Winter 2014/2015

winter2014-2015

In This Issue

Note from Pastor Jake 2

Holiday Worship Services 2

Missions 3

L-Teams 4

Women’s Events 4

On Fire! 5

Bible Wars 6

Broken 6

God Story 7

Membership Updates 7

Staff 8

Christ is Coming?it is turning into a busy time of year! As we near Christmas, there are things to buy, places to go, cleaning to do, food to prepare, presents to wrap, and people to see. Christmas is a time of joy, but sometimes we get caught up in the preparations rather than celebrating the truth of what Jesus has done for us.

Holidays are important things in the life of the church. In the Old Testament the Lord established very important traditions for the people of Israel. In Exodus 12:14, God established the Passover meal as a day of remembrance of His saving power and grace. He further instructed them to “keep this feast throughout your generations, as a statute forever.” Later, in Exodus the people are directed to honor God at the beginning of their harvest and months later at the end. (Exodus 23:16-19). Here the people are to acknowledge and thank God for providing the food that sustained them. Israel followed these instructions and worshiped and honored Him at specific times during the year.

Over time the nation of Israel added more festivals not because God was telling them to, but because of the great things He had done. For example, the people in captivity

outside of Israel were rescued by God and developed the Festival of Purim to remember God’s deeds (Esther 9:26). As time went on, the Israelite people were able to break free from the control of the Syrian-Greeks and began celebrating Hanukkah to remember what God had done for them. Whether God instructed it, or people created it, these holidays were important to the Israelite people.

Because most of us are not Israelites at St. Luke’s, these are not our holidays. Here in America we have our own traditions: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween and many more. My wife, Heather, got a calendar called Every Day is a Holiday that has a celebration every day of the year. We do this in order to have something fun for the kids. October 30th was National candy corn day! Earlier this year, we had a day where everyone was called to tickle each other! Most days we just acknowledge the holiday, but sometimes my wife makes it a little bigger.

The Christmas tradition began a few hundred years after Jesus established His church. No one knew the date Jesus was born, but on December 25, 354 AD Christmas became a tradition for people to celebrate and acknowledge Him. In 388 AD it had grown to touch the church of God wherever it spread in the world. Christmas is certainly the most popular day here in America, and in most countries. Even people who do not believe in Jesus recognize and give attention to this day. But is this day of celebrating the birth of Christ God’s idea?

Too often during the holiday season my thoughts and attention are all focused on December 24 and 25. Preparation! Worry! Excitement! But, Jesus tells us in Matthew 6, “Seek first the Kingdom of God.” As the Christmas season begins to take over our lives, are we “seeking first” to follow where Jesus leads, or have we embraced traditions of celebrating instead of listening to God?

The model for the Every Day is a Holiday calendar may be a good one for us. Daily celebrations help us to stay focused on today and not tomorrow. During this busy time, don’t get caught up in the preparation and excitement of coming events. Instead may you lean on, listen to, and spend time with the God who loves you. He isn’t looking for a grand production a few times per year, but rather the daily evidence of humble and grateful hearts.

May Christ help you celebrate His presence EVERY DAY!

Pastor Chris Davis

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A NOTE FROM PASTOR JAKE

Jake AllstaedtAssociate Pastor

[email protected]

Holiday Worship Services

have you started listening to Christmas songs yet? I know I have! It’s almost time for the celebration of the birth of our savior, Jesus. It’s time for the music! And it’s time for some exciting things going on at St. Luke’s.

I want to give you the heads up on a couple things that will be happening with the Ignite youth over the Advent and Christmas seasons. First, let me speak to the High School youth group (Grades 9-12). We will continue to have Light it Up! High School (Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm in Malkow Hall) at its regularly scheduled time throughout Advent and the Christmas Season except for the last two weekends of December. We will NOT have Light it Up! HS on December 23 or December 30. However, December 31 is our annual New Year’s Eve Overnighter for High School youth only! Our theme this year is Star Wars! Even if you don’t like Star Wars, you will have a great time—you might even say that it will be “out of this world”? Get it? Anyways, the New Year’s Eve Overnighter begins with the 7pm New Year’s Eve worship service and continues through lunch the following day (roughly 1pm). Get excited!

How about Middle School (Grades 7-8)? We will also continue to have Light it Up! Middle School (Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm in Malkow Hall) at a normal time and schedule until Advent. During the season

of Advent St. Luke’s has a mid-week worship service from 7-8pm that begins on December 3 and goes through December 17. During these three weeks we will continue to have Light it Up! MS: we will worship together from 7-8pm and then enjoy games in the gym from 8-8:30pm. We will NOT have Light it Up! MS on December 24 or December 31. We will resume a normal schedule on the first full week of January.

One more thing—our annual Ignite Christmas Party for all youth Grades 7-12 will be on December 19th at 7pm. It is our tradition to enjoy food, games, a movie, and a white elephant gift exchange! If you plan on attending the Ignite Christmas Party, please bring a small wrapped gift (around $5 in value) to use for the white elephant gift exchange. The celebration will take place in the Great Room and friends are more than welcome!

May God bless our St. Luke’s family as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Only Because of Jesus, Pastor Jake

Advent Weekend ServicesSaturdays, Nov 29, Dec 6, 13, 20

5:00 pmSundays, Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21

8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 amSunday, Dec 28

ONE Service - 10:00 am

Christmas EveWednesday, Dec 24

3:00, 5:00, 7:00, & 11:00 pmChristmas Day

Thursday, Dec 25 - 10:00 amNew Year’s Eve

Wednesday, Dec 31 - 7:00 pm

Advent Mid-week ServicesWednesdays, Dec 3, 10, 17

7:00 pm

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MISSIONS

MISSION GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

BAG (Bridging A Gap) Weekend Feeding ProgramThe BAG Weekend Feeding program provides backpacks filled with nutritious, kid-friendly food to

students at Mirror Lake Elementary School. 76% of students at Mirror Lake participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch and Breakfast Programs, on weekdays, through the school district. These backpacks provide breakfast and lunch to students who may not otherwise have a reliable source of food over the

weekends. Thank you to everyone who has donated food items to be placed in the backpacks and also to all of you whose have volunteered to stuff and deliver the backpacks to Mirror Lake. This program will run throughout the school year. We are still in need of food items and volunteers. Please visit the Welcome Center for a full list of items needed to fill the packs as well as to sign up to volunteer. If you have any questions, contact Valerie at [email protected].

OktoberfestThe third annual Oktoberfest was a success, raising over $9,000! Funds raised will benefit the Caregiver Kit assembly event and the team we will be sending to Swaziland in August 2015. Thank you to all who came and gave so generously! A special thank you to all of you who helped plan, cook, serve, set up and take down. Your time and efforts were much appreciated!

Reach Out Volunteer OpportunitiesThere are two shelters that operate during the winter months to help provide shelter, food and support services to homeless men and women in Federal Way. This winter, St Luke’s has offered to provide meals for two weeks. The first week is December 1-7. We need volunteers who are willing to make dinners that week for the women’s shelter. The second week will be March 16-22, providing meals for the men’s shelter. If you, your family, your friends or your Bible study group are willing to help with the meals, please contact Mary Ann Hopewell at [email protected].

Mirror Lake Family Christmas EventSaturday, December 13, 2-4 pmMirror Lake Elementary School GymMany helping hands are needed to make this event a success. We are looking for volunteers on the day of the event and to help with set-up on Friday, December 12 starting at 6pm. Also needed are desserts and small paper plates and napkins. If you are interested in helping out or donating a dessert item, please contact Valerie at [email protected].

Giving TreeTis the season! The Giving Trees will be up and ready the weekend of November 15-16. The Giving Trees benefit families in need through our partnership with Mirror Lake Elementary, and also some patients who reside at Life Care Center in Federal Way. There are two trees - one is located in the lower level near the preschool and kindergarten classrooms, the other is located on the main floor, across from the bookstore. Gifts purchased for names from the giving tree are due by Sunday, December 7. Details are available at the Giving Tree Locations. For questions, contact Valerie Danforth at 253.941.3000.

Annual Sock & Blanket Drive for the HomelessWe will be collecting new socks, gloves, hats and twin sized fleece blankets at the Thanksliving Service on

Wednesday, November 26 through Sunday, December 7. All items collected will benefit Reach Out Homeless Shelters and New Hope.

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L-TEAMS

WOMEN’S EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP CLASS

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, Reckless Faith Study, 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] to Create an L-TeamIt’s easy to start an L-Team! Email Jan Grothe at [email protected] 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 JanuaryWhat has God put on your heart to do? What are you already doing? Now is the time to start processing the L-Teams you are thinking about starting in the winter quarter. January will be here quicker than we realize. (December 3 is the due date for winter L-Teams.) If you need help, direction, calendaring, or whatever, please email Jan, [email protected] or call 253.941.3000.

Victorian Country ChristmasDecember 6, 9:30amStep back in time, take a break from your busy schedule, and enjoy a Victorian village. Singing nativity, shows, carolers, activities, and shops all add to the delightful experience. Contact: Vickie O’Connor or Cindy Swezea.

Food for Thought...or SoulJanuary 3, 9amHow do we live with an “attitude of gratitude” 24/7? How can we be thankful in the midst of sorrow, disheartenment, being overwhelmed, confused, and many more personal things we have on our hearts? How do we take the “spiritual into the ordinary?” Learn what God shares with us in His Word about a thankful, joy-filled life. Facilitated by Jan Grothe, Director of Spiritual Growth, Deacon.

Fighting Fat After ThirtyFebruary 7, 9amJoin Becky Clow, Registered Dietitian with specialty training in diabetes education. She has extensive experience promoting healthier lives through exercise and good nutrition. We’ll learn sound nutritional advice for those looking to lose weight and maintain weight loss at every age; guidelines for incorporating an exercise program to safely lose and maintain weight loss; and practical tips and recipes for your daily life.

UPCOMING SPRING 2015 EVENTS:Women in the Bible Ladies’ TeaMarch 7, 9am May 3, 11am-1pm

Easter Saturday April 4, NO Event

Discover Life with GodThis 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 dates are: January 16-17, and April 17-18.

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ON FIRE!

Mitzie OllilaDirector of Children and Family

[email protected]

FLAME - (grades 1 - 6)

On Fire Sunday School - Spark and FlameSunday School for ages 3-5 and grades 1-6 will begin September 7th at 9:30am. Watch for a postcard in the mail the week prior with your classroom location. Sign up for Sunday School at the Welcome Center now. Call or email Mitzie Ollila with any questions.

Bring Food for the BAG projectBring Food for the BAG project – Remember to bring food for the kids at Mirror Lake School. Every week we pack a bag of food for the weekend for children who do not have enough food. Our St. Luke’s Sunday School children are supplying the food. We have sent a list home several times. There are lists at the Welcome Center in the lobby. Bring the food to Sunday School any week. This is an ongoing need.

Christmas Make-n-Take Craft Festival Come to our annual Christmas Craft Festival on Sunday, November 30 from 2-4:30pm in Malkow Hall. A variety of craft projects will be at tables for you to make and take home or give as gifts. There will be door prizes, refreshments,

Christmas music, Advent devotional materials and great fellowship. Children especially enjoy this event. Bring friends and enjoy this beginning of the Christmas season!

Angel BreakfastFamilies with young children, grandparents, cousins and neighbors are all invited to our annual Angel Breakfast on Saturday, December 6 at 9am in Malkow Hall. A pancake and sausage breakfast will be served. There will be puppets, angel servers, an angel choir, prizes, story telling, treat bags, photo scene and crowns. The cost is $6 per person or $20 per family. Tickets will be on sale at the Welcome Center, the office by November 16 and at the door. Come celebrate the birth of Jesus with us!

Sunday School Christmas Programs The Christmas Program for grades 1-6 will be presented on Sunday, December 14 at the 11am worship service in the Worship Center. All children in grades 1-6 are asked to come to our only rehearsal together on Saturday, December 13 at 1pm in the Worship Center.

SPARK - (age 0 - kindergarten)

Meet the BabiesSunday, March 15 (10:30-11am) - St Luke’s NurseryWho are the parents of babies at St. Luke’s? This is a time to meet other parents and talk about the life change of having a baby in the house, sharing experiences, joys, frustrations, and help for others. Contact Carrie Andrew for more info: [email protected].

Start RightSunday, January 18 (9:30-10:30am) - Room 101Envision your children as adults. What do you dream for them? What kind of characteristics would you like to be developed in them? Now is the time to lay the groundwork for all you will teach your children as they grow. Childcare available. Facilitated by Julie and Kevin Kinzner.

Birthday Party for One-Year-OldsIf you had a child who turned “1” in 2014, we would like to help you celebrate their 1st year of life! Please join us on Saturday, January 25, 2015, from 10:00 to 11:00am in the Great Room for a Birthday Party just for you and your “1” year old. It will give you a great opportunity to meet other parents with children the same age, share experiences and trade advice! Bring a blanket for your child to play on if needed. (Childcare will be available for older siblings upon request. Please call the church office in advance with their names & ages.) Questions? Contact Jan Grothe: 253.941.3000 or [email protected].

Sunday School Christmas Programs Join us for the 3, 4 and 5 year olds Christmas Program on Sunday, December 7 at 9:45am in the Great Room. We ask that parents bring a plate of cookies for the reception following the program.

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BROKEN

Chris DavisLead Pastor

[email protected]

BIBLE WARS!Bible Wars Is Still On its Way!The Bible Wars Card Game has many talented people furiously working to finish it. We’re excited how the game is shaping up. graphics, descriptions, Scripture verses, and play rules descriptions all work together to make this game great. The team needs a little more time to make it excellent for us to play. The Bible Wars Cards will be given to kids in grades 1 – 8 for participation in Sunday school and other events. Cards will also be available for purchase at the bookstore. Check out what this game will look like and test the prototype on January 30, 2015, at 6pm. We’ll order pizza for dinner and play Bible Wars!

Real Answers. Real Religion. Real Holy Spirituality.There are only two kinds of spirituality in the world. One is false, and one is true. One is the manifestation of the old evil foe who has sent many false spiritualties out into the world, and the other is the holy spirituality found only in faith in the one true God. One is a lie, and one is real.

But which is which?There is a cultural perfect storm shredding the spiritual landscape of the United States. It travels on the wind of a growing ignorance of both history and the Bible. Christians are losing faith because the kind of Christianity they are trying to believe is

BROKEN

This book examines seven of the most common spiritual traditions and how they use speculation, mysticism, and moralism to break Christianity. Author Jonathan Fisk calls them the seven “counterfeit Christian rules that every Christian ought to break as often as possible,” because they are seven myths that have infiltrated the churches in our age, seven teachings taught as if they were doctrine, but which are nothing more than the traditions of men.

The dark secret of Christianity in America is that we are losing. We hide it with light shows, Christian dance and music, and video games, but it’s true. And it’s not new.

The house has grown too dirty. Fisk is going to sweep it clean. All of it: the dusty corners where spores of speculation lay, the air filled with the mustiness of mysticism, the grout where the mold of moralism has grown thick over our clean confidence in Christ. Once the grime has been scrubbed away, Fisk shows how, under the cross of Jesus, you will find that your mind, heart, and hands, your reason, emotions, and sense of mercy, are the very things that our Lord has redeemed. In the resurrection of Jesus, in His fulfillment of the Law, in the essence of His Gospel, in the pure Word of God, you will find the truth.

This book, will form the basis for a 9-Sunday study. The study is about the “theology of the cross” (Jonathan’s words) presented in a unique and fresh way. Books will be available to purchase in November. There is also an e-reader edition, available to download from your favorite book retailer.

Whether you are a seasoned Christian, or someone who’s searching for your faith, this study will engage and enlighten, as well as challenge you. Plan on joining us--a great way to start the New Year--and invite someone to come along. The class meets each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in Great Room C, starting January 4, 2015. Facilitated by Rich Wildhirt.

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GOD STORY

Jan GrotheDirector of Spiritual Growth

[email protected]

Pastor Chris reCently talked about this passage in a weekend message, showing three key elements. First, Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you.” Abba, the close relationship Jesus had with the Father who loves and cares for him. Father, who has all things in His power. There is nothing outside His knowledge or control. When things seem chaotic, overwhelming, uncertain, or scary, God has our lives in His hands. He is all-powerful and can do more than we can imagine.

“Remove this cup from me.” Second, Jesus knew he was about to suffer torture and die a horrible death. He shared the desires of His heart with the Father. We can share our thoughts, hopes, problems, concerns, joys, and thanksgivings. God cares about what’s happening in our lives. He cares about the big stuff and the little stuff. He listens to us.

“Yet, not what I will, but what you will.” Third, though Jesus poured His heart out to His Father, He also understood that the Father would do what was best - not necessarily for the immediate moment, but for the future. Jesus didn’t rant about God’s decision. He trusted Him to know what was best and leaned on Him. Everything that happens in life has purpose. There are things we can’t see or understand. God has

MEMBERSHIP UPDATESBaptized:Griffin Meyer 08/31 Matthew Gottlieb 09/07Zoe Scholze 09/07 Morgan Wolfe-Kennicott 10/05

Weddings:Kaelene (Gullidge) and Jakob Berge 08/09Joy (Heritage) and Doug Genzlinger 08/23Berit (Waisanen) and James Johnson 10/04Kathleen (Carter) and Joe Santamaria 10/04

New Members:Ed Friedemann Jeff PhillipsIrene Friedemann Ann SpanjerBrandon Kennicott Doug SpanjerShawn Kennicott Carrie Wolbaum

Death:Dorothy Alexander 06/16/12 Kelci Keyes 08/11Dorothy Kincaid 08/26 Anne Barstow 08/28

reasons. Do we ask God for the things we need and desire, then trust God for what happens?

This verse was explained in a way I hadn’t heard before, though the concepts were familiar. My “Ah-ha Moment” came later as I mulled over the sermon. “Not what I will, but what you will.” My head agrees totally. My life doesn’t always reflect what I know to be true. I don’t always embrace God’s truth.

Not my will, but Yours. I say it, then complain when I don’t get my way. I say, “not my will,” then think, “Of course, God will see things as I see them.” I pray those words, yet only momentarily release my burden and take the worries back again. I know God’s truth, yet I don’t live it. How could I possibly think that I know better than God? Why can’t I stand aside and let God be God? My faith is so tiny; my sin is so big!

I’m grateful God’s will includes an abundance of forgiveness and grace. I need it! I’m grateful that God is able to do more than I can imagine. I’m grateful that I can bring my concerns, burdens, and joys to Him. I know so little; He knows everything. Though I don’t always understand how God moves and the decisions He makes, I’m grateful His will prevails. I pray that He will help me remember this as I finish my prayer and live in His grace.

Embracing God’s Truthby Jan Grothe

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet, not what I will, but what you will.” ~ Mark 14:36

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

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

rob percivalfacility and maintenance assistant

debbie wildhirtinterim office asst to worship & arts

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

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDFederal Way, WA 98003

Permit No. 190