DEAR WESTMINSTER FAMILY –
One of the secular stories of the season that has become a classic is Dr. Seuss’s, “THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS.” I am sure that most of you know the story. The Grinch hated Christmas and hated the fact that people in the community of WhoVille loved the season. The Grinch decided to “steal” all of the expressions of Christmas that had given people joy. By the end of the story, the Grinch comes to the conclusion that he needed the joy that he had stolen. This realization caused his heart to grow three times larger.
We find ourselves surrounded by many “grinches” this season. The “grinches” are those people or experiences that steal our joy. I know about “grinch” spouses who steal joy by their lack of respect and hurtful words. I know about “grinch” parents who steal joy by putting unrealistic expectations on their children. I know about “grinch” leaders who steal joy by leading with control instead of compassion.
The Angels’ promise on that first Christmas Eve was a message of…”Glad tidings of great JOY which would be to all people.” If you have missed the joy of the season, you need to ask yourself “Why.” I will speak to this issue on Sunday. My hope is that your heart will grow as well.
This is a season of “giving not getting.” Let me remind you that almost 25% of our general fund giving is received in the last month of the calendar year. I know that a number of you prayerfully consider your stewardship at this time of the year. I encourage you to let God guide your giving. Thanks again for your faithfulness.
I look forward to our time together this week.
Pastor Gary
P.S.
PETE TALBOTT AND I WILL BE DOING A 1 ½ HOUR QUESTION & ANSWER PROGRAM TODAY on KGNW 820 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. I would love to have you “tune in” and maybe even ask a question that I can’t answer.
DID YOUR FAMILY WELCOME A CHILD into your family this past year through birth or adoption? We would like to present you with a small Christmas gift during our “Christmas for Children” service at 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve. Please email gro.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@dnet1701285655srijK1701285655 if you will be attending that service. We look forward to seeing you and your family!
CHRISTMAS OFFERING – This year, a portion of our Christmas offering will help build a scholarship fund so we can take our language classes out to our community partners at little or no cost, and will also help us upgrade our current classroom space so we can better serve those who come to Westminster.
YEAR-END GIVING: As we approach the end of the calendar year, many of you choose to give donations of stock. The following may be of help:
• Transfer stock to Westminster Chapel’s account at Charles Schwab: account BV93376060, DTC0164.
• Notify Tim Huffman (425) 460-4015 or email gro.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@hmit1701285655 of the company and number of shares given. A letter acknowledging the receipt of the stock will be sent to you. Wait until you get this letter before you do your taxes or your deduction may be disallowed.
• Visit https://www.westminster.org and click on GIVING for additional methods of giving.
• Locked Safe Available For Year-End Gifts…On December 31st – for your convenience, a safe will be outside the front entrance of the church to drop off year-end donations.
• Donations must be received by Westminster Chapel or postmarked no later than December 31, 2018, to make them eligible for tax deductions for 2018.
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: December 14 & 15
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1701285655iamg@1701285655RCret1701285655snimt1701285655seW1701285655
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.l1701285655iamg@1701285655RCret1701285655snimt1701285655seW1701285655
MEMORIAL GATHERING REMEMBERING JOHN IRELAND – Saturday, December 15, 1:00 PM, Fireside Room
THIS SUNDAY: December 16
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.
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.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@rynn1701285655ej1701285655.
KINGDOM COME: WORSHIP & INTERACTIVE PRAYER GATHERING – Tuesday, December 18, 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. For more information, contact Noelle at gro.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@rell1701285655eon1701285655
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.l1701285655iamg@1701285655ykswo1701285655kinob1701285655k1701285655. 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.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@rynn1701285655ej1701285655.
THE GAP (FOR MEN) – Thursdays, 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.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@zenn1701285655aul1701285655.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DALE PRICE – Saturday, December 22, 1:00 PM, Sanctuary
UPCOMING EVENTS:
GRIEFSHARE – Starts January 3, 6:30 PM, Room 307: All those who have lost a loved one to death are welcome to join us for a 13-week course. Our goal is to provide a safe, comforting place to gain the tools to help you navigate through your grief. Cost: $20. Questions? Contact Kathy at moc.s1701285655ngise1701285655dtdk@1701285655yhtak1701285655
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.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@rynn1701285655ej1701285655
EXPLORING WHO I AM MADE TO BE – Sundays, January 13 – February 10, 9:00 AM, Room 307: God has given you a unique “SHAPE” (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experience) Join us for 5 weeks of exploring more of who you are made to be. Questions? Contact Matt Conrad at gro.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@ctta1701285655m1701285655
FLOURISH@WORK FOR WOMEN – Thursday, January 17, 6:00 PM, Fireside Room: The topic of “Mindful Mentoring” will be discussed by the speaker Kristen Voetmann, Ph.D. – Staff Consultant -Scontrino-Powell, Inc. Specifically, how can women of faith use a mentoring relationship in their work? Cost $10 per person.
WINTERBLAST – January 19-21: MS and HS Students are invited to spend the MLK weekend at Tierra Retreat Center in Leavenworth. We will play in the snow, hangout with friends and grow in our relationships with God and each other. Sign up at Westminster.org/events. Questions? Contact Ceri at gro.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@fire1701285655c1701285655.
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.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@pkra1701285655m1701285655.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri gro.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@fire1701285655c1701285655.
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.r1701285655etsni1701285655mtsew1701285655@ctta1701285655m1701285655.
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 12/11/18
Expectation for the Week $164,800
General Giving for the Week* $157,604
Expectation to Date $1,690,300
General Giving to Date* $1,538,588
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 $18,779,600
Current Mortgage Balance $3,220,400