Newsletter Spring 2014

spring 2014

In This Issue

Note from Pastor Jake 2

Missions 2

On Fire! 3

Adult Opportunities 4

Adult Events 5

L-Teams 6

God Stories 6

Finances 7

Thank yous and Membership 7

Staff 8

Keeping BFF Relationships GR8 and LOL

Chris DavisLead Pastor

[email protected]

How many of you text message? I have to admit texting has changed my life in many ways. It seems like once or twice a week, Heather (my wife) sends me a text, “We’re eating in a half hour.” Usually, I text back, “I’m on my way,” or “I’ll see you in three hours.☺” It’s amazing how much this helps us communicate.

When people don’t communicate, it causes misunderstandings and further damages a relationship – ANY RELATIONSHIP. There’s a story in 2 Samuel 10 of great misunderstanding. The king of the Ammonites had died, and his son was now king. King David sent condolences to the new king through representatives. Unfortunately, the new king’s advisors made him think the emissaries were spies. There was no conversation, no checking of facts. As a result, war broke out, and many were killed. If only they communicated!

Our assumptions often bring hurt, pain, and anger into our lives. Without identifying why we feel the way we do, we become more and more upset. Many assumptions may be right, but we still

need to talk about it. Sometimes we are afraid of the other person’s reactions to our concerns or afraid of what they will think about us. Yet, we still need to talk; we need to share with each other.

It’s amazing what talking does. When we share, it gives clarity to a problem and brings direction toward dealing with that problem. Our feelings and emotions are dealt with as we communicate what’s been on our mind. There is renewal in mind and spirit.

Just like we deal with people by not sharing, we do the same with God. We don’t bring our worries and concerns to God. We assume we know how He will respond. We assume we know what God desires. Maybe our assumptions are right. But we still need to talk with Him! God is not interested in us knowing about Him, He is interested in us walking with Him through this life. Psalm 50:15 says, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” He hears our problems, “But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.” (Psalm 66:19)

Jesus encourages us to go to Him, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) God is a God who listens, a God who directs, and a God who corrects. He brings clarity to our concerns and directs our path. He brings us peace.

Talk, talk, talk to each other, but even more importantly, talk, talk, talk to God.

Lent and Easter at St Luke’sWed Mar 5 Ash Wednesday 7 pmWeds, Mar 12 - Apr 9 Lent Mid-Week Services 7pmSat Apr 12 Palm Sunday Celebration 5pmSun, Apr 13 Palm Sunday Celebration 8am, 9:30am, 11am Easter Egg Hunt 9:30am Hosanna Festival 9:30amThur, Apr 17 Maundy Thursday 7pmFri, Apri18 Good Friday 7pmSat, Apri19 Easter Celebration 5pmSun, Apr 20 Easter Celebration 8am, 9:30am, 11am

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR JAKE

MISSIONS

Jake AllstaedtAssociate Pastor

[email protected]

Valerie DanforthDirector of Missions

[email protected]

We’ve had a big change happen recently to our mid-week youth group (called “Light it Up!”). For the past couple years St. Luke’s had Ignite age youth group (7th-12th) on Wednesday nights. We’ve tried some different timing variations but have found that 7:00-8:30pm has worked the best. While combined large group activities have their advantages, it has been clear for quite some time that we have needed to make a split between Middle School (7th-8th) and High School (9th-12th) “Light it Up!” So, our big change is this: High School has moved to Tuesday! Hope to see you there!

High School (Grades 9-12) Light it Up! Middle School (Grades 7-8) Light it Up! TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS 7:00-8:30pm 7:00-8:30pm Malkow Hall Malkow Hall

If you’re worried about the High School and Middle School split—have no fear! We have many events scheduled for all Ignite age youth. Our most popular and best attended retreat of the year is just around the corner. That’s right…it’s almost time for the 2014 All Youth Retreat! The four infamous houses will square off once again in a weekend of intense competition, bonding, and worship. Who will win this year!? Any and all 7th-12th grade youth (especially friends!) are invited to partake in this incredible weekend. There’s nothing like it! The 2014 All Youth Retreat is the weekend of April 25-27. Youth will need to sign-up in advance. Registration packets will be sent out soon.

I also want to remind all Ignite age youth that packets for all summer mission trips are now available in the office. Our mission trips include Gleaners (7th-8th), the Bronx (11th), and Hoonah (9th-12th). If you are interested in serving in one of these mission trips, grab a registration form and be on the lookout for meetings. We’ll make sure you know! As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me!

Only Because of Jesus,Pastor Jake Allstaedt

Ten for the WorldApplications for agency funding will soon be going out and we need your help. We are looking for more agencies that we can support through our Ten for the World giving. Have you looked in the Mission Guide and wondered why your organization is not listed in there? Are you involved with an organization that you think we should know about? Please tell us. We want to hear from you. Contact Valerie Danforth.

Needlers NewsThe closet of the Needlers is pretty full, but we could use more fleece, old sheets for backings, and more helpers! No experience needed to be a part of the group! The Needlers meet every Tuesday from 9:00am to noon in Malkow Hall. We have 104 fleece hats to donate to Operation Blessing, Seattle Union Gospel Mission, or others in need. We have donated quilts to Pregnancy Aid in Auburn, Operation Blessing, Fusion, Orting Soldiers Home, Reach Out Ministry, New Hope Church, Compass Veteran’s Center in Renton, Veteran’s outreach in Federal Way, and for dementia patients at Auburn General Hospital. If you know of a place we could donate quilts, please give a call. Questions? Call Nola at 253.941.2460.

Reach Out Men’s ShelterSt Luke’s will provide meals for the Men’s Reach Out Shelter the week of March 17-23. We are in need of individuals and small groups who can help provide these meals. If you are interested in helping out or have questions, please contact Mary Ann Hopewell at [email protected].

Summer Mission Packets Now AvailableHas God put it on your heart to serve on a mission trip this summer? Summer mission packets are now available in the church office. We have several mission trips this summer: Bronx (11th graders), Gleaners (7th-8th grade) and Hoonah (10th grade-adult). We also have our family mission trip to Camp Prime Time. Informational sheets are available for Camp Prime Time, but dates have not yet been set. Please contact Valerie Danforth at [email protected] with questions.

Mirror Lake Elementary: Palm Sunday Prayer WalkSunday, April 13 (Palm Sunday) at 9:20am, 10:50am and 12:20pm. Prayer-Walking is on-site prayer which focuses on the needs of a specific community. This year we will pray for the many needs of the Mirror Lake community as we prayer-walk the school grounds. Walks will be held after each Sunday worship service and will last approximately 40 minutes. You may choose to prayer-walk alone or in a group. Meet in the chapel after service for preparatory prayer and prayer-walk guide. Questions? Please contact Sylvia Courtney at [email protected] or Ann Murphy at [email protected].

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ON FIRE!

PRESCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN & CHILDCARE

Mitzie OllilaDirector of Children and Family

[email protected]

Jan GrotheDirector of Spiritual Growth

[email protected]

FLAME - (grades 1 - 6)

Sunday SchoolOn all five Sundays in March, Sunday School grades 1 through 6 will be in Athens. We will be learning about Paul’s dangerous journey to Athens to share the truth about God’s love through his Son Jesus Christ. We will make crafts, sing songs, study God’s Word in family groups, see drama presentations, take part in a special coin drive contest for Swaziland, pray together and encourage one another to follow God as He leads us.

Invite friends, save your coins, and get ready to travel to Athens!

First Grade Family Fun EventAll first graders and their families are invited to our annual Family Fun Night on Sunday, March 16 at 5pm in Great Room A. The first grade theme for the year is “Family”. This is an opportunity to do some fun activities with your family and celebrate the family God has given you!

Kids For ChristMarch 19All 4th, 5th and 6th graders are invited to Malkow Hall for “Group Game Night”. Dinner will be chili and nachos at 6:30pm on March 19. Invite your friends!

April 16Come for a night of “Bible Games” on April 16 at 6:30pm in Malkow Hall. “Gold” will be given to anyone who has the books of the Bible memorized. Come for a great dinner and bring a friend!

Third Grade Family NightAll third graders and their families are invited to Malkow Hall for our annual game night at 5pm on April 27. There will be relay races, an obstacle course, donuts on a string and more!

Super SundayOur last Super Sunday of the Sunday School year is on May 4 at 9:30am in Malkow Hall. There will be birthday bags, puppets, drama, Bible teaching, scripture memory awards and more!

SPARK - (age 0 - kindergarten)

Met the BabiesCalling 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 2 at 10:30-11am in St. Luke’s nursery. Contact info: [email protected].

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. Saturday, April 12, 10am, at St. Luke’s in the Great Room.

Hosanna Festival and Easter Egg HuntOn Palm Sunday, April 13, our Hosanna Festival for grades 1-6 and Easter Egg Hunt for the 3, 4 and 5 year old Sunday School classes will take place. We will host an Easter Egg Hunt in the fenced playground for the younger Sunday School classes. Grades 1-6 will meet in their classrooms with special planned activities ending with a reenactment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with palm branches.

Candy Donations NeededWe are in need of wrapped Easter candy for our Easter Egg Hunt on April 13. Please bring your donations to the church office by April 6.

School Registration for 2014 - 2015We are now accepting registration from St. Luke’s church members in our preschool and kindergarten classes for the 2014 -2015 school year. We have a variety of classes for 3, 4 and 5 year olds. See Heather in the office. Packets are available at the Welcome Center, online, or in the office.

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ADULT OPPORTUNITIESRe-Ignite Your PassionMarch 16 – April 6, 9:30am-10:30am, Room 311

Where am I? What has God called me to? How do I do it? How do I sustain it? These are all questions we continually ask ourselves when considering our walk as disciples of Christ. However, considering the challenge of finding the answers, these questions remain only questions. Taught by Pastor Chris, Randy Sloper and Todd Zern, join us for a 4-week class on Sundays at 9:30am to be equipped on how to re-ignite your heart’s passions, be empowered to move forward, and be encouraged by one another as we live out this passion together in community.

Membership ClassThis 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 25 (6:30-9p) and Saturday, April 26 (9a-4p) at St. Luke’s in the Great Room. One-on-ones: Sunday, May 4, 9:30am. Receiving into membership: May 18.

CORECORE is training for those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of God and His Word. It is designed for those who are hungry to have God work through them to affect the lives of others. Each course is taught at St Luke’s on Sunday mornings. In a communal learning environment, the sessions will be deep in biblical teaching and will incorporate practical application to assist students to not only learn what God’s Word says but to apply that knowledge with real people in the real world.

Interested in going deep into Scripture? Join us this Spring for a study of Titus: Authentic Christianity. This session will only occur over 4 weeks, April 27 – May 18, Sundays, 9-10:45am.

Grandparent MinistryOur mission statement reads “to provide a Christ-centered, caring & nurturing connection between generations.” We are an L-Team being formed to support families who otherwise have no support system. An example would be a family who lives in Federal Way but whose parents, aunts, uncles & other family members live in other locations across the country too far away to lend them assistance in the normal way enjoyed by most families, such as help with childcare, errands, car trouble problems, etc.

We originally referred to this ministry as the Grandparent’s Ministry but we will be changing the name soon to be

more inclusive: grandparents, aunts, uncles, people who have no children — anyone who has the desire to develop relationships with families.

Right now, we are very close to finalizing our vision statement and choosing our name. We have a committed group of people who are trying to build a good foundation for this ministry.

You will be hearing more about us in the coming months as we have two events scheduled. The first is our Mission Moment next month where a Mom will be speaking about her own experience with the help she received from someone when she needed it. On March 16 we will be hosting a Meet-n-Greet type event where families, and anyone else interested, will be able to connect with us after the 9:30 and 11:00 services for a very brief interaction. After that we will be looking to start the process of family support, and we will also be seeking out people to support these families. If you have questions or if you have the desire to serve God by connecting with families who need support, please call Debbie Fuller: 253.517.9872 or the church office: 253.941.3000.

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WOMEN’S EVENTS

MEN’S RETREAT

Staying in Your Own Hula HoopMarch 1, 9-11am, Worship Center

Ever try to instruct someone in the proper technique of operating a Hula Hoop while concentrating on keeping your own twirling around your waist? Imagine the scene: first there’s a fair amount of laughter because it seems the Hula Hoop has a mind of its own and your instructions are like a foreign language. But then as you persist to instruct your pupil, ex-pertly keeping your own hoop going, laughter turns to frustration, hoop bumps hoop endangering both, frustration turns to rejection of the whole Hula Hoop experience and you as a teacher, and the lesson ends with anger and both hoops on the ground.

Trying to control anyone’s life but my own is a lot like the Hula Hoop lesson—ineffective at least, destructive at most. But sometimes I persist in the belief that controlling someone else’s life is best for everyone involved—and I keep trying to “help.”

Scripture reminds me over and over that God is the one in control. When I step in to “help him out,” I get in the way of God’s plan for me and the others involved. I have internal messages that give me permission to “help” my family, friends, coworkers, pastors—you name it and I can come up with justification for interfering.

If you struggle with control and redefining it for yourself as helping, please join us as we investigate to find out just who is in control. Facilitated by Sue Thode.

Ladies’ TeaApril 5, 11am - 1pm, St Luke’s Great Room

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. Indulge in a delectable fest of beautifully prepared and displayed treats, visit with your friends and make new friends without even needing your passport. Cost is $10.00/person. Tickets go on sale March 9.

Men of LegacyMay 2-4, 2014Miracle Ranch – Port Orchard, WA

Psalm 78.4 – We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

Helping men develop character, mentor, and leave a legacy… Sessions include the following topics…• Building legacy as a Spiritual Leader• Creating legacy within your Family• Creating a legacy Vocationally• Corrupting your legacy• Creating legacy within your Personal Relationships• Creating legacy through Mentoring

SAVE THE DATE! Registration will begin March 1

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L-TEAMS

GOD STORIES

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: Sip ‘n Score, Study of Ephesians, 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] or go to the St. Luke’s website stlukes-church.com, log in, then click on “Start a new L-Team” 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. Jan at 253.941.3000.

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 5 is the due date for spring and summer L-Teams.) If you need help, direction, calendaring, or whatever, let me know. ([email protected]) 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.

Sunday MorningNow 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 5 is the due date for spring and summer L-Teams.) If you need help, direction, calendaring, or whatever, let me know. ([email protected]) 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.

Again and AgainJan Grothe

Romans is a fascinating book of the Bible. Sometimes it’s a challenge to read and understand, but this stuff just doesn’t get old! The book of Romans is loaded!

Here are only a few nuggets in the first half of the book.“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation...”“...justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus’’“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”“…consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.”“…for those who love God all things work together for good…”“…we are more than conquerors…”

I’m thankful our pastors are preaching on Romans. One may be tempted to think, “I’ve heard all this before.” We probably have, yet it’s new every time.

In Romans, Paul tells us we are sinners and are powerless to get rid of sin. He testifies that it is only through Jesus that we have forgiveness and new life. I need this reminder often. Often! This is something I know in my head, but after all these years, still struggle with in my life. I know I have the gift of grace. God has given it to me through Jesus. I know that sin has no power in my life because Jesus is victorious over sin and death.

Why do I need to keep hearing about the grace of God and His power in my life? Because I become weary and frustrated with the sins in my life. I need the constant reminder that sin has no power over me, that Jesus has done it all! I need the encouragement that I can say no to sin, because the Spirit helps when I am weak. He lives IN me! I’m thankful for the reminder to take an honest look at my life to see where there is growth and where I need to grow. I’m thankful for the reminder that it’s all about Jesus. It’s a gift. A gift! The message is old, yet it’s new every day.

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FINANCIAL UPDATE

2013 MISSION PLAN PERFORMANCE (Second Quarter: July-December 2013)

THANK YOUS AND MEMBERSHIP

Todd ZernDirector of Operations

[email protected]

Giving: Second Quarter - July-December 2013

Revenue and ExpensesTotal YTD income of $1,023,166 falls below total expenses of $956,901 by $66,264 (74% to budget). After mortgage principle payments and capital improvements, the budget shortfall of $5,422 falls below FY14 YTD budget expectations by $11,845. The budget shortfall is absorbed by cash reserves.

General Fund CashGeneral Fund cash reserves at the end of this reporting period is $732,261.

2013-2014 Capital improvementsFirst of all, thank you so much for your continued generosity in supporting the Building Fund. These restricted funds help finance large capital improvements projects that are necessary to maintain and improve the facilities that God has give us. Thank you again for your support!

The following projects are planned for the 2014 calendar year. Please prayerfully consider helping support these projects by donating to the Building Fund.

• Expand security camera infrastructure to include exterior property – In process

• Replace all remaining single pane windows in the preschool and kindergarten classrooms, as well as the Chapel - $67,000

• Replace the playground fence - $10,000

Giving TreeThank you to everyone who took a tag from the Giving Tree this year. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to provide 150 children and 25 seniors with Christmas gifts this holiday season.

Sock / Blanket DriveThank you to everyone who donated socks, hats, blankets and gloves during our Thanksliving service. We collected a total of 385 pairs of socks, 21 blankets, 28 pairs of gloves and 10 hats to help those in need in our community this winter.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATESPlease update the church office at 253.941.3000 or [email protected] with new addresses, phone numbers or e-mail addresses.

Baptized:Jensen Voshell 12/01 Diesel Woodbury 12/01Todd Smith 01/19

Weddings:Jeff & Alice (Schroeder) Phillips 12/31Zach and Holly (Saastad) Miller 12/31

Releases:Tang and Teresa Cheam Maya and Lucy

Death:Sharon Cooper 12/27 Trudy Danielson 12/28

GIVING UPDATE (2nd Quarter FY2014)Actual $ 661,879

Projection (Budget) $ 728,146

% Actual vs. Projection - 9%

Q2 2014 vs. Q2 2013 - 2%

pastoral staff leadership staff

support staff

general infochris davis

lead pastor

jake allstaedtassociate pastor

bob beckstromvisitation pastor

valerie danforthmissions 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

tammy caleyassistant 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

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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PAIDFederal Way, WA 98003

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