You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. —Matthew 5:14

Thoughts for the journey ...

Jan. 30, 2019

“Where did you catch a glimpse of God’s presence in our experience today?”

I am growing in my convictions that (1) God’s Holy Spirit is dancing and whispering in our everyday relationships and experiences, and (2) we are invited to make space through conversations for becoming increasingly aware of the Spirit’s activity and breath.

A simple way for us to become aware is to ask the question of others (“Where did you catch a glimpse of God’s presence in our experience today?”), and then listen to their response (without interpretation, adding on, anecdote, or imposing value judgement). The question can be asked anywhere at any time… not only at church, but it certainly could be a fruitful post-worship coffee hour and post-meeting conversation!

To deepen the experiment, you may reflect back to that person what you heard them say (which encourages, validates and honors their awareness of God’s presence) by saying “What I heard you say is…” And with their permission (“May I share with others?”), you may then report what you heard. If they say “no,” keep it to yourself!

You may ask me, “From where is this conviction coming, Pastor?” Good question. I am a participant in an “adaptive leadership” cohort with other pastors where we gather monthly and are exploring ways of leading that are highly collaborative (meaning, no one is an expert or has greater insight than another and we actively participate… sharing and receiving) and that, inclusively-speaking,

everyone is able to perceive and articulate their glimpse(s) of God’s presence and share it with fellow sojourners.

As an avid thinker and responder, I am reminded and am growing (again) in my capacity to listen and see by faith… without interrupting. I believe listening to and honoring each other’s perspective of God’s activity will help further shape us to be a faith community in which God is the center of conversations and activity. And while I have some specialized training and education in theology and pastoral matters, it is by far a greater value for me to lead in ways which invite and honor curiosity while holding tenderly the mystery of God’s presence (revelation, manifestation… Epiphany!) as seen through the experiences of many. No one of us (including pastors and bishops) can fully experience and express God’s presence. God’s grace (unconditional love and regard for all of creation and humanity) through Jesus can be disruptive. And this holy disruption creates opportunities for us to respond first by listening, then through curiosity, and further through sharing what we’ve heard or experienced. After all of that, only then may we perceive an action in response to what we’ve heard.

So, if you were to ask me today, “Where did you catch a glimpse of God’s presence in our experience today?”, here’s what I would share: A year-old orchid (a previous year’s gift) in my

office blossomed, in the dark. I wondered if it (Continued on page 7)

S A L E M L U T H E R A N C H U R C H 2529 N. LaVenture Rd., Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360)336-3600 www.slcmv.org

2 SALEM LIGHT

CONNECTI NS The next Spaghetti Dinner will be served

Saturday, Feb. 9, 5-7 p.m. All are welcome. If you would like to help set up, serve, or clean up, contact Deanna Archer (360)588-4099.

Bingo for Lutherwood — Looking for a fun

way to support Camp Lutherwood? Play BINGO and dine on Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Viking Hall in Silvana (1331 Pioneer Hwy., Stanwood). Proceeds go to Camp Lutherwood. Dinner ($7) is served starting at 5 p.m. and Bingo ($10) starts at 6 p.m. Door prizes!

Men’s Breakfast Fellowship meets once a

month for a meal and fellowship. They plan to convene next on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 a.m. at the Curious Chef in Burlington. See Dale Ragan (daleragan@comcast.net) for more info.

Mount Baker Middle School Band will

present a concert at Salem on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. There is no charge for admission and all are welcome to come and enjoy some great instrumental music!

Friendship Circle will meet Wednesday,

Feb. 14, at 12 noon in Salem’s multi-purpose room for a potluck lunch. Please bring a favorite dish to share. All are welcome to come share a meal with your Friendship Circle friends. For questions or if you need a ride, call Barb (360) 424-8205, or Sharon (360) 424-5815.

The church office will be closed on

Monday, Feb. 18, in observance of President’s Day.

All ages are invited to participate in an

Intergenerational activity during Faith Formation, beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. (No Faith formation classes on Sunday, Feb. 17.)

An Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Cypress

Norton will be held Sunday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. Cypress is a member of Boy Scout Troop 4100 and has volunteered for several projects at Salem Lutheran along his path to Eagle. Congratulations!

Puget Sound Bloodworks will host a blood drive at Salem on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 12 noon-6 p.m. To make an appointment, visit bloodworksnw.org. Please plan to donate to ensure a healthy blood supply for our community.

Preregister your Little Lutheran for First

Lutheran Preschool’s 2019-2020 school year. Children must be three years old by Oct. 1 and completely toilet-trained. Tuition is $155/month for three days a week OR $210/month for four days (for kindergarten-bound children in 2019). Registration forms are available for pick-up on the kiosk in the narthex.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the

family of Nancy Johnson, who passed away Monday, Dec. 10, at age 89. A memorial service was held at Salem on Saturday, Jan. 12. The family asks that in lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations be made to Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, Seattle Children’s Hospital - Cora Jennings Guild, or the Salem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

Bishop’s message — The monthly message

from Northwest Washington Synod Bishop Kirby Unti can be viewed online at: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/february_2019.pdf

SEEKING: A Vacation Bible School Leader. VBS is a wonderful opportunity for kids to gather during the summer, learn about Jesus, and have a fantastic time! There are about as many models of VBS as there are people, and we are open to the tried-and-true and the out-of-the-blue! So if you have a passion for leading this project, please inquire with Allison Ross or Suzanne Lee.

Welcome, neighbors! Skagit Valley YMCA’s

Grand Opening is set for Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with a ribbon cutting and a short program at 11 a.m.

Remember: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday,

March 6.

SALEM LIGHT 3

Barb Gurney Susan Ragan Roger Ragusa Rory Rochelle Emily Ney Chase Rochelle

The annual congregational meeting of Salem Lutheran Church was conducted on Sunday, Jan. 27. The 2019 budget was approved as presented, and new members were elected to serve on the Church Council and also to serve as delegates/representatives for various committees and organizations.

The Salem Lutheran Church bylaws were amended to provide for the formation and operations of the new Investment Committee.

The following were elected to the Church Council:

Barb Gurney, Roger Ragusa, Rory Rochelle, first three-year terms.

Susan Ragan, second three-year term. Chase Rochelle, one-year unexpired term.

Emily Ney, two-year unexpired term. Elected to serve as delegates to Josephine for

one-year terms were Muriel Neely & Melody Kue; alternate is Gene Van Selus.

Marcia Pratt was elected as delegate to Camp Lutherwood, one-year term.

Nancy Raschko was elected to the Scholarship Committee, three-year term.

Four outgoing members of the Church Council were recognized for their service: John Meyer, Lyle Archer, Emily Hanger and Rachel Omdal.

Council officers for 2019-20 are: Bill Markus, President; Lynne Rittenhouse, secretary; Susan Ragan, treasurer; and John Mitzel, financial secretary.

Congregation approves 2019 budget, new leaders

2018 was a great year for Salem Village The annual meeting of Salem Village

Corporation was also conducted on Sunday, Jan. 27. Executive Director Gene Van Selus was pleased to report on a number of milestones that were reached in the past year:

Salem Lutheran Church was paid in full for the Salem Village Apartments land loan; final payment $72,670, which was immediately applied to help pay for the new roof.

Salem Village and Highland Greens cottage properties were refinanced at a reduced interest rate and extended term, and Salem Lutheran Church was eliminated as guarantor.

Salem Village Apartments were also refinanced at a reduced interest rate and extended term.

Salem Village holds healthy reserves for all

properties. The end result of all of this is that Salem

Lutheran is no longer encumbered by any Salem Village debt. Salem Village continues to work toward its mission, which is to provide senior adults with quality housing facilities and services in a caring community, and to foster low-income housing.

Congratulations to the Salem Village organization and board: Lori Lacey, President; Larry Leander, Treasurer; Donn Rasmussen and Tom Hulbert. Outgoing board members include Nelson Bender, Ann Oakland and Muriel Neely. Newly elected to the board were members of three other local Lutheran churches: Jerry Nelson of Edison Lutheran; Carl Libby of First Lutheran; and Glenn Ash of Trinity Lutheran.

4 SALEM LIGHT

The Northwest Washington Synod is preparing for the election of a new bishop at its 2019 Synod As-sembly, which will be held May 17-19. Information regarding the nomination and election processes and the important responsibilities of a synod bishop can be found on the Synod’s website at this link: www.lutheransnw.org/bishopelection. The nomination period ends Feb. 16. The Nomi-nation Form is available at the above link. (Paper cop-ies of the Nomination Form are available from the Synod office: 206-783-9292.)

Any member of a congregation in the Northwest Washington Synod may make a nomination. Instruc-tions on how to submit the nomination are included

on the form. REMINDER: All members of congregations are

invited to participate in a brief survey that will pro-vide important information about key issues and de-sired leadership attributes. Here’s the link to take the survey: www.research.net/r/NWWashingtonSBE.

Please remember that the Northwest Washington Synod is engaged in a call process; and keep the Syn-od, its leadership, nominees, voting members, and everyone involved in ministry in your prayers.

David Swartling, Chairperson, Northwest Washington Synod Bishop Nomination and Election Task Force

Bishop election process is open to all

Interior decorators

Senior High Youth (and some little sisters!) had a great time cleaning, re-arranging, and re-decorating the Youth Room downstairs on Monday, Jan. 28. Pictured are (left to right, back row) Trina Uppendahl, Juan, Don Ney, Carly, Chase, Leif, Grace, Emily, Director of Student Ministries Allison Ross, Selah; (middle row) Chatham, Gabe, Charlotte; (front) Brenna, Keira and Finley.

SALEM LIGHT 5

Students of all ages are invited to participate in the following activities and retreats:

High School Gathering and Going on

Sundays, Feb. 10 and 24, from 5:30-7 p.m.

Super Bowl Party at the

Hander home on Sunday, Feb. 3, at 3:30 p.m. for Middle and High School Students!

The Youth are preparing

their hearts, minds, and wallets for attending Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp this Summer on a rock climbing and kayaking trip. They will have bible study, learn valuable lessons through the outdoor experience, bond as a group, and connect with God through nature. We are hosting a dinner and auction on Sunday, March 3, to raise money for this event. If you have a service or experience you would be willing to auction off, please contact Allison Ross. We hope you will all attend this

exciting event! Thank you! (see poster below!)

Middle School Retreat: Feb. 9-10 at

Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center in Bellingham. Sign up ASAP with Allison.

Faith Visit: Friday, Feb. 22

to Temple Beth Israel in Bellingham. Leave Salem at 6:45 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity to visit our neighbor’s faith community. RSVP by Sunday, Feb. 10.

Fun event: March 1-2, 4:30

p.m.-7 a.m., GO night! Cost: $40. RSVP by Sunday, Feb. 10. Some highlights of this Up-All-Night Event include family fun center, flying circus trampoline, worship, ice skating, movies, late-night pizza and MORE!

Retreat: March 23-24 with

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seattle! Keep the date on your calendar and RSVP by March 1.

Elementary Announcing: Elementary

Retreat! March 15-16 at Camp Lutherwood for students in grades 2-5. Cost: $57. Register by Friday, March 1. “Come to camp with your church. Maybe it’s your first time at camp or you just want to come back to meet new friends through songs, games, bible encounter, and even a campfire with s’mores, yum yum! We will be learning about what it means to conquer our fears and live outside our comfort zone.”

Annual youth auction set for March 3

6 SALEM LIGHT

APPRECIATI NS Dear Ones, What a wonderful and delicious gift you gave to

us. Thank you for taking the time to think of all of us. “Draw near to God with a grateful heart and His

presence will fill you with joy and peace.” Blessings, DICK & BEVERLY ADAMS

Thank you to our friends at Salem Lutheran

Church for the gift of Christmas bread. It is so special that you would remember all the

residents here at Salem Village. Thank you again. Your thoughtfulness is greatly

appreciated. Sincerely, CONNIE ANDERSON

Salem Lutheran, Thank you for allowing the 11 a.m. YMCA exercise

class to use the church. It was a very convenient location for many of us, and much appreciated!

ARLISS ABBOTT

Dear Salem Lutheran Church, On behalf of Lutherwood Camp, I would like to

thank you for your contribution of $486.66. Through your support, we are able to pursue our mission of renewing all in the Holy Spirit through education, adventure, service and prayer.

Salem Lutheran has always been faithful to Lutherwood. You are a blessing to our ministry. Thank you for your support! Sincerely,

ROBERT K. GILLESPIE, Executive Director Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center

On behalf of the Monday-Wednesday exercise group, I want you to know how much we appreciated using your multi-purpose room. We were always welcomed by Mary Pat and we also thank Jim Bowers for all he did to help us. We are grateful. May the Lord bless you all. JANET SCHUDDE

P.S. I also thank you for the small loaf of Christmas bread!

Dear Congregation of Salem Lutheran Church, Thank you so much for the many amazing gifts

that you provided for our annual Christmas Giving Tree project.

Your generosity allowed us to give gifts to each one of our residents! Thank you for your kindness!

JILL KLEIN, on behalf of Josephine Caring Community

To say thank you doesn’t seem enough for all the

caring, kindness and thoughtfulness that has been expressed through phone calls, cards, visits and the yummy food that has been given to me after my recent “surprise” appendectomy. Thank you to my Salem family from the bottom of my heart. God’s blessings and my love, DEE ARCHER

Thanks to all those who decorated — and un-

decorated — the chancel and other areas of the church for Christmas. We so appreciate all the volunteers! SUSAN HALL & THE

WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY TEAM

The kingdom of God is like spaghetti dinner (Editor’s note: Pastor Marc asked one of our

neighborhood friends who regularly attends the spaghetti dinners to write up something about their group — and here ya go!)

The Trailwalkers pass each other most

mornings, walking dogs, counting steps. With time comes recognition. Quick hellos and seasonal greetings progress to weather and football comments. One day the suggestion: Let’s meet at the Lutheran Church’s second Saturday spaghetti dinner!

Sitting at table, we get to know each other: Grandparents and child-free Dog people, cat people, and pet allergic Gay, straight, and who knows? Retail worker, engineer, librarian, and more Married, widowed, divorced, and none of the above Church members and No-Thank-You

Hello. Who are you? How are you? I love

getting to know you. I love loving you. On second Saturday, God smiles. It is good.

SALEM LIGHT 7

CELEBRATI NS

Feb. 1 — Connie Anderson

Feb. 2—Jim Fredlund

Sharon Rasmussen

Feb. 5—David Takehara

Feb. 7—Coni Carrothers

Feb. 8—Colin Rittenhouse

Feb. 11 — Don Rasmussen

Feb. 12—Eric Pratt

Feb. 15—Al Dunlap

Feb. 16—Pamela Anderson

Peter Swanson

Feb. 19—Robert Slind

Feb. 21—Helga Schink

Feb. 22 — Gerald Christensen

Feb. 24—Quinten Nelson

Feb. 8 — Boyd & Janice Lanier Feb. 15—Tom & Julie Bolser Feb. 18—Jim & Joyce Nichols Feb. 22 — Roger & Roberta Nelson

Everyone is invited to a Holden Evening Prayer Around the World Service on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 2015 E. Blackburn Rd., Mount Vernon (360)424-6832.

What is Holden Evening Prayer? Written in 1985-86 by Marty Haugen during a musical residency at Holden Village, Holden Evening Prayer is a simple Lutheran vespers service that follows traditional form while using contemporary and inclusive language. Since then, the service has been adopted around the

world and continues to be used weekly at Holden Village, where it is lovingly known as Vespers ’86.

What is Holden Evening Prayer Around the World (HEPAW)? Once a year Holden

invites Villagers across the globe to come together through participation in the Holden Evening Prayer. Together, participants seek to support and draw strength from one another, reaffirming their values as people who have been called, equipped, and sent, and supporting each other’s work in environmental stewardship and justice for all people.

Join Holden Evening pray-ers around the world

would ever bloom again. I only saw it because of the light casting itself through the blinds, receiving its life and energy through the goodness of God. Our Creator unraveled the beauty of this flower, reminding me that hope springs eternal… even in dark places.

In a courtroom hearing, I sat as a character witness with a black man (with whom I’ve become acquainted over the past year) who had been sexually harassed in a public market place. His experience touched deep into the darkness of his childhood experience of being victimized and further into his post-traumatic

stress disorder (PTSD). He cried out for justice – for himself and for everyone else, so that this would not happen again to anyone. Our God birthed in him courage, voice and presence to share his pain and suffering. And God strengthened him to engage a system that is statistically not favorable to black men. Friends in Christ, I encourage you to share with

each other AND listen to others, expecting the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and ears so that we might see and hear glimpses of God’s presence and grace.

Epiphany-time blessings, beloved ones.

(Continued from page 1)

Thoughts for the journey...

SALEM STAFF:

Rev. Marc Hander, Pastor

prmarc@slcmv.org

Allison Ross, Director of Student Ministries ARoss@slcmv.org

Jesús Gomez, Director of Worship & Music

gomezjh07@gmail.com

Mary Pat Lorente, Parish Administrator

office@slcmv.org

Jim Bowers, Custodian

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

It is our mission as members of this congregation to share the unconditional love of God in Jesus Christ with all people,

and to serve God by serving others.

Worship Sundays, 10 a.m.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday

WEBSITE: www.slcmv.org

“Salem ELCA” App (Apple & Google Play Stores)

Like us on Facebook @Salem Lutheran Church E.L.C.A.

CHURCH COUNCIL:

Bill Markus, President Susan Ragan, Treasurer Lynne Rittenhouse, Secretary John Mitzel,

Financial Secretary Chris Cammock Sean DiLulo Barb Gurney Don Ney Emily Ney Roger Ragusa Chase Rochelle Rory Rochelle

NEWSLETTER

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA

2529 N. LaVENTURE RD.

MOUNT VERNON, WA 98273

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