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ST. ANDREW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MARCH, 2006

Perspective
Come to the Feast!

Lent invites us together as a body of faith to prepare for the wonder of Easter and Christ’s Resurrection. In addition to Sunday Worship and the beautiful music that will mark each service, you are invited to participate in the preparation for and celebration of this sacred time through these opportunities:

Morning Prayer

Daily prayer following the Book of Common Worship: Daily Prayer. Available at St. Andrew for $20, this handsome book will be a permanent addition to your library and will inspire new discipline in your prayer life.

Corporate Morning Prayer. To accommodate those on their way to work, all who wish will gather from 7 to 7:30 AM each Thursday morning during Lent for Morning Prayer together.

Three-Day Feast

The ancient and now recently restored liturgies of the Three Days have become for many Christian assemblies, the heart of their worship life and the grounding of their spirituality. Evangelical Lutheran, Episcopal, United Methodist, Presbyterian and Roman church resources all now include nearly identical versions of these services. The Three Days together form a single continuous feast that invites us into the heart of the Christian story. As we "keep" this feast we will find that it "keeps" us rooted in the life-giving values of our community—communion with Christ and each other.

Maundy Thursday (April 13^th, 7:00pm) — "Maundy" means "command", we remember Christ’s upper room commandment that we love one another.

Good Friday (April 14^th, 7:00pm) — We acknowledge the cross before us as God’s gift of life. How is it that the death of Christ is recognized as the victory of God?

Easter Vigil service of light, readings, baptism and communion (April 15^th, 7:56pm – Sundown) — A night different from all other nights. In the course of the liturgy we do those things that follow from our encounter with the risen Christ.

Confirmation—A Process of Christian Initiation

"Confirmation is the time when young people claim the promises that were made on their behalf"

Young people and their parents who want to explore faith more deeply

Companions who will walk along with them through this process

Baptism is a process that takes a lifetime to do. Explore its symbols and meanings.

Welcomed as members at the Easter Vigil service

Sunday School Focus During Lent

Adults will study Gail Ramshaw’s book The Three Day Feast. Join the class for discussion or study on your own. Copies available without charge.

Children’s classes will prepare a special table cloth for our Easter Vigil celebration.

Our Journey of Faith

What’s In a Name? Communicants class, confirmation… Does it really matter?

It used to be that this process of accompanying youth into adult membership was called Communicants class. In those days long ago you were not allowed to receive communion until you passed the class, thus the name "Communicants." But the practice struck many Presbyterians as a contradiction. Do we not become full children of God at baptism? Is there a multi-staged process to God’s gracious claim? Is something missing that baptism does not provide? If not, then why can I not come to the table where all God’s children are fed if I am baptized but not yet an adult member?

So communicants gave way to "confirmation" because youth were understood to be confirming their faith. But this too is problematic. Isn’t it the Holy Spirit who confirms faith when it is professed? Isn’t this what the community of faith affirms when the minister says "You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever"? And don’t we also affirm in our theology and experience that the Spirit of God confirms our faith over and over through our lives?

The Book of Order mentions the process of "confirmation" once—in the Directory for Worship when it notes the baptismal vocation of the church to nurture children and call them to make public their profession of faith and their acceptance of responsibility in the life of the church. When they are ready, they are examined by the session and received as active members. Then in public worship "the church shall confirm them in their baptismal identity" (W-4.2003).

The Confessions mention nothing about a program of "confirmation." Neither does the Book of Common Worship. The actual liturgy speaks of the "reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant" because we understand the youth to be affirming the faith of their baptism. They are adding to their baptism and deepening its meaning and claim upon their lives.

Confirmation then cannot be understood simply as a program of a given length, but a ministry connected to God’s prior claim in baptism leading to study, exploration and activity that contributes to a deeper and more authentic way of life rooted in baptismal identity. We don’t add to our baptisms, but live them out more authentically and meaningfully as we are shaped by God in the community of faith.

So communicants class is not a very satisfactory description of what our youth will be doing in this Lenten season of exploration, is it? Neither is confirmation. So what do we call it?

We are describing a process of formation that occurs throughout life, but is marked by specific activities of the church at certain points in the lives of its members. At this particular point, youth are invited to explore what further commitments they are ready to make.

The Book of Order in its chapter on the church and its members offers a short list of the involvements of a faithful member (G-5.0102). These provide some direction as to the goals of this process—whatever we call it—worthy of our consideration since we are seeking to raise up individuals who will become long-term faithful members to Christ’s church:

A faithful member accepts Christ’s call to be involved responsibly in the ministry of his Church. Such involvement includes:

proclaiming the good news,

taking part in the common life and worship of a particular church,

praying and studying Scripture and the faith of the Christian Church, supporting the work of the church through the giving of money, time, and talents, participating in the governing responsibilities of the church,

demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the church,

responding to God’s activity in the world through service to others,

living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life,

working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment.

This elegant list describes the involvement of all faithful members. And it reminds us of one other important truth. Teachers and students are not the only persons necessary to a successful process for our youth. The gifts and commitments of the whole community must be offered. Do you believe that? Do you believe that you have been given gifts that are essential for the health of the body?

It has been observed that "confirmation" is a rite of exodus from the church because the church never sees those who have gone through the process until they come back to be married. Where this is the case, confirmation is seen more as a destination to be reached rather than one event in the life-long process of being drawn more deeply into the faith of our baptism.

So even as we undertake this period of invitation and exploration, we might consider to what else and to what other ways of being together we are called as a community of faith to enable and encourage full and ever-deepening participation in the fullness of life to which God calls us.

So what do we call it? As we ponder that, may we also consider how God seeks to shape our community in ways that invite all who are a part of it to be drawn more deeply and graciously into God’s life.

Grace and Peace,

NEWS OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Dear Prayer Partners,

Because Lent is just around the corner, I am printing the summary of the Prayer Concerns early in order to get them in the Perspective. This summary will include concerns expressed at the Sunday Service, February 19, 2006.

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING:

Gary Brugger's mother was able to return home after suffering a stroke. Hal Mitchell recovered from a terrible fall in late January. Janice Spoon has returned to church and is grateful for the support she received from her church family. Phyllis Johnson has recovered from a long illness and is looking forward to returning to Tucson soon. Lois Summers has recovered from pneumonia and is able to return to worship. Larry, Jackie Green and Alice Kyle were able to attend church services recently. It is always good to see friends of St. Andrew. Doc Thuline announced the birth of a great-great-granddaughter while Dan and Laura Clawson celebrate the birth of their first granddaughter. Cory Rossnagel passed her EMT test recently.

Scott read a letter of appreciation concerning the help some of our members gave a father, and his son, who needed help moving. Members of St. Andrew have been involved in the ARISE program and found it to be a rewarding experience. Many have served dinner to these homeless men and found them to be optimistic, appreciative and courteous. As Carolyn Cox expressed her thankfulness for her warm home this morning, may we remember to follow the example of those less fortunate than us and be thankful for our many blessings. It certainly is better to give than to receive!

PRAYERS FOR THOSE THAT WENT TO BE WITH THE LORD AND THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS:

Kelly, who has been visiting our church, asks that we remember his family after the death of his grandmother. Leslie Delfin's cousin passed away in Idaho. A friend of Doc's, lost his mother recently. Jerry Balken's brother-in-law passed away.

PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN NURSING HOMES, CONFINED TO HOME, OR IN NEED OF SPECIAL PRAYERS ON A LONG TERM BASIS:
Ernie Holm, Dorothy Stonehocker, Ethel Keirn, Mary Lena Scott, Ted Sharpe, Paul Holstine, Virginia Clawson and Miriam Falcone.

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION: "Hear our prayers, O Lord"

Continued prayers for Karen Mullen's sister-in-law who has MS. Prayers of healing for Marcia Allan and Conny Kobata who are both recovering from surgery and friends of Marilyn May and Sharon Griffith. Christine Thompson asks for prayers for her husband who will be having a hip replacement soon. Continued prayers for Sharon Andrews’ father. Fred Messman, a charter member of St. Andrew, has lung cancer and is terminally ill. Please pray for him and his family. Burt Nord, a neighbor in Leisure Estates, is fighting staph infection and possible loss of his leg. Maggie McAdams asks that we remember her friends, Shawna and Rob as they go through the adoption process. Prayers for Mariah who had surgery. Derek Schott broke his arm last week and is in a cast. Continued prayers for Harold Michell's sisters, Evelyn and Marjorie. Laura Clawson's brother-in-law recently learned that he has MS. Winnie Danke asks that we pray for his uncle in Germany, who has health problems and is facing hip replacement. Please keep Rob McClure's mother, and three other elderly relatives, in your prayers as their health concerns increase. Norm Summers asks that we keep Keith Baker in our prayers as he recovers from brain surgery. Continue praying for the Resor family as they look forward to the birth of a granddaughter in June.

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer,

Sharon Griffith

St. Andrews Prayers

IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

March 01 Ash Wednesday

March 02 7am, Morning Prayer (SAPC)

March 03 World Day of Prayer

March 05 1^st Sunday of Lent

Special Congregational Meeting

"On this first Sunday of Lent,

we welcome and invite all

to let this be a time for spiritual renewal.

Everyone is encouraged to participate

In our Lenten activities".

March 09 7am, Morning Prayer (SAPC)

March 12 2^nd Sunday of Lent

Girl Scout Sunday

Self Development of People

March 16 7am, Morning Prayer (SAPC)

March 19 3^rd Sunday of Lent

March 23 7am, Morning Prayer (SAPC)

March 26 4^th Sunday of Lent

March 30 7am Morning Prayer (SAPC)

April 02 5^th Sunday of Lent

(Daylight Saving Time Begins)

April 06 7am Morning Prayer (SAPC)

April 09 Passion/Palm Sunday

April 13 7pm, Maundy Thurs. Service

April 14 7pm, Good Friday Service

April 15 7:56pm, Sundown

Easter Vigil Service

April 16 Easter/Resurrection of the Lord

One Great Hour of Sharing

Other Special Dates:

St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2006

First Day of Spring, March 20, 2006

February Session Highlights

by Jo Ann Peck, Clerk of Session

The session set March 5^th, following worship, as the date and time for a Special Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing an elder to fill the open vacancy on session.

The session set May 21^st as the date for the Annual Congregational Meeting. The meeting will take place following worship for the purpose of electing new elders and deacons, to present the 2006-07 budget, and to approve Scott’s Terms of Call for next year.

Lenten services are being planned. People are encouraged to have morning prayers every day during the season and to come to St. Andrew on Thursday mornings at 7 a.m. for a morning prayer service. Other services planned are for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Saturday, April 15^th for an Easter Vigil.

The Junior High class will have a sleep over at church one night in March to celebrate the completion of their Harry Potter Sunday School series. Ginny and Tim Ramsey plan to chaperone.

The 2006-07 Stewardship campaign is beginning.

The Mission Department gave the church-sponsored Cub Scout group some funds to help them purchase awards for the group.

On February 15^th, St. Andrew begins our two-week project of serving meals for the ARISE program.

Set clocks ahead 1 hr.

APRIL 2, Daylight Saving Time Begins!
SAPC STAFF HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH:

RAY JOHNSON

Ray was born January 17, 1938, in Seattle. His father, Orval, was a musician so he grew up around music, mainly western. Orval played bass fiddle in a western band on the radio and in taverns almost every weekend

("Buddy Bond and the Sunset Riders" and "The Court Jesters"). His uncles played guitars or mandolins, so family jam sessions were common.

Ray didn’t have formal training until the last half of the 8^th grade when he took up the baritone horn in school and began private accordion lessons. He joined the high school band after only a half year of beginning band and then challenged the first-chair baritone who happened to be a senior and an all-state basketball player. He won the challenge but almost got beat up afterwards for doing it. Ray also learned the bass viol so he could play in the swing band.

Getting a music scholarship for Central Washington State College convinced him to be a music teacher. His accordion financed college as he played in dance bands, performed solos, or gave private lessons. Ray met Julie Capriotti, also a member of the college band, and they were married in 1959. He graduated in 1960 with a BA in music education and applied music. Ray taught music in Yelm for four years, Bethel Schools for 7 years and South Central Schools for 19 years until retirement in 1990.

During that last 19 years Ray was music director for two musicals at Carco Theater; associate music director for 5 of the 6 operettas performed in Renton through the Seattle Opera outreach program with Hans Wolf; and also sang (along with Julie and other St. Andrew choir members) in the chorus for these operettas. Ray was also music director for Renton’s 100-year celebration in 2001 called "Rentennial." The theme and two other selections for the program were composed and arranged by Ray for a 12-voice chorus and a 12 piece band and all the other music was arranged to fit those groups and the program.

When needed to help get the 17-piece "Kings of Swing" going again, Ray got out his trombone to fill the section and later subbed on bass when needed. He finally settled in on piano and being rehearsal director until 1993. He was very instrumental in taking the "Kings" to Russia for a 2-week cultural exchange program in 1992.

Back in 1979 Ray played a recital at St. Andrew on his euphonium. Julie, Dick Lutz, and Jim Heer were guest soloists with Kay Newell as accompanist. In 1999 he put on a community variety show at Carco Theater called "Let Yourself Go" using St. Andrew’s choir as the "Taberwacky Choir."

Ray’s church choir directing started in Yelm for 4 years, then Spanaway for several years, and now at Renton’s St. Andrew Presbyterian Church for the last 6 years.

Ray has subbed in several swing bands on either trombone, bass or piano but currently is playing piano full time in the "Portage Bay Big Band" and "Sophisticated Swing" (which plays at the Redmond Senior Center). His own band, "R.J. & Co.," has played a lot of places in the last few years but mostly at area retirement communities. Ray plays his accordion/organ in this group with Julie on alto sax. They are joined occasionally by a drummer and sometimes add a tenor sax/clarinet player. Ray and Julie both do vocals, also.

Ray and Julie have three children – Connie in Buffalo, New York; Doug in Gardnerville, NV (a county commissioner there); and Brad in Las Vegas, NV and five grandchildren.

McClure Talks Art

The St. Andy Seniors & Retirees will meet at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, March 2, 2006.

A hot dish will be provided;

please bring salads and/or desserts.

Rob McClure, our Parish Associate, will lead a discussion on "What is ‘Christian Art ?"

2006-07 Stewardship Campaign

The Stewardship Team has been meeting regularly and making great progress in planning for the 2006-2007 Stewardship Campaign scheduled to kick-off the week following Easter Sunday. They have worked out a plan, formed a team, and a schedule for the campaign.

The Team consists of Forester Woodruff,Team Chairman; Tim Ramsey, Team Co-Chairman; Sharon Andrews, Session Rep (Mission); Kris McClure-Coleman, Session Rep. (Ministry); Gary Glasscock, Session Rep. (Operations); Sharon Griffith, Deacon Representative; Rev. Rob McClure, Process Advisor, and Rev. Scott Anderson, Pastor.

Look for more information in the weeks ahead.

HELP WANTED

Volunteer Coordinators for SAPC

CROPWALK 2006. Sign-up now on the clipboards at church. More information coming!

St. Andy’s Gals

Please note your calendars now as plans unfold for the next meeting of St. Andy’s Gals:

Monday, March 20, 2006

6:30 p.m.

Jerusalem Room, SAPC

It’s a Potluck. Look for more information coming your way.

Bible Quiz

According to John’s gospel, after the Resurrection, Jesus asked one of his followers if he loved him. In fact, three times Jesus asked the man the same question. The man was hurt because he felt Jesus did not trust him or could not count on him. Who was that man?

A. James B. (Simon) Peter

C. Philip D. John

The answer is in John 21:17

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

March 01 Lisa Phillips

Rachel Phillips

March 02 Bob Mullen

March 05 Kristy Patterson

March 09 Jerry Warden

March 10 Obie Tate

March 11 Marlynne Olson

March 12 Dennis Crawford

Cameron McClure Coleman

March 13 Pat Eman

March 14 Ernest Holm

Kimberly Resor

March 15 Victoria Eastman

March 16 Alma-jean Marion

March 17 Janine Glenn

Patti Warden

March 19 Susan Eastman

John Niblock

March 20 Marilyn May

March 23 Polly Niblock

March 27 Connor McAdams

March 29 Pete Anderson

Japke Telquist

March 31 Jeremiah Calhoun

WISHING YOU MANY MORE!

March 20, 2006

Midge & Tony Lopez

March 18, 2006

28 Years

TENTATIVE DATE

PLEASE NOTE YOUR

CALENDARS:

Saturday

April 29, 2006

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

It’s a traditional family event.

_______________________

INFORMATION: 206-721-3088

Alma-jean Marion

Here I Am, Lord,
Here I am, Lord, is it I Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if You need me, I will hold Your people

in my heart.

By Alma-jean Marion

Greetings Members and Friends of SAPC! I know you may feel too cold during this frigid month of February, however, keep the faith! We will survive! It could be worse like the minus three degrees of Denver, CO, last weekend. In the daytime it rose to sixty degrees.

Watch out for those predicting the end is near.

Serving as West Region Representative and President of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, I was extended an invitation to attend and participate in an Installation Breakfast and Program for Officers of a newly chartered Denver Chapter of NBPC. The warmth of the members of the Peoples Presbyterian Church over-came the chill of the evening. This congregation, many of whom are loyal and longstanding Caucus supporters, are celebrating 100 years as a Presbyterian church of the PCUSA. The earmarked 2007 National Convention of NBPC will celebrate other African American Presbyterian churches that have achieved such longevity. I was privileged to learn of the many dramatic changes in leadership and the impact of those changes on the ministry and communities served. Now carrying on with a vacant pulpit this church is conducting a search for new leadership. Its former pastor has been called away to Iraq and the terror of the war therein.

I was included in a radio talk show dialogue hosted weekly by the vice president of the Denver Caucus. Audience participation was supportive and appreciative of having such a media outlet servicing their communities. Questions were focused on "next steps" in the wake of recent losses of prominent African American leaders and contributors such as Coretta Scott King. Local, regional and national viewpoints were exchanged.

The overall consensus is to encourage new leaders to lead effectively and to build upon the legacy of the past. As African American Churches travels into the future it is bound by faith to uplift all of God’s children.

Here at SAPC members of the Church have been busier than the bees of spring. Getting ready for Spring, the Lenten Season, the annual Stewardship Campaign,and adjusting daily to a deeper commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Worship services have taken on a new and fresh look, all to glorify God. Our youth, by the sides of their parents and church family members are welcomed into full participation. Our outreach and mission includes the homeless of Renton as many of our members prepare and serve evening meals and lunches.

A Cub Scout troop is organized and learning what it means to be a cub scout – a troop.

As signs of Spring are all around us visible by new growth on trees and in flower beds, the landscape of SAPC received the first of the season pruning. The nine flowering cherry trees along the front parking strip have been topped and trimmed. Nine dead trees were removed in the rear of the facility. The fir tree crowding the roof tops and gutters of the sanctuary was trimmed and the debris cleared.

As we consider the many ministries supported by our members, the landscape is certainly a deserving area. It’s the place that administers to our well being as we enjoy watching our youth run and play throughout, as we sit to read and reflect under its trees or take a restful stroll throughout the grounds. It’s one of our greatest gifts entrusted to each of us to maintain, enjoy and to share with others.

One of the things that I enjoy most about our church is that there is something for everyone. Aside from the worship experience, I have a passion for the outdoors – the landscape. I hope that you and the family will find something – don’t stress out trying to do it all! If you have ideas of ministries and opportunities that are not present that would further our Mission here at SAPC be sure to share those thoughts with your Pastor and other members of the Church.

Keeping the congregation informed is a real challenge, and those involved with this Newsletter never stop trying. Let us welcome additional help on the Perspective Team – Pat Sharpe. She will be leading those wonderful volunteers in getting this publication to you in a timely manner.

PERSPECTIVE DEADLINE: 2^nd Week of month.

Distributed 1^st day of the month: Jan, June,

Sept. & Dec.

Email Copy to: almajean99@netzero.net

Office Hours: M-Th., 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Kim Ellenberg, Secretary.

Fri., 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Mary Lou Gilbert

Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School (all ages): 9:30 a.m.

Perspective Newsletter Team:

Editor: Alma-jean Marion

Reporters: JoAnn Peck, Lois Summers & Sharon Griffith

Volunteer Leader: Pat Sharpe

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church through God’s grace, is a loving, accepting, inclusive congregation serving others and fostering spiritual and personal growth for all ages. We rejoice in God’s presence and in the abundant gifts we are given. We strive to be ambitious disciples of Christ and to provide a safe supportive haven to all.