Lent comes early this year with Ash Wednesday falling February 6th. Easter is the 23rd of March!

We remind ourselves of some basic themes in connection with Lent. It is a forty-day period (not counting the Sundays) of reflection in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Reflection on what?

When I was growing up, it was a time to pay particular attention to the fact that Jesus came and suffered (emphasis intended!) and died for us sinful humans. Aren’t we glad God loved us so much! Therefore, we ought to straighten out and clean up our act. With such emphases came the idea that we ought to give up something that was important to us to show that we were properly sorry for our sin.

More recently the church has returned to the emphasis that was used in the early church. Lent is a time of re-commitment (for those baptized) and preparation to commit (for those about to baptized on Easter) to Jesus, in whose name we are baptized. Lent was a time of joining him in the life he lived in going to the cross for us.

Sometimes, in the church, we have talked about baptismal renewal with an emphasis on cleansing. The new life given to us in baptism is one washed in the blood of Christ Jesus. Sin is taken away. Our life is one of fighting against sin and living in the kind of life Jesus lived for us. The ashes of Ash Wednesday were reminders both of our own awareness of the uncleanness of our sin and of the cleansing of fire which purifies.

Recently I read an article that suggested a new–at least to me–metaphor for the water of baptism and the re-commitment to the life into which we are reborn in baptism. Through the image of water as rain, river, and ocean, the life of God born in us in baptism was portrayed. Rain covers all in the area where it falls. It is not selective. As a river, water always flows downward. It always finds the low spots. The rain falls and becomes rivers which flow into and become an ocean. It’s huge! It’s global!

Might these not be pictures of God at work among us and urging us to live the same way? Rain covers all in its way. Should we not, as Christians, be concerned about all whom we meet–rich and poor, healthy and infirm, young and old? Rivers flowing downward, seeking the low spots, remind us that God does not deal with us just when we’re on top of the world! God comes into the weakest and lowest moments of our lives to say we are still his people. Do we not need to share that message with the depressed person, the one for whom there is no energy to keep on living? That water finally is oceanic and global suggests to us that God’s and our concerns are world-wide. How we live affects the air others breathe, the water they have to drink, and the health or lack of it available to them. If God is one who has come down to the low places in our lives, if he has surrounded us with his care as rain encompasses us, can we live as though others do not matter?

People in the church have practiced piety during Lent, and the rest of the year, in a variety of ways. This year, again, Lent falls during our state legislative session, and during the time when the national campaign for President is heating up. What about taking our concerns for people’s health, shelter, working conditions, education, etc., to our legislators and candidates to try to demonstrate some of God’s care?

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NW Harvest 2008 Food Drive
The neighborhood Food Drive is scheduled for March. Please drop paper grocery bags with handles into the bin located in the Foyer no later than February 24.  The bags will be distributed to the neighborhood on March 2 and will be collected on March 9. Check posted notices in the Foyer and the Fellowship Hall for information regarding food items to be collected.

Property Updates
We had a little visitor in the organ loft. (A RAT!) A special thanks goes out to Chris Sherman and Ken Hamada for diligently searching for our friend. We also appreciate Chris for taking special care to remove him/her from the premises once found. Also, as always, thanks to Joan for helping out in this effort, organizing the team and creating a wonderful snack to help attract our friend. If you want more details, I'm sure Chris, Joan, or Ken will be happy to share the details.

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We have purchased 4 light-weight tables and plan to purchase 2 more as well as a 60” round table and a 48” round table to replace the 72” round table.  Contributions are encouraged.  Just mark your envelope “Tables.”

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If you haven’t been popping down to coffee hour, check out the north side of the church basement. Thank you to Andrew Potsko, who has cleaned up and rearranged the Fireside Room and the Fellowship Hall.  He has also talked to someone who painted at Concordia to get a bid to paint the Fellowship Hall with assistance from us.

We received $1300 matching money from Thrivent for the plumbing repairs and tables.  We can apply for another grant when we do the painting if we have money raised for that project.  Just mark your donation “Capitol Improvement” or “Painting.”

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We love all of your support, but if you plan on leaving a piece of furniture, appliance, or media equipment at church, please be sure to run it by the property committee (Joan & Mark). We seem to have ended up with numerous TV’s, microwaves, and extra chairs. While we appreciate these bounties, there is only so much we can use; so, please check in before leaving an item. Money, of course, is always welcome! (That last part is an attempt at humor on our part; what church doesn’t accept cash.?)

But, truly, as always, we thank you for your support!

Trinity Choir Schedule
2/3 Practice — All
2/6 Sing for Ash Wednesday service
2/10 Practice — Women only
2/17 Practice — Men only
2/27 Sing for Wednesday service

First Friday Fellowship
First Friday Fellowship is a monthly get-together of Trinity members and friends. The “event” is a social time of food and fun (on the first Friday of the month) with a potluck meal at about 6:30pm, followed by board games, card games, or just sitting around talking. Some people have been known to bring their knitting, and there may even be some discussion about the sports programs at the UW or WSU.The only thing formal about the potluck is the food theme, but don’t let that be a hindrance; the theme is usually something like “red food” or “something you would bring to a picnic.” There always seems to be enough food; so, if you haven’t had time to make anything, come on down anyhow, or stop by a deli and pick up something. Things usually tend to break up around 9:00pm or when all the new coaches have been hired and recruitment finalized and the mittens are ready to wear home.

See you there!

Organist Wanted!
Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle is looking for a person to serve as both Organist and Choir Accompanist.  The church uses liturgies and hymns from the Lutheran Service Book and has an electronic organ with 2 manuals and a full pedal board.  Organist duties include playing at two Sunday morning services, mid-week services, and wedding and funerals.  Choir Accompanist duties include playing for the weeknight choir practice and performances during services.  Ideally, we are looking for a member of the LCMS, but others will be considered based on qualifications.  Contact the search committee chair, Harry Edmon, at hedmon@gmail.com or 425.486.4653.

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Concordia Lutheran School Auction -Save the Date!
Concordia Lutheran values your continued commitment of prayer and partnership. We hope you will join with us by supporting our 2008 auction to be held on April 19.

Donations are now being accepted. Some ideas: A handcrafted item? A service? Lessons? A home cooked dinner or special dessert? Car detailing? A theme basket? Your cabin or condo for a weekend getaway? Tickets to an upcoming concert, play, or sports event? Something from your employer or a business that you frequent?

For more information, please contact 206.355.7736.

Compass Center 2nd Annual Auction
Won't you be our neighbor?  Find Your Place on the Map~ Saturday, March 15, 2008 ~ Doors open at 5:30pm~ The Great Hall at the South Lake Union Park Complex

Funds raised will support transitional and emergency services for homeless men, women, and children in our community. Reserve your space today! Tickets $100 each. Bringing a group?  Ask us about table purchases! Please RSVP by Friday, February 22, 2008. To request tickets or for additional information, please call 206.357.3121 or visit www.compasscenter.org.

Save the Date!
Foss Home and Village hosts the Annual Fund Spring Concert on Friday, March 28, 2008, 5:30 - 8:00pm, at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.  This kick-off to our Annual Fund Campaign features Ernestine Anderson.  All funds raised, after expenses, benefit the Touch of Comfort fund for resident’s needs.

2nd & 4th Sunday BreakfastsFirst United Methodist Church invites you to their 2nd & 4th Sunday Breakfasts.  At these breakfasts, volunteers gather in community with the homeless, previously homeless, or individuals simply in need of a warm meal.  The meal starts at 8:00am in the Drury Hall Dining Room of First United Methodist Church (811 5th Ave).  Enter on Columbia Street, across from the Columbia Center.  For more information, contact Jean Ferguson at jean@firstchurchseattle.org or 206.622.7278 x11.

Lutheran Women's Missionary League
You are cordially invited to attend the annual Prayer Service and Lunch, “Secure in Jesus, My Rock and Fortress.”  The event will be at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 7750 21st Ave NW, Seattle, on Saturday, February 9, 2008.  Registration is at 10:00am, followed by the Prayer Service at 10:30am and a Smorgasboard Sandwich Lunch at 11:30am.  Please bring a sandwich to share.  Beverages, relish tray, and dessert will be provided.  For more information, contact Mt. Olive Lutheran at 206.783.8699.

Master Composter/Soil Builder Program
The Master Composter/Soil Builder training is an in-depth, 4-week program, next offered during March and April 2008.  All Seattle city residents are invited to take part.  Program graduates become part of a select group of Seattle residents making the big picture personal, sharing what they learn with friends, neighbors, and the community at large.  Master Composter/Soil Builders will learn to: Understand their connection to climate change; Assess their personal carbon footprint; Grow beautiful natural gardens; Build healthy soil with compost and mulch; Reduce pesticide use; Conserve water and protect water quality.

Please see the poster on the downstairs bulletin board for more information and an application.

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Dear Friends,
Thank you from my heart for the wonderfully comforting memorial service given for my brother, Price, “Buck,” Cochran, Jr.  The service was beautiful, uplifting and a true blessing for both Hal and myself.

Buck spoke so very often of his church and all of the various members.  Y'all meant so much to him, and I can now, truly, understand why.

Again, thank you for all of your courtesies, thoughtfulness and blessing shown us during our time there.

Please know you all are in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Jim Cochran

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Dear Friends at Trinity Lutheran Church,
Thank you for your contribution of $50.00 to the Compass Center.  Your gift signifies your congregation’s commitment to serving the members of our community who are most in need of assistance.

The Compass Center provides essential services including shelter, access to hygiene facilities, banking services, and case management to Seattle’s most marginalized residents.  At each of our 15 Seattle-area locations, we work to ensure that each person who comes through our doors receives the support and services they need.

This past month also gave us the chance to provide our clients with gifts and necessary items for the holidays.  With the generous support of our donors, we were able to provide much needed clothing, hygiene items and blankets to each of our clients.  In addition, the residents in each of our housing programs were able to enjoy holiday parties and special Christmas dinners.  The holiday season can often be a lonely time for men and women experiencing homelessness, but, because of the outpouring of generosity from our donors like Trinity Lutheran Church, we were able to provide each individual we serve with some heartfelt holiday cheer.

As the holiday season passes and the year 2008 rolls in, we are truly grateful for your continued support.

With Sincerest thanks and warm wishes for the New Year,
Cindy Jackson,
Development Director

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I would like to thank Trinity for the generous Christmas gift.  Thank you also for the opportunity to participate in worship with you.
Nancy Tagge

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Many thanks to the wonderful folks of Trinity for the Christmas Gift of Love!
~Stacy

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Thank you to Sharon Heckel and Chris Sherman for decorating the Christmas tree.
The Property Committee

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Community News

Meyer Minutes
A good school knows my child by name; a great school knows my child by heart. This statement came to my attention from a donor who supports the school regularly. It was a statement that I have been thinking about for the past 2 weeks, and I have concluded that we are a great school. This thought was confirmed the other night at the Kindergarten night when a current parent shared, “I know every child in the school; I know every family in the school.” As I build on the love in our school and move into 2008 with a great base built on His love for us, I am ready for whatever comes our direction. I have been sharing our community with many new families and believe that God has a plan for some of them to join us and enjoy the Concordia community. I know that development of property and a new play area are in the near future, and I know that He will lead and I will follow. As we know each other by heart and pray together, our foundation becomes stronger.

In Him,
Dave

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Save This Important Date:
March 7-9, 2008: Consider the Call. High school students considering professional church work as a vocation should make plans to attend Concordia University’s “Consider the Call” retreat March 7-9. Contact Sarah Elliot at 503.493.6231 for more information.

Tour of Qatar and Turkey
On May 20-June 5, 2008, the Rev. Dr. Herbert Hoefer will lead a tour of Qatar and Turkey as part of his “Appreciating Muslim Societies” course at the university. The tour portion of this course is open to pastors, church workers, and lay people — anyone with a heart to learn more about Muslim society so that we can provide a more meaningful witness. Participants will experience a variety of Muslim societies and worship, discussions with Muslim scholars, visits to early Christian sites, ancient archeology, and Al-Jazeera. The cost of this tour is $3000 roundtrip from Frankfurt, Germany. For more information, please contact Professor Hoefer at hhoefer@cu-portland.edu.

Support CU Winter Sports
Come out and support the Concordia Cavaliers throughout our winter sports season. To see the winter sports schedule, visit www.gocugo.com.

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Resolutions for 2008

• Lose weight
• Pay off credit cards
• Get to the gym
• Call for information on becoming a Foster Parent
• Start the year off right by resolving to help a child!