Chris Davis Lead Pastor [email protected]summer 2013 In This Issue Note from Pastor Jake 2 Missions 3 On Fire! 4 St Luke’s School 4 Vacation Bible School 5 L-Teams 5 Finances 6 God Stories 7 Membership Updates 7 Staff 8 HakunamatatA I never liked “The Lion King.” It was a very popular Disney movie, but one of my least favorites. I was irritated every time Timon and Pumbaa started talking. But I will say, they shared a powerful and excellent point, hakuna matata. It’s a Swahili phrase that means, “There are no worries.” No worries? What about my job? What about my relationships? What about my desires? What about my failures? What about my stress? How does anyone go through life without worry or fear? After Jesus ascended to heaven forty days from His resurrection, the disciples knew Jesus had risen, knew He was alive, and knew He had plans for them. However, they still locked themselves in a room in fear. How is it the disciples themselves struggled to understand the truth of what Christ has done? As we read in the book of Acts, these disciples who were worried, hiding, and afraid were changed by the Spirit of God. For most of us, worries, doubts, and frustrations grab hold of our attitudes and our feelings. Worries and fear affect the way we think and the way we live. The truth is because of Christ, we have a reason for joy, a reason for peace, and a reason for hakuna matata. The same Spirit given to the disciples is given to us. Paul writes in, Philippians 4:4-8, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” The same Spirit given to the disciples is given to us. The Spirit speaks to us and reminds us God is in control. God is greater than our difficult circumstances, greater than those who would wrong us, and greater than the evil in the world. God’s Spirit gives us the joy and peace we long for. There’s something really nice about the summers in Washington – the sun shines! It gives me a reason to be excited about the day and be filled with joy and hope. May this summer shine the light of Christ’s love into your mind and heart, so that whatever the circumstances with your challenges, work, family, or relationships you know the peace the Spirit gives. No matter what, God is with us.
Hakuna matatAI never liked “The Lion King.” It was a very popular Disney movie, but one of my least favorites. I was irritated every time Timon and Pumbaa started talking. But I will say, they shared a powerful and excellent point, hakuna matata. It’s a Swahili phrase that means, “There are no worries.” No worries? What about my job? What about my relationships? What about my desires? What about my failures? What about my stress? How does anyone go through life without worry or fear?
After Jesus ascended to heaven forty days from His resurrection, the disciples knew Jesus had risen, knew He was alive, and knew He had plans for them. However, they still locked themselves in a room in fear. How is it the disciples themselves struggled to understand the truth of what Christ has done? As we read in the book of Acts, these disciples who were worried, hiding, and afraid were changed by the Spirit of God.
For most of us, worries, doubts, and frustrations grab hold of our attitudes and our feelings. Worries and fear affect the way we think and the way we live. The truth is because of Christ, we have a reason for joy, a reason for peace, and a reason for hakuna matata. The same Spirit given to the disciples is given to us. Paul writes in, Philippians 4:4-8, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again
I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
The same Spirit given to the disciples is given to us. The Spirit speaks to us and reminds us God is in control. God is greater than our difficult circumstances, greater than those who would wrong us, and greater than the evil in the world. God’s Spirit gives us the joy and peace we long for.
There’s something really nice about the summers in Washington – the sun shines! It gives me a reason to be excited about the day and be filled with joy and hope. May this summer shine the light of Christ’s love into your mind and heart, so that whatever the circumstances with your challenges, work, family, or relationships you know the peace the Spirit gives. No matter what, God is with us.
A NOTE FROM PASTOR JAKEOur current sermon series is called “What Dreams May Come.” Along with our Bible Study written by Chris and Jan, we will find out what will come of these dreams in the book of Daniel! But what about this summer—what dreams do we have for a summer of youth events?
Well, let me tell you! Summer is coming soon and this is by far the busiest time of the year for big youth events. These events are primarily mission trips. We see the tremendous value in these youth mission trips. It is a chance to “step out of the boat,” get out of our comfort zones (and couches), and serve others. It is a chance to grow in your walk with your Lord and use your gifts, talents, and time for others. In a way, we are like Abraham: blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2).
Our missions trips include: Gleaners in Canada (7th and 8th Graders, July 7-13), Hoonah, Alaska (High School, July 27-August 5), and the Bronx (Juniors, August 11-19).
If you are not going on one of these mission trips, there are still plenty of other opportunities.
Every summer we attend the Creation NW music festival. This event is a time to hear speakers, listen to popular music, and spend some close bonding time with other youth. Creation is later than normal this year—August 7-10. Tickets will be available at the office in the summer months. Ticket price will include camping, food, and admission. See details below.
Light it Up!, our Wednesday night youth group will continue through the summer. We will meet from 7:00-8:30pm for ALL Ignite ages. Some of the activities will be separated between Middle School and High School and some of the activities will be together. Special events off-campus will be made known through Facebook, on the youth board, and announced at Light it Up! Come on out and enjoy our youth group—who knows what Light it Up! will bring!?
While a normal schedule of Sunday Bible studies will come to a close for the summer, they will kick back up in the Fall with many opportunities for those entering High School. We will be seeking out new members for Charis (our HS girls group), Alieis (our HS guys group), and new Confirmation students (9th Graders)! Be on the look out for these opportunities and for all the exciting things this summer in our Ignite age group.
Only Because of Jesus,
Pastor Jake
Join Pastor Jake and our youth leaders at the Enumclaw Expo Center for Creation Northwest. Four jam-packed days of card games, camping, fellowship, and fantastic bands including: Tobymac, Skillet, Newsboys, Switchfoot, Family Force 5, Crowder, Lecrae and Audio Adrenaline.
For: 7-12 graders and their friends
Cost: $130 includes Creation ticket, camping, meals and transportation
Dates: August 7, 10 am - August 11, noon
Contact: Teri Johnson, 253.332.4403
Registration forms are available in the office or via email from [email protected].
All kids entering 7th - 12th grade are invited to join us on June 19 at Steel Lake Park. Hot dogs will provided. Please bring chips, drink, fruit or dessert to share.
MISSIONSSwaziland Report Back Update 25 more children from our ADP were sponsored over the Report Back Weekend! This brings our total to 171 children that St. Luke’s sponsors. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of our friends in Swaziland! (There are more children available for sponsorship through World Vision, contact the church office for more information.)
Save the Date for the Second Annual OKTOBERFEST coming October 19, 2013! This yearly fundraiser supports our ongoing partnership with Swaziland, our sponsored children, and future teams St. Luke’s will send. Mark it on your calendars now for a great night of food, fundraising and FUN! If you’re interested in being a table captain, please contact Kendra Breyer ([email protected]; 253.941.3000)
10 For The WorldWe are currently accepting agency applications for the 2013-2014 year. If you volunteer for an organization, we would love to consider financially supporting that organization. We also support missionaries from the congregation as well. Please contact Kendra Breyer ([email protected]) for more information and an application.
Summer Missions! Please keep the following teams in your prayers this summer: Camp Primetime Family Mission Trips (June 28-30; August 9-11; September 13-15), Gleaners Middle School Mission Team (July 7-July 14), Hoonah Adult/High School Mission Team (July 27-August 3), and the Bronx 11th Grade Mission Team (August 11-19). Keep an eye out for team fundraisers and please consider financially supporting these teams this summer. The Report Back for all the summer mission trips will be August 24/25 at all services.
10 For The World Corner- Operation Blessing by Nancy Johnson
Wow! Our church has been operating and supporting Operation Blessing for almost thirty years! So why do we do it? Of course we help people with physical needs like food, rent, energy, and gas. However, the most important thing we do at Operation Blessing is to show God’s love in the community and treat the people that come to us with dignity no matter what their circumstances. God gave me a special opportunity recently when He put me across from a young man who admitted he was an atheist, has had a very troubled life and needed our help with an energy bill. He admitted he felt guilty knowing he was an atheist accepting help from a church. I told him we did this ministry because of God’s love in our hearts, and I was able to share my faith with him. I told him he shouldn’t feel guilty because none of us know our circumstances in the future, and I could also be asking someone for help someday. I invited him to church and gave him the card with the times of our services. I also invited him to call and talk with Pastor Chris anytime, even if it was only to exchange beliefs. Before he left, I told him I wasn’t going to ask him if I could pray with him, which I usually do, but I told him I’m going to pray for you. He didn’t tell me not to pray. I know he is searching for something but doesn’t know what. So, I’m asking all of you to pray that the Holy Spirit will use something of all the people’s experiences with Operation Blessing to change their hearts. God knows their names.
**And THANK YOU for helping raise $25,000 from December-March for Operation Blessing to receive the second matching grant from Thrivent! Since December 2012 Operation Blessing has received $10,000 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, $25,000 from the congregation and they were also awarded a grant from the City of Federal Way for $1,125. These funds raised will go directly to helping serve those in need in our community!
FLAME - (grades 1 - 6)Kids For ChristAll 4th, 5th and 6th graders and their families are invited to our annual KFC picnic at Steel Lake Park on June 19 at 6:30pm. Also invited are 3rd graders and families. Watch KFC flyers for details.
Bible CampAll kids entering grades 4-7 are invited to sign up for Bible Camp, which will be July 26-28 at Lake Retreat Camp.
Registration forms are now available at the Welcome Center, the VBS table in the lobby, or the church office. Be sure to invite friends. Return completed forms to the office.
Bible Camp Parent’s MeetingA meeting for all Bible Camp parents will be held on Tuesday, July 23 at 7pm in the Worship Center. There will be opportunity to meet the camp counselors and leaders, ask questions, and find out what to bring to camp.
ON FIRE - FAMILY MINISTRYThis year has been a first as we delved into On Fire, our Family Ministry with Spark (ages 1- 5 years old), Flame (grades 1- 6), and Ignite (grades 7-12). Each age group has had a Special Event wrapped around a theme for that group. In addition, there have been other activities to draw families together – individual families and the family of Christ at St. Luke’s. Our News and Notes on the weekends will continue to have reminders of what’s available for your child(ren).
Red EnvelopesWatch for Red Envelopes going up later in the summer on the Family Ministry wall in lobby.
Special Events coming up quickly in the fall: Opening Day (Sept 9) for three year olds as they begin Sunday School and Presentation of Toddler Bibles for the two year olds during worship (Sept 23).
Sunday SchoolAll Sunday School classes for children in grades 6 and below finish the last Sunday in May. Sunday School will resume on September 8. We will offer classes for children age 3, 4 and 5 and in grades 1-6 from 9:30-10:30am every Sunday.
Preschool and Kindergarten RegistrationWe are accepting registrations of 3, 4 and 5 year olds in our 2013-2014 classes. Registration packets are available at the Welcome Center and in the church office (ask for Heather). Share a packet with friends and neighbors.
School End of the Year ProgramsAs the school year comes to an end, our Preschool and Kindergarten classes present their end of the year programs. Our 5-Day Preschool class program will be on Tuesday, June 11 at 7pm. The 3-Day Preschool class program will be on Wednesday. June 12 at 7pm. Our Kindergarten class will present their program on Thursday, June 13 at 7pm. All programs are in the Worship Center followed by a reception in the lobby area. All are invited to attend.
Over 400 people joined us for a delicious Easter breakfast cooked by Mark Taylor and Mark Duckworth. Thanks to both Marks for a job well done. Thanks to everyone who joined us for breakfast in Malkow Hall.The proceeds from the event support mission trips and retreats for the youth who helped set up, cook, serve, and clean up.
Vacation Bible SchoolRegistration forms and information on VBS are now available in the lobby area. The dates for VBS are July 8-12 from 9am-12 noon. Children who are 4 and 5 years old by June 1 and those going into grades K-5 may register. You are welcome and encouraged to bring friends. Pick up registration forms in the church office, online, or at the VBS info table in the lobby area. Our theme this year is “Kingdom Rock”.
Many volunteers - adults, youth, parttime and fulltime helpers - are need for VBS. If you are entering sixth grade, we need you as a volunteer! Volunteer sign-up forms are available at the VBS table in the lobby. Come join the fun with music, drama, crafts, games, snacks, Bible study, prayer, service projects, our coin contest, and much more!
VBS Volunteers MeetingThere will be a meeting of all VBS volunteers on Tuesday, July 2 at 7pm in the Worship Center. Materials and important information will be given out. We invite all volunteers and anyone who can help, to our VBS Set-up on Sunday, July 7, from 1-5pm.
What is an L-Team?People engaging in a Live.Love.Learn. activity where relationships are built and Christ is shared.
L-Teams are not small groupsThey may or may not meet weeklyThey may or may not open a Bible or pray or talk about Jesus
L-Teams can include anyone, meet anywhere and do almost anythingThey are not just for St. Luke’s people - invite co-workers, neighbors and friendsThey can meet at your house, at church or at the bowling alley
L-Team samples: Golf Tournament, Sip ‘n Score, NFL Pick ‘Em League, Christian Motorcyclists, and Afternoon Tea. We’ve also had a neighborhood trash pick up L-Team and Mirror Lake community service teams, We have boy scouts, small group teams, hospital visitors, potlucks, thrift store shopping, and bowling.
For more information, contact Jan Grothe: 253.941.3000 or [email protected]
L-Teams for FallNow is the time to start processing the L-Teams you are thinking about starting in the fall. September will be here quicker than we realize. (August 7, 2013 is the due date for fall L-Teams.) If you need help, direction, calendaring, or whatever, let me know. ([email protected])
Membership ClassDiscover Life with God – This workshop and Next Steps events are designed to learn about the vision and purpose of St. Luke’s, as well as our ministries and L-Teams. We cover topics in the Christian faith, including Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The next workshop is: Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21.
2013 MISSION PLAN 3RD QUARTER RESULTS (JULY ‘12 - MARCH ‘13)
ST LUKE’S FOUNDATION
Giving: July 2012 - March 2013 (3rd Quarter End)Below is a brief review of gifts and offerings the third quarter of the 2013 Mission Plan (July 2012 – March 2013). At the voter’s meeting this past June, the congregation approved a mission plan (budget) that challenged the community to prayerfully consider increasing the current giving level by 10%. We are overwhelmed with joy by the faithful response of the congregation in which we are 7% over this increased level. Praise God that He continues to meet the needs of this community!
Revenue and ExpensesTotal YTD net income of $1,612,303 falls above total expenses of $1,477,084 by $135,219 (127% over budget; budget of –$106,637). General Fund offerings of $1,008,120 are over budget by $63,272 (+7%). After mortgage principle payments and capital improvements, the budget surplus of $43,731 exceeds the FY13 YTD budget by $229,315. The budget surplus is absorbed into cash reserves. When compared to the FY13 Mission Plan as reviewed at the June 2012 Annual Meeting, we have exceeded scenario C (a 10% increase versus actual FY12 giving) by 7%.
General Fund CashGeneral Fund Cash (aka – “Cash Surplus”) at the end of this reporting period is $752,418.
As members and friends of St. Luke’s, we share a deep sense of gratitude for those who have gone before us. Each time we gather, we are reminded of the gifts we were so generously given by our ancestors in the faith. As a result of their generosity, St. Luke’s is able to deliver the message of Jesus to our community and to the world. We welcome you to make such a commitment in thanksgiving to God.
Planned giving is not reserved solely for those with great financial wealth or special financial expertise. It is available to anyone with a generous spirit and can be facilitated by working in conjunction with an attorney and/or contacting St. Luke’s Foundation. If you are interested learning more about planning your estate or would like to name the Foundation in your estate, contact Dennis Hulse, Foundation Chair ([email protected]) or Todd Zern, St Luke’s Director of Operations ([email protected]).
Not long ago, I received a text from a friend concerning something we had been praying about. It wasn’t the answer I had been praying for. Like a child, I texted back, “That’s it. I quit praying.” Thankfully, this friend knew I would continue to pray for their family, and I was experiencing a few moments of childish irritation, disappointment, and anger. This time I expressed what I have occasionally felt: God never answers my prayers. The selfish part of me wants my prayers answered my way. Now.
Later, I was reading Psalm 69. Verse 13 caught my attention. “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” These were words I needed.
Baptized:Beckett Hansen 02/23
First Communion: 02/13Cole Ashbaugh Jordan LindquistNicole Brandmire Aidan MatthewsRose Chapman Becky NelsonNathanael Clow Kensi NestorJoeseph Cummings Payton NewmanLindsay Cummings Brian OursEmma Faccone Cameron OursBrian Fish Amanda PoolLaura Gamble Ryan PoolJenna Hoffman Spencer PutnamBrady Houston Emma RayCorban Jonson Sydney YoungRaven Leonard
Weddings:James & Shyla (Drayton) Oliver 03/16James & Cathi (Christianson) Hanna 04/13
New Members:Michael and Heidi Falck Teresa HouglandRebekah Hagen Christopher JohnsonMichaela Hougland LiamSabrina Hougland Richard & Jeanine Saunders Austin, Alissa and Angela
Transfers:Edna Peterson Ballard First Lutheran Church, Seattle, WA
Death:Maynard (Doc) Campbell 03/15Clara Jo Griffith 03/29Fred Kramer 04/18Eric Smith 04/21Anita Chaffin 04/25Edna Houston 04/25
MEMBERSHIP UPDATESPlease update the church office at 253.941.3000 or [email protected] with new contact information.
The truth is that God does answer. He just hasn’t been answering like I’ve wanted Him to. I can only see a tiny bit of life and have no idea what the big picture is - the eternal picture – that God can see. Turning back the pages in my prayer journal, I see how God has answered prayers. A vast majority of them haven’t been answered as I have prayed. However, I can see God working in my life as well as the lives of people I have been praying for. What I think would be best obviously hasn’t been what God thinks is best. Or it might not be the right time. Who knows? God knows. God acts in His own time. Our loving Lord answers in His saving faithfulness. In his abundant and steadfast love, He answers as He knows is best.
I’m thankful that God reminds me of these things when I need it most. I’m thankful for His abundant love breaking through my selfish heart.
pastoral staff leadership staff
support staff
general infochris davis
lead pastor
jake allstaedtassociate pastor
bob beckstromvisitation pastor
kendra breyermissions coordinator
heidi francisdirector of communications
kathryn frostaddirector of childcare
jan grothedirector of spiritual growth
larry kruegerdirector of worship and arts
mitzie olliladirector of children’s ministries
todd zerndirector of operations
janet brittassistant to the lead pastor
donna breyerassistant to the associate pastor
heather halbakkenpreschool registrar
karla harvathassistant to dir of spiritual growth
worship servicessaturday - 5:00 pm
sunday - 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 am
sunday school available sunday mornings
childcare available weekdays - 6 am - 6 pm
preschool and kindergarten
available during the school year
contact515 s 312th street
federal way, wa 98003253.941.3000
www.stlukes-church.com
childcare253.941.3630
preschool - kindergarten253.839.0173
www.stlukes-preschool.com
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church515 South 312th StreetFederal Way, WA 98003
