Thoughts On Prayer

 

Most Christians pray daily, but one day a year is set aside as a National Day of Prayer.

The first Thursday in May is designated as a day for the people of the United States

to offer prayer and meditation at churches, in groups and as individuals. 

 

Throughout this edition of the Perspective  are thoughts on prayer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer is not an old woman’s idle amusement.

Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action…….

Prayer is not asking.  It is a longing of the soul.  It is daily admission of one’s weakness…

It is better in prayer to have a heart

without words than words without a heart.

 

 

---Mahatma Gandhi

 

 

 

 

 

                              

  What Is Stewardship?

 

What is stewardship? Once relegated to church discussions at money-raising time, the word stewardship is used in the public realm, particularly with regard to how we treat the environment. Indeed, a broad understanding of stewardship for Christians takes us to a conversation about faithful choices: choices about work, home, finances, time, the environment, family, and persons or groups beyond the family. Certainly decisions about money, money that you have been entrusted with, is included in those choices , but it is not the beginning and end of the discussion.

 

The Stewardship emphasis at St Andrew in the next few weeks will provide the context to look at those choices and examine how those choices relate to what is most important in your life, how your life is organized, how your life relates to the church, how your life relates to the wider community, and, finally, how you put all those decisions together to live a faithful Christian life in the twenty-first century. Stewardship, then, can be understood as how we use our resources – time, talents and finances- to respond to God’s love.

 

As Christians, we are called by God to be faithful stewards of God’s creation. This call comes to us individually and to us as families. While the call is the same to all, it is also unique to each person and family. The best way to to “hear” the call is to study the Bible, to listen for God’s word in your life. This is not easy and in good Presbyterian tradition and belief needs to be done in community rather than by a person alone. Bounce your ideas of what you think the Bible is saying off other members of your family or members of the church community, but be  sure to listen to their response and ideas. Presbyterians have always understood that God speaks to us in the dialogue that occurs around Scripture, in the discerning process.

 

When you have discerned your call, you are ready to begin discovering how to live out this call faithfully. This “living out”  may require the establishment of a way being faithful, a disciplined lifestyle that helps you form habits that are needed to help you remain faithful to your call. This disciplined lifestyle is not easy to maintain in our contemporary American culture with its emphasis on “Buy more stuff”.

 

Hopefully, the St. Andrew church community will provide the encouragement and support

you and your family need to live as faithful disciples in this time and place as good stewards of all that God has given us. 

 

 

 

Rev. Rob McClure

Parish Associate

 

 

 

 

 

“A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel”.    (Author Unknown)

 

 

NEWS OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY

 

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING:  Harold Mitchell’s sisters are much improved and Harold thanks us for our concern.   Louise Baker won the State Vault Championship in gymnastics and Terri Funk took home two gold medals in Special Olympics.

 

JOINING THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT:

 

God took two of the people home for whom we have been praying:  John Hutchison passed away on April 18, 2005.  Ray Johnson’s brother, Warren, passed away also.  We thank God for their lives and all they meant to their families and friends.

 

PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN NURSING HOMES, CONFINED TO HOME, OR IN NEED OF SPECIAL PRAYERS ON A LONG-TERM BASIS:  Ernie Holm, Dorothy Stonehocker, Julia Parsons, Ethel Keirn, Mary Lena Scott, Ted Sharpe, Larry Greenland’s Dad, William, and Paul Holstine.  Also, please continue to pray for the Resor’s mothers and Gertrude Ashbaugh.  Barbara Glasscock reports that her Dad has a new tumor on his ear that will require surgery.

 

PRAYERS FOR CHURCH MEMBERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS:  Karen Lutz friend, Lotta; Marilyn May’s boss, Sid, who is not progressing as well as he once did; Trulene Glenn’s uncle who is in chemotherapy; Karen Lutz niece, Terri, who has breast cancer; Barbara Glasscock’s son who is seeking employment; Diane Kordus and her family; Susan Patterson’s mother; Indru Primlani’s friend’s wife who is showing signs of improvement.

 

CONCERNS AROUND THE WORLD:  May we continue to pray for our troops around the world and their families.  May we also remember missionaries that are spreading the word of God.

 

 

 

 

MOST RECENT REQUESTS:

 

• Sharon Andrew’s friend, Jill, hospitalized with two weeks left in her pregnancy.
• Jerry Balken’s friend, Sheree, diagnosed with cancer.
• Diana Kordus brother, Robert, entered VA Hospital with cancer.
• Diane Schott’s former student, David, slowly dying from neurological disease.
• Janice Spoon’s nephew, Seth, back in the hospital in intensive care.
• Midge Lopez’s friend, Dan, needing heart surgery.

 

 

 

Sharon Griffith

St. Andrews Prayers

 

 

 

 

Lord, help us to be aware

of  your presence with us

and the support given by the Church

as we seek to respond to your call.

Amen.

 

 

_____________________________

“Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows best what is good for us.”

 

--Socrates

 

 

IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

 

 

 

Like someone desperate

For the water in a desert,

So our spirits long for the “water of life”

Which God alone can give.

Dear Lord, please quench

Our spiritual thirst.

 

 

May 01     6^th Sunday of Easter

                    Wills Emphasis;

                    Older Adult Week

                    Renton CROPWALK

 

May 08     7^th Sunday of Easter

                    Mother’s Day

                    Christian Family Week

 

May 15      Day of Pentacost

                    Pentacost Offering

 

May 22     Trinity Sunday

 

May 29     9^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

                    Presbyterian Heritage

 

 

Imagine the peace of God

touching us in such a way

that we can always and in all ways

live in peace with others.

With warm hands and joyous hearts

let us reach out in peace

to our fellow worshippers.

Greetings and peace to all!

 

 

 

The Christian Family

 

     A Christian family …

… lives the Christian life and practices the presence of God so that the children come to accept God as the greatest reality of life.

… is one in which each member is accepted and respected as a person having sacred worth.

… accepts the responsibility of worship and instruction, thereby developing the spiritual life of each person.

… manifests a faith in God, observes daily prayer and says grace at meals.

… is committed to behavior in keeping with Christian ideals for family relations, community life, and national and world citizenship.

 

What More Can You Do?

_____________________________

 

I will do more than belong -

    I will partipate.

I will do more than care –

   I will help.

I will do more than believe –

   I will trust.

I will do more than dream –

   I will work.

I will do more than teach –

   I will inspire.

I will do more than earn –

   I will enrich.

I will do more than give –

   I will serve.

I will do more than live –

   I will grow.

I will do more than be friendly –

   I will be a friend.

I will do more than talk –

   I will listen

I will do more.              (Author Unknown)

 

                                                                                                                                   

 

_____________________________

“Intense love does not measure, it just gives”.                                         (Mother Teresa)

 

 

One Great Hour of Sharing

 

(By Sharon Andrews, Ed Baker & Forester Woodruff)

 

     Mission Group would like to thank all who participated in the One Great Hour of Sharing offering this spring. 

 

     St. Andrew donations amounted to $1,545 which will go to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (32%), the Presbyterian Hunger Program (36%), and to the Self-Development of People (32%). 

 

 

Highlights from the April Session Meeting – Submitted by Jo Ann Peck, Clerk of Session

 

1. The Session voted to call the Annual Congregational Meeting for June 19^th immediately following worship.  The purpose of the meeting is to accept Scott’s Terms of Call, receive the 2005-06 Budget, and to receive Part I of the Annual Report.
2. A team headed by Suzanne Woodruff and Stan Hastings is meeting on April 14^th to discuss next year’s Christian Ed. program, teacher needs, and the summer program.
3. Kris McClure-Coleman is heading a task force that will meet during the next year to evaluate Christian Ed. at St. Andrew.
4. The Annual Spring Clean-Up, an intergenerational activity, is scheduled from 9-3 on April 23^rd, with lunch provided.  Work parties will be on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month throughout the summer.
5. “Mission of Your Choice” flyers are in the Sunday bulletins for 3 weeks in April.
6. Preparations are underway for the mission trip to Campbell Farm in July.
7. Andy Peck is working with Corey Schlosser-Hall from Presbytery to provide training for Elders and Deacons. 
8. There will be two workshops, tentatively On May 8^th from 7-9 pm and the other on May 15^th from 5:30-8 pm, covering the topics of Elder Foundations and Elder Tool Kit.  The meetings will be open to the entire congregation so  that members can learn what it means to be an Elder.

    

9. Planning has begun for the 2-year Stewardship Campaign.
10. The Nominating Committee has completed its work and will present a full slate of nominations at the April 10^th Congregational Meeting.
11. Crop Walk is on May 1^st.  Walkers and sponsors are welcome.

 

 

ELDER TRAINING:  IT’S NOT JUST FOR ELDERS ANY MORE  --  Andy Peck

 

We’re trying a completely different approach to training the new class of elders – on several levels.  First, the training opportunities will be open to the entire congregation.  Second, we will be using outside resources, in addition to “home-brewed” ones.  Third, training will be an on-going process, rather than an annual event.  Last, the training curricula will be expanded to include some secular topics, such as those related to leadership, management, and administrative skills.

 

When I was on Session many years ago, I chaired the Nominating Committee.  I had conversations with some members of the congregation who were interested in serving as a deacon or elder, but did not feel that they were ready.  Their confidence might be bolstered by acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge.

 

In my military career (I am a retired Navy commander), I was taught that leadership and management skills can be learned.  Further, I discovered that those skills can be applied to other aspects of our lives.  In that vein, we will be presenting training sessions

 

that will prepare you for service, not only as an elder or deacon, but as an active member of the congregation.  You may find that these same skills will prove valuable in other activities such

as employment and volunteer work with PTA, youth organizations and civic organizations.

 

We have two training sessions scheduled for Sunday evenings in May.  Subsequent ones will occur at intervals of six to eight weeks.  The May events will be led by Corey Schlosser-Hall, of Presbytery staff.  May 8 will be an introductory course for  elders.  The course description is:

 

‘Elder Foundations: An Uncommon Ordination to Spiritual Leadership

Ordination of elected lay people to an office of Elder is a unique expression of Presbyterian Christianity. This course explores the Scriptural and theological foundations for the office of Elder. It also provides an overview of the role of an elder as spiritual leader in a Presbyterian Church.”

 

Since May 8 is Mother’s Day, we will schedule the event after dinner time.  Tentative start time is 7:00 pm.  Planned duration is about two hours.  Details will be announced at worship and in the bulletin.

 

The May 15 session will take a slightly different tack.  The course description is:

 

“Elder Tool Kit:  Practical Guide to functioning as an Elder in your church.

Moderating meetings, communicating with various audiences, facilitating discernment in groups.”

 

Tentative plans are to make this a social event, with dinner provided.  Starting time will be 5:30 or 6:00, and ending around 9:00.  Details will follow.

            Topics being considered for subsequent sessions include these that are offered by Presbytery, as well as some that will be developed locally.  Of course, we are very interested in hearing your thoughts on potential topics.

 

“Discernment & Gift of Presbyterian Process”

 

“A People of Three Books”

 

“A Systems Approach to Church Leadership”

 

“The Book of Order”

 

“The Book of Confessions”

 

This is a wonderful opportunity to explore your faith and learn more about what it means to be a Presbyterian.  If you have interest in serving your congregation in a leadership role, this could aid your decision and provide necessary skills.  Lastly, if you want to acquire skills related to working in groups and improving your organizational ability, this is an easy way to accomplish that goal.  Please give me your thoughts.  Home phone:  425-228-7395, e-mail:  smurfjet@netzero.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                          

 

 

 

All Aboard!  Around the World in 5 Days!

 

Summer is just around the corner and Vacation Bible School adventure calls.  It’s a fanciful train ride through Taiwan, Northern Ireland, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Nepal.  Participants will experience the love of Jesus Christ encompassing the globe as they “meet” mission workers and learn about the language, food, music, art and games of these cultures.

 

 

 

 

            “Living as Forgiven Children of God” (part of the Presbyterian “We Believe” curriculum) is adaptable to St. Andrew’s evening VBS sessions and provides wonderful opportunities for exploration and discovery.   Watch for clipboard opportunities to begin the planning and schedule the dates for The St. Andrew Express.

                                                            Lezle Resor, 425-271-1307

Ministry Department

 

 

 

 

_____________________________

 

“We must come out from prayer

the most rapturous and sweet,

only to do harder and even harder works

for God and our neighbors”.

 

--St. Teresa of Avila

 

 

Sound View Camp Dinner Theatre

By Laurie Rossnagel

 

     Kids and adults are invited to an enchanted evening of the hilarious performances of the Taproot Theatre Company and dinner by Chef Steve King at University Presbyterian Church, 5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 7^th.  Why?  There are two reasons – First to raise money for Sound View Camp, the closest Presbyterian summer camp for our kids and youth.  With Buck Creek closing, Sound View (of the Olympic Presbytery) has additional expenses and wants to be able to accommodate ALL kids who wish to come this summer.  Second, it’s a chance for kids and parents to meet some of the staff, ask questions and learn about the camp. 

 

     Kids ages 2-15 are FREE for entertainment and dinner with camp staff.  Adult cost is $30/person for the more formal dinner and theatre.  A St. Andrew group will carpool from the church parking lot at 4:00 p.m.  Please join us!

 

Summer Camp At Sound View!

 

     “Buried Treasure” is this year’s theme at Sound View, our Presbyterian camp near Long-view (south of Purdy), and it is on the sound with it’s own beach.  Staff are young and cool with faith that is dynamic and fun-loving.  Even the horses are cool.  Camp sessions are 5-7 days for kids completing grades 2-8, and high schoolers can go as LITs (leaders in training) for a week at a time.  How does it compare to Buck Creek?  Beach instead of pool!  Peninsula instead of mountains!  Platform tents instead of A-frames!  75 minute drive for both, and Sound View turnoff is easy to find.  There are the same type of counselors and staff – committed, friendly, like to sing and act goofy.  Horse camp is available at Sound View, camp fires on the beach each night.  Talk about God in Kids’ lives.  Counselors with good listening skills, lots of nature, no cell phones, Gameboys, IPODS, TV, computers.  Off-site expedition available.  Sports camps too.  Safety is important.  The biggest slip and slide you’ve ever seen.  And the best endorsement of all – kids who go to Sound View keep asking to go back.

  

     St. Andrew is able to contribute some money towards registration fees; let Marie West know your kids are thinking of attending.  Cory Rossnagel and Christa Peck are also good sources of info. – talk with them about camp.

 

 

     Option for families:  Work parties over Memorial Day Weekend to prepare camp for summer or to get to know Sound View.  Come for as much as you want.  Camp Phone:  253-884-9201 or contact Laurie Rossnagel:  (425) 271-1566 (Home) or (206) 543-3064 (work).

 

AIDS Care Team Training

 

     If you’ve heard others talk about being on an AIDS Care Team and want to learn more, consider attending the One-Day training session on Saturday, May 21^st at Lake Burien P.C.  The training cost $20 (for food and materials) and goes from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

     AIDS Care teams of 8-12 people are ordinary people who join together to offer support to a family living with AIDS.  What kinds of support?  This month, Lorelie took her “care partner” to breakfast on a Saturday.  My tasks over 3 months have included taking a carepartner to Safeway, picking up meds, going to a Mt. Rainier/Hazen basketball game together, and going to a carepartner’s house for homemade soup. 

 

     Christa Peck, Shawna Crawford, JoAnn Peck, and Cathy Crawford are on teams too – chat with them about what they do.  It’s a commitment of 3-6 hours per month because team members take turns.  I also like it because we volunteers decide when and how much to help and can opt out if we are busy.  Taking the training does NOT obligate you to join a team, it’s good info., and very enjoyable with laughter, tears, thoughtfulness, and prayer.

 

     If you’re interested, contact or phone (206) 324-1520, or ask one of us.

 

                         PERSPECTIVE      MAY, 2005                                           

 

 

 

 

Campbell Farm Trip

by Sharon Andrews

 

     The trip to Campbell Farm in Wapato is scheduled for July 24^th to July 29^th.  We have reserved 20 spaces for St Andrew people.  The trip is for all ages.  While at the farm, we will be helping to do some of the day to day chores on the farm.  There will also be trips to do work projects at the homes of needy people nearby, depending on our “talents”.  In addition, we may have the opportunity to work at the Union Gospel food bank in town.  There will be free time and time together, to renew and revitalize, and time for spiritual reflection. 

 

     The accommodations are nice with bunkbeds, yes mattresses, and regular bathroom facilities.  The weather will be hot so we will be doing our “work” early in the day to accommodate the climate.  There are some spots left.  Please contact Sharon Andrews, 206-992-3237 or Janice Spoon, 425-228-3402 to sign up or for more information. 

                                                                                                                           C

_______________________________

 

“Prayer should be short, without giving

God Almighty reasons why he should grant

This, or that; he knows best

What is good for us”.

 

--John Selden

 

PERSPECTIVE      MAY, 2005

 

 

Remember Your Mother

 

     Whoever you are, wherever you are, on Mother’s Day, remember your mother.  Without her and your father, you would only have been a dream and a hope, never a reality. 

No wonder God gave us the commandment:  “Honor your father and your mother…”

(Exodus 20:12, NRSV).  God gave us life through them.

 

                               --Charles Ferrell

 

 

Presbyterians in Egypt

by Sharon Andrews

 

     I have the privilege of being part of a group of eleven people, 9 women and 2 men, traveling to Egypt from May 15^th through May 30^th.  There are three women including myself from Women’s Enterprises International, the group I have been working with the past 4 years.  WEI works to transform lives and communities by reaching across cultures, equipping women living in poverty to achieve their God-given potential. 

 

     This trip is really exciting.  Dr. Victor Makari, coordinator for the Middle East and Europe of PCUSA is co-leading the trip along with Kathy Giske, associate director of PFF, Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship.  We will be meeting with some of the most credible ministries, churches and leaders in Egypt.  The overall goal of PFF for this trip is to identify ministries with whom they will develop long-term projects and partnerships that will encourage the Egyptian church to fulfill her vision and spiritual mandate.  WEI is looking at possibly partnering with women in Egypt in some form of micro-enterprise loans.  I ask that all of you keep our group in your prayers as we travel and I look forward to sharing this experience with all of you when I return.  For more information about PFF, see their website at www.pff.net

 

 

St. Andrew Goes to the British Virgin Islands

by Sharon Andrews

 

     The British Virgin Islands is truly God’s country if ever I have seen God’s country.  The sun is shining, a gentle breeze is blowing, the water is a beautiful teal blue and friendly faces abound.  Many folks from St Andrew had the fun and adventure of going there recently.  Marilyn May and Tom Del Pozzi, Sharon and Doug Andrews, Derek and Sharon Pierce, Larry and Sharon Griffith, Bob and Karen Mullen, Andy and Lezle Resor, Ann Vandermay and Bob Newell, Kathy and Norm O’Banyon, all were part of various “crews” as we traveled in and around the BVI’s.  

 

     The trips took place during the Easter season and after.  Norm O’Banyon, the trip organizer, conducted an Easter service in Nanny Cay for some of the group.  Sharon Griffith brought along Easter crosses from St Andrew for this service so you were all there is spirit.

 

     On our boat, we had the privilege of celebrating two birthdays and one wedding anniversary.  Marilyn May celebrated her birthday at Peter Island with a wonderful brunch as we started our trip.  I’m sure the other groups had celebrations as well. 

 

     As can be expected, each group had unique experiences, so be sure to ask the different people about their personal favorite.  As for me, I think the snorkeling was a high point.  Being able to swim in warm, clear water and see fish swimming near by is amazing and the buoyancy that the warm salt water affords bolstered my confidence.  Seeing the different islands and just the general indescribable beauty of the region was also breathtaking.  All in all a truly grand adventure.