spring 2013

In This Issue

Missions 2

On Fire! 3

Women’s Events 4

L-Teams 5

Finances 6-7

God Story 7

Membership Updates 7

Staff 8

“Son” Shining this Easter!Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in the Bible alone, but in every leaf in springtime.

-- Martin Luther

I grew up in Michigan where we dealt with snow for a long time each year. Each year as Easter came there was great hope for sunshine and warmth to come back. Honestly we sometimes celebrated Easter in sunshine with short sleeves and sometimes the snow came down again. It made me remember that our hope and joy each year is the Savior who rose again from the dead and who is with us every moment of every day.

Spring is just around the corner. It’s a time for children to break out of their homes to play, a time for gardening, a time for baseball, and a time to celebrate Easter!

Whenever the sun appears it seems to energize and enliven both body and soul. Yet, the light of the sun is not nearly as powerful as the light of the Son, Jesus Christ, who brings forgiveness and guidance to ALL who would receive it. Jesus called His followers the “light of the world.” The spiritual darkness around us can only

be overcome when others see the light of Jesus alive in God’s people.

The resurrection of Jesus is what separates Christianity from all other religions. The resurrection isn’t simply wishful thinking, but a verifiable fact and should be researched by everyone seeking to know the truth. We live secure of our eternal destiny. This fact changes how we live each moment that God gives us on earth and gives purpose to our lives.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter we will look up to an empty cross, an empty tomb, the risen Christ and the promise of eternal life. This year we began by calling all of you to embrace a person who does not know Jesus. Are you praying for them every day? Are you open to allow God to use you to share his love with someone? If you haven’t, choose the one person who does not know the Lord and embrace them. I encourage you to “let your light shine” on that someone who needs to know that they are loved. Let this Easter be a time of remembering God’s gifts to us through Jesus Christ and sharing those gifts with those who need it. ~ Pastor Chris Davis

E aster Fac tsHave you ever wondered why Easter falls on a different date every year? In 325 AD the Council of Nicea set the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. The earliest date that Christians celebrate Easter is March 22 and the latest is April 25!

A time to celebrate at St. Luke’s:Lent Worship – Wednesday evenings from February 13 (Ash Wednesday) – March 207:00 PM Palm Sunday, March 24 Easter ‘Eve’ Worship, March 30 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 am 5:00 pm Maundy Thursday, March 28 Easter Sunday, March 31 at home Seder meals 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 am Good Friday – March 29 Easter Breakfast 7:00 pm – Service of Darkness 7:00 – 11:00 am Easter Breakfast will be served from 7am-11am (or when the food is gone) in Malkow Hall. The menu includes eggs, ham and/or sausage, potatoes/hash browns, fresh seasonal fruit, breakfast cinnamon rolls, sweet breads, home made scones/biscuits, coffee, tea, and juice. Mark Duckworth, with the help of Mark Taylor, will be the chef for this youth-sponsored event. Donations will support the youth, who volunteer at the breakfast, with their missions or retreats.

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MISSIONS10 For the World Corner10 For The World is the distribution of 10% of the church’s annual total received offerings (our tithe to support many local and global organizations.This month’s highlight: Elliot & Serena Derricks

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For the majority of our time doing ministry in Macau, we have been busy with relationship building through teaching English. Every lesson we teach and conversation we have with our students is glorifying God and helping build trust to be able to directly witness to them. Some of our classes are paid one to one and some are group classes. We also have free classes during the week where we use the Bible to teach English. One of the best stories of our relationship building has to be one of our students and now a dear friend named Teddy.

Teddy first came to our English Center around November, 2011, just as we arrived back in Macau after our wedding. Teddy is about 60 years old and works long shifts overnight in one of the local casinos here. When he first arrived at our Center he was not overly interested in learning about Christ, but over time this has significantly changed. Teddy said that he finds our Center to be a place of peace for him. He has grown so much in his knowledge both in English and about Jesus. Please pray that his work schedule enables him to attend our classes and worship. We are so grateful for the chance to help Teddy grow in his faith in Jesus and hope and pray that one day the work the Lord has blessed us with will bear fruit.

We would not even be able to witness to Teddy and all of our other students and friends here without you, our supporters. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support of our work here!

In God’s Service, Elliot and Serena Derricks

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 send Kendra Breyer an email (kbreyer@stlukes-church.com).

Swaziland Mission TeamAnd they’re off! The 2013 Swaziland mission team is set to fly out March 3 with a return date of March 13. The team is so grateful for all the amazing support they have received so far! Please lift them up in prayer daily as they travel. Some of the team’s prayer requests are: health, the long flights, energy, safety, relationships and local ministry. If you would like to follow their trip, they will be posting brief updates on the St. Luke’s Facebook page. Just “Like” the “St. Luke’s Lutheran-Federal Way” page (look for the St. Luke’s logo) to get their updates in your newsfeed. April 6/7 will be the team’s report back. The team will share with all the services the many things they experienced while on their mission. It is also our Sponsorship Weekend. Prayerfully consider sponsoring a child in Swaziland.

Operation BlessingWe have some exciting news to share about Operation Blessing! First, Operation Blessing is a ministry here at St. Luke’s that is supported financially by members and 10 For The World. This ministry focuses on serving those in need right here in Federal Way. Some of the ways they help is by providing financial assistance for rent, utilities, and electricity. They also hand out food and other necessities if needed. Here’s the exciting part! Terri Carver from Operation Blessing applied for and was awarded a $5000 grant from Thrivent for the work they do! This $5000 will go directly to those who need it. Part two of this exciting news is that as a result of being awarded this grant, we are able to participate in a matching grant. Which means…all donations that come in until March 31 will be matched fifty cents on the dollar up to an additional $5000. So, if Operation Blessing has financial donations totaling $10,000 by March 31, they will receive ANOTHER $5000 grant! If you would like to support Operation Blessing in this you can make donations through the church office. Feel free to contact the office if you have any questions.

Thinking about going on a mission trip?Summer Mission Trip Applications are now available in the church office! Contact Kendra Breyer in the office if you would like more information about our trips to Gleaners, Camp Primetime, Hoonah and the Bronx.

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ON FIRE!

FLAME - (grades 1 - 6)

Sunday School Children Going to BabylonOn February 3, our first through sixth grade Sunday School classes took their first journey to Babylon where Daniel is in captivity. This is a five week adventure – February 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3. It is not too late to join. Every week there is a theme, Bible verse, craft, drama, snack, and discussion time. The classes are divided into the twelve tribes of Israel and rotate to various centers. We take part in a fund raising contest to raise money for water wells in Swaziland. Save your coins! We will learn how Daniel survived in a pit of hungry lions, and how his friends survived a hot, fiery furnace and stayed true to their faith in God. Invite your friends!

Kids For Christ - KFC456March 20 is “Scooter Games” from 6:30-8:30pm in Malkow Hall. Finger foods will be servied for dinner. Topic for the night: Knock, knock...who’s there...Jesus...Jesus who...Jesus in my heart. April 17 meet at Laser Quest at 6:30pm. Enjoy pizza for dinner. The topic is: Who tagged me? What’s your code name? Who does God say I am? The cost is $8 per person. Friends are always welcome!

IGNITE- (grades 7 - 12)

CharisThis month Charis held our first ever Father-Daughter Olympics. Each girl and her dad competed against the other father-daughter pairs in a variety of challenges.

“It was a fun evening spent challenging ourselves both mentally and physically discovering different tools, how to build a birdhouse, football teams, and trivia. Taking home the third place trophy was not too bad either.” -Mike Chapman

We had a blast with our Charis Dads and can’t wait to see who will take home the gold in 2014!

Congratulations to this year’s winners!First Place: Stephan & Elise KleineSecond Place: Jeff & Madison PutnamThird Place: Mike & Brooke Chapman

SPARK - (age 0 - kindergarten)

Meet the Babies – March 9Calling all parents of babies less than one year old! Come and meet other parents who have babies. Share experiences, talk about struggles and joys, be with adults for an hour! Carrie Andrew leads this short, low-key event for us. March 9 at 10:00-11:00am in St. Luke’s nursery. Contact info: carrieandrew148@gmail.com.

Helping Hands – 4-Year-OldsThe four-year-olds did so well with their Helping Hands event in the fall that we would like to partner with the L-Team doing Easter baskets for Mirror Lake Elementary School families. Similar to the Thanksgiving baskets, all the materials will be provided for the children to place them in baskets, make cards, and draw pictures. March 23, 10am, at St. Luke’s in the Great Room.

First Grader Family Fun NightAll first graders and their families are invited to “Family Fun Night” on Sunday, March 17, at 5pm in Great Room A. There will be a variety of fun activities for the whole family and food! Mark your calendars. This is a yearly activity especially for first graders and their families.

Third Grader Family Game NightAll third graders and their families are invited to a fun night of games in Malkow Hall on Sunday, April 21, at 5pm. Be ready for relays, an obstacle course, balloons, donuts, and other fun stuff. Be there!

Hosanna Festival and Easter Egg HuntWe will host our annual Easter Egg Hunt for our 3-, 4- and 5-year-old Sunday School classes on Palm Sunday, March 24, during the Sunday School hour at 9:30am. Grades 1-6 will have their Hosanna Festival on the same day at 9:30am in Malkow Hall. There will be palm branches for everyone. We will celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

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WOMEN’S EVENTS

PRESCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN & CHILDCAREPreschool and Kindergarten Registration 2013-2014Registration for returning students, alumni and the general public began on Wednesday, Feb-ruary 13. Registration packets are available online or at our Welcome Center and office. We offer classes for 3, 4, and 5 year olds including all day Kindergarten. Childcare is also avail-able at our St. Luke’s Christian Childcare Center.

Create a CardMarch 2, 9-11 am

Are you crafty? Do you wish you were? This is your chance to dust off the cobwebs in the right brain and let the artist in you shine. We will assist our Card Making L-Team in assembling cards. These cards will be sent for special events, birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, etc. All materials will be provided, just bring your helping hands!

Spiritual WarfareApril 6, 9-11 am

As Christians we are all soldiers engaged in spiritual warfare transacted on an invisible battlefield. Satan has a powerful kingdom and governs his hierarcy of demons, principalities and powers to carry out his schemes of disruption and destruction. Yet many of us remain untrained in the skills of spiritual warfare. This seminar will provide some basic tools to help you effectively engage in spiritual hand-to-hand combat on both a personal and cosmic level. Led by Deacon Ann Murphy.

High TeaMay 18 – 11:00 am – 1 pm

Ladies, moms, daughters, girlfriends…once again, it’s time to limber up your pinky finger, practice your British accent, and prepare to be treated to a very special lunch event. Ladies’ Tea returns to The Great Room following its spectacular 2011 debut. You can indulge in a delectable feast of beautifully prepared and displayed treats, visit with your friends, and smile the morning away without even finding your passport.

Most of our events are on the first Saturday of the month from 9-11 am. The exception is the Ladies’ Tea in May. Check out the special time and date.

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. This is also the path to becoming a member. The next workshop is: Friday, April 19 (6:30-9p) and Saturday, April 20 (9a-4p) at St. Luke’s in the Great Room.

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L-TEAMSWhat 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: Sip ‘n Score, Study of Ecclesiastes, Christian Motorcyclists, BRIDGE Parenting, and Holiday Decoration.We have Mirror Lake School community service teams, boy scouts, small group teams, hospital visitors, potlucks, and bowling.

For more information, contact Jan Grothe: 253.941.3000 or jgrothe@stlukes-church.com

New L-Team?It’s easy to start an L-Team! Check out our website for the variety of L-Teams we have. Email Jan Grothe at jgrothe@stlukes-church.com or go to the St. Luke’s website stlukes-church.com, log in, go to “Groups,” click “Create” at the far right, and fill out the form. We’ll process your form and schedule Captain (Leader) Training if you haven’t already done so. Not sure? Give me a call and we can talk through your ideas and the process (253.941.3000).

New L-Teams for AprilNow is the time to start processing the L-Teams you are thinking about starting in the spring and summer quarters. April will be here quicker than we realize. (March 6 is the

due date for spring and summer L-Teams.) If you need help, direction, calendaring, or whatever,

let me know. (jgrothe@stlukes-church.com) What has God put on your heart to

do? What are you already doing? Email Jan or call (253-941-3000) to set up a time to talk

about where God is leading you and for a short training session.

Community Prayer & Healing GatheringsSecond Sunday of the Month, 5-6 pm, Chapel

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many…If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. - 1 Cor 12:14, 26. Life is far from easy — health concerns, sickness, financial difficulties, unemployment, relationship issues, grief, temptation, and fear. As we face life’s difficulties together, our loving response begins with prayer. As members of Christ’s body we are spiritually connected. If even one member is suffering, it spiritually impacts all of us.

We gather together in prayer because there is power in praying together – Jesus tells us “where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matt 18:20). Jesus promises that his loving presence will be with us in a special way when we join together in prayer. We pray with that expectation. United in prayer we turn to God in trust that he can do things that are above and beyond our own capabilities.

Whatever the burden that you or a loved one may be experiencing, Jesus wants to exchange it with His peace and joy. Put your hope in the Lord. Join us on the second Sunday of the month ---the prayer ministry.

DivorceCare Meeting at St. Luke’s, Thursdays, March 21 - May 96– 7:30 pm, Great Room C

Consider attending this class if you are: divorced, separated, or contemplating divorce. You do not need to be a member of St. Luke’s to attend. This is a recovery class taught through a series of DVD’s by professionals in their respective fields. After viewing the DVD, there is time for discussion. There is also a self-paced workbook to go through each week. Lighted parking is available in the west parking lot. Cost of the class is $15.00. For more information, please visit: wwwdivorcecare.org.

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FINANCIAL UPDATE

2012 MISSION PLAN - 2nd Quarter Results (July-December 2012)

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Offering EnvelopesIf you recall, we have changed the design of the offering envelopes this past month. If you would like to receive a box, please contact the front office or stop by to pick up a set. Envelopes are also available in the pews in the Worship Center.

Giving: July-December 2012 (2nd Quarter End)Below is a brief review of gifts and offerings the second quarter of the 2013 Mission Plan (July-December 2012). 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 be to God that He continues to meet the needs of this community!

Revenue and ExpensesTotal YTD net income of $1,064,451 falls above net operating expenses of $983,816 by $80,635 (85% over budget – budget of –$94,683). General Fund offerings of $675,403 are over budget by $45,504 (+7%). After mortgage principle payments and capital improvements, the budget surplus of $41,582 exceeds the FY13 YTD budget by $174,107. The budget surplus is absorbed by cash reserves. When compared to the FY13 Mission Plan as reviewed at the June 2012 Annual Meeting, we have exceeded scenario C by 7%, which outlines a 10% increase in offerings versus last year.

4 Those 2 Come (Building Fund)

All donations allocated towards 4 Those 2 Come will assist the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in funding regular mortgage principle payments, capital improvement projects, and large furniture and equipment purchases. Prayerfully consider helping us care for the facility and property that God has given us.

Projects over the next 18-24 months include but are not limited to the following…

• Enhance security of the lower floor (preschool, kindergarten and childcare programs) during the school week• Replace single-pane windows in the lower floor preschool classrooms and hallway• Replace the main network server• Repair subfloor of main floor lobby and restrooms• Replace audio system in Worship Center

If you have any questions, please contact Todd Zern in the church office.

General Fund CashGeneral Fund cash reserves at the end of this reporting period is $636,875.

Capital Improvement FundAt the January ELT Meeting, a motion was presented and approved to pay the remainder balance ($34,000) of the $100,000 unsecured loan we took out in March 2012. This project funded the new AV System and upgraded all data cables in the facility. Thank you so much for your continued support and generosity.

GIVING UPDATE2nd Quarter Offerings (July-December 2012) $ 675,403

2nd Quarter Projections $ 629,899

% Actual vs Budget +7 %

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INTRODUCING THE ST. LUKE’S FOUNDATION

GOD STORY

The recently formed St Luke’s Foundation is a very exciting venture for our church. This nonprofit Foundation allows members and friends of St Luke’s to reach out to the next generation through “Legacy Gifts” or contributions. This allows for funding of St Luke’s ministries walking lock step with our church’s future vision that Pastor Chris Davis is leading over the next several months.

For the first time, people doing estate planning or looking to contribute to a charitable entity, may select to donate to the St Luke’s Foundation as a charity doing God’s work locally, regionally and around the world, funding new capital and ministry-based efforts.

The St Luke’s Foundation will be providing financial estate planning educational seminars to help explain possible tax shelter alternatives and other various methods. The one-hour educational seminar will be hosted by the Foundation with keynote speaker, Bob Pitman, a local estate planning attorney and former KIRO 710 talk show host of “Legal Line.”

Seminar Dates: Saturday, March 23 (3:30-4:30pm) and Tuesday, March 26 (1-2pm).

Contact Dennis Hulse, St Luke’s Foundation Board Chairman: 206-930-9470, or dennishulse@comcast.net, for more information.

In Christ,Mike Bevers, ELT and St Luke’s Foundation Board Member

MEMBERSHIP UPDATESBaptized:Kaylan Fossett 10/06 McKenzie Overby 12/30Emma Schneider 11/17 Heidi Barrey 01/06Dylan Moron-Friedman 11/18 Joeseph Cummings 01/20Brandon Joeseph Kennicott 12/29 Brock Marks 01/29

Weddings:Zachary and Audra (Ramsay) Pesicka 11/23/12

New Members:Wayne & JoAnn Baker David & Hope LeonardJustin Borland (Nicole & Raven)John & Sherrie Elmer Jason & Angelica NelsonSusan Fish (Rebecca & Andrew)Sandy Kon Rebecca StorkRobert & Marlene VanOrden Lauren Ziebler

Transfers:Lynn & Becky Gartman - Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, LCMS, TacomaMonika Day / Erin Day - Calvary Lutheran Church, ELCA, HonoluluShirle Jindra - Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, LCMS, Tacoma

Deaths:Clyde Hussey 01/01 Mary Hussey 01/15Marion Frisbie 1/31 Steve Watt 1/2013Betty Bicknell 2/2013

Holiday LightsThe Holiday Lights Recycling Program was founded and is implemented by one of our members, Jessica Lam (with some help from her family.) Jessica started the program as a 4th grader at Nautilus. She is now a 9th grader at the Federal Way Public Academy. Each year boxes are placed at various locations. The proceeds from the recycled lights are given to World Vision. Point Defiance Zoo, in conjunction with the Girl Scouts, has a light recycling program that was sparked by an idea from Jessica. At 10 years of age, she approached the Zoo staff with the idea of keeping thousands of strings of holiday lights out of the landfill and raise money for the Zoo’s conservation fund. Thank you Jessica for your community service and for your support of missions.

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program staff support staffgeneral infochris davis

lead pastor

jake allstaedtassociate pastor

kendra breyermissions coordinator

heidi francisdirector of communications

jan grothedirector of spiritual growth

larry kruegerdirector of worship and arts

mitzie olliladirector of children’s ministries

todd zerndirector of operations

worship servicessaturday - 5:00 pm

sunday - 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 am

nursery care available at all services

children’s church and sunday school

available sunday mornings

contact515 s 312th street

federal way, wa 98003253.941.3000

www.stlukes-church.com

janet brittassistant to the lead pastor

donna breyerassistant to the associate pastor

heather halbakkenpreschool registrar

karla harvathassistant to dir of spiritual growth

St. Luke’s Church515 South 312th StreetFederal Way, WA 98003

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDFederal Way, WA 98003

Permit No. 190