auction, God’s blessings will be multiplying and flowing to many through local agencies that care for, educate, feed, clothe, and support those in need. We can’t be everywhere, but by supporting Friends of the Carpenter, Vancouver Seafarers, SHARE House, YWCA Safe Choice, and Open House Ministries we have the ability to extend our reach in the community in the name of Jesus Christ through them. Our hope is to again give additional monies to SHARE for their summer program, feeding children in need each and everyday. (last year our donation fed 144 children each and every day all summer long!) Thank you to ALL who came to the auction, who donated baskets, who purchased baskets, who donated above and beyond. And spe-cial thanks to those hands & feet of Christ who served the body of Christ to make this event happen: Roger Brindle, Amanda, Chris & Emily Pemberton, Lisa, Cyril & Caleb Stokman, Cindy Harrington, Larry & LaVeta Scherer, Leah Such, Jim, Colleen & Jaret Castleber-ry, Larry Siewert, Greg Ackley, Kathy Bachman, Michael & Tarisa Tognetti, Kathy Hardy, Adena, Mark & Char Manzer,
2014 Wrap-Up in Missions Not that Missions is ever ‘wrapped up’. The Salmon Creek Missions Team is busy throughout the year looking for ways to extend our church beyond the walls of Salmon Creek Church. Some of those are/were: Supports W.H.O. (Winter Hospitality Overflow) both in dollars and in adopting a week for staffing. Stepped forward as a Partner in Faith with other Methodist and Pres-byterian Churches to build a Habitat House for the Doug West family. Missions sponsored two Mini Muffins, raising $5,000. in both pro-ceeds and additional donations. Then, sponsored 2 weekends of ‘man/woman power’ in the building of that home. Developed an ongoing relationship with Gaiser Middle School, help-ing them with items needed for students in need. Coordinated the adoption of Christmas Families received from the Salvation Army. Coordinated and Planned the Annual Mission Dinner and Basket Auction held in November, raising monies to disburse to local mis-sion agencies: Friends of the Carpenter, YWCA Safe Choice, Open House Ministries, Share House and Ft. Vancouver Seafarers. Raised additional monies for YWCA Second Step Housing and SHARE House Summer Children’s program where we sponsored 144 children each day, all summer long! In addition we continue a covenant missional relationship – 2014 with Larry & Jane Kies. The congregation of Salmon Creek Church steps forward as disci-ples of Jesus Christ reaching out through the coordination of the Mission Team and in many additional ways. Missions is done within many Ministries of Salmon Creek Church.
The Youth have served at several missional events along with travel-ing on their annual Mission Trip – this year to South Dakota. Wom-en’s Ministries has given to KIVA, the Fistula foundation and made passing quilts for the hospital. Adults gather weekly at Salmon Creek Elementary for games with kids. A Tuesday group cooks lunch at Share House monthly. The Sunday School children have collected for No More Malaria and have gathered Christmas Boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Members of the District Emergency Response Team from Salmon Creek – Larry Siewert and Steve Enyeart - traveled to Alaska to help rebuild, United Methodist Women collects box tops and labels to send to the Red Bird Mission in Ken-tucky and thru it’s UMW sponsorship supports Haiti Hope House and collected & sent UMCOR packets. The Mother Bear group crochets bears sent to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations. group sends teddy bears. Individuals have given to UMCOR for emergencies. Our Praise Team helps raise funds by participating in a benefit concert for W.H.O. A new outreach ministry has been formed, FANN (Friends and Neighbor Network) We give to those in need through our food closet and Good Samaritan Fund. Numerous persons within the congregation volunteer time in the Salmon Creek Dayschool and at numerous agencies within the Vancouver area. Salmon Creek Church gives 100% to it’s United Methodist Church apportionments which includes a significant amount to mis-sions…..and there is always MORE…. Salmon Creek Church is a Mission Minded Congregation. There’s always room for more individuals on the Missions Team – if interested, contact Cindy Harrington, 2015 Missions Chair at [email protected].
Lynne & Sammy Nieda, Elaine Gilbert, Sue Wiltsey, Allison McGranahan, Aaron, Maddie & Hannah Hawn, Pastor Joyce Emery, John Harrell, Gavin Huckins, Jeff & Maggie Hildreth, Linda Sloan, Kathy Scott, Zach Scott, Becky Roberts, Joan Stuart, Berniece Win-ters, Neva Oishi, Debbie Troyer, Alice Love, Weston Beilsmith, Ken-ny Wilson, Kyle Wilson, Anna Yotsuuye, Ryan Standley, Jeni Smith, Anna Schweppe, Kaelyn White, Amy Rapp, Mariah Davis, Adriana Roncarati, Pam Beggs. TO GOD BE THE GLORY…GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!
By Ann Stillman, SPR Chariperson
Ministry Spotlight: SPR
I am so pleased for this opportunity to clarify the role of this commit-tee for you. Our work is clearly defined in the training manual from the Discipline, but our role is not always visible to you, so I will briefly describe the outline given to us in the Discipline. It begins by describing our committee as “members who are commit-ted to their own spiritual lives, who look to God for insight and guid-ance as they begin their role in the responsibilities with which the committee is entrusted.” (The Discipline guidelines) It goes on to say that the committee is entrusted with support of the pastor and staff, including their job descriptions, and their resulting evaluations; their continuing education and spiritual formation; also, to recommend staff positions to the church council; keep current the policies and procedures and sexual misconduct and safe church poli-cies for the congregation; consult on matters of staff support. These are the directives from the Discipline training manual. On a deeper level, the SPR chair is charged with working together with the pastor as we seek to respond to the movement of the Holy Spirit within the congregation. As opportunities arise for spiritual growth, these are supported by 1.)revitalization of existing programs, and 2.) forming new programs. SPR is charged with supporting those changes in the best way possible, upholding them with prayer and diligence.
As the committee plans for 2015, we are preparing for what lies ahead. We will be seeking to fill the position of Music Director. In order to take the time to possibly enrich the current musical programs, a committee has been formed to evaluate existing programs in the Methodist churches in the area. From that research, SPR will devel-op a revised job description which will be posted during January. It now appears that we will need to separate the music director’s job from the sound system operations. With that in mind, SPR is developing a job description for that new position. SPR has also separated the financial job into two separate functions: Bookkeeper, (a paid position,) and Treasurer, (a volunteer position,). Both of these positions have been filled, and their training and the transfer of responsibilities have already begun. As the year 2015 unfolds, SPR will be prayerfully engaged in responding to the developing needs of the congregation and staff within the guidelines we have been given. Please keep our pastor and the committee in your prayers as we all seek to do God’s will for this congregation.
The Arts
Children’s Christmas Play
The annual Christmas play was presented December 14th, 2014.
Many of our children participated in the play, and pulled off a
wonderfully entertaining and heartfelt presentation of “Oh little
Christmas Town.”
Set in a town hall meeting in Bethlehem, the townsfolk discuss their
little town and how to handle the large influx of tourists. Glad tidings
were brought by three Shepards, who report on finding the babe in a
manger, under the “really big star.”
The children’s characters shone brightly against the Christmas
backdrop of this holiday season. I hope in this bustling time of
holiday cheer, we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas,
as our children presented in their play.
To see
more
pictures
please
visit us
online.
Dispatches from Youth Culture
That Kid Reminds Me
of Someone
I had a mild culture-shock one Christmas
night as a teenager, staying up into the wee
hours of December 26th. WASH-FM, our
local soft-rock station in D.C., had been
playing an all-Christmas format for weeks
and weeks. That night, as the calendar
turned over to the day after, they were right
back playing their usual Phil Collins and
Shania Twain as though the preceding four
weeks of Advent had been merely a
peppermint-coated dream.
That’s how the radio business works, I sup-
pose: and I do like Phil Collins as much as
the next guy, so I’m not lamenting the choice
of music. But it seems to me that we’ve
gotten Christmas backward.
Our culture tends to equate Advent,
designed to be a season of looking-ahead,
with Christmas itself, such that December 25
is a single, climactic day to cap off and termi-
nate a season, rather than the kickstart it
actually is—the jumping-off point for a twelve
-day festival that we’ve almost completely
forgotten.
It might not be such a big deal, except that
there are implications here for the way the
church interacts with teenagers. Advent,
recall, is a time of looking forward to God
being born as a human baby, somehow
both fully God and fully diapered at the
same time (technically, “wrapped in bands
of cloth”, Luke 2:12 NRSV): and then for the
next twelve days from December 25th to
January 5th, the season of Christmastide
invites us to stop in awe and praise God
that it has actually happened—that God
was among us as an actual kid.
But if we move on too quickly, if we fail to
do like Mary who “treasured all these things
in her heart” (Luke 2:51 NRSV)—taking it all
in, pondering, enjoying it—we might fail to
make a crucial connection: that if God
“Don’t let anyone look down on you be-
cause you are young, but set an example
for the believers in speech, in life, in love,
in faith, and in purity.”
- 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
By John Harrell,
Ministry Associate
became a human teenager, the teens
around us are exactly like God just as they
are. Leave Christmas too fast, and we might
miss it—and we may not realize how holy,
how God-reflecting, how amazing these
under-18ers are just by virtue of being
themselves.
Instead, let’s make some deliberate effort
this Christmastide to celebrate for the entire
12 days, even if in small ways, praising the
Lord for affirming our kids by becoming one
of them. Once Epiphany comes, from
January 6th onward, we may then be able to
ride the wave of celebrating “the child” that
the magi visited (note that it’s not “the baby”
anymore in Matt. 2:11), and then the young-
person Jesus who “increased in wisdom and
in years, and in divine and human fa-
vor” (Luke 2:52 NRSV)—just like the junior
and senior-highs around us are already
doing.
These youth bear Jesus’ image through
simply being themselves, without even
trying. This January, let’s stop and be in
awe of how awesome that is—and how
powerfully our young people reflect the
image of the Living God just by being alive.
Health Ministry Corner
How many times have you promised yourself you would start to be
more active? How many times have you said “I want to exercise,
but…..” ? Well it’s time to throw away your excuses, get off your
“buts" and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
The time is now and the way is the Walk to Jerusalem. You can sign
up now, either online or on paper (available in the Narthex). Pick up
your Passport on Sunday January 11 and join the Health Ministry in
an epic virtual journey that will improve our physical and spiritual
health as well as our global and cultural awareness. Those unable to
participate due to a disability, or physical limitation, may accumulate
Can We Walk To Jerusalem miles by physical/occupational therapy sessions, armchair exer-
cises, or praying for those who are walking.
So dust off your sneakers, put batteries in your pedometer, load
your favorite praise music on your MP3 player and let’s get ready
to walk the 6852 miles from Salmon Creek to Jerusalem. We will
start on Sunday, January 11 and gather together in spirit in Jeru-
salem on Easter Sunday.
Visit us online at salmoncreekchurch.org to register and log
your miles!
Pastor – Head of Staff– Rev. Joyce Emery
A United Methodist pastor serves the charge (a congregation) on behalf of the Bishop (and Cabinet) with supervi-sion from the District Superintendent, peers and the local Staff Parish Relations Committee. I have served as a colleague with many United Methodist colleagues who had a mixed relationship with the PPR/SPR. The job in min-istry was always under review. Oftentimes SPR was the complaint committee. Pastors were always thinking about the next appointment and keeping the D.S. happy unless they were retiring. Some congregations were known to be an upwardly mobile track– others were dead ends. I have found the leadership of SPR, Squirrel Lovelady and Ann Stillman to be exceptional leaders with the very mind of Christ at the center of their focus on behalf of the spir-itual health of the Salmon Creek Congregation and the staff. I have appreciated the intense accountability provided
by SPR and the annual review of myself and each staff person. We reflect and write annual goals and action steps to support the vision and mission of the congregation. My job is to create a space, an environment, where people love to work and serve and share Christ empowering all of those called to use their spiritual gifts. We’ve rewritten all job descriptions in the last year and adopted a revised Employee Handbook. I am happy to have the buck stop at my desk. I sign off on vacation requests and paychecks. Our staff meets every Tuesday afternoon for pro-
gram strategy work, calendar coordination. We’ve had several full day retreats during my tenure and of course we know how to party!
Youth Ministry Associate– John Harrell
Empowering youth to serve Christ and share Christ is essentially a two-way street. When Jesus instructed us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19 NRSV), he obviously included people who happen to be between the ages of 11 and 18 (“all nations”). Teenage life can be extremely hard, what with the challenges of everyday life in school, drama with friends and relationships with family members, and the regular changes all of us go through in adolescence emotionally, socially, and physiologically. The Father’s word of deep love through the work of the Son, Jesus—love that is unconditional and tailor-made for every single teenager—can have an “actuating” influence in the otherwise often hopeless world that teens have to face every day, helping to impart a sense of hope, even joy, as they learn that their identity is in the heart of a God who loves them more than
words can say.
So in that sense, youth ministry is a means by which Salmon Creek shares Christ with those under 18.
But it also works the other way ‘round. The Bible says that “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:3 NRSV). In other words, whenever a teenager says “yes” to Jesus as their Lord, it means that the Holy Spirit is already speaking through them. And since the body of Christ needs all its parts (see 1 Cor. 12), we adults therefore need to listen to the Spirit’s words as translated by the kids who are being activated by the Spirit’s presence in their life. If we don’t, we won’t hear all that God has to say. In short: Scripture says teenage Chris-
tians have authority to speak God’s wisdom to us grown-ups—and we need to listen to what they say.
Yes, Salmon Creek’s youth ministries help to empower teens and pre-teens to serve Christ and share Him on mission trips and through acts of service. But those same kids also empower you and me to serve and share Christ better, simply by opening their mouths. God the Spirit will speak God’s love into our lives, whether the kids realize it or not, whenever they open their mouths and speak up as Christian believers. How
awesome is our God, how magnificent his ways, that he speaks through kids to share Christ with adults!
Secretary– Sue Wiltsey
As church secretary, I am privileged to know so many people in our congregation and get the opportunity to meet
and get acquainted with newcomers as they visit and make decisions to attend and/or join Salmon Creek United
Methodist Church. I am familiar with the church groups, committee’s and members, and am able to connect peo-
ple who have passions in particular areas to ministries where they are able to use their talents and gifts to serve
and share Christ. We have so many places for people to plug in for Bible Study, serving in the community and
serving in our church. Additionally, I have the opportunity to meet folks who come to our church and are in need.
Salmon Creek has a food closet where we can help with a meal or coffee and something to eat for persons who
are passing through. I refer to our pastor requests from our Good Sam fund. Both these endeavors are supported by the generosity of our
congregation. We are blessed, to be a blessing to others.
Serving and Sharing Christ at SCUMC
Director of Children’s Ministries– Adena Manzer
The job as Director of Children's Ministries is to ensure the care, safety, and Christian Education for our children ages infant to 5th grade. I am here to help others and supply individuals with what they need to share Christ and serve in Christ's name. Our children are taught to serve and share Christ message and love. We have several programs associated with Children's Ministries, this article would be way too long to list everything. Children's Min-istries also hosts invitational events like Eek, Easter Egg Hunt, and VBS. On any given day, I could be shopping for sprinkles, color sorting feathers, writing a report, cutting 625 strips of paper, looking into curriculum and lesson
plans and calling people to volunteer.
I am also the Designated Safety Advocate (formally Designated Safety Officer) for our congregation. I continually check records, run background checks, read training material, and address issues that arise. I also attend training and research ways to make our Safe Church Policy current and relevant. The DSA provides Safe Church training to the congregation at least once a year and to various groups or individuals as needed. The Safe Church Policy is currently being revised to bring us up to date, especially regarding technology. My
up-most concern is the safety of our church environment and it's members.
I love working with children and work to make their learning experiences meaningful and enjoyable. I especially get excited when others can use their gifts to serve children. We are so blessed with an amazingly talented and caring congregation. Our children are very lucky to have
Salmon Creek as their church home.
Day School Director– Gayle Horwitz
Greetings! One of the wonderful blessings we have as a ministry of Salmon Creek Church, is that members have the opportunity to Serve and Share in Christ by committing their time, talents, and gifts through our very
own Dayschool.
Currently several members contribute in ways that motivate, educate, inspire, and support the children and staff whether in direct partnership in the classrooms by reading or sharing special knowledge with the children, or behind the scenes by assisting in the kitchen. Some church members have served on the school board or helped on work crews, painting, gardening, doing woodwork, or helping in our fundraisers, our largest being the
annual rummage sale in June.
We are enormously appreciative of the kindness and generosity of our church community and many members are a great source of inspira-tion! The staff are filled with gratitude in that capacity of mutual interest and commitment, especially when they sense that very real connection
with the church membership. It is a mutually rewarding relationship that everyone, particularly the children, benefit from.
Caring for and teaching children is a sacred trust. Assisting our students, and their families, to form a positive relationship with the church, and in the service of Jesus Christ, while providing an appropriate early learning environment for school readiness, is our most ardent goal. Promot-
ing stewardship and providing valuable skills will help build a foundation for their success in their future education, career choices, and lives!
Please contact Betty Selby, Volunteer Coordinator or Gayle Horwitz, Dayschool Director if you would like to Serve and Share in Christ Salmon
Creek Christian Preschool and Daycare!
Communications Coordinator– Hannah Smith
Serving and Sharing Christ are the two main focuses of communication at Salmon Creek Church. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many of the ministries here in the past year, and it has been a wonderful experience for me to learn more about how this congregation shares the love and gospel of Jesus Christ. There is so much good
happening here at Salmon Creek Church, and I am happy to be a part of it.
Here at SCUMC we’ve developed both internal and external communications to help serve the members of this congregation, and the members of this community. I’ve enjoyed working with other staff members and ministry leaders to better the communication here at the church, and I look forward to implementing new plans in the new
year!
To learn more about our staff, please visit us at salmoncreekchurch.org
