First Wednesday Parish Potlucks Begin
by Patti Warden, for the Deacons and the Stewardship Team
Our first First Wednesday Parish Potluck was held November 5. Members of Diane Schott’s and Karen Lutz’s parishes met at the church for potluck dinner with those who attended the usual Wednesday program at St. Andrew.
Dinner was set out, announcements were made, and a prayer and blessing were shared. We all sat at tables in the sanctuary, and enjoyed each other’s company until 6:30, when the kids and youth went to their respective programs, and parish members adjourned to the Adult Library.
Diane Schott welcomed everyone, explaining that part of the purpose of the evening was to share information, and part of the purpose was to offer the opportunity for fellowship among members of the various parishes.
Scott Anderson was our first “speaker,” and he talked about the Scripture for Sunday and the lessons in it. The Scripture was the story of the ten bridesmaids, and the questions Scott raised were, “what do we do while we wait?” and “how can we be prepared?” He emphasized being there, and serving in order to be served. The concept he would like to see us work toward is bringing what we have, and finding that as a result of offering it, we have all we need.
Roger Paulsen spoke representing the Mission Department. He shared a printed agenda for a Mission Team meeting, and highlighted an item from that agenda.
· Mission Liaisons—If a member of St. Andrew is involved with an organization doing mission work, that person can bring us information about how we can most effectively help the organization. Roger would like the list of organizations we connect with to be longer.
Forester Woodruff spoke about the Outreach part of the Mission Department. He let us know that St. Andrew has joined the Renton Chamber of Commerce and that as a result, our website will be connected by a link on their website. That way when new people move to Renton and begin looking for a church, our information will be easily accessible.
Paul Mitchell spoke next, representing the Operations Department. Operations has many functions:
· Personnel—Has responsibility for hiring casual labor, writing job descriptions for full-time positions, conducting evaluations.
· Budget—Gary Glasscock develops the budget with input from the Session. A question was raised about how we can find out where we are with respect to the budget. We could ask Gary, or Andy Resor. The question led to discussion of where we might find other answers. Our Elder at Large, Andy Peck, is working on a “Who’s on First” list, and a “Go To” list that would answer questions like that.
· Technology Coordination—the Operations Department also has this responsibility.
One of the lesser known groups that works within Operations is the “Golden Hammer and Saw Team.” Membership varies from time to time, and has included Don Patterson, Andy Resor, Bob Mullen, Gary Glasscock, Dick Jaslowski, and Paul Mitchell. They help with repairs and maintenance of our building, and also have helped some members at their homes. Sherrill Balken asked how one would go about joining the team. Paul related that they usually meet about 1:00 on Thursdays, to do what needs to be done at the church. To join in on their activities, ask one of them.
Julie-Kae Sigars was our featured speaker, and she distributed a table that had been written by the search committee when St. Andrew began looking for someone to fill the position. It dealt with the concept of moving from the title “Choir Director” to the title “Pastoral Musician,” and what would change as a result.
Julie Kae talked about the difference between performance and liturgical music, and how that affects what music we include in our worship. She quoted from the Book of Order, “Song is a response that engages the whole self in prayer.” In accord with that attitude, she sees the role of the choir as leading the congregation in song.
Music is not intended to be a filler or a cover for silence. It is a time for us to practice listening together, and it gets us attuned to the Spirit.
Laurie Rossnagel spoke representing the Ministry Department. She pointed out that Ministry is a complement to Mission. She noted several aspects of the Ministry Department:
· The Youth Program—Their theme is involvement, and adult participation is always needed and welcomed. A possible mission trip is being discussed; at the same time the kids are working on spirituality.
· Wednesday Night Program—This is under Pattie Holt’s leadership, and is working well. Homework Club begins at 3:45, and they really do homework. They have fellowship/play time from4:45 to 5:45, and then assemble for dinner.
Laurie stressed that little bits of participation are OK. The Adult Education class just finished a series called God’s Politics, which was led by Rob McClure. Upcoming classes will be on the economy, and on mid-life spirituality. Advent begins November 30, and special activities are planned.
Pattie Holt spoke about Sunday School. We have two rather than three teachers per class.
Two questions were raised that didn’t get answered:
· Are we moving toward a more permanent baptismal font? Laurie relayed that a donation had been made toward that goal, but did not know the current status. Patti Warden asked if Laurie was referring to the donation made by Patti’s mom. We were unable to determine that.
Following up later, I talked with Scott. Yes, the donation Laurie referred to was from my mother. We’re not quite sure where the process is regarding a “more permanent” font. Our space doesn’t lend itself easily to something larger and more secure. But we’re still thinking about it, and we’ll find a way.
·
Currently there is a team organized to perform functions on Sundays like being a
greeter, being an usher, tidying the sanctuary after worship, etc. This began
as “The Shalom List,” organized by Suzanne Woodruff. How does one sign up?
Again, following up later, I asked Scott about this. He suggested that anyone
interested in signing up could talk with one of the Ministry Department elders:
Stan Hastings, Pattie Holt, or Laurie Rossnagel. Or talk with Scott. Please
feel free to get involved.
Feedback on the idea and content of the First Wednesday Parish Potluck was requested via a form that Roger handed out.
Most of the feedback we received was positive, so we are excited about continuing the program. Margaret Wilkie and Laura Clawson will host the next First Wednesday Parish Potluck, on December 3.