June
 



 

Learning from Our Mistakes

About a hundred years ago, Lutheran churches in America were mostly alike – except for the obvious differences in the languages they spoke. So the German and Finnish Lutherans, for instance, were not in the same church because they (by and large) didn’t speak the same language. As a result there were more Lutheran groups “than almost anyone could keep track of” (Todd W. Nichol, All These Lutherans, 1986, p. 19). But when English became more common, little was left to keep Lutherans apart though in some cases differing values still separated them. And because they thought John 17:21 was about merging, and that a larger Lutheran church would be more influential and valuable, they started coming together. And many other Protestant denominations did the same.

But this was a mistake. Our reasons for merging were indeed wrong – for John 17:21 isn’t about corporate mergers. And having an effect on American society because of size rather than theology, was also wrong-headed (Joseph A. Sittler, Grace Notes and Other Fragments, 1981, p. 99).

After the merging madness whittled the many down to a couple major Lutheran groups, very controversial issues were then taken up – such as merging across denominational lines and liberalizing sexual mores. But this was a serious mistake (Edgar R. Trexler, Anatomy of a Merger, 1991, pp. 8, 100, 120, 261). Rather than strengthening the church, it fractured its new found oneness. Churches began proliferating and shrinking into smaller groups. This time, however, the differences weren’t over languages – but over far more substantive matters. So Lutherans of different stripes lost interest in each other, let alone the thought of merging – sometimes even to the point of hating each other (something like what the Shia and Sunnis sometimes do in Islam when they bomb each other’s mosques).

Apparently, then, these two mistakes – merging for the wrong reasons and using the church to promote controversial social issues – have taken us back to 1 Corinthians 11:19 that “there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” Here struggling for genuine Christian identity has once again replaced bringing Christians together.       

                   Pastor Marshall 





Fight the

Good Fight of Faith

(1 Timothy 6:12)

 

“Defend yourself, seize hold of the Word, and learn to experience God’s wisdom and power against the world’s cleverness and the devil’s lies. Thus the strength and wisdom of God’s Word will appear, so that you learn that it is not overcome with power and wisdom; rather it overcomes and destroys all power, cleverness, and wisdom opposed to it.”

 

Martin Luther, “A Sermon on Matthew

7:15–23” (1544), Luther’s Works 78:281. 



 




 President’s Report… by Bob Baker

 

      No Options: Luther on Good Works

 

“Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44).

“What sort of a good deed is it if we are kind only towards our friends? Does not even a wicked man so behave towards his friend? Even dumb beasts are good and gentle towards their kind. Therefore a Christian must seek for something higher and serve with meekness even undeserving and ungrateful people, and wicked men and enemies, so our heavenly Father makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the ungrateful as on the grateful.

        “Yet here we shall find how hard it is to do good works according to the will of God, how our nature writhes and winces at it, although we are quite ready and willing to do the good works of our own choice. So, turn to your enemies, to the ungrateful, and do them good, and you will find out how near you are to this commandment or how far you are away from it, and how all through life you will be occupied in practicing this work. For, if your enemy is in need of you and you do not help him if you can, it is like stealing what belongs to him, for it was your duty to help him” (italics added).

(Martin Luther, Sermon on Good Works, 1520, this selection available in Day By Day We Magnify Thee: Daily Meditations from Luther’s Writings arranged according to the Year of the Church from the writing of Martin Luther, compiled and translated by Margarete Steiner and Percy Scott).

Please keep the Mission and Ministry of our congregation in your prayers.



 



 

STEWARDSHIP

Gifts Bearing Fruit

 

On a recent Sunday, we sang the hymn Son of God, Eternal Savior (LBW #364).  This hymn was written in 1893 by Somerset Lowry, an Irish born priest who served in the Anglican Church.  Knowing I had the stewardship article to write, I was taken by the second verse of this hymn and its commentary on that topic:

As thou, Lord, hast lived for others,
     so may we for others live;
     freely have thy gifts been granted,
     freely may thy servants give:
     thine the gold and thine the silver,
     thine the wealth of land and sea,
     we but stewards of thy bounty,
     held in solemn trust for thee.

 

    Here Lowry reminds us that the wealth we have is not really ours but God’s.  We are but mere ‘stewards of thy bounty’.  If we truly had this attitude, it would be easy for us to give, but we don’t think like this.  I know my default thinking is that I earn the money I make and therefore I should decide what is done with it.  But thinking like this makes us like the seed in the Parable of the Sower that falls amongst the thorns (Matthew 13:22); the cares of this world and the delight in riches chokes the Gospel out of us and leaves us unfruitful.

     Lowry reminds us of the gifts we have been given, and therefore we should give freely.  May God help us to give freely to the church so that the Word continues to be preached publicly.  May we give freely to charitable organizations so that our money bears fruit and does not condemn us (James 5:1-5).  And may we do all this with a grateful heart, befitting the grace we have been granted.   Amen.

-Peter Douglass, Church Council

Stewardship 2018

                                 Month (April)           Year to date (Jan-April)

Budget                            $23,684                          $83,970

Received                         $18,876                          $85,022



 




 

Misusing Luther

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Nation Article on Trump

 

By Pastor Marshall

 

Michael Massing in his article, “How Martin Luther Paved the Way for Donald Trump” (The Nation, May 2018), argues that because Luther thought that Christians could read the Bible any way they wanted to, that modern Christians look favorably on President Trump’s supposed disregard for governmental authority. But Massing’s view forgets Luther’s aversion to new doctrine (Luther’s Works 40:241). While Luther inveighed against the abuses of the pope, he upheld conciliar decisions (where the creeds were written) (LW 41:121). So Massing misses the mark here. Luther both criticizes and preserves authority.

      And he also argues that because Luther was militant and rude to his enemies, modern Christians feel justified in exalting President Trump’s crudity. But this smooths over Luther’s skepticism of all worldly rulers. Famously Luther argued that while we will have to “take the risk of entrusting” authority to our rulers, we will have to trust them “only as [people] who might fail” us, therefore we’ll have to “continue to watch [them] with unceasing vigilance” (LW 45:123). So Massing again falls short – missing out on Luther’s skepticism.

      Would that Massing – a Harvard University graduate, MacArthur Fellow (1992), and prolific journalist – had been in fuller conversation with more of what Luther had to say. But, then, if he had, I doubt that he would have ever written his article on Luther and President Trump.





 



 

                    Painted by Yngvar Sonnichsen

100 Years Ago

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Parish Centennial

 

By Pastor Marshall

 

When our church was founded on September 25, 1918, 109 charter members were listed on the roster. Among them was Martin Ulvestad. He was born in Norway on December 25, 1865, as Ole Johannes Martinus Ulvestad. He died in Seattle on January 19, 1942. In 1893 he married his first wife, Gertrude Myklebust. She died young after having only one son. Then in 1901 Martin married Gertrude’s cousin, Hannah Oss. They had six children.

        But before Martin died, he distinguished himself as a famous historian and author. His most famous book is the two volume Nordmaendene i Amerika (1909, 1913) on the history of immigration from Norway to America. It is still considered a classic in the field of immigration studies. In 2010 the narrative portion of it was translated into English by Olaf Kringhaug – a copy of which is now in our church library.

        In 1895 he also published an English-Danish-Norwegian dictionary – after having only immigrated here in 1886. In 1923 he was knighted by King Haakon VII of Norway. His collected papers are housed in the prestigious archives at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

        We thank God for Martin, his faith, and his devotion to preserving the facts and stories about immigrating to America from Norway – which is how our church began.

 


Martin’s grave at Forest Lawn Cemetery – with a makeshift paper

marker for this picture since his grave has no gravestone.



   

Saturday, August 25, 2018 – 2-5 pm

Bus Tour of Sacred Duwamish Sights

 

With world famous historian David M. Buerge and author of the acclaimed biography Chief Seattle: and the Town That Took His Name (Seattle: Sasquatch Books, 2017).

Seating is limited. 

Tickets are $40 per person.

Reservations by August 1st.

telephone 206-935-6530.

email deogloria@foxinternet.com

Be sure to not miss this unique event.

First Lutheran Church of West Seattle

 



 




 

The Cross

by the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham

November 7, 2013

 

This was Billy Graham’s last sermon

to America – delivered online on the occasion

of his 95th birthday. He was the recipient of

the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1983),

the Congressional Gold Medal (1996),

and Britain’s Honorary Knighthood (2001).

He died at the age of 99, on February 21, 2018.

 

AS I LOOK BACK over my life, it’s full of surprises. I never thought I would become friends with people in different countries all over the world.

        I see how God’s hand gathered me. When I began preaching many years ago, it was not with any thoughts that I would be preaching to large audiences. God has done this.

 

Needing a Spiritual Awakening

Our country’s in great need of a spiritual awakening (John 3:19). There have been times that I’ve wept (Luke 19:41) as I’ve gone from city to city and I’ve seen how far people have wandered from God (Hebrews 2:1). Of all the things I’ve seen and heard, there is only one message (Romans 3:28) that can change people’s lives (John 15:16) – and hearts.

       I want to tell people about the meaning of the cross. Not the cross that hangs on the wall or around someone’s neck. But the real cross of Christ. It’s scarred and blood-stained. His was a rugged cross. I know that many will react to this message. But it is the truth (John 8:45; Galatians 4:16). And with all my heart, I want to leave you with the truth. He loves you – willing to forgive you of all your sins (John 3:16). The cross is offensive (Matthew 11:6, 16:22; John 6:61; Galatians 6:14) because it confronts people. Even so it’s a confrontation that all of us must face (John 12:32).

       I look out across an audience when I stand up to preach and I think of all the people with their different backgrounds and their various needs. And I know that they are objects of God’s mighty love – to the point that he gave his Son, his only Son, to die upon a cross (Acts 2:23). And the cross was the most terrible form of execution by the Romans for criminals. And Jesus endured all of that in our place because of our sins (Romans 8:3; Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 2:24). We deserve the cross. We deserve hell (Isaiah 53:6, 59:2; Romans 3:23). We deserve judgment, and all that that means (John 5:29; Romans 2:2:5, 3:23, 5:8, 7:18, 7:24; Ephesians 2:3).

 

The Offense of the Cross

I know that there are many people that dispute that. People don’t want to hear that they are sinners (Isaiah 30:9–11; Revelation 3:17). To many people it is an offense (Matthew 7:13; Philippians 3:18). The cross is offensive, because it directly confronts the evils which dominate so much of this world.

       One reason that the cross is an offense to people is because it demands, it doesn’t suggest, it demands a new life style, in all of us (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:14–15). Sin is a disease in the human heart. It affects the mind, and the will, and the emotions –every part of our being is affected by this disease (Isaiah 1:6). How can we break this bondage? How can we be set free (John 8:34)? God helps us break those chains (John 15:5; Galatians 5:1)!

       The Bible says, If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). Old things pass away. Everything becomes new (Isaiah 42:9). He can make you a totally new person (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 3:18). On that cross God was laying on Jesus our sins (2 Peter 2:24). They not only put nails in his hands, but before that they scourged him (John 19:1). A Roman scourge was a terrible thing. They took whips and [barbs] on those whips and beat a person – almost to death. And then they took that cross and made him carry the cross, which was, in his weakened condition, almost impossible (John 19:17 vs Matthew 27:32). But he carried that cross to a place outside of Jerusalem. And then they put nails in his hands. But that was not the real suffering. The real suffering is when he said, “My God why hast thou forsaken me” (Matthew 27:46)? In that terrible moment he and God the Father were separated.

 

The Only Way of Salvation

He shed his blood. And the shedding of that blood carries with it – God’s very life. There is no other way of salvation except through the cross of Christ (Acts 4:12; Hebrews 9:22). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). The only way to the Father – Father God – is through his Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:36, 14:23).

        Now why Jesus? He’s the only one that was born into this world without sin (Hebrews 4:15). But more than that – He was the Righteous One (Acts 3:14; 1 John 2:1). And when you come to him, you’re clothed in his righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). God no longer sees your sin. He no longer sees your own heart (1 John 3:20). He sees Jesus (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, 4).

 

Repent

When you come to Christ, you come by the way of repentance (Matthew 4:17). Repent means to change – to change your way of living and turn (Acts 14:15) from your sins and turn to Jesus Christ and say: I’m a sinner, I need forgiveness. And I know that you’re the only one who can change me.

 

Pray for Salvation

Today (2 Corinthians 6:2; Luke 11:13) I’m asking you to put your trust in Christ (Joshua 24:15; John 14:1; Luke 10:42). I’m going to ask you to pray this prayer – sentence by sentence after me (2 Corinthians 5:20):

 

        Dear Heavenly Father, I know that I’m a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you’ve died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins. I repent of my sins. I invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 [Billy Graham was awarded some forty honorary Doctor of Divinity

degrees from universities and colleges all over the world.

The best biography is William C. Martin, A Prophet With Honor:

The Billy Graham Story (1991) Updated Edition, Zondervan, 2018.]

 

  

Transcribed from the online audio version

(without the Biblical references) by

the Rev. Ronald F. Marshall,

First Lutheran Church of West Seattle,

April, 2018.





 













 





 

Colossians: Summer 2018 Bible Study

with Pastor Marshall

Sundays, 9–10 am, Room D

 

This summer we will take 12 weeks to continue our study of the book of Colossians – following Martin Luther’s insights. Each week we will concentrate on a few verses, aiming to find help for our growth in faith and love – from both the Holy Scriptures and Luther. Each week we will have a handout with Luther’s comments to guide our discussion. (We have worked on this during the summers of 2013 and 2017 and hope to finish it up this year.)

 

The class schedule will be the following:

 

        June 10    Col 2:20-23       July 1       Col 3:12-17        August 5      Col 4:7-9

        June 17    Col 3:1-5           July 8       Col 3:18-21        August 12    Col 4:10-3

        June 24    Col 3:6-11         July 15     Col 3:22-25        August 19    Col 4:14-16

                                                  July 22     Col 4:1-3            August 26    Col 4:17-18

                                                  July 29     Col 4:4-6







 





ST. NICHOLAS TREE

IN JULY (& AUGUST)

[or until all the ornaments are picked!]

 For the St. Nicholas Faire on Sunday, December 9, 2018

 I realize that it seems way too early to be bringing up the holiday season, but planning begins far in advance of the event date.  We will again have an “ornament” decorated tree in the lounge during the summer months.  The tree will have “wishes” on it for items that will be needed to complete gift baskets to be sold at the St. Nicholas Faire, the proceeds of which will be given to the West Seattle Food Bank and the West Seattle Helpline.  Your job is to choose as many ornaments as you wish; purchase the item(s) for each ornament; and bring them to the church to donate to the Faire.  Easy, simple, as little hassle as possible.  If you have questions and/or suggestions, please call Larraine King (206-937-6740). 

       Again this year, we are offering a way for you to keep track of your purchases for the Faire on your church giving record.  If you want the Financial Secretary to help you keep track of how much you spend on “ornament” donated items from the “St Nicholas Faire Tree,” put the receipt from your purchase in your giving envelope.  Be sure and circle the amount, write what the item is on the receipt, and that it is for the St. Nicholas Faire.  Then it will be recorded on your giving statement.  This might be helpful next year when income tax time rolls around.  It is up to you.

 

      And while you are reading about the St. Nicholas Faire……….. Save the Date –

 

Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 5-8 pm –

 

      Put it on your calendar and start sharing the date with your friends and family.  (This year the Seahawks are scheduled to play on Monday Night Football, December 10th.  I pray there won’t be any last minute changes in their schedule that might interfere with the Faire).  Plan to come and support the Food Bank and Helpline, while having a joyous time enjoying the festivities!!!!

 

      More details in the September Messenger.

 

Stay tuned!!!

 ─Larraine King

PS... Please, if anyone reading this article has some ideas for basket(s) items for the Faire, or things you think would be appealing to purchase, or activities you would like to see happen at the Faire, please, please, please, call me (206-937-6740) or email me (larrainelk@gmail.com).  I need help and inspiration.  THANKS!!!




 




Hebrews 4.12

Monthly Home Bible Study, June 2018, Number 304

The Reverend Ronald F. Marshall

 Along with our other regular study of Scripture, let us join as a congregation in this home study. We will study alone then talk informally about the assigned verses together as we have opportunity. In this way we can "gather together around the Word" even though physically we will not be getting together (Acts 13.44). (This study uses the RSV translation.)

We need to support each other in this difficult project. In 1851 Kierkegaard wrote that the Bible is "an extremely dangerous book....[because] it is an imperious book... – it takes the whole man and may suddenly and radically change... life on a prodigious scale" (For Self-Examination). And in 1967 Thomas Merton wrote that "we all instinctively know that it is dangerous to become involved in the Bible" (Opening the Bible). Indeed this word "kills" us (Hosea 6.5) because we are "a rebellious people" (Isaiah 30.9)! As Lutherans, however, we are still to "abide in the womb of the Word" (Luther's Works 17.93) by constantly "ruminating on the Word" (LW 30.219) so that we may "become like the Word" (LW 29.155) by thinking "in the way Scripture does" (LW 25.261). Before you study then, pray: "Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in Our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen" (quoted in R. F. Marshall, Making A New World: How Lutherans Read the Bible, 2003, p. 12). And don’t give up, for as Luther said, we “have in Scripture enough to study for all eternity” (LW 75:422)!

Week I. Read Hebrews 4.12 noting the phrase word of God. Why do we need a good image for this word? On this read 1 Thessalonians 2.13 noting the line what it really is. Why do we have troubling accepting God’s Word for what it really is? On that read Isaiah 55.8–11 noting how God’s thoughts, ways and word are higher and more powerful than ours are. What does that assessment do to us? On this read John 3.30 noting the word decrease. But do we take kindly to this reduction of our value and might? On this read Luke 15.28–32 noting the words angry, refused and me. Why does this older son want better treatment? On this read Isaiah 5.20 noting the dispute over what’s good and evil. For a similar dispute, read Genesis 3.1–6 noting the words not, die, good, food, delight and wise. Where does this confidence come from that we know better than God? On this read Job 42.3–6 noting the line things too wonderful for me. Why do you think we can take on these things? On this read Revelation 3.17 noting the line not knowing that you are wretched. Why do we have such an exalted but false view of ourselves? On this read Isaiah 30.10 noting the line prophesy illusions. So we want to be deceived, just as John 3.19 says!

Week II. Read again Hebrews 4.12 noting the same phrase word of God. How can we stop our illusions regarding it? On this read Hebrews 4.11 noting the word disobedience. How do we muster that resistance to disobedience? On this read Colossians 3.16 noting the line let the words of Christ dwell in you richly. Read also Colossians 3.15 and its line let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. What is to follow from that? On this read 2 Corinthians 5.17 noting the phrase a new creation. This newness is what comes from that rich-dwelling and heart-ruling. How so? On this read Colossians 1.13 noting the words delivered and transferred. What comes from that movement? On this read Luke 9.23 noting the words daily, deny and himself. When that happens, then the yearning for illusions in Isaiah 30.10 goes away. Do you agree? Does this happen perfectly? On this read Philippians 3.12–14 noting the denial of perfection. Does that then end the struggle against illusions? Note in that same reading how this denial goes along with the line I press on. Is this a good action plan for us?

Week III. Reread Hebrews 4.12 noting this time the words piercing and discerning. How does the word of God do that? On this read Jeremiah 23.29 noting the words fire and hammer. How does this fire and hammer affect us? On this read John 12.25 noting the words hates and life. Because these words are clear, forceful and uncompromising, they hurt us and conflict with our love for pleasure and self in 2 Timothy 3.2–4. There you have it. For more on this, read Acts 4.12 noting the line there is salvation in no one else. That also smarts! It leaves out and offends our friends from other religions. That hurts because it scares us with unpopularity and the loneliness of that little bird in Psalm 102.7. Right?

Week IV. Read Hebrews 4.12 one last time noting the words soul, thoughts, intentions and heart. Why are these the targets of this word? On this read Luke 8.15 noting the line in an honest and good heart. Read also Ezekiel 11.19 noting the line I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh. Is this where the battle of faith rages? On this read 2 Corinthians 10.3–6 noting the words arguments, proud, thought, captive, obey and disobedience. How are these bad thoughts defeated and made obedient? Note the word captive in this same passage. How does that differ from convince? Convincing requires changing one’s mind, whereas captivity doesn’t. Is there an example of that in the Bible? On this read Acts 9.3–20 noting the words suddenly, flashed, fell, why, rise, see, lay, hands, go, chosen, suffer, scales, baptized and proclaimed. I don’t see much convincing and arguing here – and changing Paul’s mind by contesting his previously held thoughts on factual and logical grounds. No – just physical things (hands, scales) and commands. What do you think?





 




Announcements:

Lifetouch will be returning (yes, it’s been four years) to help with a new church directory in October.  That will be Friday, October 12th and Saturday October 13th.  On these dates they will take family and individual photos.  Please put these dates on your calendars.  Whole congregational support is vital to making a new directory.  Also, extra help is needed on these days to greet and check in people when they arrive for their photo sessions.  Service Teams may be called upon to help during these sessions.

THE PASTORAL REVIEW for 2016-2017 is finished and in the office file.  If you are interested in looking at it, please check at the office.

ALTAR FLOWERS could use a few more sign ups through the end of the year.

Compass Housing Alliance is in need of new or lightly used bath towels.  Every year they go through hundreds of towels, especially at the Pioneer Square Hygiene Center where 150 people get a free shower daily.  If you were thinking of helping in this way you’re not too late, donations can be left at the office throughout the summer.   

MID-YEAR CONGREGATIONAL MEETING has been set for Sunday, July 29th, immediately following the 10:30 am Holy Eucharist, in the parish hall.  Mark your calendars!  Beverages will be provided.  Voter registration will be on the tables at the back of the hall.

FOOD BANK COLLECTION suggestion for summer is lunch and snack foods for children who are home from school: “peanut butter, jam, crackers, energy bars, seed & nut packs, macaroni & cheese.  Any non-perishable foods are fine.  So, when you are at the grocery store, pick up a few extra items when you see those good sale prices.  And, bring in fresh produce as well!  If you have a garden or know someone who does, as they ripen throughout the summer bring them in and leave them on the office window counter.  They will be taken to the Food Bank that day!

READING THE KORAN with Pastor Marshall.  These two hour classes are on Thursdays June 28th – July 19th, 7–9:00 pm.  Call the office to register. 

SUMMER SCHEDULE starts with Memorial Day weekend. Also Pastor Marshall’s Summer Bible Study will start at 9 am on Sunday, June 10th, in rm. D. 

WEB PAGE ADDRESS:  www.flcws.org  Log on through the summer to see what’s new.

100th Anniversary:  Enclosed in this month’s Messenger you will find a letter of invitation for the 100th Anniversary Dinner!  Attached to the letter you will find a reply slip.  Please fill out the

slip and return to the church as soon as possible but no later than Sunday, September 9, 2018. You can leave the reply cards in the basket on the church office ledge, send them by mail, or put them in the offering plate when you are here for worship.  Please indicate the names and number of people attending, (including children) and mark the choice of entrée for each attendee.  Also, please note any dietary restrictions or allergies. 

First Lutheran Church of West Seattle 100th Anniversary Dinner, September 23, 2018

Reply Card

Name:  __________________________________________ Entrée Choice_____________________________

Name:  __________________________________________ Entrée Choice_____________________________

Name:  __________________________________________ Entrée Choice_____________________________

 

“Simply Grilled Salmon” – Lemon butter, micro greens, parmesan & herb risotto     $75

“Stuffed Chicken Breast” – Mozzarella, herbed risotto basil, arrabbiata sauce           $75

Children’s entrée – “Macaroni and Cheese”      $30

Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies ___________________________________________________


* * *



The Endowment Fund

Putting the Church in Your Will

By Pastor Marshall

Our church endowment fund continues to grow.  We thank God for all who have made gifts to this fund and the support it provides our church. Especially we thank God for the major donors to our endowment fund – George (1925-2003) & Marion (1929-2005) Colvin, Lila Granaas (1913-2002), Cynthia Natiello (1958-2016), Orma Nesheim (1917-2010), and Willis (1921-2001) & Alida Rottman (1922-2011). 

    Take this occasion to consider including the church in your will.  If you would like to do this and have not done so already, think of giving 10% of the residual value of your estate to the church.  In this way you will be able to tithe the income the investments of your estate has earned over the years.  This is a fitting way to thank God for the blessings of prosperity we all enjoy.

    Our endowment fund was established in January 1996.  The gifts made to the fund are never spent.  Most of the interest earned is added each year to help meet our budget.  In this way you can go on supporting our church long after you have departed to join the church triumphant.  Glory be to God!



Marion & George Colvin
Lila Granaas
Orma Nesheim
Alida & Willis Rottman
Cynthia Natiello



 



X  PARISH PRAYERS  X

Remember in prayer before God those whom He has made your

brothers and sisters through baptism.

Bob & Barbara Schorn, Eileen Nestoss, Marlis Ormiston, Emma Sagmoen, Aasha Sagmoen    & Ajani Hammond, Melanie Johnson, Kyra Stromberg, Matt Anderson, Cristian Clemente,  Tabitha Anderson, The PLU Lecturers, Celia Balderston, The Rev. Paul Smith, The Rev. Alan Gardner, Ion & Galina Ceaicovschi, Nathan & Les Arkle, Chris & Margeen Boyer, Elizabeth Banek, Sheila Feichtner, Diane Hall, Bob Coburn, Deanne Heflin, Julie & Diane Sauter, Jay Ford, Susan Armbrewster, Paul & Marylou Jensen, Larry Lawrence, Pauline Saeler, Brian Smith, Marlene Akesson, Margaret Douglass, Barb Jepson McGregor, Roger Chamberlin, Norman Sather, Mothers and Fathers.

     Pray for the shut-ins that the light of Christ may give them joy: Bob & Mona Ayer, Bob & Barbara Schorn, Joan Olson, Chuck & Doris Prescott, C. J. Christian, Louis Koser, Anelma Meeks, Dorothy Ryder, Lillian Schneider, Crystal Tudor, Nora Vanhala, Mildred Nikula, Mary Goplerud.

     Pray for our bishops Elizabeth Eaton and Brian Kirby Unti, our pastor Ronald Marshall, our deacon Dean Hard and our cantor Andrew King, that they may be strengthened in faith, love and the holy office to which they have been called.

     Pray that God would give us hearts which find joy in service and in celebration of Steward-ship.  Pray that God would work within you to become a good steward of your time, your talents and finances.  Pray to strengthen the Stewardship of our congregation in these same ways.

     Pray for the hungry, ignored, abused, and homeless this summer.  Pray for the mercy of God for these people, and for all in Christ's church to see and help those who are in distress. 

     Pray for our sister congregation:  El Camino de Emmaus in the Skagit Valley that God may bless and strengthen their ministry. Also, pray for our parish and it's ministry.

     Pray that God will bless you through the lives of the saints:  Saint Barnabas; Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles; Saint Mary Magdalene; Saint James the Elder and Saint Bartholomew, Apostles; and St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord.






Adrian Jo – Cindy (Lundbeck) Jo and friends meet Scott Hamilton at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea – Cindy and 22 month old Adrian Jo.



 

A Treasury of Prayers

 

Father in heaven, I come to you aware of my weakness – pleading for strength; aware of my ignorance – pleading for wisdom. Free me from all false calculations in my judgments; from any contempt for what seems small; and from any favor for what looks great. Free me from the lethargy that longs for no change; and from the fear that change may bring loss outweighing its gain. Teach me that beneath all changes of time and space; all limits of knowledge; all instability of will – is your foundation that stands sure. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

                                                                 [For All the Saints IV:88, altered]