LFPPC 5/18 Newsletter

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Dear LFPPC Church Family,

Today, on my church calendar, is the Ascension of the Lord. I’m guessing the fact that this is Ascension Day is news to most of you. Unlike Christmas and Easter, this isn’t a day that gets a lot of attention in many churches. It might be easy to let it pass with little notice, like the “fake” secular holidays that seem to proliferate further with each passing year. Apparently, there’s not only a national hug day, but also a national hug your dog day, a national hug your cat day, and even a national hug a plumber day. I guess everyone needs some attention and appreciation. But I digress . . .

Unlike other such “holidays,” Ascension is a day of significance; or rather, it commemorates a truth with particular significance. It signifies the church’s belief that, following his resurrection and post-resurrection appearances (which we’ve considered in worship), Jesus returned to God, and now reigns with God for all eternity. That means two things, at least. Since he’s no longer physically present, bound to a particular place on earth, that means he can be everywhere. And because he reigns in power, we can trust that the love and justice he demonstrated while he lived among us will ultimately have sway over all the earth.

And so, on this Ascension Day, in whatever circumstance of life you find yourself, remember that Jesus, the fullest expression of God’s love and grace, is with you, and that we can trust all things into his hands.

With hope in the God of love,

Pastor Janet

Exciting news! The Ministry Information Form (MIF) for Lake Forest Park Pres. is live and we have received the first batch of 25 Pastor Information Forms (PIFs) from the matching system. There are some very interesting candidates just in this first batch, and we will have many more to come.
We are composing a cover sheet about LFPPC to send to pastors who express interest in our congregation. Once again, if you know of anyone interested in us or know someone you think might be a good fit, have them send us their PIF through the Church Leadership Connection (CLC) online. Keep us in your prayers and thank you!
- Reid

Pastor Nominating Committee
Reid Schmadeka (MODERATOR- schmadwr@gmail.com), Scott Holt, Laura Reed, Bob Doolittle, Chris Bozick, and Mollie Merkley.

This Sunday 5/21

Right after church in Room 205 in the upstairs hall past the bathrooms.

Are you interested in becoming a member
of Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church?

There will be a new member class after service on
May 21st in Brookside room.

Attending the class doesn’t commit a person to joining. It's a chance to explore what it means to be a church member and a Presbyterian. Those who decide to make that commitment will be received into membership during a worship service.

Members of LFPPC will be traveling to Costa Rica to serve at Corner of Love's refugee center July 9-15. There will be an information session in Heritage Hall following service on May 21 and June 11 for anyone interested in learning more. You can also read more about Corner of love at https://corneroflove.org/. Scholarships are available to help with the cost of the trip. Please contact Scott Holt (sc00t3r67@gmail.com) if you would like more information.

Coming Up

A CHANCE TO HELP

A group from LFPPC will meet at Inglewood Group Home on Saturday, June 10, to do yard work and general maintenance of the home and grounds. The work includes mowing (2-3 mowers that can handle long grass is ideal), weed trimming, weeding, blackberry cutting, gutter cleaning, and power washing. This is a great opportunity for families and youth to volunteer in our community. Please contact Paul Reed (pwreed3@gmail.com) or Scott Holt (sc00t3r67@gmail.com) if you would like more information.

Children's Ministry Service Project – June 11, 2023

Do you remember past opportunities the church provided for children to assemble care packages and blessing bags for the homeless? This year, on the final day of our school year Sunday groups, we are joining Camp United We Stand to make and distribute sack lunches and care packages to those in need. Following worship, we invite families and other interested individuals to drive to the site and experience the joy of distributing these essential goods. (Specific details will follow in the coming weeks.)

Ways you can assist with this project:

· Designate money to purchase the items needed

· Volunteer to shop for items

· Help to set up in the Youth Room prior to June 11

· Assist with the assembly line

· Participate in the distribution

Let Matt Krings (kringsmt@yahoo.com) know how you would like to help!

Want a Name Badge?

Maybe you have seen some people wearing name badges on Sunday morning? Wondering where you can get one for yourself? Take a look on the back wall in the sanctuary foyer for examples and a sign up sheet.

MSM and HSM

Wakefest is our summer camp for incoming through outgoing high school students, which includes current 8^th graders! We’ll be camping on the shore of the Columbia River at Daroga State Park in Eastern Washington from August 4^th-8^th, and we’ll be tubing, wakeboarding, playing a ton of games (both in an out of the water), worshiping together, eating great food, learning about Jesus, and having an all-around blasty-blast-and-a-half! Last year was our first full-camp back post-covid, and it was so much fun! Several students recounted how warm the community there was and how welcome and accepted they felt at camp. Students are welcome to invite friends to register too, but the earlier you register the cheaper camp is, so don’t wait!

http://lakeforestparkchurch.org/ministries/youth/wakefest/

Volunteers Wanted

Online Hospitality

Looking for a semi tech savy individual who is willing to be a greeter and monitor for the streaming service on Sundays. Doesn't have to be an every Sunday commitment. Please let Jamie know if you would be willing to keep an eye on the comments online and possibly report technical difficulties.

Love Your Neighbor

Food Pantry
Our Little Food Pantry is getting lots of action. Grab-and-Go items seem to be the most popular such as: granola bars, individual size nuts, pop-top cans, beans etc. Items that require significant preparation are less utilized. Donations can be left in the bin across from Fellowship Hall.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor
Neighbor-to-Neighbor is our Deacon's sponsored program to support our congregation members with meals or rides as needed. We currently have a larger number of folks willing to provide meals but would appreciate a few more volunteers to provide rides to occasional medical appointments. If you are able to help, please contact Rocky Meredith at 206.310.6399 or rocmer@comcast.net.

Prayer + Care

Please be in prayer for the following individuals: Melody and Jerry Swenson (son's passing), Diane Clowers (Dave Provan's passing), Nancy Robison (health), Ruth Honour, Garry Arnold, George Dewey, Hannah Tran, Kathryn Heley, Kathleen Tade, Robin Gabbert, Travis Zapalac. Please contact the church office at 206-364-2712 or your pastors if you have prayer requests.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry is now meeting monthly. If you would like to be part of this ministry and knit or crochet or if you know of someone going through a hard time that would enjoy receiving a Prayer Shawl, contact Anne Gowing at 206-910-8505.

Contact

Office Hours
The Church Office is open Monday-Thursday 9 to 1pm and by appointment.

Rev. Janet Sonnanburg, Bridge Senior Pastor (Janet@lfppc.org)
Tim Cromeenes, Director of Worship (tim@lfppc.org)
Kim Herbert, Director of Youth Ministries (kim@lfppc.org)
Melissa Robertson, Director of Pepitas Preschool (info.pepitaspreschool@gmail.com)
Jamie Henning, Office Administrator (jhenning@lfppc.org)

Session Elders: Stacie Johnson (Finance), Jessie Elenbass (Personnel/Presbytery), Carol Lyons (Nominations/Growing Young), Reid Schmadeka (Personnel/PNC), Bob Henning (Buildings + Grounds), Sheri Holt (Children/Youth), Gina Walton (Personnel)
Clerk of Session: Lois Linzy
Interim Deacon Moderators: Randy Routh + Angela Templin

Calendar

You can find our current calendar here: http://lakeforestparkchurch.org/resources/calendar/