June 2010
From The Desk of Pastor Lassman
A Busy Summer
My Fellow Redeemed in Christ,
Well, soon summer will be here; hard to believe. In this June Messenger I want to give you an overview of the busy summer that I and Messiah will have. Kathy and I will be on a seminary tour in Germany from May 27th to June 6th. Rev. Richard Flath will be the guest pastor. June 13th will be junior confirmation Sunday at the 10:45 am service and we hope to receive new members on June 27th at the 10:45 am service. At 1 pm on June 19th (Saturday) Messiah will host a Thrivent Financial Seminar focusing on ROTH IRA’s presented by David Lund and Matthew Brady. Watch the bulletin, Messenger, and bulletin board for this helpful seminar. Vacation Bible School will be June 28th to July 2nd. Please register your children and we can always use more workers!
I will be in Houston, Texas from July 10th to 18th for the National Convention of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. I was elected the pastoral delegate for our circuit (# 20) which includes: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (Central District); Trinity Lutheran Church (Capital Hill); Lamb of God (Lake City); Epiphany Lutheran Church (Kenmore); St. James Lutheran Church (Mill Creek); Eritrean Evangelical Lutheran Church (Lynnwood); Mt. Zion Lutheran Church (Mountlake Terrace); Western Washington. Lutheran Church of the Deaf) (Seattle); Makane Yesus Lutheran Church (Seattle); and St. Timothy Lutheran Church (Edmonds). The convention meets every three years. We will be electing officers for the Synod (President, Vice-presidents, etc) as well as voting on resolutions that cover a wide variety of subjects:
1) Missions
2) District and Congregational Services
3) Theology and Church Relations
4) Program and Finance
5) Seminary and University Education
6) Human Care
7) Planning and Administration
8) Synod Structure and Governance.
There will be worship, Bible studies, devotions, presentations, one evening banquet and one evening reception hosted by our LCMS president, Rev. Gerald Kieschnick. Houston in July! I will need your prayers for many reasons! Guest preacher for July 11th and 18th will be Rev. James Koehler. Vicar Mankin’s last Sunday at Messiah will be July 25th. Our traditional “roast” will be the night before so watch for more information on that.
I will be on vacation the last week of July (the annual Seaside, Oregon Trek by the Lassman Clan) so Rev. Richard Flath again will be our guest preacher on August 1st. Our new vicar, Noah Fremer and his wife, Mary, will arrive late July and be installed on August 8th. We will have our traditional welcoming reception for them during the education hour (9:20 am to 10:20 am) in the Fellowship Hall. Our busy summer will close out with our annual seminary class August 16th to 20th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. This class will be about the history and theology of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and especially the last 40 years. The course will be taught by Prof. Lawrence Rast who is an excellent teacher. This class is open to members of Messiah and I encourage you to enroll if you are available. The cost of the course is $125.00. There are several ways to register (watch bulletins, the Messenger and bulletin boards) but the easiest way is to register on line at: www.ctsfw.edu. Click on “Academics” at the top of the page and then on “Continuing Education” in the column at the left. Last year our class had over 30 in it! Hope to see you there.
So there you have it! Pretty busy and we haven’t mentioned everything. And no doubt some of the things mentioned here will be repeated in our July/August Messenger. So keep watching the Messengers, the Sunday morning bulletins, and the bulletin boards and you should be well informed. But perhaps you can mark your calendars now so that you will be prepared when an event arrives. And of course, all through the summer we will continue to gather around God’s Word and Sacraments to receive His forgiveness, life and salvation that Jesus Christ has won for us with His sinless life and with His innocent suffering and death. I wish you all a very safe and pleasant summer.
In Christ,
Pastor Lassman
Greetings Members of Messiah,
With summer almost upon us, there will be a number of youth events and activities happening before you know it. I hope you are aware that at the end of this month our High School Youth group will be traveling to the regional Higher Things conference in Logan, Utah. We pray that this is going to be a fun and exciting trip. After we leave Messiah, we will be headed to Boise, where we will spend the night at Good Shepherd Lutheran. Then in the morning we will caravan the rest of the way with their youth group. When we arrive at Logan we will be housed at the local university residence halls for the week of the conference. Then we return to Messiah.
What is Higher Things? I am glad you asked. Higher Things is a youth conference focused on what it means to be a Lutheran in today’s world. It is a place where young Lutherans can learn solid Bible and Lutheran Confessions based answers about the Faith, in a deep and meaningful way. It is a place where our kids can Dare to be Lutheran. (The Higher Things slogan.) This year’s topic is the Lord’s Supper. We will take a long hard look at the Lutheran understanding of this Blessed Sacrament. In addition to this deep study, we will be attending daily worship services as well as having plenty of time for fun and fellowship.
In contrast to the National Youth Gathering which is only once every three years and only at one location, Higher Things is a yearly gathering of Lutheran youth from around the country to one of two regionally conferences. The frequency and proximity gives our youth at Messiah a much greater opportunity to attend a conference, as well as the ability to meet other Lutherans in their area. This also greatly reduces the cost to our congregation and families. (continued)
Higher Things is a Registered Service Organization of the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. This means that we can be certain that what is going on at the conference is in agreement with the teachings and confessions of our church. It is my heartfelt desire that Messiah’s attendance to this conference will not only be beneficial to the youth who are fortunate enough to attend but also will start a tradition of attendance. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel on the last week of June. If you would like to know more about Higher Things please come by my office. I have a DVD about the conference as well as online resources that I can share with you.
Lord’s blessings,
Vicar Mankin
YOUTH CORNER
by Jim Pierce
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH: We are scheduled to have a servant event on Saturday, June 12th to work from 10 am -2 pm at the Treehouse. We need 5-7 youth to serve that day. We will meet at church at 9 am for a quick Starbucks run then we are off to serve at the Treehouse. All youth need to have a permission slip completed before the event and given to the Vicar. Youth need to bring a lunch that day. Please signup in advance for this event on the High School Youth board.
SUNDAY SCHOOL INVITATION
Summer is here
Vacations are near
Sunday School goes all year!
Please bring your children to their church. We will be there for them and our lessons describe some of the most amazing events in both the Old, and New Testaments.
Bob Guthrie
UPCOMING EVENTS
Men’s Night Out – Monday Night, June 14th at 6 pm. Please join us for Norm Reinke’s 4th Annual Steak Feed. This is a “can’t miss” event that includes drinks, appetizers, barbecued premium steaks, side dishes, and exceptional desserts all for just $25! Please see the signup sheet on the upstairs bulletin board to RSVP and for directions to Norm’s house.
Women’s Monthly Bible Study – We will not be meeting until the Fall. Enjoy your summer and see you in September!
Ladies’ Night Out – The Ladies’ will be meeting in June. Watch the Sunday bulletin for when & where!
MESSIAH CONGREGATIONAL & COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY
Saturday July 3rd from 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Announcing the first in what we hope to be an Annual Celebration to thank both the members of Messiah and our surrounding community for all their wonderful support over the years. The event will be hosted on the front lawn of the church Saturday, July 3rd from 11 am to 3 pm. Hot dogs, popcorn, chips and cold drinks will be the menu. There will be a face painter and balloon artist on hand to entertain the kids! Volunteers are needed for 2 hour shifts. If you would like to help, please sign up on the upstairs bulletin board. Contact Andy Lueck or Marjelee Murrell for more information on this fantastic new event!
New Members Sunday – Please come and join us in worship on Sunday, June 27th as we welcome new members to our family here at Messiah Lutheran Church.
JULY/AUGUST Messenger Deadline is June 20th. Please remember this will be a “two month” Messenger.
New Directory New Directory New Directory New Directory New Directory New Directory
The office will be publishing the 2010-2011 church directory in July. Please make sure to notify the office of any changes in your address, phone number or email address. You may phone 206.524.0024, email welcometo@messiahseattle.org or leave changes on your Sunday attendance cards.
Thank you! - Kathee McAlpine
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Summer Adventure
During the month of July, Messiah members Robby Branom and Christina Branom, together with their uncle, Rev. Noel Koss, will be participating in a LCMS World Mission to Poland, where they will conduct English lessons and Bible study classes. Before and after the mission, they intend to visit Luther sites in Germany, and also attend the Oberammergau Passion Play, which has been performed by the villagers every 10 years since the 17th Century. They welcome your prayers for a successful mission.
Congratulations High School & College Graduates!
Megan Bartlett
Nathan Hale High School
Christina Branom
Univ. of California, Berkley
MSW (Masters of Social Work)
Accepted offer of fellowship & research position and will continue there in the fall, pursuing her Ph.D.
Sean Byarlay
Meadowdale High School
Accepted to College of William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Tim Edmon
Univ. of Washington
BS in Aeronautical Engineering
Paul Edmon
Univ. of Minnesota
Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Laura Estergreen
Bothell High School
Cascadia College
Kendahl Fulkerson
(Bob & Irma’s Granddaughter)
Oregon State Univ.
Interior Design
Kristen Hillmann
Univ. of Washington
Marketing
Kit Kohring
Montana State Univ.
Business
Messiah Confirmation
Elisa Adams
Thanks
I would like to thank the council and the congregation for the recent “surprise” presentation to Randy and me. For those wondering what happened, Kathee McAlpine came in toward the end of Sunday morning Bible class carrying a brightly decorated flower pot. Contained in the pot were plants, garden tools, yard art, and gift cards. To my complete surprise, Pastor called Randy and me to the front and presented this wonderful collection of gifts to us: to Randy for “his sacrifice” and to me for my interim work assisting Kathee in the office.
To be honest, working in the office was reward enough. It was a privilege to work with Pastor, Vicar Mankin and Kathee. Thank you all for showering us with such thoughtfulness.
Carole Martens
Lutheran Ministry Services Northwest
Did you know that Concordia now shares their campus with Lutheran Ministry Services? Did you hear Chaplain Rev. Arthur Werzner preach regarding the ministry of LMS in our Seattle area hospitals, nursing homes and care centers when he worshiped with us on May 2nd? Does your heart draw you to this ministry? Would you be interested in assisting in a care facility (as little as a half hour a month) by turning pages in song books, singing along and sharing smiles and uplifting conversation? Would you like to know more? Volunteers who presently serve from this congregation are Jane Kruger, Carol Johnson and Cheryl Kohring. All of them would be happy to share their experience and discuss an opportunity for YOU to join them!
Lutheran Ministry Services is having their "stuff sale" at Concordia this year on July 31st. Donations are being collected in the container behind the school on the following Saturdays June 12 & 26 and July 10 & 24 between the hours of 9am and 12pm. They are in need of volunteers who would be willing to be the "attendant" at the container when people drop off items. Why not grab a coffee, your morning newspaper or a good book and volunteer to help! Please contact Cheryl Kohring.
Social Ministry News
WE SHARE BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT OTHERS
This month please place women’s hygiene supplies in our lounge basket. There are many homeless women who use the hygiene facilities at Compass Cascade or Immanuel Lutheran. We can help these two organizations help some of Seattle’s homeless women.
Used eyeglasses are given to the Lion’s Club. Please put these items in our lounge box.
Margaret Sylwester
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) News
Ladies Guild
No Meetings for June, July or August.
First meeting for 2010-2011 will be September 8, 2010.
Project Day
No Summer Project Days.
Mark you calendar now for the first Project Day!
September 22nd, 2010, 9:30am - 2pm
Continuing Education Class
August 16-20, 2010
Ladies Guild & Mary Martha Ministries will be serving lunches. If you would enjoy donating your time and/or money for lunches (Mon-Fri), please contact Margie.
Mite Boxes
Don’t forget the last Sunday of the month is the day to bring in your mite boxes. Drop your box in the basket at the back of the Sanctuary and pick up another one. Your change goes a long way in supporting Lutheran mission activities around the world.
Washington/Alaska District LWML Convention
June 18-20, 2010
Still time to register & attend. See bulletin boards upstairs and in the Fellowship Hall for more details & registration.
1. Walk-a-Thon
Maize Johnson is participating in the Convention’s “Walk-a-Thon”. All monies collected are for the WA/AK mission goal. See the upstairs bulletin board to sign up to pledge.
2. Convention In-gathering
Gifts of the Heart – Recipient is Lutheran Community Services
For Boys and Girls ages 5-10
Toiletries such as shampoo, bubble bath, lotion, body wash, body sprays, Christian bedtime
books, pajamas, slippers, hair accessories. If you would like to contribute, there is a labeled
basket upstairs in the Narthex.
3. Disaster Kits
Several small AM-FM Radios are needed to complete the Disaster Kits. If you would like to donate one, please contact Margie Longan or the church office.
Deadline for above items and checks for the Walk-a-Thon is Sunday, June 13th. Checks should be given to Maize Johnson or left at the church office. (Checks should be made out to: WA/AK District LWML)
Update
Last Sunday, the children of the Sunday School at my field work church sang the three verses of "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb" as the call to worship. Even though I'm not a music teacher, I was very proud of them after working with them for several weeks. It was amazing to hear their voices singing a traditional Lutheran hymn!
By the time you read this, classes will be over for the year. How blessed I have been this year--both in my studies and in my field work. I am truly humbled by the outpouring of love and kindness from you all and from the people I serve.
God willing, I plan to attend the Summer III class session that starts on July 12--I'm registered for Catechetics and Lutheran Confessions II. But before I start classes again, I'd like to take a road trip and come home for a bit. Starting on June 2 or 3, I plan to drive back to Seattle, then to Spokane (for the LWML District Convention), to River Forest (for the Concordia Deaconess Conference meeting) and then back to Fort Wayne by July 5. I've never been to Yellowstone National Park, so I want to stop in there on my way west. Please pray for my safe travel--it's rather a long drive alone.
God's blessings on your summer,
Your sister in Christ,
Gail Ludvigson
For Kids/Families
Regal Cinemas offers free movies to kids and families weekdays starting June 22nd through the end of August. Selected G or PG movies start at 10am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival.
Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity.
Check out their website:
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=WA
CURRENT AND UPCOMING BIBLE STUDIES
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FELLOWSHIP HALL BIBLE CLASS
WHAT: “Revelation”
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 a.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
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HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE CLASS SUNDAY MORNINGS
WHAT: “Growing in Christ”
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 a.m.
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Mankin
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YOUNG ADULTS
WHAT: Devotion and Fellowship
WHEN: 1st and 3rd Sundays, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Mankin
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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH NIGHT
WHAT: Devotion and Fellowship
WHEN: 2nd and 4th Sundays, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Youth Room
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Mankin
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MONDAY EVENING MARY/MARTHA BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: Women’s Bible Study “The Lutheran Spirituality Series: Community”
WHEN: No Classes till September
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Ann Melvin
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MONDAY EVENING STUDY
WHAT: “Lutheran Confessions”
WHEN: Every Monday Evening, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
LEADER: Jim Pierce
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THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “Galatians”
WHEN: Thursday Mornings, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Mankin
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THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “Acts”
WHEN: Thursday Evenings, 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
LEADER: Jim Grant
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ADULT INFORMATION CLASS
WHAT: A 15-week course on basic Christian teachings
WHEN: Next class will begin in September
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
