DEAR WESTMINSTER FAMILY –
Have you ever planned for a journey only to realize that halfway into it, you had packed the wrong clothes? For example, you were headed to Alaska, but you packed for Hawaii. It can be a bit frustrating.
The children of Israel were faced with a similar problem on their journey. They had started their journey into the Promised Land only to realize that they had not “packed” a full understanding of God’s commands and His subsequent forgiveness. They got the opportunity to “repack” on the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim. It was at this location that they collectively heard all the words of the Law read to them, both its blessings and its curses. They were reminded again of this universal principle: The blessing of God stops when sin (disobedience) enters and flows again only after the sin is judged. The reading of the blessings and curses formed a continuity with the real-life disobedience of Achan at Ai. They also received a powerful reminder of their reliance on God’s forgiveness by fully accepting the “altar” in their daily lives.
The text for this week tells us that after the building of an altar and the copying of the Law, Joshua…”read ALL the words of the law, the blessings and the curses, according to ALL that is written in the book of the Law. There was not a word of All that Moses commanded, which Joshua did not read before ALL the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them” (Joshua 8:34-35). We will not copy this experience in gathered worship on Sunday, but I hope to capture the spirit of this experience as we “repack” the truth for our continued journey to God’s promises.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary
P.S.
FOSTER CARE 101 SEMINAR – Tomorrow, November 17, 10:00 AM to noon, Fireside Room: This is a great place to explore what it means to host a foster child, either for a short-term stay or longer-term care. If you are feeling called in this area, we hope to see you there! Questions, contact Mark at gro.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@pkra1685721526m1685721526
THANK YOU
Heart-full gratitude, dear Westminster Family, for your outpouring of generous love in the October 21 special offering that allowed 18 women and 17 children from Hope Place to attend the Fall Alpha Weekend in Bellingham on October 26-28. Each participant who attended was touched deeply with the Father’s personal love for them. On Saturday evening, each Alpha guest was offered prayer for either a first-time decision to surrender to Christ’s love and salvation or to recommit their trust in Christ and experience the filling of the Holy Spirit. It was a gentle but powerful weekend of life transformation!
Joyfully,
~ Sylvia ~
For Christian Downs and the entire Alpha Team
KCIS 630 AM – A CLOSER LOOK
Hear Pastor 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: November 16 & 17
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.l1685721526iamg@1685721526RCret1685721526snimt1685721526seW1685721526
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1685721526iamg@1685721526RCret1685721526snimt1685721526seW1685721526
THIS SUNDAY: November 18
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.
CHRISTMAS FOR OUTREACH PARTNERS – Sunday, November 18 & 25, Outreach Wall, Foyer: Visit the table in front of the Outreach Wall on November 18 or 25 after services and select an Outreach Partner/Family to provide their Christmas wish list. Contact: Ron & Tina at moc.k1685721526ooltu1685721526o@era1685721526cm52016857215263r1685721526
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 at gro.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@rynn1685721526ej1685721526.
KINGDOM COME WORSHIP AND PRAYER GATHERING – Tuesday, November 20, 7:00-8:30 PM, Fireside Room: Experience God’s presence and power through worship, listening prayer, and intercession for the Holy Spirit’s movement. Contact: gro.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@rell1685721526eon1685721526
THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE – Wednesday, November 21, 6:30 PM, CLC: A time to reflect and give thanks to God for all He has done. Contact: Bree at gro.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@weer1685721526b1685721526.
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.l1685721526iamg@1685721526ykswo1685721526kinob1685721526k1685721526. Reserve Your Spot at www.westminster.org/EVENTS.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
MS/HS OPEN HOUSE PARENT MEETING – Sunday, December 2, 9:00-10:15 AM, High School Room: Middle and High School parents are invited to join us for our Youth programming from 9-10:15 on December 2nd in the High School Room. You will participate in worship, our teaching time and a small group set up just for you. Questions? Contact Ceri at gro.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@fire1685721526c1685721526
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CHRISTMAS PARTY (Potluck) – Sunday, December 2 from 12:15 – 1:30 PM in the High School Room: JOIN US FOR A POTLUCK LUNCH CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS! Families with children birth – 5th grade are invited to come celebrate Christmas together. We will gather for lunch and fellowship. The Children’s Choir will be performing for us. It is a short time and a great opportunity to meet other families. Bring a main dish, salad or dessert to serve 10 to 12 people. Your whole family is welcome.We are looking for volunteers to help with set up, decorations, and clean up. Want to volunteer or have questions? Contact Martha at gro.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@caht1685721526ram1685721526 or Kjirsten at gro.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@dnet1685721526srijk1685721526.
DIVORCE CARE – Wednesdays, January 9 – April 3, 6:30PM, Room 304: If you are experiencing divorce past or present and want a safe, caring place join us for the 13 week course. The group is led by people who have been through divorce and successfully rebuilt their lives. Cost: $20. Questions? Contact Jenny at gro.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@rynn1685721526ej1685721526
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
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.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@pkra1685721526m1685721526.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri gro.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@fire1685721526c1685721526.
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.r1685721526etsni1685721526mtsew1685721526@ctta1685721526m1685721526.
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 11/11/18
Expectation for the Week $58,600
General Giving for the Week* $37,624
Expectation to Date $1,270,700
General Giving to Date* $1,233,072
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 $18,762,900
Current Mortgage Balance $3,237,100