DEAR WESTMINSTER FAMILY –
On Sunday, we will take another significant “step” on our Journey to the Cross. Our focus will be the spiritual discipline of simplicity. Last week we looked at the spiritual discipline of prayer. While convicting, the notion of prayer rarely stirs our emotions like the notion of simplicity. This one often comes across as “meddling.” Why is that?
Let me suggest a couple of reasons. First, Richard Foster in his classic book, CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE, states that….
“Contemporary culture lacks both the inward reality and the outward life-style of simplicity….Inwardly man is fractured and fragmented. He is trapped in a maze of competing attachments….Because we lack a divine Center, our need for security has led us into an insane attachment to things. We must clearly understand that the lust for affluence in contemporary society is psychotic. It is psychotic because it has completely lost touch with reality. We crave things we neither need or enjoy. ‘We buy things we do not want to impress people we don’t like’ (Arthur G. Gish, BEYOND THE RAT RACE, P.21).” (Foster, p.70)
A second reason we ignore that the importance of simplicity is tied to our ignorance of the Scriptures. We assume falsely that the Bible is ambiguous about economic issues. Nothing could be further from the truth. Foster rightly states…..
“It is felt that our response to wealth is an individual matter. The Bible’s teaching in this area is said to be strictly a matter of private interpretation. We try to believe that Jesus did not address Himself to practical economics questions.” (Foster, p. 71).
On Sunday we will identify the clear statement that Jesus made about the divine Center so desperately needed in our lives. (Matthew 6:33). We will also look at the biblical injunctions against the exploitation of the poor and the accumulation of wealth. The Scriptures make it clear that this discussion does not focus on net worth. It focuses on personal discipleship. I will try to help us find the right balance between our approach to living a spiritual life while living in a material world. David Bowling, the Executive Director of Congregations for the Homeless will help us understand what churches (including ours) are doing to address one aspect of the economic challenge in our own community.
One more thing….Please be in prayer for those who are attending our Alpha Get-away Weekend. This is the time in the Alpha Course when many of the participants in the course make a decision to follow Christ after learning about the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives. A special “thanks” for all of you who contributed in the offering to support the 49 women and children from Hope Place who are in attendance. The offering not only covered their expenses but also was enough to provide scholarships for some others.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary
P.S.
Please keep the family of Allen Maier in your prayers. Allen passed away on March 7. His memorial service will be tomorrow, March 16 at 10:00 AM in the Fireside Room.
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 15 & 16
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1701235101iamg@1701235101RCret1701235101snimt1701235101seW1701235101.
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.l1701235101iamg@1701235101RCret1701235101snimt1701235101seW1701235101.
ALLEN MAIER MEMORIAL SERVICE – Saturday, March 16, 10:00 AM, Fireside Room: Please keep Allen’s family in your prayers.
THIS SUNDAY: March 17
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.
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.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@pyll1701235101oh1701235101
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 $30 for 1 child, $45 for 2 or more. Questions? Contact Jenny at gro.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@rynn1701235101ej1701235101.
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.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@rynn1701235101ej1701235101.
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.l1701235101iamg@1701235101ykswo1701235101kinob1701235101k1701235101. 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.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@rynn1701235101ej1701235101.
THE GAP (FOR MEN) – Thursdays, 6:30 AM, Fireside Room: This is a weekly bible study with Pastor Gary that is available to all men at Westminster. Questions? Contact LuAnne at gro.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@zenn1701235101aul1701235101.
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.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@rynn1701235101ej1701235101
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.t1701235101sacmo1701235101c@hsi1701235101nimne1701235101lle1701235101
2019 HIGHER GROUND MEN’S CONFERENCE – Saturday, March 23, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Westminster Chapel: Come and be equipped and inspired to live an authentic faith by the Seattle School’s Dr. Dan Allender, Jim Zorn, Jay Stringer and ESPN’s Brock Huard (via video). Amidst a hyper-sexual media culture, social media posturing, and workplace one-upmanship, Higher Ground encourages men, of all ages, to come together for encouragement, straight talk, and practical tools for winning the battle for integrity. TICKETS CANNOT BE PURCHASED THROUGH WESTMINSTER. Click here to purchase tickets. Westminster Discounts!!! Westminster was given free registrations for the first 25 who register, which can be obtained by using the Promo Code WC2019. If they are no longer available Westminster men and teens can register with a special 25% discount by using the Promo Code HG19WC25. For more details about the conference go to www.highergroundmen.com. Questions? Contact Steve at gro.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@peve1701235101ts1701235101
UPCOMING EVENTS:
“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.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@rynn1701235101ej1701235101
BOOK SALE – Sunday, March 31, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Library: Stop by as we sell overstock books. You’ll get some great deals. Proceeds go toward the providing Christian books for those in under-served countries and minimal library costs.
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.
APRIL 2019 CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS MEAL MINISTRY – Each April, Westminster hosts a group of men with Congregations for the Homeless (CFH). For the entire month, teams of people volunteer to provide dinner and sack lunches for the men. This is a great way to love where we live! Both individuals and groups (5-8 people, kids welcome) can sign up to provide a meal. To sign up or for more information, visit www.westminster.org/aprilmeals.
WORLDVIEW APOLOGETICS CONFERENCE – April 26 & 27, (Friday 7-10 PM, Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM), Westminster Chapel: This conference is designed to reach people who are thirsty to learn more about what the biblical worldview has to say and how to defend and impart these truths to others. The content will be biblically and culturally relevant and thought provoking. Our speakers are nationally and internationally recognized within their areas of expertise. Join us for cutting edge presentations that challenge your thinking to effectively make your case for Christ. Speakers include: Greg Koukl, Josh McDowell, Dr. Sean McDowell, Dr. Doug Geivett, Dan Kreft & Duane Morris; Cost: $30 – Students, $40 – Adults, $150 maximum for immediate family (4+). Register online at http://www.abchurch.org. For more information contact Jan Howard or Karl Payne at 425.556.5905 or gro.h1701235101cruhc1701235101ba@dr1701235101awohj1701235101 or gro.h1701235101cruhc1701235101ba@en1701235101yapk1701235101. Brochures are available at the Welcome Center.
GUATEMALA POVERTY & SOCIAL JUSTICE EXPOSURE TRIP – June 22-30, 2019: Join the intergenerational W.I.N.D. Guatemala Poverty & Social Justice Exposure trip and experience the difference relationships make! Find the information you need about this unique trip here: http://wind-guatemala.org/teams/poverty-and-social-justice/ and then register at: http://wind-guatemala.org/teams/ Or contact Sylvia at gro.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@raiv1701235101lys1701235101.
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.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@pkra1701235101m1701235101.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri gro.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@fire1701235101c1701235101.
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.r1701235101etsni1701235101mtsew1701235101@ctta1701235101m1701235101.
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 3/5/19
Expectation for the Week $52,400
General Giving for the Week* $73,190
Expectation to Date $2,618,100
General Giving to Date* $2,464,594
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.