DEAR WESTMINSTER FAMILY –
One of my favorite Christmas devotionals accurately describes the problem that most of us face because of our familiarity with the events leading up Christ’s entry into our world.
“Year after year, decade after decade, we delight in seeing the same front-yard holiday decorations on the same neighborhood streets. We are thrilled at the reappearance of well-worn downtown Christmas lights and garlands. We are cheered when the church sets up its venerable nativity scene, angels, shepherds, wise men and all…But the very familiarity of Christmas sometimes causes us to overlook the most vital expressions of what should be a meaningful season. We have listened to the words of the great Christmas hymns so many times since childhood that we sometimes fail to appreciate their eloquent poetry. We have heard a hundred times about Mary and Joseph’s long, weary trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but we haven’t always stopped to remember just exactly how and why it happened. We’ve almost memorized the Bible story, we’ve sung carols, we’ve hung the holly and we’ve baked the turkey. When it comes to Christmas, we’ve done it all…And yet, somewhere along the way, we may have lost touch with the heart of Christmas itself.”
Don’t let that happen to you.
We invite you to open your heart to a renewed understanding of Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem by attending our worship services this Sunday.
We invite you to open your heart to a renewed celebration of Christmas by attending one of the performances of Christmas Pops this weekend.
Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 8, 6:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 9, 3:00 PM
TICKETS ARE $15 – Children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be
purchased this Sunday between services, online or at the door. For
online tickets click here. No childcare provided.
We invite you to open your heart to a renewed participation in the privilege and responsibility of Christ’s entry into our world by attending the “Why Christmas?” event on Sunday night at 6:00 PM. This event will be all the more meaningful if you invite someone to attend with you.
Lastly, we invite you to re-discover the “heart” of Christmas by fully opening your hearts the Savior, Who is Christ the Lord.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary
P.S.
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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@dnet1696114257srijK1696114257 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 gro.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@hmit1696114257 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 post marked 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 7-8
CHRISTMAS POPS CONCERT featuring the Westminster Chapel Choir & Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra
Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 PM
Saturday, Dec. 8, 6:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 9, 3:00 PM
Warm your heart and send your holiday spirit soaring with Christmas POPS! Join the Westminster Chapel Choir and Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra for some of your holiday favorites. TICKETS ARE $15 – Children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased this Sunday between services, online or at the door. For online tickets click here. No childcare provided.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1696114257iamg@1696114257RCret1696114257snimt1696114257seW1696114257
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.l1696114257iamg@1696114257RCret1696114257snimt1696114257seW1696114257
THIS SUNDAY: December 9
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 POPS CONCERT featuring the Westminster Chapel Choir & Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra – Sunday, Dec. 9, 3:00 PM
Warm your heart and send your holiday spirit soaring with Christmas POPS! Join the Westminster Chapel Choir and Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra for some of your holiday favorites. TICKETS ARE $15 – Children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased this Sunday between services, online or at the door. For online tickets click here. No childcare provided.
WHY CHRISTMAS? – Sunday, December 9, 6:00 – 7:45 PM, Atrium: Celebrate your first Christmas party of the season with us! Everyone is welcome. Share dinner and a warm conversation. Listen to a short talk and openly discuss what you think or feel about Christmas. For more information, contact Noelle at gro.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@rell1696114257eon1696114257
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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@rynn1696114257ej1696114257.
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.l1696114257iamg@1696114257ykswo1696114257kinob1696114257k1696114257. 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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@rynn1696114257ej1696114257.
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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@zenn1696114257aul1696114257.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@rell1696114257eon1696114257
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.s1696114257ngise1696114257dtdk@1696114257yhtak1696114257
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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@rynn1696114257ej1696114257
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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@ctta1696114257m1696114257
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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@fire1696114257c1696114257.
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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@pkra1696114257m1696114257.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri gro.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@fire1696114257c1696114257.
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.r1696114257etsni1696114257mtsew1696114257@ctta1696114257m1696114257.