From the Pastor
You will notice from this newsletter and from your own mail that the giving season is upon us! Our local Lutheran agencies: Compass Center, Lutheran Community Services, Lutheran Alliance to Create Housing, and Lutheran Ministry Services either have had, or will be having a fund-raising dinner/auction. The Lutheran homes for elderly: Foss, Columbia, and Hearthstone, as well as the educational institutions of Hope and Concordia elementary schools and Seattle Lutheran High School will all make appeals for our support. These are only the local Lutheran organizations, to say nothing of the multitude of other agencies–local and national–that seek our financial help.
Practically, it makes sense to request our contributions at this time. If the agencies would make requests during the summer, they would likely find us out of town on vacation. The request would be part of that mass of mail that collects and just gets set aside. Making an appeal in the fall when we are all around, when there seems to be an attitude of “Well, vacation’s over. Time to get down to business,” fits the rhythm of our lives.
In addition, in the northern hemisphere, it is harvest time. While few of us in Seattle are geared to agricultural cycles, there is still the sense that fall is a time when we have available to us all that we need.
In the church, harvest-time takes on a slightly different aspect. Using the flow in agriculture of preparing soil, planting, cultivating and harvest, the church year lays out for us a sequence of events from the life of Christ. Christ, the Word-Seed, is planted in our lives. We hear of those events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Through the summer growing season, the planted seed is nurtured so that the Christian grows in a firm relationship with God. Finally, during the autumn season, the Scripture lessons we hear in our worship services call for our response–the fruit, or harvest, of what has been planted and growing in our lives.
In the latter part of September, we heard lessons such as the ones from Amos 6 and 8, where God’s people were living in opulence and selling the poor for a pair of sandals, as well as Gospels about the dishonest steward and the rich man and Lazarus–each one addressing the issue of use of money. When October comes–with Gospel stories of the Ten Lepers and the widow who can’t get the judge to give her justice–the focus shifts more to the life of faithful, trusting response. These accounts raise for us the question: Can we persevere?
But, there is more going on than simply gathering a harvest. Throughout Scripture, God has a bias in favor of the poor, the disenfranchised, and downtrodden. Selling the poor for a pair of sandals while dining in luxury is a crime because it does not recognize God as the one who has given the luxury. Further, it does not recognize that God cared for us–when we didn’t deserve it. Not to be concerned for those with less than we is to ignore our own status before God.
From that perspective, it is not possible for us to thank God for our blessings, say we believe and trust in God, and not live out concern for those around us–especially those who are the have-nots. We were have-nots of God’s mercy. God gave it at the cost of Jesus’ life. Showing mercy and generosity to those around us is joining God in doing what God has done for us.
So, when those appeals come this fall, evaluate your financial situation. But, more than that, think again about sharing God’s generosity.
Pastor Paul
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News and Notes
Trinity Preaching Schedule
| 10/ 7 | Paul Winterstein |
| 10/14 | Andrew Potsko |
| 10/21 | Andrew Potsko |
| 10/28 | Paul Stone |
| 11/1 | All Saints Day at Beacon |
| 11/4 | Andrew Potsko |
| 11/11 | David Reinke |
| 11/18 | Paul Winterstein |
| 11/21 | Paul Winterstein Thanksgiving Eve |
| 11/25 | Andrew Potsko |
| 12/2 | David Lund |
| 12/9 | Paul Winterstein |
| 12/16 | Paul Gossman |
| 12/23 | Paul Stone |
| 12/24 | Andrew Potsko Christmas Eve |
| 12/25 | Andrew Potsko Christmas Day |
| 12/30 | Andrew Potsko |
Choir Schedule
| 10/7 | Rehearsal—women only |
| 10/7 | Sing for Sunday Service |
| 10/14 | Rehearsal—all |
| 10/21 | Rehearsal—all |
| 10/26 | Field trip (read on) |
| 10/28 | Sing for Sunday Service |
Field trip notes:
Hymn Festival at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynnwood, with Michael Burkhard in conjunction with the local Choristers Guild workshop — Free — 7:30 pm. More information to follow.
If you have questions, please talk to Nancy at church or email her at njtagge@hotmail.com.
Property Updates
The fellowship hall needs new tables. The present tables are getting ragged around the edges and snagging clothes. The new ones made by Lifetime are light weight and easier to stack and to move. They are $73.00 plus tax ($79.50) at Costco. Please consider buying a table or part of a table... just write “Table” on the offering envelope with your contribution.
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While pastor’s office is vacated would be a good time to get it cleaned up and painted. Anyone willing to help, please contact Joan Hamada.
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We found a box of extra tiles. With some “know how” and time, we could replace the cracked and broken tiles; so, if someone can do the job or help, please contact Joan Hamada.
From the Church Office
The entry code for the northwest door will be changing on October 2. Please contact the church office, Andrew Potsko, or Esther Reese to receive the new code.
Call Committee Update
Thank you to the 29 people who filled out the pastoral call questionnaire and submitted names of pastors to be considered. Pastor Winterstein will meet with me on October 1 to get the cover letter and more ready to send to the District office. Then, the District will compile information on the names submitted along with any others they might recommend for us to consider. If anyone wants a copy of the questionnaire results, let me know.~ Esther Reese
Ministry Update
Eunice and John Graham have returned from their ministry in China. They will be presenting on their ministry experience during the Coffee Hour on October 7.
Bill Mahanan Memorial Gifts
My siblings and I discussed the monies there at Trinity and have agreed to donate it to the Ladies’ Guild; they/you were fantastic! I know it isn’t a lot of money, but we were touched by the work that was done for dad's memorial; we’re sure that you will put it to good use. It wasn’t a 7 course sit-down dinner, but it sure went smooth. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
~ David Manahan
Volunteer Drivers Urgently Needed!
Senior Services is seeking reliable, caring individuals to drive and escort seniors in your community to their medical appointments. We offer flexible hours, supplemental insurance, and mileage and parking reimbursement. Volunteers drive their own vehicles and do no lifting or bearing of weight. Interested? Call 206-448-5740, 1-800-282-5815, or apply online at www.seniorservices.org.
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Upcoming Events
Aging Wisely Seminar
CRISTA Senior Community invites you to attend a free educational Seminar, Aging Wisely, on Saturday, October 13. CRISTA Senior Living is a Christ-centered retirement community that focuses on bringing joy and purpose to the lives of seniors through meaningful relationships and services. Part of the ministry is providing resources about issues related to aging so that people are equipped successfully to face changes as they get older. Aging Wisely will feature two speakers:
- The Alzheimer's Association will present their interactive “Maintain your Brain” program, featuring ways to keep your brain healthier as you age.
- AARP Fraud Fighters will present “Fraud Prevention Tips to Protect Your Money and Your Life.”
The seminar will also offer a complimentary lunch and vendor fair with goods and services for the aging. Guided tours of CRISTA Senior Community will be provided to anyone interested. Attendees should RSVP by October 10 by calling 206-546-7495. The seminar is wheelchair and handicap accessible.
When: Saturday, October 13, 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Where: CRISTA Senior Community
19303 Fremont Ave N
MS 85 Schirmer Auditorium
Shoreline, WA 98133
RSVP by October 10: Call 206-546-7495.
Rare Opportunity
Dr. Tony Campolo, Noted Evangelical Lecturer, to Speak October 24 in Seattle. The public is invited to a dinner and public lecture featuring Dr. Tony Campolo, noted evangelical Christian social justice advocate, on October 24 at Town Hall Seattle (1119 8th Ave). Dr. Campolo has appeared on ABC, CNN, NBC, & Comedy Central and has been featured in the New York Times. Author of over 30 books, his message of faith-based Christian action has struck a chord with a national audience. Join us October 24 for a rare Seattle appearance as Dr. Campolo keynotes the Church Council of Greater Seattle’s Annual Dinner followed by a public lecture. Ttickets are $50 for the 6:00 pm dinner, $25 for the 7:30 pm lecture, or $65 for both. Call 206-525-1213 or go to www.thechurchcouncil.org for tickets. Proceeds benefit the Church Council of Greater Seattle.
Seattle Lutheran High Open House
The staff and faculty of Seattle Lutheran High School are hosting an Open House on October 25, 2007, 6:30-8:00 pm. Seattle Lutheran High School is a leader in holistic education where high academic standards and physical development are balanced with emotional and spiritual growth. Come, learn about our focus on the whole student through our small group ministry, advising program, service learning model and character education that leads to confidence, hope, integrity and passion. For information, call Rachel Bigliardi at 206-937-7722 Ext. 18.
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Community News
Chapel on the Ave
Just about four years ago, I was in a class called English Comp II. In this class, we read short stories from various authors and discussed them in class. One story that proved quite challenging for me was Flannery O’Conner’s “The Misfit.” I’ve never thought of myself as a very good reader. Though I read often, it’s usually non-fiction that captures my attention: histories, biographies and even the occasional encyclopedic reference. My problem with reading is that I don’t ever seem to pick up on the author’s literary allusions.
It was while we were discussing “The Misfit” that the professor kept revealing all these allusions and metaphorical parallels. And, I just couldn’t see where she was coming up with them. I wondered if we were reading the same book. And, during our discussion, I said out loud, “Sometimes I feel like the Ethiopian eunuch!” It was my own metaphor. Basically, back in the Book of Acts, Philip goes out to meet this Ethiopian Eunuch. He asks him, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The Ethiopian replied, “How can I unless someone helps me?”
Well, I’ve come to the same question again as I’ve been trying to tackle the text in Luke 16.
Do me a favor and read it for me; tell me what you think of it. It is not an easy one to understand. In fact, it doesn’t seem as if it really belongs in the Bible because it just doesn’t seem to make any sense. During he last week, I’ve read the story over and over again, read dozens of commentaries and journals, asked different people about it, and still I have not come up with anything that makes sense. And, I’m not alone; Biblical scholars throughout history continually comment that this is the most frustrating and elusive passage in the Gospels. And, though I haven’t come to understand it clearly, I’ve come to have peace about this text.
A friend of mine told me, “Parables are not to be quickly understood, nor their meaning completely clear. Jesus spoke in parables to challenge his listeners, not to lull them into quiet satisfaction.” We have a God who wants us to think for ourselves. Sure, we may come up with poor conclusions, but God’s grace is big enough to cover our theological assumptions. What I’m trying to say is, read the Bible without fearing you may have read it wrong. Read it knowing that the Spirit will guide us into all truth.
~ Andrew Potsko
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Trivent Builds/Habitat for Humanity
On Saturday, October 6, our congregation will roll up our sleeves to work with ThriventBuilds and Habitat for Humanity, helping improve the lives of a local family in need.
This year’s build site is located in Tukwila at 12226 43rd Ave South. (See below for driving instructions.) We’ll start working at 9:00 am. Don’t be concerned with any experience or instruction you may be lacking in the area of construction; all tools and training will be provided. I (Chris Sherman) learn a new skill each time I'm out on the site. Remember, all volunteers need to be at least 16 years of age and will bring their own lunch. Work gloves are good to bring as well.
For your convenience, a carpool will leave the Trinity parking lot for the build site at 8:30 am.
Habitat is asking for a head count; so, if you’re planning to be there, please let Chris Sherman know.
Rain or shine, come out and join the fun. Thank you for your continuing support and prayers of this important ministry.
Driving from I-5:
- Take Exit 156, Interurban Ave, toward Tukwila
- Turn Right on Interurban Ave S
- Soft Right onto 42nd Ave S
- Turn Right onto S 124th St
- Turn Left onto 43rd Ave S
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Concordia Lutheran School
Meyer Minutes
“It is a process” has been the slogan used for moving in to the future here at Concordia. I need to remind myself from time to time that this process is so valuable. I would like to take this first article to thank all of you for joining the process this year. I know that your prayers have been dedicated to this place for many years, and, for you to trust us with your time, talents, and treasure is incredible.
I would also like to thank all the teachers and staff who have taken a step in the process by joining us for this year. I am overwhelmed by the support of parents, teachers, and congregations as we begin the future here at Concordia. As the routine sets in and as we become involved in our daily lives, let’s not forget the process.
I believe that the process could be more important than the end result when we share in it with others. I know we are off to a great start here at Concordia, which is a direct result of all of you.
Thanks!
In Him,
Dave
Upcoming Events
- Oct 1st - Love & Logic (a 5 week seminar) begins at 6:00 pm. Reservations can be made through the school office.
- Oct 17th - Cougar Mountain Cookie Dough Sale begins. Orders can be taken in the school office.
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Concordia University
Save the Date - Reunion Weekend ‘07
Alumni and friends are invited to gather at Concordia University’s 2007 reunion on October 12-14. Mark your calendar for a weekend of reminiscence and mingling. For more information or to volunteer to help get the word out, email us at alumni@cu-portland.edu.
Preview Weekend Nov 30 - Dec 1
High school juniors and seniors can explore how learning in the Concordia University community will prepare them for a life and a living. Call 503-280-8501or 800-321-9371 to reserve your spot.
Christi Crux Reformation Lectures October 26-28
Concordia University and Zion Lutheran Church present the third annual Christi Crux Reformation Lectures on October 26-28. Join noted theologian Paul Maier, Ph.D., as he explores current cultural perceptions of Christ.
Cavaliers’ Fall Sporting Events
Come and enjoy fall sports at Concordia. Experience the excitement of Concordia University’s nationally ranked soccer teams, and help us kick off another great basketball season. For a detailed schedule of events, go to www.gocugo.com.
Thrivent Financial Basketball Invitational November 16-17
You’ve heard of “March Madness.” Now, there is some excitement in November, too! Eight basketball teams from Lutheran colleges are coming to Portland, home of the Concordia University Cavaliers, on November 16-17, 2007. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is sponsoring an eight-team event that features: Augsburg College Men’s Team, Concordia Nebraska Men’s and Women’s Teams, Pacific Lutheran Men’s and Women’s Teams, Texas Lutheran Women’s Team, and the host Concordia Portland Men’s and Women’s Teams. Local Lutheran elementary schools, secondary schools, youth groups, congregations and Thrivent Chapters will also be involved, making this truly an exciting event for the whole community! For more information, email jschuldheisz@cu-portland.edu or call 503-280-8516.
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Lutheran Community Services NorthWest
Interested in becoming a foster parent?
Lutheran Community Services Foster Care programs provide foster care for young children 0-9 years old and refugee and immigrant children of all ages. Are you interested in learning more about becoming a foster care parent? For additional information, call 206-694-5713.
Burmese Refugee Youth
LCS invites you to consider making a difference in a Burmese child’s life without having to leave your home! We are looking for people interested in being personally involved with refugee youth from Burma who will arrive to the US without a family. The youth are placed in foster families who receive casework support, a monthly stipend to cover the child’s expenses and a medical coupon for the child. For more information on becoming a foster parent or tutor, please call 206-694-5755.
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Operation Nightwatch
Sock it to the Homeless Open House
Sunday, October 21, 1:30—3:00 pm.Homeless people are on their feet all day, and they rarely have more than one pair of socks—and those are usually wet. You can make a difference!
Last year we collected over 10,000 pairs of new white adult men’s socks for distribution to homeless people through our ministry. Our goal this year: 15,000 pairs of socks. That’s 150,000 cold, wet, homeless toes! Plan to be a part of this effort.
Sock it to the Homeless
Operation Nightwatch
302 14th Ave S, Seattle
Between Jackson & Yesler
RSVP or questions, call 206-323-4359
Help us get ready for winter and have a look around!
Operation Nightwatch — Serving the Night Community in the Name of Christ
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Wheat Ridge Ministries
God has blessed our mutual ministry. With your partnership, we’ve been able to touch thousands of lives through the work of Wheat Ridge Ministries. In the early years, we supported the tuberculosis sanatorium. In more recent times, we’ve been able to equip leaders starting new health and hope ministries by investing more than $26 million in over 1,500 seed grants. Thank you for your support!
We are grateful for your participation in the Wheat Ridge Ministries Christmas Seals program. However, to continue to be good stewards of the gifts we are entrusted, we will no longer be distributing Christmas Seals through congregations, schools, and organizations. Today, we invite you to consider other ways to continue to participate in the ministry of Wheat Ridge. Some of these options include:Living Water, Living WellProvides a system for clean water to be available on a long-term basis for families living in a small village in Timor, Indonesia.
Bethlehem, We Care!Supports the Dar al-Kalima Academy in Bethlehem, Palestine. Gifts will help our friends in Bethlehem as they are shared in the areas of Children, Adults, Resources, and Environment—CARE!
Hearts for Jesus: Hope for ChinaMakes a difference in the lives of children and adults living with physical disabilities in China.
Detailed descriptions of these projects are available on the Wheat Ridge website, www.wheatridge.org/specialprojects. If you have any questions, please contact Gail Maher at gail@wheatridge.org or 800-762-6748.
Thanks again for your partnership and support! May you be filled with health and hope as you live well in the Lord!Richard E. Herman, President
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