Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 1 Volume 27 Issue 1
THE WORD FOR DINNER?
New year’s greetings to you all! This past year
had its share of hardships as well as cherished moments.
The family of Prince of Peace continues to get stronger
in our care for one another each passing day. We are
grateful for all your contributions to making our
congregation stronger and healthier. It is not unusual
around this time of year to set goals and New Year’s
resolutions, some of which get abandoned before the ink
dries on the paper. My task in the next few paragraphs
is to draw your attention to the need to read and reflect
on the WORD of God in our daily living.
In the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1 and 2) God
called Adam and Eve to participate in ordering and
nourishing the life of the world. God calls all humanity
to nourish the life of the world. However, it is almost
impossible to nourish others if we ourselves are
malnourished. We get our spiritual nourishment from
reading and reflecting on the Word of God,
Joshua 1:8-9. Jesus asked the
question in a parable to them, “A
blind man cannot guide a blind man,
can he?” Luke 6:39. I believe that as
Christians in the world, we need to
be “ready” for whatever challenges
our faith whether in the workplace or
in the communities in which we live. How do we
respond to challenges out there?
I want to submit that while the couple of hours
we spend at church on weekends (normally Sundays) is
great, we need to spend at least 10 – 20 minutes of our
time at dinner tables to open the Bible and feast on
God’s Word. And it is okay if we don’t understand all
of what we are reading, but we are getting balanced
spiritual nourishment. Let’s find time and a place to
read and reflect on God’s WORD together in this year
of our Lord, 2018. Our mission to be “a neighbor
among all neighbors” fits well with this goal. As we
grow together, let’s get nourished to nourish those
around us.
Pastor Sam Sseba
PASTORAL STAFF Conrad Tollefson [email protected]
Sam Sseba [email protected]
LAY STAFF Parish Nurse Ministry Karen Richter
& Teri Bottoms
Blood Pressure Checks Samalie Sseba
Accompanist/Choral Director William Tollefson
Organist Justin Cormier
Children’s Choir Director Charity Rasmussen
Office Administrator/Editor Deborah Santiago
Custodian Chris Simonds
Congregational President Stan Skjeie
Banner
Prince of Peace
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 2 Volume 27 Issue 1
CHURCH MAINTENANCE Wednesday, January 3—9:00 a.m.—Church
Maintenance/De-Decorate the Church
All will gather to help “un-deck the halls” after the
Advent season. Come and lend a hand. Coffee and
treats as we gather, as we work, and as we finish up!
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE
STUDY
Join us every Tuesday at 8:00 a.m.
We meet at the Des Moines Creek
Restaurant at 21830 Marine
View Dr S. All are welcome to join!
JANUARY’S
COMMUNITY MEAL
Come out on Tuesday, January 2,
at 6:00 p.m. for our monthly FREE community meal.
Good food will be served along with fun musical
entertainment (see picture of December’s entertain-
ment). We are always looking for volunteers to help
prepare the meal, set up the Fellowship Hall or clean
up after the meal. We also need drivers who can take
“to go” meals to Hospitality House or other shut in
members who would like to
receive them. Interested in
volunteering? See Stan
Skjeie at church or contact
him via phone at
(206) 431-3854 or email
LADIES BOOK CLUB
2018 is upon us and the Ladies Book Club has chosen
new books for the year. January’s meeting will take
place on Monday, January 8, at 11:00 a.m. in the
Fireside Room.
January’s book is If the Creek Don’t Rise by Leah
Weiss. The intimate insight into a
fiercely proud, tenacious community
unfolds through the voices of the forgot-
ten folks of Baines Creek. With a
colorful cast of characters that each
contribute a new perspective, If the Creek
Don’t Rise is a debut novel bursting with
heart, honesty, and homegrown grit.
Save the date! If you enjoy a good book, Joyce Lentz
will be happy to answer any questions you have about
Ladies Book Club. Reach her at (206) 878-6408.
ATTENTION COUNCIL
MEMBERS AND
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Prince of Peace Annual Report
information is due by Thursday,
January 11. If you are on a committee
or the council, please talk with the church office about
your content (if you don’t already know what is
expected). The Annual Report is an opportunity and
obligation to summarize the purpose/mission of the
committees/council, highlight your committee’s
achievements for the year and set goals for the year
ahead. Thanks! Deborah Santiago
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 3 Volume 27 Issue 1
BRIDAL SHOWER
FOR CHARITY
RASMUSSEN!
Please join us for a bridal
shower in honor of Charity Rasmussen’s future
marriage to William Tollefson! We’re overjoyed for
the happy couple! The shower will take place in the
Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 6, at 1:30 p.m.
Charity is registered at Amazon.com under “William
& Charity Tollefson.”
HOSPITALITY HOUSE
WINTER DAY MEALS FOR HOSPITALITY
HOUSE. Find those “winter day” hearty recipes and
prepare an evening meal for the appreciative residents
at Hospitality House—January 23-28. The meal
provider list is on the HH bulletin board waiting for
your name to appear! After spending several January
hours during the day—outside—coming into the
shelter for a hot, home-cooked meal really hits the
spot! Remember—the House has crockpots—early in
the day fill up the pot, turn it on, job complete.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
Coordinator Eileen Severns
BLOOD-
WORKS
BLOOD
DRIVE
To those who came out on Monday, December 11,
we had a great turnout. We registered 25 donors
including one first-time donor. Of those who
registered, 21 units of blood were collected. Blood-
Works is going to slowly work us up to making
appointments for our blood drive rather than just
showing up (don’t worry, if you just show up, they will
definitely accommodate you!).
Come out for the next blood drive if possible, Monday,
February 5, starting at 12:30 p.m. and running until
6:30 p.m. All “types” are welcome!
NURSE’S CORNER
No matter the reasons,
financially strapped, shopping
crowds, family drama, or battling
seasonal flus, there is plenty of stress during the
holidays.
However, there are some effective stress-busting
strategies that can certainly put some joy back into the
most wonderful time of the year.
Here are a few holiday and post-holiday survival
strategies.
1. Accept that you can't do it all. Don't go over-
board with food and family gatherings. It can
really wear us down during the holidays. Enlist
helpers to make essentials and leave some time to
relax and actually enjoy yourself.
2. Give yourself a gift of relaxation. Muscles stiff
and achy from shopping, give yourself a gift of
massage to work out the knots of tension. A spa
certificate makes a great gift for busy relatives as
well as for yourself.
3. Take advantage of short days. The shorter days
and longer nights of winter mean more hours in
the dark and greater risk of seasonal affective
disorder (SAD). So get out of doors on sunny
days to take advantage of those wee hours of sun-
light. A phototherapy emitter (a box that sits on
your bedside table and emits full light) may be
just the thing you need.
4. Introduce new traditions especially if the
holidays are lonely for you due to death of a
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 4 Volume 27 Issue 1
spouse or distance from family. Start new tradi-
tions with other friends and work colleagues.
Spending time with others is all that matters.
5. Energize with honey. If your energy is lagging,
add some honey to your tea or coffee instead of
refined sugar for an instant boost. Natural honey
contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties
that also strengthen your immunity.
6. Take a sleep aid if the stress of the holidays is
keeping you up at night. Seek the help of a
natural sleep aid. Herbal supplements and plant
extracts such as melatonin, skull cap, or 5-HTP
work to naturally increase serotonin, reduce
anxiety and help you get a restful sleep. Always
talk to your doctor before taking any supple-
ments.
7. Fit time in for exercise especially after a day of
stressful visiting with relatives. The last thing
you're up for is a run, but going for a brisk walk
will boost your mood, mental focus and energy.
8. Host family gathering at a restaurant, so you
don't get stuck with all the work if you are
hosting at home. Family meals will be enjoyable
and relaxing for everyone in attendance at a
restaurant.
9. Post-Christmas can be depressing if you're not
close to your family and are exposed to constant
Facebook updates about everyone else's holidays.
Give yourself peace by turning off the gadgets
and enjoying being in the present and relaxing as
much as you can.
10. Listening to music will actually banish stress
during the holidays. The upbeat rhythm will
increase oxygen and blood flow which is healthy
for your heart and soul.
11. Remember children feel stress we parents feel
and they may need a quiet, relaxing time with
family.
12. Have a wonderful holiday season and post
season.
Submitted by Karen Richter
HYMN SIGN
A blessing was bestowed upon us
by Dave Wike, a good friend of
Chris Simonds. Dave works with
wood and is quite handy with a
scroll saw. When he saw what
shape the “hymn sign” was, he
volunteered to bring it back to its
former glory. Here you see a before and after picture
of the sign. It resides in the front of the sanctuary on
the left side opposite the pulpit. While we no longer
use it to advertise the Sunday hymn selections, it is
once again beautiful and waiting for a
new purpose. Any ideas? Let the
church office or Pastor Conrad know
to what purpose the sign can be put.
Right now, it is just a piece of
beautiful eye candy for all to see.
Thanks so much, Chris, for taking the
initiative and to Dave for doing the
woodworking on the sign! Beautiful
result!
HOLY BAPTISM OF JAXON ROVA
On Christmas Eve, during the 7:00 p.m. worship
service, Don and Marilyn’s grandson, Jaxon, was
baptized here at PoP. It was a joyous occasion and
we were so happy they chose the beautiful night of
Christmas Eve to share this event with us. It’s been
about seven years since a baby was baptized in the
church on Christmas Eve (believe me, I looked it up!).
Join us in wishing a warm welcome into the family of
Jesus to this young gentleman and his parents, Jeffrey
& Jittima Rova. (Jaxon’s brother, Jaden, was baptized
here in March 2017.) Blessings!
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 5 Volume 27 Issue 1
We begin a new study in
January! For the next three
months the theme of our studies
will be “Multiple Meanings:
Learning from other interpretations.” Because the
Bible is a dynamic book, it can touch us differently at
different times. How often have we gained insight by
studying with others? How often have we agreed or
disagreed with others about what Scripture means?
Which characters do we identify with in a given
story? Have we ever wanted to argue with Jesus
when you read a Bible story? The author of our
study, the Reverend Dr. Mark Allan Powell, will
guide us through many more questions like these. I
was “hooked” right away with the opening prayer
and introduction. See if you feel the same way.
You may be interested to know that one of the
authors this month is the pastor at Resurrection
Lutheran Church in Brown’s Point in northeast
Tacoma. Her article appears on p. 47 and is titled,
“Taking on our Lord’s Mind.” In the article she talks
about the life and focus of the church. . .which is
more than “what a congregation has to do to
survive.”
“Getting to Know Katharine von
Bora” gives us 15 facts about Martin
Luther’s wife, Katie. What a
fascinating woman she was (it makes
me want to read more about her) . .
.and Dr. Luther was blessed to have
her by his side (smile!).
So again, it is tea time. . .find a quiet corner. I
suspect once you start reading the January/February
issue of Gather, you will read it cover to cover. . .and
be blessed.
A reminder: The first Gather issue of the year is a two-
month issue so, the February study is also included. Keep
this double issue in a safe place.
BIBLE STUDY MEETINGS will take place the
week of January 15 with exception of GRACE circle
which will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Monday,
January 8. All are welcome to attend and all of the
meetings are at the church. PEACE circle will meet
at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 15; JOY circle
will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16;
FAITH circle will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday,
January 18. Pastor Tollefson will meet with Bible
Study Leaders on Tuesday, January 2, at 10:30 a.m.
in the library. ALL are welcome to attend this study
as well!
LOVE PROJECT for January: It is COLD outside,
so we will be collecting gloves and scarves for Arnie
to distribute to the Peace Shelter
men. There are quite a few hats, but
if you have planned ahead and have
one or two or three, they are wel-
come as well. Peace Shelter can also
use toothbrushes and travel-sized
toothpaste. There are a lot of choices
here. Watch for sales.
WELCA—WOMEN OF PRINCE OF PEACE
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 6 Volume 27 Issue 1
PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
November 14, 2017
Call to Order: President Stan Skjeie called the
meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
In Attendance were: Conrad Tollefson, Stan Skjeie,
Signie Fowler, John Kelly, Melodie Schneider, Susan
Vernon, Bob Atkinson, and Ana Wagner.
Devotions by Pastor Tollefson.
Communion was shared by all.
Adopt Minutes: A motion was made to adopt the
minutes as written from the October council meeting.
The motion was seconded and approved by all.
President’s Corner: The personnel committee will be
meeting Wednesday, December 6.
The proposed Affordable Housing discussion will
continue, there were many questions brought up at the
November Congregational meeting that will be
considered. The next meeting will be November 30 at
5:00 p.m. at the Hospitality House facility.
Pastor’s Ministries: Pastor thanked the council for all
we did to make the congregational meeting a success.
The housing project was well presented and will
continue to be considered.
Pastor Tollefson talked about the experiences he and
Pastor Sam had during their time at the seminary in
Berkley. There were 40 students and the rest were
mentors and speakers. It was inspiring to see the ways
they prepare church leaders. This was the orientation
for Sam’s candidacy process and the beginning of his
seminary classwork.
Pastor Tollefson remarked on how exciting our
worship has felt, the music, (organ and piano), the
sermons and the participation of the congregation
especially all the children taking part. We are a Spirit-
filled congregation who are glad that God is a part of
our lives, and we truly care about each other.
Sunday, December 24, we will have three services: our
regular 10:00 a.m. service and two candlelight services
- one at 7:00 and one at 10:00 p.m.
Thank you to all who helped to make the 500th
Anniversary of the Reformation at Prince of Peace so
inspiring. Bishop Unti posted pictures from Prince of
Peace during his time on his Facebook page and
commented, “We worshiped in a spirit-filled church.”
Continuing Ministries:
WELCA: Mel reports that 87 quilts and 10 school
bags with supplies were sent to Lutheran World Relief.
Pearl Dennison donated money for quilt batting which
will be lovingly used for future quilts.
WELCA is making November the month to stock up
on the food bank donations. Each week is a different
non-perishable food item.
After Reta Smith’s death, her son contributed donations
for the food barrel in her name and a cash donation to
WELCA. This donation will be used for purchasing
socks for the Peace Shelter.
Finance: John Kelly stated that giving is up for
November because of some unexpected gifts, and PoP
expenses are exceeding the budget due to increased
labor.
New Business: We are in the process of looking for a
nursery assistant to care for children ages 0-5 on
Sunday mornings.
Adjourn: As there was no other business the meeting
was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Signie Fowler
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 7 Volume 27 Issue 1
JOINING WITH GOD
IN 2018 The Rev. Kirby Unti, Bishop,
NWWA Synod
From the January 2018 edition of
The Spirit
The Synod's Living Local
movement invites us to be alert to
where we see God acting beyond the four walls of the
church. It is about developing the eyes to see and the
ears to hear. It helps to have a few clues of where to
look and listen. Here are two that have been helpful
to me recently.
Clue #1: Suffering
The scriptures encourage us to look for God
wherever we see and hear people crying out because
of oppression, suffering, and pain. We have all had
experiences of being with people and groups who are
hurting deeply. It is not always easy to be present in
these situations. When we are, something power
filled often happens. We experience empathy, love,
and compassion. We experience blessing. We
experience God.
Recently, I was with a new friend from Peru who has
spent a significant amount of time living amongst the
poorest people of his country. While raised in a very
wealthy family, as a teenager he felt a strong call to
be with the poor. Much to the consternation of his
father, he left home to spend a year with a peasant
farmer's family. He fell deeply in love with this family
and their neighbors. He said, "I was privileged to
reach out and touch the wounds of Jesus." When he
returned home, he completed his education and
landed a very prestigious job in the banking industry.
He excelled in this work and had all the resources to
live the "good life." But he missed the people he had
come to know and love.
It was a shock when he told his boss, who wanted to
promote him, that instead he felt called to enter into
the priesthood and become a Benedictine monk. He
wanted to devote his life to living in poverty and
discovering God's love among the poor. It is the one
place he knows he will see, hear, and experience the
presence of God.
Clue #2: New Life
There is another place that I have learned to see and
hear God. I find God whenever I see new life
happening - whether it is the first crocus erupting in
the still-cold soil of winter, the first birdsong of an
early spring morning, or being on stage in my role as
Community College Trustee to shake the hand of a
"first person in the family" to ever graduate from
college. Each of these experiences speaks of hope,
promise and new life and bear the fingerprints of God.
For me, there is one experience of new life that tops
all others. I know of no greater joy than to hold a
baby in my arms, to stroke the child's soft hair, to
hear the coos of wonder, and to smell the newness. I
know I am holding a miracle: one so vulnerable, so
innocent, and so full of fragile life. To hold a baby is
to experience the presence of God.
There is a category of people who revel in the
opportunity to hold a child. They are called grand-
parents. Grandparents who are so touched by this
encounter of new life that they are willing to pack up
their belongings and move across the country just to
be in the presence of their grandbaby. They take
hundreds of photos, eager to show the latest, and
relish being able to Facetime with their grandbaby.
The child re-centers their lives and becomes the
source of their greatest joy.
These two clues remind us that God is present all
around us - all the time; in suffering and new life; in
sorrow and in joy. Let us look and listen together for
where we can join God in 2018.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 8 Volume 27 Issue 1
JANUARY CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
The annual January Congregational Meeting is
TENTATIVELY scheduled for Sunday, January 28.
As of this printing, the date has not been confirmed,
but heads up to all church members who wish to
attend. Look for updates in upcoming weeks’
Facebook posts, the church’s app notifications, emails
and Sunday’s announcements page. The meeting will
take place directly following the 10:00 a.m. worship
service. It will be a time to gather and (in the
presence of God and our church family) be informed
by our Church Council members about the work they
have done in the last year and the work they hope to
do in the coming year. It is a chance to hear and be
heard. We hope you can make it.
THANK YOUS
“Thank you for your
generous [$405] donation
to Hospitality House.
Your donation provides life-saving shelter for women
[who are homeless]. Since 2000, Hospitality House
has offered life-saving and life-changing shelter and
programs to [women who are homeless], free of
charge. Our efforts are only possible because of the
generous support we receive from individuals and
organizations.”
*Dear Pastor Tollefson & the Church Family, I am
forever grateful for the outpouring of love, for the
prayers on my behalf, and the kindness that made me
feel so welcome throughout the church home/family.
The Lord is working with me throughout my
financial hardship, so please keep me on your prayer
list and if you could, add my brother “Claude” to the
prayer list for healing. He is very ill and lives in a
nursing home in Portland, OR. Thanks very much to
all of you and thank you also for keeping me in touch
through the correspondence I’m receiving. God
Bless, Carolyn Wellon”
“Dear Prince of Peace, Thank you so much for the
turkey and all the food and drink to go along with it.
It helped us so much to have a wonderful dinner. We
appreciate everything. We are so grateful to belong
to such a kind and supportive church family. Name
withheld to protect privacy.”
THE STORY OF EPIPHANY
Epiphany or Three Kings' Day is a Christian feast
day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as
Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, the feast
commemorates principally (but not solely) the visit of
the Magi to the Christ child, and thus Jesus' physical
manifestation to the Gentiles. Moreover, the feast of
the Epiphany, in some Western Christian
denominations, also initiates the liturgical season of
Epiphanytide. Eastern Christians, on the other hand,
commemorate the baptism of Jesus on both sides of
the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 9 Volume 27 Issue 1
world as the Son of God. Qasr el Yahud in the West
Bank, and Al-Maghtas in Jordan on the east bank,
Al-Maghtas is considered to be the original site of
the baptism of Jesus and the ministry of John the
Baptist.
The traditional date for the feast is January 6.
However, since 1970, the celebration is held in some
countries on the Sunday after January 1. Eastern
Churches following the Julian calendar observe the
feast on what for most countries is January 19
because of the 13-day difference today between that
calendar and the generally used Gregorian calendar.
In many Western Christian Churches, the eve of the
feast is celebrated as Twelfth Night. The Monday
after Epiphany is known as Plough Monday.
Popular Epiphany customs include Epiphany
singing, chalking the door, having one's house
blessed, consuming Three Kings Cake, winter
swimming, as well as attending church services. It is
customary for Christians in many localities to
remove their Christmas decorations on Epiphany
Eve (Twelfth Night), although those in other
Christian countries historically remove them on
Candlemas (February 2), the conclusion of Epiphany-
tide. According to the first tradition, those who fail
to remember to remove their Christmas decorations
on Epiphany Eve must leave them untouched until
Candlemas, the second opportunity to remove them;
failure to observe this custom is considered
inauspicious.
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH: Betsy Poehlman, Gavin Mason, Esther Hunter, Brady
Switzer, Meeri Clark, Mel Schneider, Kathy Hand, Audrey
Anderson, June Brady, Frank Lentz, Norma Heath, Aaron
Rasmussen, Toni Maritima, Wade Peterson, Anna
Freyberg, Jean Cormier, Frank Smith, JoAnn Alexander,
Carolyn Wesson, Claude Wesson, Nancy Rozell, Joel
Dallen, John Ahartz, and Jaxon Rova.
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSURES
FOR JANUARY
The church will be closed on Monday, January 1, in
observance of the New Year holiday and Monday,
January 15, in observance of Martin Luther King,
Jr.’s birthday. Happy Holidays, everyone!
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 10 Volume 27 Issue 1
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday 9AM to 1:30PM
Friday-Sunday Closed
Office Phone Number (206) 243-0987
Office Email [email protected]
Website www.princeofpeaceseatac.com
GOSPEL FOR JANUARY
January 7—Mark 1:4-11
Mark’s gospel reports the story of Jesus’ baptism with some
irony: the one on whom the Spirit descends is himself the one
who will baptize others with the Holy Spirit.
January 14—John 1:43-51
Jesus’ ministry begins with the call of disciples, who then bring
others to Jesus.
January 21—Mark 1:14-20
Before Jesus calls his first disciples, he proclaims a message that
becomes known as “the gospel” from God.
January 28—Mark 1:21-28
Jesus sides with humanity against every force that would bring
death and disease.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
January 7—Baptism of Our Lord
First Sunday after the Epiphany
10AM Worship with Communion
January 14—Second Sunday after the Epiphany
10AM Worship with Communion
January 21—Third Sunday after the Epiphany
10AM Worship with Communion &
Rite of Healing
January 28—Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
10AM Worship with Communion
Prince of Peace’s Banner is published every month.
Deadline is Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., for publication during
the last week of the month.
Stay current with Prince of Peace by checking our
website at www.princeofpeaceseatac.com.
Join us on Facebook (@POPSeaTac) and
Twitter (@popseatac).
Scan the QR code on the left for our app OR scan the
QR code on the right for our website.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 11 Volume 27 Issue 1
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Banner January 2018 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac 98148 12 Volume 27 Issue 1
OUR VISION: PRINCE OF PEACE, INSPIRED BY GOD’S GREAT
COMMISSION, WILL BE A NEIGHBOR AMONG ALL NEIGHBORS.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
19030 8th Ave S
SeaTac WA 98148
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
