From the Pastor's Desk
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3: 1
One theme and understanding that is easily grasped and understood from this portion of Old Testament text is that with time, collective study and reflection we ought to gleam that there are discernable patterns and cycles to life, and that change is constant and on-going. The second stanza of the Ecclesiastes text becomes more personal and existential for our consciousness of living by stating: “…a time to be born and a time to die,…” What do we do with that in-between time, the here and now, and the not yet? In keeping with discernable recognized patterns, studies of the heavens by astronomers over the centuries has informed us that an alignment of the earth, moon, sun and stars would give us a full eclipse of the sun that recently occurred, and happens every forty years or so.
Again another known predictable pattern of time, as our planet continues its orbits we know that cooler seasons are fast approaching, and the warm days of summer will cease. As individuals we are all in various stages and cycles of life, our beloved St. Peter’s church like many institutions is in a critical stage of life also. We have the charge to both make it relevant, and place our church on a path for a vital, meaningful future for current and next generations.
As we move into the upcoming fall season may we do so hopeful and encouraged, for there is more to be positive about in contrast to being apprehensive.
Many of our key metrics are trending upward in a positive manner, financial giving and support, worship attendance, even baptisms, and a few others, however, we are far from being a healthy vital church. So don’t pat yourself on the back just yet, for there is a great deal more work, dedication and effort required to produce and bear the “good fruit,” Christ Jesus calls us to produce. Youth and young families are still not a significant or discernable presence in our church family. It was really wonderful to see the large number of children who were here as a part of our co-operative VBS (Vacation Bible School) held in August.
I’ve shared over the past weeks some of my learnings and research on “Nones,” that grouping of individuals who when asked their religious preference most often state “none.” It is the fastest growing segment of American culture. It has had a great negative impact on the church thus far, but the “Nones” also have great potential for positive impact and church growth, when we get to both, a better understanding of them (nones), and then put in place plans and deliberate actions to curry their involvement in the life of our St. Peter’s church.
Let me not close this report without speaking to the status of four earlier proposals, plans and actions that I have placed before our church-family with the fullest of confidence we can achieve and accomplish each one of them.
The first being; developing and building of a multi-story housing structure, with a first-floor community enhancement center, on the northern portion of our existing property. Secondly; the starting of an “International Pre-School” within our current building. Third; the hiring of a “Family and Out-Reach” pastor, to do just what the title implies, make connections to new and young families in our surrounding and greater community, with the deliberate intention of bringing them into our church family. Fourth and lastly; to engage a fund raising campaign to fund the initial start-up of the pre-school, and the new pastor’s position, which over time will become self-sustaining financially.
I want the entire congregation to know that I’m listening, I am currently on a listening tour, visiting and sitting with persons to hear where they are currently with these proposals. I have heard thus far a range of thoughts and feelings; from fears, anxiety, wariness and anger, to joy and exuberation. Some have said it is too much too fast for persons to content with, sharing that we ought to pick the one most vital, and act on that one alone.
I will continue to listen, I will continue to pray, I will look to phase-in or stagnate the progression of these proposals as and “if” they are affirmed by your vote.
Currently the land development out of the four proposals is the only one that has on-going actions. This is from listening to what I’m hearing, we are now making all the information we gather available to everyone, regardless of if you have been to a meeting or not, updates will be provided also on a regular basis at the conclusion of certain Sunday’s worship.
In closing, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church of Philipi, who were wavering in their faith about doing good works for God; Paul stated to them: “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4: 13)
We can do the same, and not less here at St. Peter’s.
|
|
Prayers and Condolences
Please send your prayers or condolences for the family of Sherry Magnuson as they mourn the passing of her son, Douglas Magnuson.
|
|
UMCOR Responds to Harvey
UMCOR is currently working with disaster coordinators and early response teams in Louisiana and Texas to provide relief to the many people whose lives have been impacted by hurricane/tropical storm Harvey. To find out how you can help please follow this link to find out the most up to date information and to donate- https://www.umcor.org/umcor/resources/news-stories/2017/august/0825umcorrespondstoharvey
|
|
Good Start Back to School
Thank you to all who have donated school supplies to the “Good Start Back to School” box in the narthex. The contents of the box have been turned in but checks are acceptable for the next 2 weeks. Checks should be made out to St. Peter’s UMC and with “Good Start” in the memo line.
|
|
Musical Treat/Pick Up Band
Sunday, September 3rd after the morning service will be fun for all with Kathleen Keeney’s “Family Band” leading us in singing and playing favorites from “The Great American Songbook”. All are invited to join in. Bring your voice and your instrument for a good time with the familiar songs. There will be time to collect a few snacks from the Fellowship table.
Want to take part? Dust off those instruments, wet your whistles, tune your strings....make a joyful noise. This is just a chance to be in musical fellowship for fun. I will have all kinds of EASY instrumental parts music. Haven't played for a long time? No worries! Give it a try. Hope to see you with instruments this coming Sunday! Contact Kathleen Keeney if you have questions!
|
|
Childcare Opens September 5th!
St. Peter’s Childcare opens Tuesday, September 5th at 9A! Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9A-12:30P for ages 1 Month through 5 years. Cost is $7/hr or $60/10 hours pre-paid, and reservations are required. Call 425-443-5897. You may reserve a spot up to 2 months ahead.
|
|
MPG Meeting
The next MPG Meeting will be September 6th at 7P. All are wecome to join!
|
|
Choir and Bell Rehearsals starting September 7th
Bells--6:00, Choir 7:15. Be there or "be square!" I know there are those of you who keep "thinking" about joining. Carpe' diem! Add your voices/talents to our joyful praise of the Trinity. See you soon.
|
|
Hand Bells Needs You!
Greetings! Have you ever thought about how much fun it would be to be part of St. Peter's hand bell group? It is creative, fun, musical, different, satisfying and lots more! Come see what you are missing!!! We will be starting practices Thursday, September 7th at 6:00 in the Bell Room, downstairs. Beginners are always welcome and encouraged. Questions? Ask Kathleen Keeney or any of the other Bell Ringers. We are happy to help!
|
|
Back to School Celebration!
We are planning to have a Back to School Celebration on Saturday, September 9th from 10am - 2pm in the church parking lot. We will have a bounce house, games, hot dogs and more. Everyone is welcome. This is a free event! Please invite everyone you know to join us.
|
|
Rally Day
September 10th marks the official beginning of many church activities and will be celebrated with Rally Day. Various ministry groups, committees and even outside groups using our church will have posters displayed in the Fellowship Hall including contact information so that those interested in the mission or work of that group can contact organizers. Take some time to peruse the displays and see where you fit in while you are sipping coffee or eating snacks.
|
|
Regular Worship Schedule
We will continue summer worship at 10A through Labor Day, returning to the 10:30A service on September 10th.
|
|
Seattle District UMW
Annual Meeting St. Peter’s United Methodist Women are hosting the Seattle District UMW Annual Meeting scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2017. All are invited to attend this event. The morning begins with a continental breakfast and reading book browsing from 8-9am. The program starts at 9am and features our favorite storyteller Debbie Dimitre. She will be presenting a program on Catharine Blaine, wife of the first pastor at what is now Seattle First United Methodist Church. This is an inspiring and historical story. The program includes a memorial for those have left us this past year. Lunch will be served. The cost is $10.00 for all attendees. If you are a volunteer that day your registration will be paid for.please sign up in the narthex or you may call the church office 425-747-3210 to sign up as well. Sign-ups are due Wednesday September 13th.
|
|
Drop in Knitting
We will meet again on September 26th. Drop in between 10:00 and 2:00 or come for the entire time.
|
|
|
Save the Date
Congregations for the Homeless fundraising luncheon will be Thursday, October 5th at Bellevue first Presbyterian church. The Sophia Way will be having their fundraising luncheon a week later on October 12th at the Bellevue Red Lion.
|
|
|
Helping Friends of Youth- Farm to Friends Donors
St. Peter's has been a partner with Friends of Youth for many years and we now have the oppurtunity to help out with their effort to provide youth with the tools, support and information they need to make healthier choices. Here how to help: by providing some produce from your garden or from the store directly to the program. Their address is 13116 NE 132nd St. Kirkland 98034. Also, they are looking for donations of sunscreen, lotion, hats and reusable water bottles. Contact Ellie Ashby at ellie@friendsofyouth.org.
|
|
|
Yard Sale 2018
It’s never too early to start saving stuff for next year’s Yard Sale! As the seasons change perhaps you’ll find clothing or small furniture no longer needed. And, of course we love to get books! Once read they can be put in a bag or box in the garage or attic or basement waiting for the next sale which will be April 20 and 21, 2018 (3 weeks after Easter). Even jewelry may seem ready to be replaced and the old jewelry won’t take up much room stored in some out-of-the-way place; just be sure you remember where it is next Spring. We had fewer donations this year but did manage to make our commitment to our missionary in Nepal, Katherine Parker. At a post-Yard Sale meeting, it was determined that we could return to our years of high yielding Yard Sales by obtaining more donations and conducting more advertising.
|
|
- 50 or less in worship
- Single cell
- Difficult to become a member, process is long term "adoption"
- Members have a sense of belonging
- Pastors usually not central leadership figure
- Power source - Patriarch/Matriarch
- Transition from family size to pastoral size
- Power monger, influence, manipulation
- Family Size Pastoral
- Traditionally functions as a Chaplin
- Traditionally pastor not center of power/influence
- Must be able to work with gatekeepers
- Longer pastorate makes for more powerful clergy, shorter
stays makes for more powerful gatekeepers
- To be effective most pastors stay 10 years or longer in family
size churches for pastors to gain influence
|
|
|
|
|
|
