Dear Westminster Family –
I have had the melody and lyrics of an old hymn running through my mind this week…so old in my experience that I can’t remember the first time or the last time I sang it.
TO BE USED OF GOD
I’ve a yearning in my heart
That cannot be denied;
It’s a longing that has never
Yet been satisfied.
I want the world to know
The One who loves them so;
Chorus…
To be used of God, to sing, to speak, to pray
To be used of God to show someone the way
I long so much to feel the touch
Of His consuming fire
To be used of God is my desire.
When I think about the shortness
Of my earthly years;
I remember all the wasted days
The wasted tears.
I long to preach the Word
To those who’ve never heard
Of the One who can dispel all fears.
I know that the Spirit of God prompted my memory of this song because of the focus of our study his week. Before the children of Israel begin their conquest of the Promised Land, Joshua sends two spies into the city of Jericho to do some reconnaissance. The spies encounter a woman named, Rahab, who offers them protection and support. On the surface, she appears to a most unlikely person to be used of God to accomplish His purposes. Her story will challenge some of our preconceptions of who it is that God chooses and uses.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary
P.S.
• Speaking of opportunities to be used of God. Please note the following details about the annual Life Chain experience this Sunday. PRO LIFE DEMONSTRATION – Sunday, October 7, 2 – 3:30 PM at the Red Robin Corner, NE 24th and 148th Ave NE, Bellevue: This is the Annual Life Chain Demonstration all over the US and Canada. Thousands of Pro Lifer’s in more than 1,500 cities take to the streets and will be demonstrating for the life of the unborn. These demonstrations save lives. Signs are provided.
• MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR EUNICE CHRISTENSEN – Saturday, October 6, 1:30 PM, Sanctuary: Please keep Wes and their family in your prayers.
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 5 & 6
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.l1685444481iamg@1685444481RCret1685444481snimt1685444481seW1685444481
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1685444481iamg@1685444481RCret1685444481snimt1685444481seW1685444481
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR EUNICE CHRISTENSEN – Saturday, October 6, 1:30 PM, Sanctuary: Please keep Wes and their family in your prayers.
THIS SUNDAY: October 7
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.
PRO LIFE DEMONSTRATION – Sunday, October 7, 2 – 3:30 PM at the Red Robin Corner, NE 24th and 148th Ave NE, Bellevue: This is the Annual Life Chain Demonstration all over the US and Canada. Thousands of Pro Lifer’s in more than 1,500 cities take to the streets and will be demonstrating for the life of the unborn. These demonstrations save lives. Signs are provided.
ALPHA – EXPLORE LIFE, FAITH, MEANING – 6:00 PM, Atrium: A series of interactive sessions exploring the Christian faith. Contact Sylvia at gro.r1685444481etsni1685444481mtsew1685444481@raiv1685444481lys1685444481
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.r1685444481etsni1685444481mtsew1685444481@rynn1685444481ej 1685444481.
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.l1685444481iamg@1685444481ykswo1685444481kinob1685444481k1685444481. Reserve Your Spot at www.westminster.org/EVENTS.
WEDNESDAY EVENING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Starts September 12, 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.r1685444481etsni1685444481mtsew1685444481@rynn1685444481ej1685444481.
THE GAP (FOR MEN) – Thursday, September 27, 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.1685444481retsn1685444481imtse1685444481w@zen1685444481naul1685444481
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SNACKCHAT: ENSENADA, GUATEMALA, INDIA TRIPS – Sunday, October 14th, 10:15-10:45 AM, Back of CLC: Come learn and ask questions about joining a short-term outreach trip this year. One trip could change your life as we experience how God is at work in another part of our world. For more information, contact Sylvia at .gro.1685444481retsn1685444481imtse1685444481w@rai1685444481vlys1685444481
BAPTISM CLASS – Sunday, October 14, 10:45 AM, Large Conference Room: Learn what Baptism means and why it is important to our faith. Please fill out the form at Westminster.org/Events. Contact Pastor Matt at gro.r1685444481etsni1685444481mtsew1685444481@ctta1685444481m1685444481.
YOUTH CORN MAZE – Sunday, October 14, 12:15 PM, Youth Level: Grab a friend and get signed up now for an afternoon at Bob’s Corn Maze in Snohomish. Meet after the 2nd service for lunch (included in the cost), then we will head out. Cost: $20 per student. Bring extra money if you want to buy snacks or pumpkins there. Wear clothing for the weather & shoes that can get wet or muddy. Contact Ceri at gro.r1685444481etsni1685444481mtsew1685444481@fire1685444481c1685444481.
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.
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.1685444481retsn1685444481imtse1685444481W@pir1685444481Tadan1685444481esnE1685444481
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.r1685444481etsni1685444481mtsew1685444481@syna1685444481ffit1685444481.
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.r1685444481etsni1685444481mtsew1685444481@pkra1685444481m1685444481.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri at gro.r1685444481etsni1685444481mtsew1685444481@fire1685444481c1685444481.
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.1685444481retsn1685444481imtse1685444481w@ctt1685444481am1685444481
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 9/19/18
Expectation for the Week $61,300
General Giving for the Week* $44,257
Expectation to Date $872,900
General Giving to Date* $861,617
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 $18,729,900
Current Mortgage Balance $3,270,100