“Really, astonish me!” That is a quote, unbelieving in tone and reality, uttered in the A&E version of Jane Austen’s classic, Pride and Prejudice. I confess to enjoying that movie very much. But, I am a bit of a movie-phile, and some enjoy all sorts of movies, classics and decidedly-not-so-classical!

But, back to being astonished, not by Mr. Darcy, but by Jesus, in fact. The theme for our Lenten midweek worship experiences with Good Shepherd and Beacon churches is, “Who Is This?” It might be written, “Who IS This?” That way, you could tell that the emphasis is on the word is, and the thing about that is the Scriptural texts for each Wednesday evening are texts in which Jesus does, in fact, astonish people.

Not to give away too much, but you might remember that people can be both positively and negatively astonished. Kind of like a movie critic! Just so, people, even we at times, will be ‘critically’ astonished by Jesus, either by what he did or what he said, or sometimes by a combination of both!

Now, you might think that part of this Lenten exercise (the Lent part if you will!) is to find those places where we are negatively astonished by Jesus, point a reflective finger at ourselves and say, “tsk, tsk;” or perhaps even, “that’s something we should confess.” And so it might be on one or another of those evenings. But, something worse I think (and yes, it is just my opinion) would be if on each of those nights we read about what Jesus said and did that astonished those first-century folks and we would find ourselves ho-humming the whole thing. We would read the word with a stretch and a yawn and start thinking about what’s in store tomorrow before whichever of the three pastors even gets warmed up enough to get us excited. Even Jesus, somewhere in the “Revelation of St. John,” said he would rather have people be hot or cold in their reaction to him rather than lukewarm. He would rather spit us out of his mouth! Well, spit is lukewarm, come to think of it; so, I guess that shouldn’t astonish us.

Hopefully, Jesus does still astonish us. If he really doesn’t astonish you much, show up on Wednesday evenings in Lent, shed your apathy, and have an opinion again, a grace-inspired, faith-engendered opinion about Jesus. I am continually astonished at what the Lord does in my life, sometimes in spite of me. I have been pretty astonished over the years, even in some of your lives, at what the Lord does in the lives of others as well.

Who Is this? He is the ‘Storm-Calmer;’ the ‘Familiar and Unknown;’ the Non-Revolutionary Revolutionary;’ the ‘Healer of Body and Soul;’ ‘The Table-Turner;’ and the ‘Amazing God.’

Lenten Blessings,
Pastor Don

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Thank You!
Special thanks to Cheryl Krogh for driving Deborah Ruppert way out to Black Diamond for a special Christian work project.

***

Thank you all for your generous Gift of Love. I appreciate the thoughtfulness.
~ Stacy

Volunteer Opportunity!
The Seattle office of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is looking for volunteers. Volunteers assist us daily and weekly with everything - mailings, distribution of brochures, planning special events, setting up/attending/breaking down special events including answering phones at radiothons and assisting with registration at golf tournaments, and more!

Our office is located in the University District. English and Spanish speaking volunteers are welcome. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Theresa Ripp (206)-526-8900 or theresa.ripp@stjude.org.

Daylight Savings Reminder!
Remember that Daylight Savings Time is going into effect earlier this year; so, “Spring forward!” and set your clocks ahead on March 11th.

A Note from Robin Bonesteele
Dick Lootens asked that this note be shared with the members of Trinity:

What dear memories we have of you and your congregation while our son awaited a bone marrow transplant as an inpatient at Children’s Hospital. We remember with love all the meals, the Krispy Kreme doughnuts, recreational reading books, prayers and support while so far from home. Praise and thanks to our Father in Heaven for sending such dear brothers and sisters to our family in such a great time of need. The Lord has since received our dear Stephen (December 15th 2003) into glory and we wait with eager anticipation for the reunion that Jesus has promised. We will all rejoice together in that day.

www3.caringbridge.org/wa/stephen

Until then, may the Lord continue to bless you and keep you as you continue to serve him in this place…

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Chapel on the Ave Fundraiser Concert 
April 1 (Sunday) 3:00pm – 4:45pm. 

Jenn Nehr will perform a 2-part concert at Chapel on the Ave, in the Lutheran Center (4130 University Way NE).  The first half will feature French, German, Italian, and Finnish opera pieces. The second half will feature Gospel songs and hymns with ‘jazzy’ stylings.  A free-will offering will be taken to support Trinity’s student ministry to the University of Washington.  Plan to attend, enjoy refreshments, and support this outreach ministry.  Bring friends!

Concordia University Handbell Tour
Kurt Berentsen, DirectorA 25-year tradition, the nine member Concordia Concert Handbell Ensemble will perform at a location near you soon.  Led by Director of Music & Worship, Kurt Berentsen, the ensemble will perform original compositions and hymn arrangements for handbells that will delight your senses and inspire your soul.  Join us for a one-of-a-kind experience:

• Sun. 3/4 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tacoma, 8 & 10:45am services
• Sun. 3/4 Zion Lutheran Church, Snohomish, 6pm concert
• Mon. 3/5 Resurrection Lutheran Church, Des Moines, 7pm concert
• Tues. 3/6 Concordia Lutheran School, Seattle, 7pm concert
• Wed. 3/7 Faith Lutheran Church, Sequim, 7pm service

Admission is free. Donations will be accepted.

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Light on the Hill

Pastor Don requested that I write of my ride to Lake Sawyer. This is worth mentioning before I begin. Our neighborhood is going through a big change. There are a lot more condos going up. There are few folks out and about due to this change. Twice Sold Tales is moving. I mention “Twice Sold” because it is a great bookstore. If you are someone who simply wants to chill — and loves cats. She soon will be relocating. I seriously advocate visiting her.

Along with the Pine Street condos, there is a huge change on the hill; a big transition is going on in the business area.

I used the word spang in the last news piece. I spoke of spanging. The article spoke of alternative ways to give to the folks who spang, or “beg for money.” Real Change (the Homeless Street Paper) is one alternative. If you donate a dollar, make sure you show an interest in the person.

I know this “real change” person. We got off the bus together. I thought he was spanging me for Cocoa. It soon became apparent that he wasn't. We headed for Starbucks. We each got a cup of water. He reached for his daypack and pulled out cocoa. We sat and chatted in Starbucks for some time. It is Real Change that got me to know this person. It is a great opportunity to meet the homeless.

Pastor Don wanted me to share about my visit to Lake Sawyer. I am redefining my world, though it has been quite difficult, difficult to come to grasp the idea of COMMUNITY in my world. It is something we see little of. I saw “community” come about as a result of this storm. But, in the church, it is minimal. The homeless build community, gathering in a tent city or in doorways or under freeways. Community did come about when generators were needed during the storm. A group of people had gathered with one common need; however, due to the use of different languages, some did not understand the proper use of the generators. The media, newspapers, and television, along with various agencies, came together with the common goal of meeting the needs of these people.

The idea of what I thought was community does not exist. When things were not going great during those teen years — a teen with Epilepsy and other stuff going on, it was a church that let me be me. Mainstreaming or special needs Sunday School did not exist. I had to learn survival skills on my own. What was so special about it? I found refuge in a place I could chill out when the other alternatives were unavailable such as medication. Here, I was invited by a person to attend church. It was there that I met a couple who asked me just to hang out. I do not see a lot of anyone doing that today. We all have things that we busy ourselves with. I would get a ride from home to visit this church. Later, when I no longer had a ride, I took a bus. Spending “quiet time” in this couple’s home helped me gain a sense of myself which, in later years, lead me to my ministry.

In most synods I do not see happening what was given to me. Back then, it was a different time with different lifestyles. In their home was a place that I could just chill. The time spent with this couple in “morning devotion,” reading from the Daily Bread, opened my eyes and gave me peace, which was facilitated by the view of Lake Sawyer.

The wife would either do a Sunday School lesson or prepare for the Good News Club. If it was their turn, we visited a shut-in whom we read the scripture to and had communion. So, it was all about learning to be quiet with God. God prepared me for something I had been so numb to when submerged in my previous life.

Church at Lake Sawyer rocked. Potluck was once a month. We were baptized in Stoffels Creek, the stream next door to the church. Community was formed. The Christmas program was not techno; it was us, a piano, and an organ. It was not a liturgical Church either. We ALL had something to share. Easter was a time for Sunrise service — a beautiful scene as the sun rose above the lake. Easer Breakfast was not catered; it was prepared by the men of the church. Life was slower and less complicated.

Family for me in my world is not the typical 1950s sitcom. Recently, it was really hard to find a ride to Lake Sawyer — a real blow to my ego as I solicited friends. A friend from “Trinity” agreed — but it had to be right then. So much for the luxury of enjoying a slower pace — a slower life.

I have learned to wait on God; He does not rush. A neighbor’s son, who lives in Renton and comes to Seattle frequently, learned of my need. He insisted on taking me out to the lake. His insistence is due to how he had been raised and his understanding of community. He understands that, if a brother has no coat, to give his.

The serenity of Quiet and the Scripture was what I had been given. I think now about what is a Blessing, what God gave to me to share outside on the Street, in church or synod. Now, God beckons me to a quiet spot where life seems slower—as it was back at Lake Sawyer.

The Spirit calls for the Morning to be set aside with Him. Then, the rubber on the BMX hits the asphalt. Down the street, I meet a regular transient who stops me for a hug. I ask him, “Are you hungry? Have you recently been in jail?” This is a typical morning for me on the street.

The journey began at a “quiet spot” on a Lake. There I learned to hear the Spirit in the middle of rush hour. A young man with an understanding of community offered me a ride back to this spot.

Through the couple that I had visited so long ago — and, more recently, a persistent young man who drove me back to Lake Sawyer — God is teaching me that I need to share this understanding of “community” and need to return to a slower pace of life.

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Concordia Lutheran School

Concordia University Portland is searching for a full-time Director of Church Relations. Qualified candidates should be rostered with the LCMS, have a passion for and understanding of Lutheran education, and have experience in fundraising, program development, public relations or related skills. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and references to the Director of Church Relations Search Committee, Concordia University Foundation, 2811 NE Holman St., Portland, OR 97211.

Additional Positions:
College of Education - Position: Graduate EducationTeach graduate level professional education courses in Reading and Education Research contact: jmannion@cu-portland.edu

College of Theology, Arts & Sciences - Position: Psychology GeneralistFull-time Generalist faculty to teach personality, research methods, developmental, and introductory Psychology contact: jsmith@cu-portland.edu

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Concordia Lutheran School

Meyer Minutes
Last week at team time, I had one of those moments. The activity was to draw how each individual student sees how they contribute to Concordia. Then, each child was asked to place their piece of the puzzle with the others to make it complete. I was standing next to a member of the white team, Andrew, as an older student, Kurt, placed his puzzle in the correct spot. As soon as this took place, he shouted, “I fit, my piece fits!” That was it, the moment; I heard the joy in his heart as he knew he belonged here at Concordia, but most of all, he belonged to Him. The activity, led by Mrs. Irigon, was a terrific example of how we all fit together to make this ministry at Concordia whole. Andrew’s joy is an example of how good it feels when we realize, “I fit, and my piece fits,” both in this community and in His family, the family of Christ..

In Him,
Dave

Fiesta Auction
Benefiting Concordia Lutheran SchoolSaturday, March 10, 5:30pm7040 36th Ave NE, Seattle. Cost:  $25/person. Buffet dinner, wine, beverages, and dessert included. On-site childcare (through age 12) provided for a nominal fee.

Pre-register by Friday, March 2. RSVP online at concordialutheranschool.maestroweb.com where you can view our new online catalog as our donations multiply. Print catalogs will be available in the school office starting March 8.

Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Cougar Mountain Cookie Dough Fundraiser begins May 2, 2007. Our twice-yearly Cook Dough Fundraiser begins May 2. It’s just in time for you to stock up for the summer months. This is a great way to help our school, save your time, and have delicious cookies on hand for your kids and guests. Remember to tell your family and friends about this great cookie dough!

Concordia seeks a driver for our morning van route. Please contact the school office at 206-525-7407 or admin@concordiaseattle.com if you are interested.

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Lutheran Community Services NorthWest

Multicultural Community Services (formerly Lutheran Refugee Program) is currently resettling 25-30 refugees a month in the Puget Sound Region. Part of our services is helping refugees to help furnish a home. We are in desperate need of usable household items – especially beds (box springs & mattresses, but not king size because they do not fit into small apartments), kitchen pots & pans, and dishes. Please call Jan Stephens at 206-694-5785 to arrange for pickup.

May is National Foster Care Month Lutheran Community Services provides nurturing foster homes for abused and neglected children and refugee and immigrant youth. Visit www.lcsnw.org or email sjohnson@lcsnw.org.

ICCSICCS is a program of Lutheran Community Services providing services to refugees and immigrants. The staff of ICCS includes cross-cultural counselors, a psychiatrist, program assistant, and teachers. Call (206) 694-5797 or e-mail ncherepnina@lcsnw.org for more information.

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