DEAR WESTMINSTER FAMILY –
What a difference a week makes! Last Friday I was in Ethiopia where the weather was sunny with temperatures close to 100 degrees. Today I awakened to the cold and the threat of a significant snowstorm, one that could challenge church events this weekend. Please read this e-mail to its completion. I have included some information that will help you make safe and sound decisions about our services.
If we do gather this Sunday, the focus of my message will center on the proper Christian response to the public debate surrounding the “sanctity of human life.” The battle for life is raging everywhere. The issues surrounding abortion are only part of a much larger pattern of symptoms indicating a desperate condition in our society. The list of symptoms keeps growing. Rampant teen suicide, death education in our public schools, and the growing acceptance of euthanasia are all evidence of a nation and world in deep trouble. Fearful silence is not an option for committed Christians. We need to confront the “death-style mentality” of the world around us with the “life-style” mentality we find in the Gospel. We will have representatives from our ministry partner, CareNet, to help us frame the message.
In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Moses spoke these word to the God-followers who were preparing to journey into the Land of Promise…..”I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him, for He is your life and the length of days….” Good advice for then and for now and for always.
As a winter storm approaches, we are waiting to make decisions about the impact on our church services for Sunday. While we encourage everyone to make personal decisions about their safety, we are currently planning to hold church services at 9 and 10:45 on Sunday until further notice. We will update this plan on Saturday around Noon. Please check our social media, website, your email, or app push notification (will come to your phone) for the update.
FYI – When it comes to weekday snow closings, we follow the Bellevue School District. So, if the Bellevue schools are closed, Westminster is also closed.
Hope to see you in church.
Pastor Gary
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: February 8 & 9
** JOANN MULLEN’S MEMORIAL SERVICE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED ON FEBRUARY 23.
THIS SUNDAY: February 10
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.
EXPLORING WHO I AM MADE TO BE – Sundays, through February 10, 9:00 AM, Room 303: 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.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@ctta1680438225m1680438225
SNACK CHAT/PARENT CONNECT – Sunday, February 10, 10:15-10:45 AM, Back of CLC: In this first Parent Connect, join other families and our Care Department as we discuss how we use technology and media in our families. Come with your questions and concerns as we work through this topic together. Hopefully you will come away with some resources and things to think about that will help you navigate the ups and downs of technology and media as your children grow and mature. For more information, contact Jenny at gro.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@rynn1680438225ej1680438225.
WINTER ALPHA – 6:00-7:45 PM, Atrium: Looking for a safe place to explore and question the meaning of life? Join us Sunday evenings for a fun and open discussion about the Christian faith. Ask anything you like! Free dinner and childcare included. For more information, contact Sylvia at gro.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@raiv1680438225lys1680438225
THIS WEEK:
WESTMINSTER LANGUAGE ACADEMY – Winter Quarter Classes: January 7 – March 25: Encouraging and experienced instructors providing conversational English classes at all levels. Private instruction is also available. More information available at www.WestminsterLanguageAcademy.org or contact Kathie Stabbert at gro.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@seih1680438225tak1680438225 / 425-460-4061.
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 $30 for 1 child, $45 for 2 or more. Questions? Contact Jenny at gro.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@rynn1680438225ej1680438225.
DIVORCE CARE – Wednesdays, through 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.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@rynn1680438225ej1680438225
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.l1680438225iamg@1680438225ykswo1680438225kinob1680438225k1680438225. Reserve Your Spot at www.westminster.org/EVENTS.
WEDNESDAY EVENING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – 6:45 PM, CLC: Three 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.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@rynn1680438225ej1680438225.
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.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@zenn1680438225aul1680438225.
GRIEFSHARE – Thursdays, through March 28, 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.1680438225sngis1680438225edtdk1680438225@yhta1680438225k1680438225
YOUR IDENTITY IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD – Saturday, February 16, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, CLC: Guest Speakers Jamie and Donna Winship. Jamie and his wife, Donna, speak around the US and across the globe. Together, they serve as catalysts to help people find their God-given identity and experience a life of freedom. They teach through Biblical teaching and dynamic storytelling and creating experiential life application, in ways that allow people to experience the reality of hearing God’s voice in their daily lives. Their teaching has helped thousands of people discover their true destiny. Cost: $20 per person. To register contact Karen Johnson at gro.d1680438225eretn1680438225ec@ne1680438225rak1680438225. Questions? Contact Jenny atgro.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@rynn1680438225ej 1680438225.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SUE DAHLIN – Saturday, February 16, 2:00 PM, Sanctuary. Please keep Reuben and their family in your prayers.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
KINGDOM COME: WORSHIP and INTERACTIVE PRAYER GATHERING – Tuesday, February 19, 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 in a relaxing candle-lit environment. For more information, contact Noelle at .gro.1680438225retsn1680438225imtse1680438225w@rel1680438225leon1680438225
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE FOR JOANN MULLEN – Saturday, February 23, 2:00 PM, Sanctuary. Please keep Don and their family in your prayers.
RE-ENGAGE – Marriage Enrichment Program – Sundays at 9:00 AM (starting February 24), Room 307 or Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (starting February 27) CLC: WHAT IS RE|ENGAGE? re|engage is a marriage enrichment program. Marriages in any condition can benefit, whether you are struggling to get along, your marriage is broken, or you simply want to grow closer together as a couple. re|engage examines God’s design for marriage and applies principles from the Bible to guide couples towards growth in their relationship with each other. You can expect to: Receive encouragement by hearing stories from other couples that have experienced victory in the midst of hard times; Be placed in a small group with a facilitator couple and other couples to work through a 16-lesson curriculum. Questions? Contact Holly at gro.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@pyll1680438225oh1680438225 or Steve at .gro.1680438225retsn1680438225imtse1680438225w@pev1680438225ets1680438225
SPRING ESOL ALPHA – Fridays starting March 1, 9:45 -11:45 AM, Fireside Room: Discuss your questions of life and faith in easy English with an open, warm environment. ESOL Alpha guests will cover 13 basic topics about the Christian faith. Free continental breakfast and childcare provided. For more information, contact Ellen at ten.t1680438225sacmo1680438225c@hsi1680438225nimne1680438225lle1680438225
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.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@pkra1680438225m1680438225.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri gro.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@fire1680438225c1680438225.
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.r1680438225etsni1680438225mtsew1680438225@ctta1680438225m1680438225.
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 2/3/19
Expectation for the Week $48,600
General Giving for the Week* $54,259
Expectation to Date $2,407,900
General Giving to Date* $2,240,984
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 $18,819,000
Current Mortgage Balance $3,181,000