DEAR WESTMINSTER FAMILY –
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all of your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, not your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11)
On Sunday we will examine the Discipline of Sabbath. This may be one of the toughest of the disciplines to fully understand and incorporate into our lives mainly because our spiritual practices have moved so far from the biblical concept. Ruth Haley Barton reminds us in her wonderful book, SACRED RHYTHMS, that…”the point of the sabbath is to honor our need for a sane rhythm of work and rest. It is to honor the body’s need for rest, the spirit’s need for replenishment, and the souls need to delight itself in God for God’s own sake. It begins with a willingness to acknowledge the limits of our humanness and take steps to live more graciously within the order of things.”
Barton goes on to acknowledge that “for Jewish folks, sabbath observance began on Friday evening and ended on Saturday evening, providing a sanctuary in time even during seasons in their history when they had no physical sanctuary. The practice of keeping the sabbath holy and completely set apart was and still is at the heart of their national identity…..The ancient rabbis knew that while sabbath demanded ‘all of man’ attention, the service and devotion of total love (for God)….it was also considered the most precious present mankind has received from the treasure house of God.”
I believe that the Sabbath day, if not the Sabbath principle, deserves a fresh reflection and perhaps some altered behavior in our lives.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary
P.S.
• JO LEE ROBINSON MEMORIAL SERVICE – Sunday, March 31, 2:00 PM, Sanctuary. Please keep Steve and Callie in your prayers.
• PANCAKES & EGGS DONATIONS NEEDED – Sundays, March 31 & April 7, Foyer: Pancakes & Eggs is our FREE pancake breakfast, Easter egg hunts and carnival for the whole family on Saturday, April 20 from 9:00 – 11:30 AM. We are preparing to fill 5,00 Easter Eggs and to feed 500 people. Help us get ready by donating wrapped NUT FREE Candy (Kisses, Smarties, Starbursts, Double Bubble, etc.) and Costco or Amazon gift cards. Donations can be brought to the foyer until April 7. Questions? Contact Martha Clay at gro.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@caht1701948108ram1701948108.
• VOLUNTEER FOR PANCAKES & EGGS – Saturday, April 20: We are still looking for many volunteers for Pancakes & Eggs which is Saturday, April 20 from 9:00 to 11:30 AM. Run a game booth at the carnival, welcome families, or serve breakfast. More specific information along with a place to sign up online are available at https://westminster.churchcenter.com/people/forms/24581. Questions? Contact Martha Clay at gro.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@caht1701948108ram1701948108.
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 29 & 30
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1701948108iamg@1701948108RCret1701948108snimt1701948108seW1701948108.
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.l1701948108iamg@1701948108RCret1701948108snimt1701948108seW1701948108.
“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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@rynn1701948108ej1701948108
THIS SUNDAY: March 31
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.
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.
JO LEE ROBINSON MEMORIAL SERVICE – Sunday, March 31 at 2:00 PM, Sanctuary: Please keep Steve & Callie in your prayers.
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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@rynn1701948108ej1701948108.
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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@rynn1701948108ej1701948108.
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.l1701948108iamg@1701948108ykswo1701948108kinob1701948108k1701948108. 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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@rynn1701948108ej1701948108.
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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@zenn1701948108aul1701948108.
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.t1701948108sacmo1701948108c@hsi1701948108nimne1701948108lle1701948108
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@zenn1701948108aul1701948108 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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@caht1701948108ram1701948108.
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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@rell1701948108eon1701948108.
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.h1701948108cruhc1701948108ba@dr1701948108awohj1701948108 or gro.h1701948108cruhc1701948108ba@en1701948108yapk1701948108. 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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@ctta1701948108m1701948108
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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@raiv1701948108lys1701948108.
VBS 2019 | Aug 5-8, 10:30am-2:30pm: “There’s a Monster Under My Bed! Shining God’s Light on My Fears” – For students going into 1st to 5th grades in fall 2019; Cost is $15/student or $30/family (Cost includes t-shirt and snacks. Students need to bring their own NUT FREE lunch). Registration opens May 1st and will be limited to 350 students. Volunteers can begin registering March 31 and register their children early for FREE. Contact Martha at gro.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@caht1701948108ram1701948108
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
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.
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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@pkra1701948108m1701948108.
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri gro.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@fire1701948108c1701948108.
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.r1701948108etsni1701948108mtsew1701948108@ctta1701948108m1701948108.
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 3/24/19
Expectation for the Week $54,100
General Giving for the Week* $65,101
Expectation to Date $2,787,700
General Giving to Date* $2,617,500
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 $18,836,700
Current Mortgage Balance $3,163,300