From the Pastor's Study, by Pastor John
People of Peace,
This summer I’ve been reminded of painful memories people throughout history have carried with them from the past. As the synagogue teacher at the Peace Vacation Bible School in August, I told the children about the years the people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt—a difficult memory that has shaped the Jewish people. On the Peace youth mission trip with Mending Wings, a ministry of the Yakama nation in eastern Washington, our group learned about the devastating effect of boarding schools on Native American children, stripping them and future generations of culture and language and identity. I’ve had conversations with many of you about painful experiences from the past that still linger in your hearts and minds today. Memory has a strong pull on us, and painful memories can weigh us down with hurt and resentment and despair.
Sunday September 11 is the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of 9-11 in our country, events that have shaped our world in this last decade. Talk about painful memories! The sadness of 9-11 is not only the loss of so many lives, but also the fear and division, mistrust and hatred of the “other” that has arisen in its wake. Wars have resulted that continue today. The world will never be the same.
Into our lives of painful memories, Jesus comes and offers peace and healing. The Apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 4 to grieve, but do not grieve as those who have no hope. It’s been said, “Memory is strong, but hope is stronger than memory.” If memory sometimes holds us back, hope pulls us forward. Our hope comes in God, who is our loving Creator, who saves and redeems us in Jesus, and who renews us through the Holy Spirit. Our hope comes in God, who has the power to heal our hurts and the hurts of the world and bring about new possibilities, abundant life, and true justice. That’s the good news of resurrection hope in Jesus! Our hope comes in God, who forgives our sin and brokenness and who invites us to pass on forgiveness to others.
I’ve always found it so powerful that Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who spoke at the Tacoma Dome in May, was able to say by faith, “There is no future without forgiveness.” Those aren’t cheap words. As a black South African, Tutu lived through the evils of apartheid in his country. He had every right to want to lash out and punish perpetrators of apartheid violence and oppression. Yet, he recognized that without the power of forgiveness, painful memories would hold people down and trap them in perpetual violence and hatred of one another.
Living in hope and forgiveness is not easy or cheap. It’s not about forgetting or disregarding the past or people’s painful experiences. It’s about recognizing the hurt but seeking God’s help to let go of its power over us. It’s about courage and action—seeking to build, not tear down, relationships. It’s about seeking God’s justice in the midst of injustice and oppression. It’s about what Paul calls in 2 Corinthians 5 the “ministry of reconciliation.” The way forward for us as a nation and as God’s people in the wake of 9-11 and other communal and individual tragedies is not retaliation and mistrust of the “other.” Let’s not move away from people who are different from us but toward them in an effort to get to know them and grow in understanding. That’s one of the gifts of this faith community—our diversity and the opportunity for cross-cultural relationships. To reconcile means to “befriend,” and Jesus gives us the ministry of befriending others, of building bridges not walls. In that process, we’re called to use the gifts of reconciliation God gives us, including confession and forgiveness, hope, patience, and love.
There are at least two opportunities in Tacoma on Sunday September 11 to gather in hope for fellowship and worship. Associate Ministries encourages us to remember on this 10th anniversary that we are united in our diversity and to be as one in public ways.
+ Interfaith Prayer Service at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows, 5-6 pm.
+ Blues Vespers "Building Hope" at Immanuel Presbyterian Church at 5 pm.
A lot is happening this fall at Peace! Here are three areas of growing energy:
Vibrant Stewardship: The Vibrant Stewardship Team continues to meet regularly and is leading us on exciting paths of engagement (or experiments) to help us grow as managers of God’s gifts entrusted to us. The first path of engagement happens this fall as we spend time in worship and education on Sunday mornings exploring our spiritual gifts and God’s call to us to share time, talent, and treasure for God’s work. What are your God-given gifts to put to use in the church and outside the church to love and serve God’s people and God’s creation? How will you use them? The second path of engagement will be introduced later to help people grow in financial management. We hope to gather volunteer financial counselors from the Peace community to match one-on-one with those who need this service, and to connect folks to other financial literacy resources. Faith and finances are connected!
Small Group Ministry: On Sunday September 25, we’ll lift up small groups at Peace. Small groups are great places outside Sunday morning worship to get to know other folks, grow in faith, and share support and fellowship. Are you in a small group? Our hope is that everyone at Peace is in at least one small group.
Spiritual Growth: A new Spiritual Growth Team has emerged from the Future Directions Retreat in June. This group is gathering to pray for the spiritual growth of the body of Christ at Peace Lutheran Church and to help encourage spiritual growth through Bible study, small groups, prayer, worship, and retreats. How is God inviting you to grow spiritually this fall? How can these offerings help you?
This fall may you be filled with hope from God to energize you for the future!
Stewardship Corner: Gifts & Gratitude, by Carol Watson
On Sunday, Aug. 7, we heard three fine young men of Peace share some of their experiences of their journeys through college and how their faith has been a part of that journey. What I heard from each one, though he may not have used the exact words, was a true sense of gratitude for the opportunities each has had and the sense of God’s calling and constant presence with them as they have discovered their gifts and pursued their passions. They spoke of God opening doors for them and how at times things were ‘awkwardly perfect’. All appreciated finding the support of other Christians along the way and being ready to listen and learn from one another, growing in their own faith. All confessed to having doubts from time to time (don’t we all?) and needing to find quiet space and time to lay all at God’s feet and listen to the Lord. They are thankful for the gift of faith that can take away doubt and fear.
What a blessing, each one of these young men is to us and more importantly to God’s kingdom. May God always be with you, Aukeem, Kaleb, and Harrison. Continue to find the quiet time to hear God’s promises and move out in confidence, being good and faithful stewards of all God has entrusted to you. You are witnesses to all of us.
From the Church Council, by Jean Kampen Council President
The 2011 Church Council continues to meet monthly and to do the work of Peace. Some of the Council highlights during the 3rd quarter of 2011 are:
· Peace received a $5,000 grant from Thrivent for the Emergency Assistance Program, plus a matching grant up to $10,000; for the matching grant Thrivent will match $1 for every $2 we raise for the Emergency Assistance Program by September 30th. If you’ve ever donated, or wished to donate, to the Emergency Assistance Program, now would be a good time. For every $2 you donate, Thrivent will match $1. Simply put your donation in an offering envelope and mark it for the “Emergency Assistance Program” or “EAP.” The EAP has assisted members and friends of Peace with emergency situations such as utilities, rent, etc. The primary fund raiser for the EAP has historically been the Bazaar/Rummage Sale in the fall that Teresa Jackson leads.
· Council has chosen a member, in conjunction with the Mutual Ministry Team, to be on the team to do an evaluation of Pastor John’s job performance. Annie Burris, Council Vice President, is the chair of this team and is coordinating the review process. Other staff reviews are being completed as well.
· Dan reports that the Finance Committee continues its good work. Through July giving was more than expected; we are not having a significant dip in giving during the summer months that most churches experience. This is a blessing! For January – July, the projected budget indicated a $7,500 shortfall; we actually ended up $169 in the black for that time period. Dan and the Finance Committee continue to monitor the budget closely and they are in the process of preparing the 2012 budget which will include a narrative budget for the first time. A big ‘thank you’ goes to Dan and the Finance Committee – they are doing an awesome job!
· The Worship Committee, under the leadership of Keri Anderson, has crafted and advertised for the position of the music Ministry Coordinator. Updates will be shared as the process moves along.
We received a thank you letter and certificate from the Southwestern Washington Synod for the gifts we gave in 2010. The amount we gifted through Synod Benevolence in 2010 was $15,916.26! The letter gave a brief snapshot of what the mission support dollars supported in the synod:
· Federal Way Chinese Fellowship began meeting regularly at Calvary Lutheran Church in Federal Way.
· St. Christopher’s Community Church in Olympia was approved as the Synod’s first federated Episcopal/Lutheran Congregation in the SWWA Synod.
The 2011 Church Council continues to meet monthly and to do the work of Peace. Some of the Council highlights during the 3rd quarter of 2011 are:
· Peace received a $5,000 grant from Thrivent for the Emergency Assistance Program, plus a matching grant up to $10,000; for the matching grant Thrivent will match $1 for every $2 we raise for the Emergency Assistance Program by September 30th. If you’ve ever donated, or wished to donate, to the Emergency Assistance Program, now would be a good time. For every $2 you donate, Thrivent will match $1. Simply put your donation in an offering envelope and mark it for the “Emergency Assistance Program” or “EAP.” The EAP has assisted members and friends of Peace with emergency situations such as utilities, rent, etc. The primary fund raiser for the EAP has historically been the Bazaar/Rummage Sale in the fall that Teresa Jackson leads.
· Council has chosen a member, in conjunction with the Mutual Ministry Team, to be on the team to do an evaluation of Pastor John’s job performance. Annie Burris, Council Vice President, is the chair of this team and is coordinating the review process. Other staff reviews are being completed as well.
· Dan reports that the Finance Committee continues its good work. Through July giving was more than expected; we are not having a significant dip in giving during the summer months that most churches experience. This is a blessing! For January – July, the projected budget indicated a $7,500 shortfall; we actually ended up $169 in the black for that time period. Dan and the Finance Committee continue to monitor the budget closely and they are in the process of preparing the 2012 budget which will include a narrative budget for the first time. A big ‘thank you’ goes to Dan and the Finance Committee – they are doing an awesome job!
· The Worship Committee, under the leadership of Keri Anderson, has crafted and advertised for the position of the music Ministry Coordinator. Updates will be shared as the process moves along.
We received a thank you letter and certificate from the Southwestern Washington Synod for the gifts we gave in 2010. The amount we gifted through Synod Benevolence in 2010 was $15,916.26! The letter gave a brief snapshot of what the mission support dollars supported in the synod:
· Federal Way Chinese Fellowship began meeting regularly at Calvary Lutheran Church in Federal Way.
· St. Christopher’s Community Church in Olympia was approved as the Synod’s first federated Episcopal/Lutheran Congregation in the SWWA Synod.
· Messiah Lutheran Church in Vancouver launched worship at the congregation’s second worship location, Messiah’s North County Campus in Ridgefield.
· Peace Lutheran Fellowship began worship as a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community in Port Ludlow.
Our Council Meetings are more than just taking care of business; know that we start each meeting with a time to share concerns and joys of our members and community. You won’t see these in the official minutes, but we spend time sharing and praying. Pastor John also leads a devotion before we start the business portion of the meeting. This year our devotions are centered around our new Mission Statement, Core Values, and Vision Statement.
We continue to share council highlights during the announcement time on the 4th Sundays of the month. You can always find copies of minutes, financial reports, and committee reports in the Council notebook in the office. And you can always talk with anyone on Council.
Budget & Finance, by Dan Stoehr
The state of our finances continues to be exceptionally healthy. I am inspired that in the midst of a tough economy our congregation continues to invest in our ministry with no overall decline in giving. In fact, through the end of July, actual giving has exceeded our expected giving by more than $6,000. Furthermore, we are not having a significant dip in giving during the summer months that most churches experience. That is a remarkable blessing.
I'm also pleased to report that our actual investments in ministry through the end of July are approximately $1,500 below our budget. That fact, combined with higher than planned giving means we are $7,500 better off than we thought we'd be at this point in the year. You may remember that last December the congregation adopted a deficit annual budget on faith. On paper our total annual deficit was projected to be nearly $9,000 by the end of the year. Although we still have a bit of a gap to fill during the next 5 months, we can joyfully celebrate that through our giving and prudent spending, we've already closed the deficit by $7,500.
Please let me know if you have questions or comments. Blessings to you as we continue to faithfully serve God in our Hilltop community and beyond.
The state of our finances continues to be exceptionally healthy. I am inspired that in the midst of a tough economy our congregation continues to invest in our ministry with no overall decline in giving. In fact, through the end of July, actual giving has exceeded our expected giving by more than $6,000. Furthermore, we are not having a significant dip in giving during the summer months that most churches experience. That is a remarkable blessing.
I'm also pleased to report that our actual investments in ministry through the end of July are approximately $1,500 below our budget. That fact, combined with higher than planned giving means we are $7,500 better off than we thought we'd be at this point in the year. You may remember that last December the congregation adopted a deficit annual budget on faith. On paper our total annual deficit was projected to be nearly $9,000 by the end of the year. Although we still have a bit of a gap to fill during the next 5 months, we can joyfully celebrate that through our giving and prudent spending, we've already closed the deficit by $7,500.
Please let me know if you have questions or comments. Blessings to you as we continue to faithfully serve God in our Hilltop community and beyond.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Galilee by the Sea, by Shirley Ray
It was a blessed week of gospel sharing, tribe fellowship, and loads of crafts that brought out 108 kids through the doors of Peace Lutheran for Vacation Bible School. Through the tireless efforts of youth and adult volunteers the Church offered spiritual leadership through tribe lessons, synagogue school teachings, daily dramas, and market shops. Daily prayer followed by healthy meals started the evening’s events. Opening songs and departing tribe yells filled the evening air with the Holy Spirit and the hugs gave warmth to a caring filled goodbye. The joy of having so many neighbors join in the weeks events gives us a closing to a wonderful summer and an opening call to Sunday school year. If you couldn’t make it this year; we missed seeing you, but we appreciate the prayers you offered. The VBS leadership thanks the families for coming and the volunteers for their involvement with each and every child.
Children's Ministry News, by Marcella Lee
I believe that being a Christian is a relationship, not a religious exercise. If we really believe it, then everything we do in children’s ministry at Peace Lutheran should revolve around growing our relationship with each other and with God. This year’s theme for Vacation Bible School was “Galilee by the Sea.” Here at Peace, we didn't waste a second of the day at Vacation Bible School! Every rotation through the market was intentionally designed to connect children's minds and hearts to one simple daily Bible point - a short, memorable Bible truth that is the focus of the daily lesson. Families had fun with songs, crafts, tribe cheers, and dinner. Upcoming events for this year include Sunday school kick off and it starts with Rally Sunday on September 11 at 9:45am and K@POW (Kids at Peace on Wednesday) starting on September 21 at 6:15 to 7:30 pm. Family Nights are still going to be every third Saturday of the month. Upcoming themes for Family Night are: September - “Peace Goes Green”, October - “Fall Festival”, November - “Family Movie Night.”
Youth Ministry News, by Malcolm Carroll
I believe that being a Christian is a relationship, not a religious exercise. If we really believe it, then everything we do in children’s ministry at Peace Lutheran should revolve around growing our relationship with each other and with God. This year’s theme for Vacation Bible School was “Galilee by the Sea.” Here at Peace, we didn't waste a second of the day at Vacation Bible School! Every rotation through the market was intentionally designed to connect children's minds and hearts to one simple daily Bible point - a short, memorable Bible truth that is the focus of the daily lesson. Families had fun with songs, crafts, tribe cheers, and dinner. Upcoming events for this year include Sunday school kick off and it starts with Rally Sunday on September 11 at 9:45am and K@POW (Kids at Peace on Wednesday) starting on September 21 at 6:15 to 7:30 pm. Family Nights are still going to be every third Saturday of the month. Upcoming themes for Family Night are: September - “Peace Goes Green”, October - “Fall Festival”, November - “Family Movie Night.”
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
~Lamentations 3:22-23
HAPPY NEW YEAR?
Having worked with students and their families for the past ten years and being a parent of two school-age children for the past five years, the beginning of the new school year has become just as important to honor as the new calendar year. The hope for most of our students of new clothes, new books and supplies, new teachers, new schools for some, new opportunities to achieve, and new friends does not always get fulfilled. Yet at the beginning of the school year all that we hope for seems possible. May we continue to work towards fulfilling the hopes and dreams of the students in our midst this fall, trusting that God’s mercy and love are present for us all in Christ Jesus everyday!
WHAT’S COMING UP:
TEAM Barnabas 2nd Saturday of the month 9am - 1pm (Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10) ~ Applications for households that can use the services of TEAM Barnabas are in the church office on the bulletin board. Have us come so that you can tell your neighbors about how we’ve helped you!
Rally Sunday – Sunday, September 11 from 9:45 - 10:45am Sunday School kick-off! We have Christian education, exploration and discovery opportunities for all ages. Come for breakfast at 9:15am. Middle school and high school youth meet together to explore how the values of Peace church influence and shape our lives.
Peace On Wednesday (POW) and Kids at Peace On Wednesday (K@POW) will be starting up on Wednesday, September 21 from 6:15 - 7:30pm.
Pierce County Hunger Walk Sunday, October 2 from 1:30 - 4:00pm (Team rate: $5 per person, min. 5 person per team) Craig Cogger and I will work on publicizing and recruiting for this event.
Corn Maze (Rutledge) – Friday, October 28 from 6pm - 11pm Annual trip to the Rutledge Corn Maze $10 per person.
STILL COMING:
Youth and Young Adult worship service…We’ve had a slight set back with how soon we wanted to get this new worship service going. However, we are still looking to roll it out this fall. We desire to do a few things with this worship service: Gather for a meal together, draw on the gifts, leadership and perspectives of the youth and young adults of our community, and be a resource for Sunday morning worship at Peace.
WHERE YOU COULD HELP:
Snacks or Meals ~ We like to eat at Peace! Most of our budgeted money went towards food this year. It would be great to receive some help with meals and snacks for POW and K@POW.
Small group leader ~ For POW this year, we’re going to gather together for dinner, then gather in smaller groups for our discussion / discovery time before we gather together for our closing activity. We’ll need four adult leaders (2 female, 2 male) to lead the small groups for middle school and high school students.
Chaperone / Driver ~ We often have off-site events when we’ll need extra drivers and chaperones. These are irregularly scheduled and are usually one time commitments.
One time guest ~ For POW or Real Talk: come and share your story. Your journey of faith and discovery and how it’s impacted your life.
Discussion facilitator ~ For POW or Real Talk: is there something that you’d like to find out what young people think? Bring your topic to discuss and see what the young people of Peace think about it.
WHERE’S MALCOLM?
Wednesday September 14th – Monday September 19th Malcolm, Charissa and the kids will be in New York for Malcolm’s grandmother’s (Roselyn Jamison) 85th birthday celebration!
On-line Seminary Class - September 12th - November 5th Lutheran Confessions – I’ll be studying (from home) what Lutherans have believed (confessions of faith) over the years, exploring and analyzing the themes and the theological / historical perspectives and how themes documents help define Lutheran identity, and how they may impact congregational ministry.
Thursday, October 13th – Tuesday, October 18th Malcolm will back in Dubuque, Iowa at Wartburg Seminary for his Preaching II class.
THANK YOU!
Thank you again for the ways in which you all have supported the ministry we share with your time, talents and treasure.
Your support of our Mission Trip has given us memories that have both challenged and encouraged our faith.
Your support of my seminary education has humbled Charissa and I as we seek to follow God’s call.
May we all continue to be sensitive to the Spirit’s call that we may “get in where we fit in” for God’s plan for our families, community and world.
Block Party, by Carmen Lampman
“Let’s Grow Together” was the theme for this year’s block party and we did grow! We served over 188 burgers and hot dogs! WOW! The celebration was started off with Irene Manley performing a beautiful Hawaiian dance followed by great music by our very own Will Roberts and friends. Four large tables were covered with treasures from the gardens of Sally Perkins and Steve Apling and shared with all interested gardeners!
The Peace Community Garden was open for folks to check out the wonderful jewel that spot has become – the vegetables are plenty! The blessing of the clothes pantry was evident with lots of people taking bags and bags of clothes and shoes. Charissa Carroll won a basket of groceries by guessing the price of the groceries- she was only 40 cents off! Many folks brought home made recipes using ingredients from their gardens – a whole table full! Recipes were available for many of the items. The informational Nutrition display featured the new USDA nutrition guidelines. With so many children in attendance, invitations to Rally Sunday, Sunday School and VBS were plentiful! Speaking of the children….there were lions, tigers, cats, and dogs adorning the faces of the little ones with the face painting. Twenty children took home backpacks with school supplies, and the others all received folders with school supply essentials. The entire afternoon was fun – so many people and so much sun! Thank you to everyone for their part in this great day!
Peace Community Center Update, by Ruth Tollefson
Peace Community Center has had a lot to celebrate lately. This summer the Center successfully provided intensive academic programs for 55 elementary students at Camp Peace, 35 incoming 6th graders at Hilltop FLITE, and 45 high school students through Hilltop Scholar’s summer program. It was a busy time when the students took control of their education by making the commitment to learn and achieve. Now as we wrap up another full summer, the Center is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary, A Decade of Peace. Ten years ago, in the fall of 2001, the Center first opened its doors.
To celebrate ten years of dedication to Hilltop children, youth, and families, the Center is kicking off A Decade of Peace with an Open House on Tuesday, September 13th from 6:15-7:30 p.m. This year, the Open House is taking on a new style: attendees will receive progressive hors d’oeuvres at tables hosted by each program director. By touring the different tables, attendees will have the opportunity to hear about each program’s activities and then talk with the staff and students directly involved in each program. The Open House is a time to share an overview of our work with newcomers as well as provide updates of our current activities to our long-time friends, so we invite Peace Lutheran Church members to attend and bring anyone who may be interested in an introduction to our work.
The celebration will continue throughout the year with our annual Instruments of Peace benefit event in May. With all the excitement and energy that a ten year anniversary brings, we are planning some exciting changes to truly celebrate this milestone anniversary. Stay tuned for details!
A Decade of Peace will culminate next summer with one final community celebration at Peace Community Center. It will be a time for students, families, and friends of the Center to come together to reflect back on our first ten years and look forward to the next ten years.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Fall Open House, please contact Ruth Tollefson at rutht@peacetacoma.org or (253) 383-0702, ext. 110.
Women's Ministry Update, by Vihollie Rice
The Eighth Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA occurred on July 2011 at Spokane, WA. The theme was Renew-Respond-Rejoice. Twenty-four hundred women attended from the US and outside America.
Dr. Jane Redmont, one of the speakers, gave us an outline on “Prayer in Our Busy Lives.” This was her outline that she shared with us.
1. Begin where you are, not where you “ought to be.” God wants us honest not ‘good.’
2. Take time for prayer (planned or spontaneous.)
3. A special or any place for prayers.
4. Bring our whole self to prayer.
5. Singing a prayer.
6. Saying grace.
Spencer's Eagle Project, by Shirley Ray
Change is a-happening. Drive down the alley or walk out the back doors of the multipurpose room and you’ll see a new storage structure being constructed by Spencer Togia and many volunteers for his Boy Scout eagle project. It’s through this project that Spencer is using scouting and leadership skills taught to him by many adults from Troop 507, Troop 220 and Peace Lutheran Church.
Because of countless donations from family, friends, Church and community members from Parkland to the Hilltop, this storage structure will provide much needed space for the tables and chairs stored in the basement. A special thank you to Juwan, Letha, and Malcolm who have helped get Spencer and his troop this far and are walking to walk beside him to the finish.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH TEAM: A New Team to Help Us Grow, by Ami Schroeder
One of the areas the 2011 council has decided to focus on is “Inreach.” This ministry involves caring for the members of the church and helping them to grow in their personal relationship with God. The new mission statement developed for Peace Lutheran Church includes that we strive to be a “Spirit-filled” community of faith. At the church retreat, church members discussed how we might fulfill our mission statement including what it means for us to be a Spirit-filled community. During this discussion, a small group of participants developed an action item; create a “Spiritual Growth Team." This team has begun to discuss ways that our church community can nurture and deepen personal relationships with God and how to encourage spiritual growth in others. We hope and pray that God puts on all of our (hearts the desire to have a deeper relationship with the Lord. Micah 6:1) “He has told you, O man, what is good: And what does the Lord require of you, But to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.
The church has a number of resources to offer for personal growth, but we need your help in developing additional ones and especially in being part of utilizing these resources. If this area of ministry is of interest to you, if you have inputs/suggestions, or if you would like to know more about how the church can help you to grow in your walk with God, speak to Ami Schroeder, Hans Brockhoff, Irene Manley, Pat Ferguson, Ted Johnstone, or Pastor John.