Dear Westminster Family:
People are important to God. So important in fact that they are the focus of everything He is about in this world. People need to know that we love them. They need to consistently hear affirming words of love from us. I believe that this is what the Apostle Paul had in mind as he wrote his letter to the Thessalonians. At the end of the second chapter, he lets the recipients of his letter know how deeply he cares for them.
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy!” (I Thessalonians 2:19-20).
Life is short. Who are the people in your life today who need to hear your words of love rooted in your understanding of their lives? How are interacting with them? How does your increased awareness of their life situations influence your investment of time, energy and resources? These are questions that we have been asking in our “Love Where You Live” series. More specifically, these are questions we have encouraged you to ask in our “Growing Young” emphasis.
In order to help you with your generational awareness, we have scheduled a number of listening forums focused on the Growing Young assessment that many of you took. Please note the following groups and times.
This Sunday, June 3rd, we have two more Growing Young Listening Forums scheduled – one for people in their 30’s (9:00 AM in Room 309) and one for those age 50-70 (10:45 AM in the High School Room). The Listening Forums are opportunities to hear more about and offer feedback to our church leadership regarding the “Growing Young” emphasis. There will be an opportunity to review the results of our Growing Young Church Assessment and discuss together how we as a church can care for families and strive to reach and retain young people. Every voice at Westminster is important in this conversation so we hope you will join us. We are building these opportunities around age groups and you can find the schedule below. If you have questions or concerns about this or anything related to Growing Young please email Pastor Matt at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@ctta1695528044m1695528044.
Schedule for Growing Young Listening Forums:
- Youth – Completed on 5/16/18
- 20’s – Date TBD
- 30’s – June 3rd @ 9:00 AM in Room 309
- 40’s – Completed on 5/20/18
- 50’s & 60’s – June 3rd @ 10:45 AM in High School Room
- 65+ – June 24th @ 10:45AM in Fireside Room
If you are not familiar with “Growing Young” you can find some helpful information on the church website – www.westminster.org/growingyoung.
The only way to keep our relationship with the Lord vital is to grasp the opportunities to express affirming love to others. We will help you identify those opportunities in our worship experience this week.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary
THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS: June 1 & 2
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1695528044iamg@1695528044RCret1695528044snimt1695528044seW1695528044.
MEN’S SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY – Saturdays at 7:30-9:00 AM, Room 307: We are a group of guys who enjoy a time of studying God’s Word and sharing life together on Saturday morning.
THIS SUNDAY: June 3
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.
GROWING YOUNG LISTENING FORUMS – Sunday, June 3: we have two more scheduled…
- For people in their 30’s (9:00 AM in Room 309)
- For those age 50-70 (10:45 AM in the High School Room).
The Listening Forums are opportunities to hear more about and offer feedback to our church leadership regarding the “Growing Young” emphasis. There will be an opportunity to review the results of our Growing Young Church Assessment and discuss together how we as a church can care for families and strive to reach and retain young people. Every voice at Westminster is important in this conversation so we hope you will join us. We are building these opportunities around age groups and you can find the schedule below. If you have questions or concerns about this or anything related to Growing Young please email Pastor Matt at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@ctta1695528044m1695528044.
BAPTISM CLASS – Sunday, June 3, 10:45 AM, Large Conference Room: Do you have questions about why baptism even matters? What is the significance? Join us and discover the answers to these questions. This class is also for those who know they are ready to take the next step in their relationship with Jesus. Baptism is an outward sign of God’s inner work. Questions? Contact Matt at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@ctta1695528044m1695528044
THIS WEEK:
GOD OF THE MATRIARCHS – 6-week study for women, Wednesdays (beginning May 16), 6:30 PM, Fireside Room: The topic is “The God of the Matriarchs.” Dig into Genesis in a new way! This study focuses on how God used the faith of the women in Genesis to birth redemption for all humanity in His Son, Jesus. Lectures will explore the world of the ancients for deeper understanding of the text, and discussions will develop fresh insights on God’s Word. Homework is optional. No childcare is available. It will be taught by Kay Bonikowsky. Questions? Contact Kay at moc.l1695528044iamg@1695528044ykswo1695528044kinob1695528044k1695528044. $5 material cost. Register at westminster.org/events
MEN’S JOURNEY STUDY GROUP – Wednesdays, 6:45-8:15 PM, Room 307: Questions? Contact Jenny at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@rynn1695528044ej1695528044
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SNACK CHAT: SERVE WHERE YOU LIVE – Sunday, June 10, between services, Community Life Center: This is an opportunity for all of us to look ahead to the summer months, and to talk about some specific ways we can be the best neighbors where we live, work and play. Plus we have donuts and bagels! See you between services on the 10th.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DICK BENSKIN – Friday, June 15, 1:00 PM, Sanctuary: Please keep Myrna and their family in your prayers.
MS OVERNIGHTER – June 15, 6:00 pm – June 16, 9:00 AM: Middle Schoolers (including current 5th graders) are invited to an overnight event. We will meet at the church and head to Tukwila to the Flying Circus Trampoline Park. We will then return to the church for snacks, Nerf Wars, games and much more! Questions? Contact Ceri at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@fire1695528044c1695528044 or Josh at jgro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@dhso1695528044 Register at westminster.org/events
GULBRANSON GRATITUDE GALA – Saturday, June 16, 6:00 PM, Westminster: SAVE THE DATE! You’re invited to celebrate 25 years of ministry with Pastor Gary and Jorie! It’s the Gulbranson Gratitude Gala! We have a fun evening planned with music, stories, and treats.
8TH GRADE TRIP – June 22, 10:00 AM – June 24, 5:00 PM: All students graduating from 8th grade this June are invited to join us for a celebration trip to Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho. We will be camping at Farragut State Park. The cost is $165. This includes admission to the park and meals for the week. Register online at Westminster.org/events Questions? Contact Ceri at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@fire1695528044c1695528044
MARK WEBSTER RETIREMENT SERVICE & RECEPTION – Saturday June 23, 2:00 PM, Westminster: You are invited to a retirement service and celebration, for Pastor Mark Webster who has been ministering on the Eastside for over 42 years; beginning at Westminster & helping found Antioch Bible Church. If you know Mark, and would like share a note about how he has made an impact on your life, please send it to Elizabeth Webster at moc.l1695528044iamg@1695528044rtsbw1695528044.zil1695528044.
BLOOD AND BONE MARROW DRIVE – June 24, 8:00 AM -12:30, CLC: DID YOU KNOW? Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for our community supply? Help ensure this precious resource is available for ill and injured people in our community by giving blood. Donors will have pre-scheduled appointments. Each appointment will last 45 minutes. Register at www.bloodworksnw.org. If you are a first-time donor age 16 or 17 will need to fill out a parent consent form.
KIDS CAMP – July 9-13, For students entering grades 4 & 5 in the fall of 2018: Times: Day camp: 8:30-4:30 July 9-11 & Overnighter: 8:30 AM on July 12-4:30 PM on July 13 Cost: Day camp is $175/$225 after camp sign up day; Full week is $300/$375 after camp sign up day. What: Day camp will be excursions around Seattle area. Overnighter will be at Great Wolf Lodge. Vision: Help incoming 4th & 5th graders grow closer to each other and learn that a relationship with Jesus is a Great Adventure. Questions? Contact Ceri at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@fire1695528044c1695528044.
MOMENTUM | Camp for students entering grades 6-12 in the fall of 2018 – July 23-27, Cascades Camp and Conference Center: Join us for a great week of fun, friends, and growth at camp. Our theme this year is Family. Cost: $425 (Early Bird $395 before April 30) Sign up at Westminster.org/events Questions? Contact Ceri at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@fire1695528044c1695528044
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – August 6-9, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM: REGISTER – Registration is open and filling quickly! www.westminster.org/VBS2018 VBS is August 6-9 and will be for students going into 1st to 5th grade this fall. Registration will be limited to 350 students and the cost will be $15/student or $30/family which includes a T-shirt. Students will provide their own lunch.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
VOLUNTEER FOR VBS – August 6-9, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Sign up to volunteer and your children can come for free! Make a long-term impact on children and families! Opportunities for adults of all ages and students (6th -12th grades in the fall) both during VBS and outside VBS hours. Childcare provided for all volunteer’s children too young for VBS. Here is the link to register as a volunteer: https://westminster.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/122208. More information about the many ways that you can volunteer are available online. Questions? Contact Martha at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@caht1695528044ram1695528044.
SERVE WITH OUR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS – Sundays, 9:00 AM, Bi-weekly or Monthly: Be a 2nd grade Sunday school teacher every other week. Assist in a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade class once or twice a month. We have elementary students looking for relationships with adults who want to share God’s Word with them. We provide training and supplies. Want more information? Contact Martha at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@caht1695528044ram1695528044
RECYCLE AND REPURPOSE!! Your old sheets could become part of a beautiful handmade quilt by the Helping Hands ministry. You may drop off your donated sheets at the Welcome Center. Be sure to label them for Helping Hands. Questions? Contact Marilyn at moc.l1695528044iamg@16955280441nyli1695528044ramre1695528044txab1695528044
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.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@pkra1695528044m1695528044
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@fire1695528044c1695528044
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/belong for more information.
PRAYER – If you would like to be prayed for, please see someone down front at the end of the service. Questions? Holly at gro.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@pyll1695528044oh1695528044
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.r1695528044etsni1695528044mtsew1695528044@ctta1695528044m1695528044
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 5/27/18 (For the year ending 5/31/18)
Expectation for the Week $61,025
General Giving for the Week* $38,652
Expectation to Date $3,360,000
General Giving to Date* $3,534,208
Annual Expectation $3,360,000
*General giving includes weekly and non-designated special gifts.
NEXT CHAPTER GIVING:
Original Project Cost $22,000,000
Payments to Date $17,977,600
Current Mortgage Balance $4,022,400