DEAR WESTMINSTER FAMILY –
This Sunday we will launch a new sermon series leading up to Easter entitled, JOURNEY TO THE CROSS: THE REALITY OF GOD’S REDEMPTIVE PLAN FOR ALL. Each week we will focus on a different spiritual discipline that will lead us to a more complete understanding of the life that God has won for us through the death of His Son on the cross. Our curriculum over the next few weeks will include the disciplines of submission, prayer, simplicity, service, sabbath, solitude, and celebration.
Richard Foster in his classic treatment of this topic, CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE, speaks to the need for spiritual disciplines in our lives.
“Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant gratification is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people…..The classical disciplines of the spiritual life call us to move beyond surface living into the depths. They invite us to explore the inner caverns of the spiritual realm.”
It is important for us to note that the disciplines are not reserved for “spiritual giants” and thus beyond the reach of people like us. Foster goes on to say…..
“God intends the disciplines of the spiritual life to be for ordinary human beings: people who have jobs, who care for children, who must wash dishes and mow lawns. In fact, the disciplines are best exercised in the midst of normal activities…Nor should we think of the disciplines as some dull drudgery aimed at exterminating laughter from the face of the earth. Joy is the keynote of all the disciplines. The purpose of the disciplines is liberation from the stifling slavery to self-interest and fear. When one’s inner spirit is set free from all that holds it down, that can hardly be described a dull drudgery. Singing, dancing, even shouting characterize the disciplines of the spiritual life.”
My message this week will address the importance of the cross in our everyday lives. Our “journey” is not just the goal of the Christian life, it is also the means to that goal. Jesus said, both clearly and consistently, that “if any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross (daily) and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) Understanding the “cross-life” is key to experiencing the freedom offered in the disciplines of the spiritual life. My message will be wrapped in an extended time of praise and prayer. We will also experience together a family dedication and baptism of believers.
It should be a very exciting Sunday. I encourage you to find your way to Westminster for the beginning of this important series.
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: March 1 & 2
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1685584590iamg@1685584590RCret1685584590snimt1685584590seW1685584590.
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.l1685584590iamg@1685584590RCret1685584590snimt1685584590seW1685584590.
THIS SUNDAY: March 3
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.
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.1685584590retsn1685584590imtse1685584590w@rai1685584590vlys1685584590
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.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@seih1685584590tak1685584590 / 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.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@rynn1685584590ej1685584590.
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.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@rynn1685584590ej1685584590.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE – Wednesday, March 6, 6:30 PM, Sanctuary: The Ash Wednesday service is a time to reflect on our humanity as we begin the Lent season.
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.l1685584590iamg@1685584590ykswo1685584590kinob1685584590k1685584590. 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.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@rynn1685584590ej1685584590.
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.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@zenn1685584590aul1685584590.
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.1685584590sngis1685584590edtdk1685584590@yhta1685584590k1685584590
SPRING ESOL ALPHA – Fridays, 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.t1685584590sacmo1685584590c@hsi1685584590nimne1685584590lle1685584590
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SNACKCHAT – ENSENADA, MEXICO – Sunday, March 10, 10:15-10:45 AM, CLC (kitchen side): See and hear how our Family Mission Trip at the Ranch el Refugio in Ensenada over Winter Break is a prime example of how Westminster is growing young! Contact Stephen at moc.l1685584590iamg@1685584590ykswo1685584590kinob1685584590nehpe1685584590ts1685584590
PARENT CONNECT – Sunday, March 17, between services, CLC: 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. Questions? Contact Holly at gro.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@pyll1685584590oh1685584590
FLOURISH@WORK FOR WOMEN – Thursday, March 21, 6:00 PM, Fireside Room: Hear the success story of a small business owner, Nicole Larkin, Bradford USA. Balancing work and motherhood, and most importantly, pursuing God in unexpected places. Cost: $10 – register at westminster.org/events. Contact Jenny at gro.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@rynn1685584590ej1685584590
“UNCHAINED: KNOWING WHO YOU ARE” 2019 Westminster Chapel Women’s Conference – Friday evening, March 29, 6:30 -9:00 PM and Saturday, March 30, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, CLC: Join us at the Westminster Women’s Conference and learn how to live out our Kingdom Identity with God and Others. This study helps you see beneath the surface’ that we sometimes settle for’ to knowing your true identity in God’s Kingdom that can lead to powerfully connects with and initiate transformation in your life and the lives of others. It’s God’s “secret sauce.” The game changer. And it can be yours, too. At this conference we will interact in discussion with small groups after watching the video series “Knowing Rediscovered” which includes a Biblical foundation followed by real life stories of God’s amazing power to be present in our lives. Please add this info to the bulletin, It’s Friday, FB, Instagram. On Friday night a light dessert and coffee/tea will be served. On Saturday we will provide a light breakfast and at the end of the conference lunch will be served. Cost: $35 per person – Register at westminster.org/events. Questions? contact Jenny at gro.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@rynn1685584590ej1685584590
PRODIGALS INTERNATIONAL’S RESTORING HEARTS WOMEN’S CONFERENCE – Saturday, April 6, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Westminster Chapel CLC: Prodigals International offers this unique one-day conference for women who are facing the startling discovery of their husband’s sexual unfaithfulness – from pornography use to extramarital affairs – or a fiancée, son or father. This is a safe place where women can connect with other women who understand the challenges they face. This conference will provide information, tools, resources, and an important message of hope for women in all stages of the healing journey. TOPIC – “Bravery After Betrayal: It Takes Fierce Strength,” presented by Dr. Sheri Keffer ,Ph.D, author of Intimate Deception – Healing the Wounds of Sexual Betrayal, will present two in-depth breakout sessions, and an inspiring keynote message. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.restoringheartsconference.org. Tickets cannot be purchased through Westminster Chapel.
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.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@pkra1685584590m1685584590.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri gro.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@fire1685584590c1685584590.
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.r1685584590etsni1685584590mtsew1685584590@ctta1685584590m1685584590.
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 2/26/19
Expectation for the Week $58,100
General Giving for the Week* $59,405
Expectation to Date $2,565,700
General Giving to Date* $2,391,404
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