Dear Westminster Family –
A number of years ago, Swedish American pastor, Oscar Carl Eliason, took a verse from an old poem and fashioned a hymn around it. The hymn focuses on the themes of our current sermon series.
GOT ANY RIVERS by Oscar Carl Eliason
Verse One
“Be of good courage” God spoke unto Joshua;
When o’er the river God pointed the way;
Jordan uncrossable! Things seemed impossible,
Waters divide as they march and obey.
Chorus
Got any rivers you think are uncrossable;
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through;
God specializes in things thought impossible;
And He can do what no other one can do.
Verse Two
Battles to win! They would meet with their obstacles,
Jericho’s walls, too, must fall to the ground.
God never failed; He stood back of His promises,
Walls had to crumble as they marched around.
Verse Three
God is the same and His word is dependable,
He’ll make a way through the waters for you;
Life’s situations by Him are amendable,
Mountains and hills He will part for you too.
What do you do with the God-sized challenges of your life? You know…the situations that call for the supernatural; the obvious problems that call for extraordinary power. What “impossible” things are you experiencing in your life that only God can handle?
In Joshua 6, the children of Israel are confronted with a seemingly impossible situation. The first challenge they face in the conquest of the Promised Land is the walled fortress of Jericho. God makes a promise; He offers an incredible strategy; and the victory is accomplished. What God did for Israel, He wants to do for us….if we will simply supply the “raw material” that He can use to fashion a “miracle.”
See you in church.
Pastor Gary
P.S.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HELEN BRAUN – Saturday, October 20, 1:00 PM, Fireside Room: Please keep Helen’s family in your prayers.
HOPE PLACE OFFERING: This Sunday along with our regular worship experience in giving, we will collect a special offering in support of the women and children of Hope Place (Union Gospel Mission) who will be attending our Alpha week-end. This is perhaps a good time to remind you of the multiple ways you can give at Westminster.
1) Using your phone, you can text to give by texting WCBELLEVUE to 77977
2) Online, you can go on our website at Westminster.org/giving
3) Or you can give through our APP by clicking on the word “Give” at the bottom of the screen
4) You can write a check or give cash by placing it in the offering bucket.
When you give online, you will be able to choose the fund your gift will go to. So, select “Hope Place Alpha” if that is where you would like to donate.
PRAY FOR BELLEVUE FIREFIGHTERS: This Sunday, you will have the chance to sign up to pray for a Bellevue Firefighter. We have had the privilege of praying for the Bellevue Firefighters for over 10 years. We are starting fresh with a new list this year. If you are interested, please sign up at here.
KCIS 630 AM – A CLOSER LOOK
Hear Gary on the radio with co-host Pete Talbott
Thursdays at 1:00-1:30 PM
Sundays at 9:00-9:30 AM
THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS: October 19 & 20
THE LANDING – 7:30-9:30 PM, Room 311: Celebrate Recovery’s The Landing program for 6th – 12th grade students. Come discover God’s coping skills for life. Questions: moc.l1685446475iamg@1685446475RCret1685446475snimt1685446475seW1685446475
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1685446475iamg@1685446475RCret1685446475snimt1685446475seW1685446475
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HELEN BRAUN – Saturday, October 20, 1:00 PM, Fireside Room: Please keep Helen’s family in your prayers.
THIS SUNDAY: October 21
WORSHIP SERVICES – 9:00 & 10:45 AM, Sanctuary
WELCOME CENTER – Visit our Welcome Center in the foyer for visitor information and warm hospitality. Limited sermon CDs and Our Daily Bread devotionals are available in the Library.
BREW – Sundays, 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Foyer: Is this your first time here? Stop by our café to enjoy a complimentary coffee. We look forward to meeting you.
RENEWAL FOOD BANK ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE: Starting October 7, you can pick up a grocery bag in the Foyer to gather food items for Renewal Food Bank. Each week, more than 250 families in our community connect with Renewal Food Bank to help put food on their tables. Show that we care: Starting next week, Pick up a bag after service in the foyer to find a list of suggested items attached. Bring back your full bag on October 14 or 21; the Food Bank van will be here to collect them.
THIS WEEK:
TUESDAY MORNING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – 9:15 AM, CLC: This year there are 6 electives from which to choose. Prices vary depending on the course you select. For details of each course, and to register, please go to www.westminster.org/woman. Children’s Program (ages birth-Pre K) Cost is $45 for 1 child, $65 for 2 or more. Questions? Contact Jenny atgro.r1685446475etsni1685446475mtsew1685446475@rynn1685446475ej 1685446475.
AWANA – Wednesdays, through May 8, 6:30-8:00 PM: Awana reaches kids for Christ through fun, Scripture-rich experiences that lead them to know, love and serve Him. Join us for exciting games, Scripture-based memory work, thrilling stories and awesome awards that help kids develop lifelong faith in Christ. Join us Wednesday nights during the school year from 6:30-8 PM. Our clubs include Cubbies, Sparks and T&T which are for ages pre-school – 5th grade. Questions? Contact Kay Bonikowsky at moc.l1685446475iamg@1685446475ykswo1685446475kinob1685446475k1685446475. Reserve Your Spot at www.westminster.org/EVENTS.
WEDNESDAY EVENING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – 6:45 PM, CLC: 3 choices for Wednesday night studies! Pricing is for the year and varies depending on the study you select. For details go to Westminster.org/women. No childcare available. Contact Jenny at gro.r1685446475etsni1685446475mtsew1685446475@rynn1685446475ej1685446475.
THE GAP (FOR MEN) – Thursday, 6:30 AM, Fireside Room: This is a weekly bible study available to all men at Westminster. Pastor Gary will be sharing each week from a book entitled, NOT BY SIGHT – A FRESH LOOK AT OLD STORIES OF WALKING BY FAITH. Questions? Contact LuAnne at .gro.1685446475retsn1685446475imtse1685446475w@zen1685446475naul1685446475
UPCOMING EVENTS:
BOOK SALE – Sunday, October 28, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Library: Stop by as we sell overstock books. You’ll get some great deals. Proceeds go toward the purchase books for pastors & leaders in underserved countries and minimal library costs.
WESTMINSTER SUCCESSION PRAYER GATHERING – Sunday, October 28, 6:30-7:30 PM, Sanctuary: As we enter this season of succession with our beloved Westminster church community, we are reminded of the importance and power of community prayer. We serve a sovereign God that has mighty plans for Westminster Chapel and it is our desire to honor Him fully through this process. Beginning now, we are entering into a regular rhythm of community prayer during this important process that we believe He has fully ordained and is guiding. Please join us as we corporately look to seek His will in the succession process as a faith community
ENSENADA MEN’S WORK TRIP – Thursday, November 8 – Sunday, November 11: Build or do maintenance with our partner ministry, Rancho el Refugio. Only cost is airfare to/from San Diego, CA. Contact Scott at .gro.1685446475retsn1685446475imtse1685446475W@pir1685446475Tadan1685446475esnE1685446475
FLOURISH@WORK FOR WOMEN – Thursday, November 8, 6:00 PM, Fireside Room: Join us for an evening of community with women who seek to live out their faith in the workplace. Speaker: Karen Sherwood (I’ll have more details this week, about the topic) Cost $10 includes appetizers and beverage. Register at westminster.org/events. Questions? Contact Jenny at gro.r1685446475etsni1685446475mtsew1685446475@rynn1685446475ej1685446475
VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST – Saturday, November 10, 8:30 AM, Atrium: Attention Veterans of the Military! Join us for breakfast as we hear from special guest speaker, Major Joe Crecca. He served in Viet Nam, was shot down, and captured. He spent 6 years in the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison. No cost to attend, but RSVP at Westminster.org/events/ or click EVENTS on the APP. Contact Tiffany at gro.r1685446475etsni1685446475mtsew1685446475@syna1685446475ffit1685446475.
INTERCULTURAL THANKGIVING – Saturday, November 15, 6:30 PM, Atrium: Our Intercultural community is invited to a special evening celebrating a traditional Thanksgiving holiday. A potluck dinner where we will provide the turkey and your bring your favorite dish to share with 8 or 10 people. Games, conversation and cooking demonstrations. Contact: Noelle at gro.r1685446475etsni1685446475mtsew1685446475@rell1685446475eon1685446475
THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE – Wednesday, November 21, 6:30 PM, Sanctuary: A time to reflect and give thanks to God for all He has done. Contact: Bree at gro.r1685446475etsni1685446475mtsew1685446475@weer1685446475b1685446475.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
HELPING HANDS: The ladies of Helping Hands are so thankful for the donations they have received. They currently have all the sheets they need, so they are no longer accepting donations.
TALKTIME: AN EASY WAY TO REACH BEYOND – Thursday, 6:30 PM, Atrium: Serve as an ambassador to our intercultural community. Help guests from around the world practice speaking English over dinner and guided conversation. Questions? Contact Mark Pedrin at gro.r1685446475etsni1685446475mtsew1685446475@pkra1685446475m1685446475.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri at gro.r1685446475etsni1685446475mtsew1685446475@fire1685446475c1685446475.
RESOURCES/OPPORTUNITIES:
GROW GROUPS – Various times & locations throughout the week: These groups meet in many sites and aim to be places where you can GROW with others. No matter where you are, there is a Grow Group that can help you take your next step in community. Visit www.westminster.org/grow-groups for more information.
BAPTISM – If you would like more information on what it means to be baptized, or about the course itself, you can email Pastor Matt at .gro.1685446475retsn1685446475imtse1685446475w@ctt1685446475am1685446475
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 10/14/18
Expectation for the Week $48,600
General Giving for the Week* $51,182
Expectation to Date $1,043,900
General Giving to Date* $1,036,101
Annual Expectation $3,600,000
*General giving includes weekly and non-designated special gifts.
NEXT CHAPTER GIVING:
Original Project Cost $22,000,000
Payments to Date $18,746,500
Current Mortgage Balance $3,253,500