Dear Westminster Family –
This week I will begin a series in the Book of Joshua that I have entitled, “The Land Beyond: The Reality of God’s Promises for the Future.” I believe that this study will provide an important backdrop for the succession discussions we are having as a congregation. Bryan Mistele, our Elder Moderator, will give a brief report in both of our services as to where we are in this process.
The Book of Joshua is obviously the story of a man, but it is also a story of a conquest—-the conquest of Canaan by the tribes Moses led out of Egypt. This means it is a transition book: a transition from the patriarchal age, in which the nation of Israel was being called, formed, delivered, and trained…to the age of settled occupation of the land. It is not until Joshua that we have the fulfillment of the promise of a land originally made to Abraham in Genesis 12:7. More than five hundred years had passed since the promise had been given and at last, God is delivering on it.
Francis Schaeffer, in his commentary on the Book of Joshua, reminds us to trust God’s promises…
“Those who are the people of God should reflect often on the continuity of the promises of God. The people of God should look back through the Scripture. They should also be able to look back through the history of their own lives. Seeing that God has cared for them in the past, they should not be afraid of tomorrow, because God is going to go before them as well….The reason the people did not need to be afraid was not that they had Joshua (obviously a well-respected and well-equipped leader), but that God would go before them and Joshua.”
This study will remind us that the God who has blessed our congregation in the past will go before us in the future.
See you in church.
Pastor Gary
KCIS 630 AM – A CLOSER LOOK
Hear 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: September 14 & 15
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.l1685445264iamg@1685445264RCret1685445264snimt1685445264seW1685445264
CELEBRATE RECOVERY – Fridays, 7:00-9:00 PM, Fireside Room: Childcare provided. Contact Neal at 425-747-1461, ext. 147 or moc.l1685445264iamg@1685445264RCret1685445264snimt1685445264seW1685445264.
THIS SUNDAY: September 16
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.
ALPHA – EXPLORE LIFE, FAITH, MEANING – Starts Sunday, September 16, 6:00 PM, Atrium: A series of interactive sessions exploring the Christian faith. Contact Sylvia at gro.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@raiv1685445264lys1685445264
THIS WEEK:
TUESDAY MORNING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Starts September 11, 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 $45 for 1 child, $65 for 2 or more. Questions? Contact Jenny at gro.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@rynn1685445264ej1685445264
WEDNESDAY EVENING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Starts September 12, 6:45 PM, CLC: 3 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.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@rynn1685445264ej1685445264
UPCOMING EVENTS:
WESTMINSTER LANGUAGE ACADEMY – Fall Quarter Classes: September 10 – November 16: Experienced instructors provide conversational English classes at all levels. Private instruction also available. Information at www.westminsterlanguageacademy.org Contact Kathie Stabbert at gro.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@seih1685445264tak1685445264 or 425.460.4061
ALPHA – EXPLORE LIFE, FAITH, MEANING – Starts Sunday, September 16, 6:00 PM, Atrium: A series of interactive sessions exploring the Christian faith. Contact Sylvia at gro.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@raiv1685445264lys1685445264
AWANA – Wednesdays, September 19 – 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.l1685445264iamg@1685445264ykswo1685445264kinob1685445264k1685445264. Reserve Your Spot at www.westminster.org/EVENTS
FLOURISH@WORK FOR WOMEN – Thursday, September 20, 6:00 PM, Fireside Room: Join us for an evening of community with women who seek to live out their faith in the workplace. The September Guest Speaker is Holly Pankratz, Westminster Chapel’s Minister to Care and Equipping. Cost: $10 includes appetizers and beverage. Questions? contact Jenny at gro.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@rynn1685445264ej1685445264 SAVE THE DATE FOR FUTURE FLOURISH@WORK EVENTS – 11-8, 1-10, 3-14, 5-9
MIDDLE SCHOOL LASER TAG – INVITE NIGHT – Friday, September 21, 6:00 PM, Cost: $20: Bring a friend as we meet at Westminster at 6 PM and drive down to Laser Quest for some Laser Tag Action! Register online at Westminster.org/events
“WHAT IN THE WORLD” LUNCH – Sunday, September 23, 12:15 PM, Atrium: Come celebrate what God is doing in South America through our Outreach Partners, Terry & Carol Thompson. No RSVP needed. $5 donation for lunch.
THE GAP (FOR MEN) – Begins Thursday, September 27, 6:30 AM, Fireside Room: Learn what it means to stand in the gap! Teaching and discussion with Pastor Gary and other guests with time for questions and accountability. Questions? Contact LuAnne at gro.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@zenn1685445264aul1685445264
BAPTISM CLASS – Sunday, October 14, 10:45 AM, Large Conference Room: Learn what Baptism means and why it is important to our faith. Please fill out the form at Westminster.org/Events. Contact Pastor Matt at gro.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@ctta1685445264m1685445264
YOUTH CORN MAZE – Sunday, October 14, 12:15 PM, Youth Level: Grab a friend and get signed up now for an afternoon at Bob’s Corn Maze in Snohomish. Meet after the 2nd service for lunch, then we will head out. $20 per student. Contact Ceri at gro.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@fire1685445264c1685445264.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
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.l1685445264iamg@16854452641nyli1685445264ramre1685445264txab1685445264
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.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@pkra1685445264m1685445264
REACH BEYOND! WORK WITH YOUTH – Be a middle or high school leader and impact lives for God. Contact Ceri at gro.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@fire1685445264c1685445264
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.r1685445264etsni1685445264mtsew1685445264@ctta1685445264m1685445264
WEEKLY GIVING:
As of 9/11/18
Expectation for the Week $60,400
General Giving for the Week* $62,615
Expectation to Date $760,600
General Giving to Date* $730,935
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 $18,729,900
Current Mortgage Balance $3,270,100