From the Pastor

A writer reflected and shared the following; “A new year stands on my doorstep ready to enter my life’s journey.  Something in me welcomes this visitor, the hope of bountiful blessings, the joy of new beginnings, the freshness of unclaimed surprises.” 

As individuals and as a church family, we have been both fortunate and blessed at the closing of last year to have shared ministry and worship with Bellevue Christian Church.

It has been a great and grand opportunity for us to see, sense, feel and really, really reflect on changing our church, to offer and open ourselves to others for the kingdom of God.  Actually having the very real charge of welcoming those who once were strangers into our church family, and they becoming cared for, and concern new members! So it needs to be asked, how are we doing?.

This is so important for us going forward, because if we are to put in place plans and actions for the next fifty years, we’re going to have to welcome new people into not just our midst, but in the very life and fiber of this congregation.  The life and teachings of Christ Jesus provides us some direction for how we should approach being open and welcoming to the stranger.

Remember as a young child, Jesus’ parents fled to Egypt where they too were strangers, this they did for his safety, as an adult recall these words of Christ Jesus our LORD and Savior:  “Then the king will say to those who are righteous, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…Then the righteous will answer him. ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry…or thirsty…or when did we see you a stranger and invite you in?”

Again in the OT there is an admonishment of how people of faith are to act towards those they do not know.  “Do not mistreat or oppose a stranger, for you were once strangers in Egypt.”(Exodus 22: 21)  So the question to be asked is “Are we living out our faith sincerely and genuinely, are we reflections of Christ Jesus and his teaching and ways?”  

In some very key “church institutional ways and means” we have seen and experienced some improvements, and they are to be celebrated, but more and better things await us.  Our numbers in worship are trending up, our level of giving has seen improvements, our number of members has moved up ever so slightly.  Again these are all good markers, but a closer detailed examination may reveal factors that inform us we still have much work to do, to both increase and make permanent transformative life experiences for our church family members, and others.

So I now close with the writer’s thoughts I open with.  “A new year stands on my doorstep.  With fragile caution I move to open the door for its entrance.  My heart leaps with surprise, joy jumps in my eyes. For there besides this brand new year stands God with outstretched hand!  God smiles and gently asks of me; “Can we walk this year together?” 

Facilities Update

The work has begun for repairing the bathrooms following the water issue we experienced in early fall. New vinyl has been installed in the men's and women's restroom and the hallway. Many of you are wondering why nothing else has been done. The bathroom committee decided to get the floor done and bring in two new toilets before the shelter arrived on December 29th. The remaining work including painting of walls and bathroom partitions and replacing the vanity and other needed improvements is being scheduled after the shelter leaves at the end of March. Donations are gratefully accepted towards the improvements as the insurance adjustment and claims are very costly. If you would like to donate please drop a check in the offering plate and mark it for restroom updating.

Family Shelter

Just two days before a snowy, cold New Year arrived, 10 families were welcomed to spend the nights at St. Peter’s. Pastor Steve was on hand to welcome the visitors and give the blessing for the meal of a hearty chicken soup made by John Fountain. The soup was enjoyed by adults and children alike after they had prepared their sleeping space on mats provided by Catholic Community Services, managers of the shelter. Gratefully, donations of sheets, clothing, boots and diapers were received. Kasandra Baber was also able to supply appropriate new books which will be given out later.

The guests are at our church from 8:30 pm to 7:30 am each night. Please do not let any guests into the church prior to 8:30 pm. Please do not leave donations at the church without first informing Pat King (425-396-514) (jm7041@comcast.net).

To provide a meal for the Families, go to this website: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f48adaf2ba02-winter1.

There are still a few dates open: January 17 and February 6 and 7.

Remember, the cost of ingredients can be reimbursed by our Treasurer, Carol Benedict, from the Winter Shelter Fund. Snack items that guests can take with them during the day can be reimbursed through the fill the Pantry Fund.

We are pleased to be able to serve God and the community by sharing our space for the 3 coldest months of the year.

UMW Circle

Please join us again for the UMW Fellowship Circle on the third Wednesday January 18th from 10 a.m. until noon.  We will be bagging up "Little Bits" soft toys to get them ready for the agencies. We will also talk about ideas for new projects and enjoy coffee and fellowship. Please call the office if you want a ride.

Operation School Bell

Please join us on Saturday, January 28th, 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!  What 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. 

Maker Space - Chinese Lanterns 

Ever wondered how to make Chinese Lanterns? Come join us on Saturday, January 28, 2017 from 2-5P as Maker Space sponsors a class on Lantern making! Cost is $10 for supplies, and since it is also Chinese New Year, we will be making sweet rice balls. See Amy Tan-Chan for more details. 

St. Peter’s Cares

In recent months our church has continued to reach out as a caring church following the tradition of John Wesley, “Do all the good you can do ……” Contributions from St. Peter’s to Congregations for Kids’ Good Start Back to School program amounted to $574.

In addition, during November, contributions to our Food Bank trunk and our Thanksgiving collection amounted to 186 pounds of food donated to Hopelink and delivered by Wayne and Dianne Lambert along with Steve Rush representing the United Methodist Men. The Food Bank trunk has been a project of the UMM for many years. Donations of non-perishable food are welcome any time of year. During the winter donations of hearty soups, canned chili or canned spaghetti are welcome.

Agape Breakfast 2017

Save the date of February 11th for an exciting event with our favorite story teller Debbie Dimitre as Grandma Moses. Bring your family and friends for a morning full of memories.
Hope to see you there.

Great Spring Yard Sale

The annual Yard Sale will be held April 28th and 29th this year. This is traditionally a time for members and friends to clean closets, basements and attics looking for things no longer needed or used. These items are put to good use in the Yard Sale which is the source of income for meeting our covenant with our missionary, Katherine Parker in Nepal. Our neighbors and others look forward to this sale for a variety of goods at reasonable prices.

It is time to start setting aside the clothing, toys, dishes, books, jewelry and sporting goods which can be brought to the church the week of April 23rd. Questions? See Pat King or John Fountain.