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You may be thinking of the football game when the two “best” teams (in the Northwest, we actually know which team is best!) gather for the “game of games,” the clash of the modern day titans. There are few other events that draw so much attention, have the most expensive commercials on TV, the highest priced tickets for seats in a stadium, and the most “hooplah” behind the scenes. After the game, there are winners and losers, but only until next season. The cheering and excitement lasts for a while, much like the chips and dip and snacks, and then we have had our fill, our season. It’s been loads of fun, but now it is over and commercials are gone, the people have left the party and there are crumbs to clean up. Or, you may be thinking of a “super bowl”— one with a shallow depth of water set in the chancel area of the sanctuary, positioned as a focal point among the people gathered for worship. This bowl contains water as a sign of God’s cleansing, where all become winners and there are no losers, and no need for competition. There is no need to commercialize the water for it is not holy in itself. This water is set apart as a symbol for cleansing empowered by God’s Word to forgive sin, and is far deeper in love than the depth measured in the stone bowl. God’s word of promise is the eternal, loving power joined with the water to baptize, to forgive sin and to join one to another in community. No hooplah here. No high priced tickets. All are invited to the waters of God’s new life in Christ to take freely, live abundantly in grace, and share in eternal life. This IS a “SUPER BOWL.” Keep your perspective & give your attention and celebration to your baptism in Christ.

Pastor Chris Nolte

The Herald Elim Lutheran Church, Port Orchard, WA

5911 E. Hillcrest Drive, Port Orchard, WA 98366 February 2016

Email: elimlutheran@yahoo.com www.elimlutheranportorchard.com

(360) 871-0602

SUPER BOWL

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This month, instead of cartoons, a story.

THE WAL-MART SENIOR GREETER

Charley, a new re#ree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn't seem to get to work on #me.

Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really #dy, clean-shaven, sharp-minded

and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstra#ng their "Older Person Friendly" policies.

One day the boss called him into the office for a talk. "Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you

do a bang-up job, but, at the same #me, your being late so o4en is quite bothersome."

"Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."

"Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear. It's odd though your coming in late.

I know you're re#red from the Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in late there?"

"They said, "Good morning, Admiral, can I get you coffee, sir?"

THE EDGE OF HUMORTHE EDGE OF HUMORTHE EDGE OF HUMORTHE EDGE OF HUMOR

Office Hours and “Contact Us” InformationOffice Hours and “Contact Us” InformationOffice Hours and “Contact Us” InformationOffice Hours and “Contact Us” Information

Elim’s office is open from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Please

drop in anytime or make an appointment to see Pastor Chris or Katie. We look

forward to serving you. Hospitals are not calling churches to let us know that you

have been admitted. Please let the church office know if you are going to the hospital

or are ill at home. A visit and/or remembering you in prayer are ways we can respond

once we know. Thank you for your assistance. Besides Pastor Chris calling you for a

visit, when you would like to have a pastoral visit you are encouraged to call the

office. Please call Pastor Chris (360-907-4289) in an emergency or a time of need.

Your call or contact is appreciated. Pastor Chris’ email is: prnolte@gmail.com

...and many happy returns to these loved ones who ...and many happy returns to these loved ones who ...and many happy returns to these loved ones who ...and many happy returns to these loved ones who

have birthdays in January:have birthdays in January:have birthdays in January:have birthdays in January:

Diane Smullin 2/3 Cheri Svensson 2/7

Tony Anelli 2/11 Bill Kavanaugh 2/22

Laurene Carlson 2/24 Barb Merriman 2/27

Dave Smyth 2/29

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Worship & Music Meeting Worship & Music Meeting Worship & Music Meeting Worship & Music Meeting ———— a planning meeting is gathered each month

on the first Thursday (February 4) at 11:30 AM. We meet in the church’s library to

design the congregation’s worship life. All are welcome to join in.

Evening Prayer ServiceEvening Prayer ServiceEvening Prayer ServiceEvening Prayer Service Are your days busy from beginning to end? If so, you may crave the stillness and quiet

of a time in the sanctuary set aside for prayer and meditation. Are you carrying heavy

burdens? Then you know what it’s like to desire a place to set them down and perhaps

even have them removed. Is your heart full of gratitude and wonder of what God is

up to in your life? There are so many reasons we need to set aside time for being in

prayer together, and to be quiet, reflective and responsive to God’s voice. Come to

the glow of candlelight, a place of quiet, the sound of music, the reading of God’s

Word for us and experience the peace of “Prayer Around the Cross” once a month

(each first Thursday) on February 4 @ 7 PM. February 4 @ 7 PM. February 4 @ 7 PM. February 4 @ 7 PM. Come to the quiet!

The Season of Lent begins ...The Season of Lent begins ...The Season of Lent begins ...The Season of Lent begins ...

From the light to the nations in Epiphany, to the journey of the cross up a hill outside

Jerusalem. The life and passion of Christ is the central story of the Christian faith and

you are invited on this journey which reveals God’s deep love for all the world.

Ash WednesdayAsh WednesdayAsh WednesdayAsh Wednesday, February 10, begins the season. In two services of worship — 12 Noon

and 6:45 PM — we enter into the season of penitence with the disposition of ashes.

“Soup and Bread” begins the evening at 6 PM and choir rehearsal follows

after worship. Each midweek service retains this schedule for February 17 and 24, and

March 2, 9 and 16.

The Sign of Jonah The Sign of Jonah The Sign of Jonah The Sign of Jonah is the theme for our midweek services, considering the call of Jonah

and his response and story. Come to see how this story intersects with the life and

passion of Jesus, and how we can discern new responses to God’s call in our lives.

Holy Week Holy Week Holy Week Holy Week begins with Palm/ Passion SundayPalm/ Passion SundayPalm/ Passion SundayPalm/ Passion Sunday (3/20) with a participatory drama called,

“The Cry of the Whole Congregation” by Walter Wangerin, Jr. Maundy ThursdayMaundy ThursdayMaundy ThursdayMaundy Thursday

(3/24) invites us to recall God’s saving acts of liberation in the Passover through

participating in a Seder meal at 5:30 PM and Holy Communion at 7 PM. Good FridayGood FridayGood FridayGood Friday

(3/25) brings us to the cross with services of worship offered at Noon and 7 PM. The

Vigil of Easter (7 PM on Saturday 3/26) Vigil of Easter (7 PM on Saturday 3/26) Vigil of Easter (7 PM on Saturday 3/26) Vigil of Easter (7 PM on Saturday 3/26) is a celebration of the new life we have in

Jesus. Come to explore this new opportunity of hearing another dimension of God’s

Word who is risen from the dead.

Easter SundayEaster SundayEaster SundayEaster Sunday (March 27) announces the good news of Christ’s resurrection as we

celebrate together this great and awesome day.

Come on the journey, together in Christ!Come on the journey, together in Christ!Come on the journey, together in Christ!Come on the journey, together in Christ!

Worship & Music NotesWorship & Music NotesWorship & Music NotesWorship & Music Notes

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Things To Celebrate …Things To Celebrate …Things To Celebrate …Things To Celebrate …

Our New HymnalsOur New HymnalsOur New HymnalsOur New Hymnals The Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal is here! Sixty hymnals have

been delivered, and we began using them on January 10 in worship.

Thank you to all who have purchased one or more for the congrega7on.

We have ordered 10 more which should arrive soon. Our goal is to have

one hundred in the pew racks, and we are close to comple7ng our goal.

Each hymnal is $22.50. Offering envelopes are available in the narthex

making it very easy to designate your gi: towards the new hymnal.

Bookplates are also available to the donors who want to dedicate or

celebrate the new song book in someone’s honor or memory. What a

great resource this is to expand our vision and experiences in worship.

Elim’s New Website Elim’s New Website Elim’s New Website Elim’s New Website ———— elimlutheranportorchard.comelimlutheranportorchard.comelimlutheranportorchard.comelimlutheranportorchard.com Yes, that’s the new web address! We are in the process of upda7ng the church’s website.

The media team (Dave Smyth, Sandi Nolte and Pastor Chris) has been working to design a

new, vibrant and user-friendly website which will communicate our church’s mission and

ministry, well … to the world! The new website is up and running, but will be “going live”

with a developed theme on February 7, 2016. We will include a calendar of current and up-

coming ac7vi7es, recordings of sermons, the monthly newsleCer, an interac7ve blog, and oth-

er informa7on that will help people become acquainted with Elim. For

now, we have introduced a new webpage which is under construc7on at:

elimlutheranportorchard.com.

Make a note of it on your computer, tablet or smart phone and watch

how the site is developed and maintained from now on. Tell your friends

and family about it and invite them to become familiar with Elim’s new

look on the web.

2016 Church Council

At the annual mee7ng this past Sunday, January 31st,

two people were elected to the Church Council to begin

a new term. Diane Hubert and Rachel BurgeC are

welcomed to begin this new opportunity for service with

thanks from the congrega7on. They join Ray Pardo,

SueAnna Tucker, Brian Lyman, Bob Fisher, Raelene

Smyth, and Barbara Merriman as members of the church council for the coming year. Please

keep them all in your prayers as they lead our congrega7on into the future and next stages of

our mission and ministry.

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Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast Men’s Breakfast ———— February 6 at 8:30 AM.February 6 at 8:30 AM.February 6 at 8:30 AM.February 6 at 8:30 AM. A favorite gathering for “dudes” in the congregation is the Men’s Breakfast held in the

Fellowship Hall. Coffee is ready for sipping at 8 AM and food is served at 8:30 AM.

But the best part is always the conversation and fellowship shared by those who gather.

Invite a neighbor, a friend, or even a relative (if you have to) to come with you.

Women’s Luncheon Women’s Luncheon Women’s Luncheon Women’s Luncheon ---- February 6 at NoonFebruary 6 at NoonFebruary 6 at NoonFebruary 6 at Noon We are continuing our monthly potluck tea/coffee, prayer

and discussion of the Women of the ELCA events, Bible

study and work with the LWR. All women are invited.

There are many gifts and hidden talents that can be shared!

On February 6, you are invited to remember our “Christ in

Our Hearts” Valentine theme.

The Lutheran Church Women of Elim:The Lutheran Church Women of Elim:The Lutheran Church Women of Elim:The Lutheran Church Women of Elim:

The Waterman Circle will be continuing with Bible Study and quilting 11:30am each

Thursday in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you to all who contributed towards the

Christmas baskets. Many thankful people also received the gifts inside. Also, 75pairs

of socks and 9 pairs of gloves were collected and gratefully received by the Salvation

Army. We also have ongoing boxes for donations for the Spring LWR kits that will

include sewing kits among other things.

Mustard Seed evening Bible Study Mustard Seed evening Bible Study Mustard Seed evening Bible Study Mustard Seed evening Bible Study for the Women of the ELCA will take

place on each the third Thursday (this month—February 18) at 7pm in the Fireside

room by the Narthex. We are using the “Gather Bible Study Chrisianity 101/ the book

of Philippians.”

Personal Information SheetsPersonal Information SheetsPersonal Information SheetsPersonal Information Sheets As we continue to update the information in the church office on all

members and friends of the congregation, we ask everyone to help in

giving us simple information of address, phone, significant dates and some

other data that will assist in developing and completing a permanent

record for the church as well as an accurate current church directory, and other ways to

help in communication and celebration of all people at Elim. Thank you to those who

have given the sheets to the church office. We encourage others to call or pick up the

info sheets next time you are at church. Thanks for your very precious help.

Family Kitchen Family Kitchen Family Kitchen Family Kitchen — Tuesday, February 16 at 4:30 PM. Please speak with Nobi for

more information on how you, too, can serve a meal to community folks at First

Lutheran Church. This monthly event is an outpouring of love and service that really

helps people. Please make yourself available now or in the future. Thanks!

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A Heart of LoveA Heart of LoveA Heart of LoveA Heart of Love

Each of us who are Children of GODEach of us who are Children of GODEach of us who are Children of GODEach of us who are Children of GOD

We have received our own partWe have received our own partWe have received our own partWe have received our own part

Of HIS HEART.Of HIS HEART.Of HIS HEART.Of HIS HEART.

For God loved the world so that HE gave For God loved the world so that HE gave For God loved the world so that HE gave For God loved the world so that HE gave

Himself in HIS SONHimself in HIS SONHimself in HIS SONHimself in HIS SON

So HE would impartSo HE would impartSo HE would impartSo HE would impart

HIS very essenceHIS very essenceHIS very essenceHIS very essence

For GOD is LOVE.For GOD is LOVE.For GOD is LOVE.For GOD is LOVE.

May we who are HIS hear every dayMay we who are HIS hear every dayMay we who are HIS hear every dayMay we who are HIS hear every day

HIS SPIRIT say “Child of GODHIS SPIRIT say “Child of GODHIS SPIRIT say “Child of GODHIS SPIRIT say “Child of GOD--------

You are MINE.”You are MINE.”You are MINE.”You are MINE.”

So listen and hear in your New Heart;So listen and hear in your New Heart;So listen and hear in your New Heart;So listen and hear in your New Heart;

And so be inspired And so be inspired And so be inspired And so be inspired

Like St. ValentineLike St. ValentineLike St. ValentineLike St. Valentine

To give forth likeTo give forth likeTo give forth likeTo give forth like

Our LORD above Our LORD above Our LORD above Our LORD above --------

A HEART OF LOVE.A HEART OF LOVE.A HEART OF LOVE.A HEART OF LOVE.

Wednesday Morning 1/27/16

Sarah Linda Stanley

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Elim Lutheran Church, ELCA

5911 East Hillcrest Drive

Port Orchard, WA 98366

God’s Peace and Abiding Love to:

“Then they came to Elim...and they camped there by the water.” Exodus 15:27

Elim’s New Website Elim’s New Website Elim’s New Website Elim’s New Website ————

elimlutheranportorchard.comelimlutheranportorchard.comelimlutheranportorchard.comelimlutheranportorchard.com

Learn more inside …Learn more inside …Learn more inside …Learn more inside …