Points from the Pastor’s Pen

Some changes come gradually over time, some events seemingly out of our control come upon us with such momentum and speed we have no option but to adapt or change. Robert Kaplan in his book “Travels Into America’s Future,” writes about the changes that were coming to America, some were known, most were not. Kaplan speaks about the changes that were coming to the newly developing nation and how the major shifts that would ultimately propel this newly established nation to becoming a world power were often slow and not readily or easily seen.

We here at St. Peter’s have some similarities in how the slower forces of change and the swifter ones are seen by us, and how we either adapt or not to both forces of change.

The journey to our future is not easy, it will be difficult, there are factors affecting us we ought to be aware of, they are obvious and can be used as markers to infuse us of our requirements to make a plan holding with a degree of flexibility.

Above all remember this, God is with us in our journey. The psalmist writes “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of darkness(the unknown) Thou art with me…” Again we can’t get to the future without effort, hard work and sacrifice. In this season of Lent we are reminded that to get to Easter Jesus first went through Good Friday, he was savagely beaten, then nailed to a cross and died for sins and transgressions. But thanks be to God, Jesus rose on that Easter morning some two-thousand years ago, to redeem and save us.

We must plan for a future, to not do such will be to abandon our duty and responsibilities as people of God, who live in the now, shaped, formed and inspired by our glorious connection with the past faithful, yet having a faith and vision for the not yet. It will not be easy this creating a wonderful, bright and better future, but we do this not alone, that great cloud of witnesses that pray, intercede and urge us onward, in the name of God may you continue to be blessed.

Lenten Study Group

The Lenten Study Group, "Near the Cross", continues on Sunday mornings from 9:15A to 10A.  It is not too late to pick up a study book and join the group or study at home.

New Storyteller

We will be having a special program after church on Sunday April 2nd.  This will give Marissa Gaston the opportunity to present her senior project which is a portrayal of Abigail Adams. She has been mentored through this project by Debbie Dimitre. Please mark your calendar to be sure to attend this special presentation by Marissa.

M and M's

M and M's is reserved for Matt's Rotisserie and Oyster lounge in Redmond Town Center, for Thursday April 6th,  2017 11:30A. Go to the "Redmond Town Center" and ride around to the back ring road. The Spazzo's and Matt's restaurant are there, and you take the elevator up, Matt's restaurant is on the right.  We are booked for 11:30 a.m. They have an All American menu with specials such as Oysters, a nice fish menu, plus they  prepare a great Matt's meat loaf and it is wonderful...happy fellowship eating! They have  good parking in front of the restaurants. Let us know of your attendance for seat count at the restaurant. Don't worry about being a Mature Methodist...  If you just need some company or want to get out and be with smiling Methodists, please don't hesitate to join us. May the Lord always be with us at our table! Thanks, Rose Hart Coordinator of M and M's  

Children & Youth Needed!

We need children and youth for our Palm Sunday (April 9^th) and Easter (April 16^th) processions during worship.

Spring Cleaning

April 5th will be church kitchen clean up in the morning starting at 9A. Everyone is invited to come and help clean up! Many hands make light work! Come make our kitchen sparkle!

Pastoral Partners

Pastoral Partners will meet in the Fireside Room after church on Sunday, April 9^th.  Pastoral Partners is a care team who individually visit, write notes and phone those who are sick, lonely, bereaved, and/or homebound.  The Pastor makes all assignments.  If you would like to be a member of Pastoral Partners, please contact Rev. Steve Baber and Beth R. Eng, Co-chairman. 

UMW Circle

Please join us again for the UMW Fellowship Circle on the third Wednesday April 19th at 10A until noon. We will be doing Cards for the Troops project and making and signing cards to be sent to our troops. We will also talk about ideas for new projects and enjoy coffee and fellowship. Please call the office if you want a ride. Note we will not be meeting on May 17^th in the morning, but we will be meeting at 5:30P for our Spring Social!
 

Great Spring Yard Sale

The spring Yard Sale which funds our missionary, Katherine Parker in Nepal and several church projects is coming soon! Please note the dates, this is corrected from previously published. The dates are April 21st and 22nd and times 9 am to 4 pm.

We will be receiving donations on April 17th to 19th from 9 am to 4 pm and 5:30 to 8:30 pm. A wide range of donations is needed to make this the best sale ever. Books are ever popular items at our low prices. Small appliances and kitchenware are also popular as well as sporting goods, gardening and workshop tools and clothing and linens.

We are looking for volunteers to help with sorting, pricing, cashiering and general tidying on the days of the sale. There will be a sign-up sheet in the narthex or see Pat King or John Fountain.

Operation School Bell

Please join us on Saturday, April 22nd, at 10A to 2P, as we gather for fellowship while we knit/crochet hats and scarves for Operation School Bell.  (This is the program that provides new school clothes and handmade hats and scarves for underprivileged school children in Snohomish County.)  Bring your lunch and stay for as long as you can.  If you use to knit but have forgotten how to cast on or bind off, we will gladly refresh your memory! Want to learn how to knit or crochet? We will help you learn! We will provide yarn, but we also accept donations of any machine washable yarn that may be hiding in the back of your closet.