ST

ST. ANDREW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

MARCH, 2005

Perspective

St. Andrew Home

Contact the editor: perspective@standrewpc.org

March 19 Easter Egg Hunt

March 20 Passion/Palm Sunday

March 24 Maundy Thursday Service

7:00 p.m.

March 24 Good Friday

March 27 Easter/Resurrection

Living is moving.

—Annie Dillard

Dear Friends:

Easter comes early this year, but apparently, so does spring. As I write I’m looking out the window at the Memorial garden. The warmth of the morning sun in another cloudless sky radiates a life that I expect suddenly to bud and leaf before my eyes. Maybe its that I’m just amazed by what is going on inside this place. New movements, renewed involvement, imaginative engagement. Like a tomb that can no longer contain the Easter hope bursting forth within it, our life comes from the life of the Holy within us.

If you haven’t yet made it to our Wednesday evening Soup & Soul studies I invite you to come and join us. We are inviting in as conversation partners visual art that reflects on the Lenten texts so that we might discover God through our readings and reflection.

Near the end of this month I imagine we will even get messy as Nancy Luton, an artist, writer and teacher from Texas joins us for two weeks as a visiting artist and turns our attentions toward hands-on exploration. We are finalizing a list of events and activities during her time with us. Watch for more information in the coming weeks.

The Mission department has also invited the Rev. Tricia Lloyd-Sidle, Presbyterian church mission co-worker to Cuba and Regional Liaison to the Caribbean to join us April 1-4 to speak with us about the work of God in Cuba and the Caribbean. Tricia was our guide on my 2003 trip to Cuba to visit with the Christians of the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Cuba. She has a powerful and hopeful story to tell us that will help as we discern our own directions for mission.

Living is moving. At Easter the stone was rolled away and Christ’s still, lifeless body was returned to life. The angel told the two Mary’s that Christ was going ahead to Galilee, where so much of that ministry had been done, and would go on. We move toward Christ who has gone ahead of us. We move to find those places which are alive, where God has chosen to work in Christ.

Grace and Peace to you all,

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING: Diane Schott is recovering in the home of her folks as her voice slowly returns and she regains her strength in preparation for return to work. She is grateful for all of our cards and prayers. She said that it was such a comfort knowing that her church family cares about her.

Suzanne Woodruff emailed, “Prayers have been offered on behalf of Jane Foster at my request for quite a while now. Jane has entered an assisted living community in Poulsbo, and she seems to be adjusting well. Soon she will be able to have one of her cats live there with her. Thanks to everyone for this support. Although she remains in fragile health, Jane is ‘at a good place’ right now. St. Andrew certainly had a hand in getting her there.”

Ken Campbell has found employment; Tim Ramsey has recovered from bronchitis; both Gary Brugger’s mom and Patti Warden’s mom are doing well; Christa Peck got through a sad week of memorials for friends at Hazen; Joyce Walker’s neighbor is home and recovering from heart surgery; Karen Lutz mother, Dorothy, was in church last Sunday after a long illness; Karen’s neighbor’s exploratory surgery was a life saving event. Surgeons found a small benign tumor and were able to remove all of it.

PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN NURSING HOMES, CONFINED, IN NEED OF SPECIAL PRAYERS LONG-TERM: Julia Parsons, Ethel Keirn, Mary Lena Scott, Gertrude Ashbaugh, Ted Sharpe, Sheila Greene’s son, Gary; Barbara Glasscock and her dad. Let us to continue to pray for Patti Warden’s niece who is having personal problems; Larry Greenland’s dad, William; Larry Schott; Paul Holstine, and John Niblock’s parents; Ann Drier’s daughter and her family; Mary Jo Primlani’s cousin, Bob; Lezle Resor’s mom as she continues to deal with heart health problems and for Lezle who has spent lots of her time in Spokane. Karen Lutz’s grandson, Josh, is back in Ellensburg, but he is concerned about his dad, Karl, in California as he may eventually need a liver transplant.

PRAYERS FOR CHURCH MEMBERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Karen Lutz friend, Lotta in Sweden; Marilyn May’s boss, Sid, is still in rehab. He has lost the use of his left arm after a stroke; Alauna’s brother, Bobbie, who will be going to Iraq soon; Leilane Campbell’s friend, Sarah, who is in complete bed rest until her baby girl is born; Harold Mitchell’s sister who has health problems; Laura Clawson’s sister who fell and broke her ankle; Pat Sharpe’s son-in-law with migraine headaches. Ted and Shirley Elder’s daughter, Pam, will be returning from California on March 8^th for exploratory surgery.

Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. Pray for President Bush as he travels in Europe and throughout the world, and for the people of Iraq as they move toward a peaceful democracy. GOOD NEWS: Carrie Peck’s fiancée, Cory, will be returning from Iraq soon.

MOST RECENT REQUESTS: Clarence Hover is having a Cat Scan this week – the results due in the first part of March. Tom Del Pozzi’s 2 ½ year old granddaughter, Kyllie, was admitted to Emergency services last weekend. Tom asks for prayers for the parents and grandparents. Trulene Glenn’s uncle is having chemo and radiation following surgery. Laurie Rossnagel has been on jury duty and asks for prayers for the defendant as he tries to put his life in order. Jerry Balken ask us to remember his neighbor, Tim who is going through chemotherapy. Dave and Mary Schott’s family are all fighting colds.

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and “Hallelujah!” is our song.”

Continuing on throughout the month of March, unlock your creativity and explore the themes of Lent with our Lenten Study series led by Pastor Scott Anderson, Parish Associate Rob McClure, and Artist Nancy Luton (March 16 & 23).

Meetings are scheduled four more Wednesdays (March 2, 9, 16 & 23^rd) from 6-7:30 p.m. Supper will be provided at 6:00 p.m. with adult and children’s classes following. Families that cannot make the classes are invited to supper, providing a brief relief to you (childcare provided).

Meet the Artist -Nancy Madeline Luton: A native Texan, Nancy spent the first half of her life as a writer before becoming a visual artist. In addition to working as a journalist and teaching writing and literature at the high school and university level, she has been a Writer-in-the-Schools and led workshops in creative writing, journaling, papermaking, bookbinding, and the creative process.

Says Nancy, “Making art, for me, is a continuous process of learning, exploration, and discovery as I experiment with the qualities and textures of various media, especially with transparent colors and images. While much of my work is two-dimensional collage and monoprint, I endeavor to achieve a sense of depth and space by using insets and by layering media and information. This layering also suggests the way events in our lives coexist with one another in our minds, much as a palimpsest indicates a previous action partially obscured by a more recent one.”

Her education includes a B.J. in Journalism, University of Texas at Austin; M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing/Poetry, University of Houston; and a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of Houston.

Mary and Dave Schott have volunteered to coordinate the Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 19^th, time TBA. The event will take place

Please sign-up your children (See the Service Opportunities clipboard under your seat) if you would like for them to participate in the hunt. Please print their full names and ages.

Traditionally, donations of candy and stuff (non-candy items) have been received from the congregation. Last year Christian symbol stickers were adhered to the eggs. Very small toys are welcome also! These donations are needed again this year or, a cash donation.

Either may be given directly to Dave, Mary, Kaitlyn, Brianna, or Derek. This group will take responsibility for getting all of the goodies stuffed into the eggs for the hunt.

The Lenten Season program includes a performance by the “Worship Kids”, Sunday,

Please sign up with Ray Johnson; rehearsals will begin 7:00 - 7:30 on Wednesdays, starting March 2^nd.

Planning efforts are underway for the 2005-06 St. Andrew Stewardship Campaign.The Session calls on the members of the Church to help plan this campaign.

Two planning meetings are scheduled. The first meeting will be to gather ideas concerning the campaign, and the second meeting will address the details of campaign planning. Meetings are scheduled from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Church on two week days in March (TBD).

Please sign-up on the Service Opportunities clipboard on Sundays at church or contact Forester Woodruff (424) 255-5087 to express your interest in this year’s stewardship campaign.

When you, the members of St. Andrew, elected this Nominating Committee, you did so expecting that we would take your election of us very seriously. Each of us understands the importance of our commitment to maintain and provide a high quality leadership team for St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. To that extent, we are now meeting to review and discuss the leadership needs for the new class of Elders and Deacons who will represent you for the coming three years as the Class of 2008. There are four Elders and three Deacons rotating off at the end of June.

WE NEED YOU! Insufficient training and burnout have been a problem in the past. It is our intent to have training for both Elders and Deacons this spring before their term begins. Rev. Scott Anderson and Elders/Deacons not currently serving will be available to discuss with you what is required of this position should you be elected and help with training.

Perhaps you have previously served as and Elder or a Deacon and you feel God is nudging you to serve in this capacity again; or perhaps you are a new member and have questions about what it entails to serve as an officer in the church. The members of the Nominating Committee are available to answer your questions and concerns or you may visit with Pastor Scott.

Reading the Book of Order is not at the top of the reading list for most of us. But you will find in there a very clear definition of what it means to be an officer of the church, whether it is as an Elder (G.6.0302) or a Deacon G6.0400 – G6.0402). You can find a brief definition in another location in this Perspective.

We ask you to pray and consider thoughtfully about whether this is your time to step forward and volunteer in a leadership role at St. Andrew. If a member of the Nominating Committee contacts you about one of these positions it is because we have also prayed and considered thoughtfully about what persons might willingly serve at this time and this place in their lives.

Your Nominating Committee – Ed Baker, Chair; Paul Holstine – Deacon Representative; Sharon Andrews – Session Representative; and Dan Clawson, Dana Holstine, and Bob Armstrong – Members at Large.

….persons with particular gifts to share in governing and ministry……Elders are chosen by the people, work together with the minister of Word and Sacrament….they exercise leadership, government and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships…..serve faithfully as members of the session….they are persons of faith dedication and good judgment….manner of their life demonstrates that of the Christian Gospel …..together they strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation…..encourage the people in worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks (of life)…..they assist in worship…..cultivate their ability to teach the Bible.

…serves others after the example of Jesus Christ and is one of sympathy, witness and service….a person of spiritual character….honest…filled with brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies and sound judgment……primarily minister to those who are in need….the sick….the friendless….and any who may be in distress within and beyond the community of faith…..shall assume occasional duties assigned by session…Leading people in prayers of worship, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people and assisting with the Lord’s Supper.

On Thursday evening, February 17^th, 15 members of the St. Andrew family met to consider which of over two dozen ideas would be the first Communication & Technology projects. The following six projects were identified, and an implementation team for each project was formed. The teams met to discuss their project, and selected a host and date for their next meeting:

The teams welcome additional participation. If you are interested in helping with any of these projects, or if you have any questions about the projects, please contact the meeting host, Pastor Scott, or Roger Paulsen.

Consider supporting OEC in its mission to be the safety net for all of King County.

If you make a tax deductible donation between March 1 and April 31, it will be matched by the Feinstein Foundation Challenge to Fight Hunger!

The Feinstein Foundation is determined to support agencies fighting hunger by providing a match to contributions made during these two months up to ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

Enclose a check in an envelope addressed to OEC, 11410 Renton Ave., South, Seattle, WA 98178. OEC will be able to submit your donation for matching dollars.

Thank God for church ladies with type-writers. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

The dates for the Campbell Farm Mission trip are from July 24^th through July 29^th. The mission department is sponsoring this trip and needs your help in planning. We are looking to have between 20 and 30 persons of all ages attend. This is an especially good way to get to know your St Andrew family better, share in working with those in need, and come away with your spirituality renewed.

We need to send in our registration form the first part of March letting the farm know how many will be able to attend. So check your calendars now! Youth are encouraged to attend as well as families and adults of all ages. Cost for the 5 nights includes lodging and all meals. The mission department is planning on helping with the cost so that anyone who is able and wants to attend can. This is truly an intergenerational time to be together. Please prayerfully consider coming with us on this great adventure!

Contact person for this event is Sharon Andrews, (206)992-3237, (253)941-8291 or email andrews6@mindspring.com for additional information and to SIGN UP.

According to the Books of Acts, Jesus spent some days with his friends after he was raised from the dead. During that time”he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during _______ days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” How many days did Jesus appear?

Well, “Hello Spring”? Whoa everyone - beware of the Ides of March upon us all! I hear that these sunny bright days that we have been

enjoying are destined to be short lived. Ski resort owners are among those not too pleased, and how about our power companies?

I traveled to Atlanta, GA to meet with the General Assembly Committee of Representation. I have some updated resources that may be helpful to nominating committees as well as committees on representation.

I traveled to Charlotte, NC, to meet with the Board of Directors of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus. The Caucus, much like some of our Synods, Presbyteries and churches, are into a total reinvention in order to survive changes in our Church and worldwide communities. Much like everyone else they struggle with financial crisis, membership growth, effective leadership, ineffective communications and the

impact of multicultural ministry in predominantly African American churches. During this past month Feb.) wherein the history of African Americans was the focus, I was reminded of how much I have for-gotten and in some cases just learning. I continue to be impressed with the contributions of African Americans and other ethnic groups to the whole church under dreadful conditions.

Here at St. Andrew I have worked with the pastor, the Operations Dept. and others to bring the production of the Perspective Newsletter into the church building. The Mt. of Olives room is now home. Wherein OEC has selected more accessible quarters in Christian Education off the parking lot, others continue to share this space. Come by and see me some time; I try to spend Monday afternoons here.

Webmaster Hal Mitchell/Asst. Webmaster Dan Clawson have done an outstanding job!

CROPWALK informational meeting was held here this week and Gary Glasscock spent a time of information sharing with yours truly and Doug Andrews in preparation for St. Andrews participation again this year. Look for more info. coming your way in March.

My landscape responsibilities kicked off a bit earlier than expected as a result of all of this nice weather. Most of the dead growth around the facility was removed making way for the sprouting daffodils, primroses, crocuses, and other plants.

Project	Next Meeting Host	Meeting Date
Active Web Site	Kris McClure-Coleman	2/23
Shut-in Support	Ann Drier	TBD – following March Deacons meeting
Develop Youth Ministry Consensus	Larry Griffith	TBD
Active Parish Groups	Patti Warden	TBD
E-mail lists for activities, and new improved Hot Line	Bob Armstrong	TBD
Leadership Chart and Organization Chart	Andy Peck & Forester Woodruff	TDB