DEAR WESTMINSTER FAMILY –
This week we move from the discipline of simplicity to the discipline of service. Both disciplines rely on the right motive, one that flows from inner transformation. Last week I reminded us that the “center” of the discipline of simplicity can only be found in “seeking FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This priority in our lives allows us to practice simplicity in our everyday interactions with the material world.
The discipline of service also requires an inner transformation. True service, as opposed to what Foster calls self-righteous service, is based on a spirit of humility. This spirit of humility is the product of having the person of Christ and his example of service at the center of our lives. We will talk about this kind of service and provide some Westminster examples in our gathering Sunday.
Please keep in your prayers the Higher Ground men’s conference at our church tomorrow. For the past several years we have hosted a gathering of men and boys who have come together to learn what it means to live for God on a daily basis. This meeting has grown from a couple of hundred to over a thousand. There is still time to sign up. Click here to go to our website events page for more information.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary
P.S.
SYMPATHY TO Steve and Callie Robinson on the passing of their wife/mother, Jo Lee on March 18. Jo Lee’s service will be on Sunday, March 31 at 2:00 PM in the Fireside Room. Please keep this family in your prayers.
GETTING YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER – Sunday, April 7, 12:30 PM, CLC: You are invited to a lunch and a casual discussion regarding planning for the future. We will have three highly qualified professionals coming over to answer questions and to provide guidance on arrangements and getting your affairs in order. (They are not selling their services, just providing information!) Visiting us are:
o Michael Parks from Dignity Memorial to discuss final arrangements for traditional burials and cremations. Having a conversation about the process and all of the preparations needed.
o Ashley McAlhaney, an attorney with Tallgrass Northwest, answering questions on estate planning including wills, power of attorney, escrow, and taxes.
o Kent MacLachlan of MacLachlan Wealth Management. Kent helps families coordinate and organize every aspect of their financial wellbeing. Kent specializes in creating steady and predictable income streams for those in or nearing retirement.
These three professionals are excited to visit us at Westminster Chapel and will be providing lunch and want to listen to our group’s needs and wants. I hope you can take advantage of this opportunity. Please RSVP to LuAnne at gro.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@zenn1701233953aul1701233953 by Thursday, April 4.
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.h1701233953cruhc1701233953ba@dr1701233953awohj1701233953 or gro.h1701233953cruhc1701233953ba@en1701233953yapk1701233953. Brochures are available at the Welcome Center.
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 22 & 23
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1701233953iamg@1701233953RCret1701233953snimt1701233953seW1701233953.
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.l1701233953iamg@1701233953RCret1701233953snimt1701233953seW1701233953.
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.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@peve1701233953ts1701233953
THIS SUNDAY: March 24
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.
WESTMINSTER SUCCESSION PRAYER GATHERING – Sunday, March 24, 6:30 PM, Sanctuary: Gather as a church family to hear from our Senior Pastor Search Team and pray for the process ahead.
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.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@rynn1701233953ej1701233953.
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.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@rynn1701233953ej1701233953.
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.l1701233953iamg@1701233953ykswo1701233953kinob1701233953k1701233953. 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.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@rynn1701233953ej1701233953.
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.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@zenn1701233953aul1701233953.
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.t1701233953sacmo1701233953c@hsi1701233953nimne1701233953lle1701233953
“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.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@rynn1701233953ej1701233953
UPCOMING EVENTS:
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.
GETTING YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER – Sunday, April 7, 12:30 PM, CLC: You are invited to a lunch and a casual discussion regarding planning for the future. We will have three highly qualified professionals coming over to answer questions and to provide guidance on arrangements and getting your affairs in order. (They are not selling their services, just providing information!) Visiting us are:
o Michael Parks from Dignity Memorial to discuss final arrangements for traditional burials and cremations. Having a conversation about the process and all of the preparations needed.
o Ashley McAlhaney, an attorney with Tallgrass Northwest, answering questions on estate planning including wills, power of attorney, escrow, and taxes.
o Kent MacLachlan of MacLachlan Wealth Management. Kent helps families coordinate and organize every aspect of their financial wellbeing. Kent specializes in creating steady and predictable income streams for those in or nearing retirement.
These three professionals are excited to visit us at Westminster Chapel and will be providing lunch and want to listen to our group’s needs and wants. I hope you can take advantage of this opportunity. Please RSVP to LuAnne at gro.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@zenn1701233953aul1701233953 by Thursday, April 4.
EASTER EGG STUFFING PARTY – Sunday, April 14, 9:00 AM – Noon, Gym: Help us stuff 4,000 Easter Eggs for Pancakes and Eggs! We provide the eggs. You stuff them with treats! Come for 10 minutes or an hour, your choice. Contact Martha at gro.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@caht1701233953ram1701233953.
WHY EASTER? – Sunday, April 14, 6 – 8:00 PM, Atrium: Is Easter just bunnies, chocolates, and pastel colors? Join us for dinner and an open discussion around Easter and its impact on real, everyday people. No pressure and no charge! Childcare available for infants through 5th grade. Contact Noelle at gro.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@rell1701233953eon1701233953.
SAVIOUR FEATURING NEW MUSIC FROM “THORNS” – Thursday, April 18 & Friday, April 19, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary: Saviour is a stunning oratorio that fuses classical and contemporary styles into a masterpiece. THORNS is a work composed by Pastor Laurence Berteig with focus on the humanity of Jesus. Presented by the Westminster Chapel Choir & Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra. Free. No childcare.
PANCAKES & EGGS – Saturday, April 20, 9 – 11:30 AM, CLC: FREE pancake breakfast, Easter egg hunts and carnival for the whole family. Invite your friends and neighbors. Help by volunteering or donating supplies. More information at www.westminster.org/Pancakes&Eggs2019
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES – Sunday, April 21
6:00 AM Sunrise service – Atrium (light breakfast provided)
9 & 10:45 AM Sanctuary (Nursery: birth-5 years)
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.h1701233953cruhc1701233953ba@dr1701233953awohj1701233953 or gro.h1701233953cruhc1701233953ba@en1701233953yapk1701233953. Brochures are available at the Welcome Center.
BAPTISM CLASS – Sunday, April 28, 10:45 AM, Large Conference Room: This class provides information about the value of baptism and what it means as part of our relationship with Jesus. Learn why it is important expression of our faith.
Contact Matt Conrad at gro.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@ctta1701233953m1701233953
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.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@raiv1701233953lys1701233953.
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.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@pkra1701233953m1701233953.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri gro.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@fire1701233953c1701233953.
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.r1701233953etsni1701233953mtsew1701233953@ctta1701233953m1701233953.
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 3/18/19
Expectation for the Week $52,400
General Giving for the Week* $48,647
Expectation to Date $2,733,600
General Giving to Date* $2,552,398
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