December 2009
From the Desk of Pastor Lassman
“If You Were God....”
My Fellow Redeemed in Christ,
Have you ever thought how you would run the world if you were God? I think some people have. I know that people can be quite critical of how God runs the world. You know….”If there is a God how come…….?” Just fill in the blank. OK. You’re God. Now what? Do you see all the sin and evil in the world? Sure you do. Now what are you going to do about it? Well, what are your options? You could just strike some people dead on the spot. You know people who are pedophiles, rapists, “bad” people. Pretty tempting. Ok. What would that accomplish? There would be a lot fewer people, that’s for sure! But where would you draw the line? What would be your standard for who would live and who would die? How about that guy that’s committing adultery against his wife? Strike him down dead too? How about people who cheat on a tests at school? Not fair to the other students who are trying to do it right! What about them? And how would all these deaths, these “missing” people affect others around them and society and even the world? Have you thought through those ramifications? So, where do you as God draw the line in “zapping” people dead? And by the way, zapping people might make them really be afraid of you….but where’s the love you are supposed to have as God. Do you want people to only fear you as God…or would you like them love you too?
So, what’s plan “B”? You could make people into robots so that they only do the right thing. Boy that would make the world a lot better! Make people so that they have no choice but to be good! But then wouldn't they just be "robots"? Don’t you want people to love you as God and respect you as God because they want to do that and not because they have to do that? Like parents with children…oh boy it would certainly be tempting at times to for parents to be able to program their children so that they would be perfect and never give them any trouble! Things would sure be more peaceful and calm! But every parent knows that would be “empty”…for such “obedience” would be meaningless because the children would not be doing it out of “love” but because they were “programmed” that way. Would that be what you would want from the people you created? Just be robots? Probably not.
Well, is there a plan “C”? Hmmm. I don’t know. Maybe creative people can come up with more options. But I don’t think any of them would be fool proof. Each one, no doubt, would have shortcomings and could be criticized. See, it’s not so easy being God.
What did the real God do? You know. He entered our world of sin and death and became one of us. (Don’t kid yourself: that would be like leaving cushy Seattle for the slums of Bombay, India.) His Name is Jesus. As God in human form He lived a sinless life of love. He never sinned. He never did any wrong. He helped countless people in so many acts of love. He never, not once, took advantage of Who He was. He never used His awesome power for his own needs. (Now that would be a challenge, would it not?) And what was His reward for His sinless life of love? ….He was not only killed, but killed unjustly. How would you like that if you were God? He died a shameful and painful death by Roman crucifixion. Would you do that if you were God? And He died not because He had done anything wrong; Pontius Pilate could not find anything wrong with Him either. He wanted to let Him go. But there’s more. In this man, Jesus Christ, God Himself died for the very sins that were committed against Him. That is amazing. Would you have done that if you were God? Would you die for a pedophile? Would you die for an adulterer? Would you die for someone who cheated his way through school? Would you die for…. Well, you get the idea. Would you? No, you would not. But the real God did. And it all began with Christmas. You see Christmas is so much more than shopping or gifts, so much more than a Christmas tree and decorations. Yes, even so much more than family and dinners and get-togethers. So much more……. but never forget that this same God is with us each and every Sunday…the God Who was born for you….the God Who died for you….yes, every Sunday He is present with His gifts of forgiveness, peace, and life…..given in His Word and His supper. I have no doubt that the real God would be pleased to see as much excitement and joy over every Sunday as is shown at Christmas time. And if you were God wouldn’t you feel that same way? Of course you would. A blessed Christmas to you all.
In Christ,
Pastor Lassman
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
Advent
“Born to be…
Jesus: the Light, the Lamb, the Ladder
December 2: The Light, John 1: 1-13
December 9: The Lamb, John 1: 24-34
December 16: The Ladder, John 1: 43-51
Liturgy: Evening Prayer, Hymnal Supplement, 98.
Dinner: 6:00pm Service: 7:30pm
Christmas
December 13: Children’s Service - Have You Heard the Good News? Jesus is Born (9:20am)
December 24: Christmas Eve Candle Light Service (7:30pm)
December 25: Christmas Day Communion Service (10:00am)
From the Vicar
Greetings in Christ Jesus,
Christmas is almost upon us once again this year and the big question looming on everyone’s mind is, “are you ready?” But what are you getting ready for? Family coming to visit, parties at the office, shopping for presents, stress beyond safe levels, a temper tantrum from one of the kids, a post Christmas let down, or the coming of our Lord? With all of the things going on during this busy time of the year it can become easy to loose focus on what Christmas is about, Christ.
We all want to buy that perfect present or have that wonderful Christmas moment so badly that we sometimes forget we already have everything we need. We have that perfect Christmas present, Christ. We have that wonderful Christmas moment, peace with God forever. So this year why not give the present that always fits, never goes out of style, and will never break, the love our God has for us in Jesus. Now I know with a present as wonderful as Jesus sometimes it can be embarrassing and hard to give. Who knows, maybe you’re worried that you will make someone feel bad because they didn’t get you anything that nice? But I wouldn’t let that concern you, because the church has come up with a way this year to help you give Jesus without embarrassing anyone. We, at Messiah Lutheran Church, have put together an Audio CD and on every track we share the perfect Christmas gift, Jesus. This CD is filled with wonderful classical Christmas hymns, songs, a reading from the Gospel of Luke and an invitation to join us for Christmas services. And how much is this wonderful gift going to cost you? Nothing. We have produced enough copies of the CD that every family can have two copies, one to enjoy and one to share with a loved one. This could be the greatest gift you ever share with them. I hope that by the time you read this the CD’s are already at the church, but, if you haven’t received your copies yet, please let us know because we certainly wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on an opportunity to share Christ this Christmas. If you need more copies, please let us know and we can see what we can do. Also if you have the ability to copy CD’s, you are free to do so because none of the music on the CD is under a copyright.
I hope you enjoy this Christmas CD, please take the time to thank all of the people who took time out of their busy schedules to make it happen. I also pray that the joy of this Advent and Christmas season fills your hearts and minds with the love of that perfect gift, our Savior, that came to us in the most humble of packages, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord’s blessings,
Vicar Mankin
Youth Corner
As eluded to in the last Messenger this is the new section devoted to the youth events at Messiah. The month of December is going to be a busy one! Below is a list of all of the upcoming events. More information will be available in Sunday’s bulletins as the dates come closer. We hope to see you there!
Attention Parents: We know that the lives of families can become quite hectic during this time of the year, but we encourage you to take time out and get involved with our youth program. If you have questions or suggestions please let us know. Also, please support and encourage your children to participate in Church activates that can have lifelong effects on their faith.
Schedule
Dec. 2nd –After Advent Desserts (High School)
Dec. 5th – A Trip to the Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach (Junior High and High School)
Dec. 9th –After Advent Desserts (High School)
Dec. 13th –Bible Study on Angels and Demons (High School)
Dec. 16th –After Advent Desserts (High School)
Dec. 19th –Servant Event at the Treehouse (High School)
Dec. 27th –Bible Study on Angels and Demons (High School)
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. - Prov. 22:6
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: December Meeting CANCELED
NEXT MEETING: First Monday of January, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Lassman
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MONDAY EVENING STUDY
WHAT: “Lutheran Confessions”
WHEN: Monday evenings, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
LEADER: Jim Pierce
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TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “1 Corinthians”
WHEN: Tuesday Mornings, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
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THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus
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: Thursday Evenings, 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
UPCOMING EVENTS
Men’s Night Out Monday, December 7th , at 6 p.m. at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, 401 NE Northgate Way #1103. Please RSVP to Brian Danforth,.
Ladies’ Night Out - No Ladies Night Out in December.
Christmas Caroling with the Bell Choir You are invited to go caroling with the bell choir at The Hearthstone on Saturday morning, December 12. We will ring several carols and then we’ll pass out song sheets and invite everyone to sing carols as we ring accompaniment. Former handbell ringers are invited to ring a bell during the sing-along....just give Dorothy Bellin a call so notes can be assigned. Please plan to join us in sharing the Christmas message....we will leave the church parking lot at 10 a.m. For more information, talk to Dorothy.
January Messenger deadline is December 20
Lutheran Confessions You are all invited to join us Monday evenings at 7:00 pm in the “Youth Room” (room 202) in reading our Lutheran Confessions. In addition to reading we discuss what is read and also comment on art work contained in “Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions” which is the reader’s edition of the Book of Concord. If you don’t have a Book of Concord come and join us anyway.
December 27th, 2009 - David Solum, who is in his final year at the Seminary will be preaching at both Sunday services.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Ethiopian Mission Support - Teacher for the Ethiopian Mission Sunday School - We could still use one more person to help teach the Sunday School for Mekane Yesus, the Ethiopian Mission church (11 am - 1 pm). There are now 9 children coming ages 3-11 years. It is getting to be too much for one person to handle. For information contact Ann Melvin, or Cheryl Kohring, or Dorothy Bellin
Lake City Christmas Project
The Lake City Christmas Project is a partnership between non-profit agencies that serve low-income and homeless North Seattle families. This program has a twenty-two year history and this will be our third year helping to provide gifts for over 600 children. See additional details under Social Ministry News.
Concordia Lutheran School is once again selling Entertainment Books. The cost is $20.00 which will support the students planning on going to tour Washington D.C. in 2012. Contact Leslie Miller if you would like to purchase one. Remember they also make great Christmas gifts!
Spring Tea Committee
We would like to begin planning another Spring Tea for the women (of all ages) at Messiah. If you would like to be part of the planning committee for this fun event, please contact Kathy Lassman
Eye Glasses Needed - The Lion’s Club appreciates our contributions of used eyeglasses. Please continue to put these items in the basket in the lounge.
Lutheran Marriage Encounter Winter - Spring 2010 dates
February 12-14 in Tukwila, WA and April 23-25 in Tukwila, WA
The Christmas season is a time to celebrate the gift of love God gave the world in Jesus. Discover the gift you have in your marriage with Jesus at the center of your relationship. Attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekend can help you fully discover and appreciate this gift in new and surprising ways. It is a gift that you can keep giving to each other daily for years to come.
For more information or to schedule yourselves for this opportunity, visit the Lutheran Marriage Encounter web site www.GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Carl & Dallas Anne Presley, carl.presley@comcast.net or call
(206) 522-6840. The toll-free number is Lutheran Marriage Encounter, 1-800-235-1010.
THANK YOU to...
Messiah for the financial assistance for my college tuition at Concordia University! College is going great and I am enjoying it a lot! Thank you, again. Sincerely, Heidi Blair
The many people who contributed hygiene items in 2009 for two of the organizations which help homeless Seattleites: Compass Cascade provides temporary dormitory housing for women; and Immanuel Lutheran provides showers and laundry facilities for the homeless and then the homeless return to the outside, again.
Robin Arbuckle, Sue Hewitson, Cheryl and Katie Kohring, and Margaret Sylwester for counting our donations and packing them up. If you can help in 2010, please let Margaret Sylwester know.
Robin Arbuckle for delivering the monthly items to Compass Cascade and Immanuel Lutheran. Robin is graciously continuing in 2010.
Jean Holtz and Sue Hewitson for delivering donated items to the Compass Center.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for giving us funds for other social ministry projects, based on the receipts we mail in from our monthly purchases.
Watch for information in the January Messenger regarding changes in our contributions to Compass Cascade and Immanuel Lutheran beginning 2010.
HOUSING NEEDED: Gail Ludvigson will be returning to Seattle hopefully December 20th or 21st through January 8th, from the Seminary and needs a place to stay. If anyone has an extra room, or will be away during the Christmas holiday and needs a house/pet sitter, please contact Gail at gcludvigson@yahoo.com.
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Have you heard the good news? Jesus is born..
Yes, the Sunday School children will share the “Good News” with you
on December 13th during the Education Hour. (9:20 AM)
The joy in their hearts, eyes and voices, is clear to be seen and heard.
Save the date and bring a friend.
The students will learn their parts for this service during the Sunday School openings.
The run-through/rehearsal will be on:
Saturday, December 12th starting at 10:00 and finishing by 11:30.
Please have your children in their classrooms on:
Sunday, December 13th by 9:00 AM
The Sunday School winter quarter is beginning with lessons devoted to the life of Christ. We are starting before He was born; when the births of both John and Jesus were foretold and will continue through the quarter with lessons of our Savior’s life-giving ministry. These events are the Good News that bring us daily comfort and peace.
See you next Sunday!
Social Ministry News
–WE SHARE BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT OTHERS
Lake City Christmas Project
Christmas is coming and we will be supporting the Lake City Christmas Project administered by Maple Leaf Lutheran. It is a blessing that we who have enough can share with those less fortunate. There will be a tree outside the door to the sanctuary with tags that will have the name of a child and gift suggestions for that child. Please return the tag with the unwrapped gift. The deadline to return these gifts to church is Sunday, December 6th. Please sign your name on the list by the child’s name that you take so we know who has that tag. The time frame is short so do your shopping early.
School Kits and Health Kits
The school bags and health kits have been assembled and shipped to Lutheran World Relief. You are to be commended for your generosity as a congregation. We were able to send 65 school kits and 23 health kits. We also paid for the shipping costs of $167.50. I am sure there will be happy faces when these gifts are received. THANK YOU to all who contributed.
Monthly Donations
Both Immanuel Lutheran and Compass Cascade have expressed their thankfulness in Messiah’s faithful monthly contributions for the homeless they/we assist. In November we delivered 11 towels and 6 wash cloths, dental floss and many travel-size tubes of toothpaste. In December we are collecting shaving creams, razors and aftershaves. Please put these in the lounge basket.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) News
Project Day
No project day in December. See you in January, 2010
Ladies Guild (LWML) Sponsored Advent Dinner
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009, at 6:00 p.m.
“Baked Potato/Salad Bar”
HELP NEEDED:
11:00 a.m. Prepare Potatoes
12:30 p.m. Prepare Potato Fixings and Salad
04:30 p.m. Last Minute Preparations
06:15 p.m. Cleanup, Etc.
Please call Margie Longan, to let her know what time you would like to help.
Freewill Offering; Net profits are sent to the Washington/Alaska District LWML earmarked for mission grants.
Semi-Annual “Lunch At A Restaurant.” There will be no meeting.
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 9th at 12:00 Noon
Location: Wedgwood Broiler; 85th and 35th Avenue NE
RSVP: Please respond by Monday, Dec. 7th to Margie Longan
All ladies of Messiah are warmly invited.
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Advent Tea
Sunday, December 6th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
All are invited
Please call Margie Longan, by Wednesday, December 2nd if you plan to attend.
Watch the Sunday Bulletins for more information.
Messiah’s Mary-Martha Ministries
There will be no December Women’s Bible Study usually scheduled for the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m., as Advent services will be beginning. We will resume on January 4, 2010 with “The Lutheran Spirituality Series: Community” written by Masaki (the professor who taught the continuing ed class here last June) “The church is where our crucified and risen Lord Jesus lives and gives His abundant gifts”... the study will go into these various gifts in depth. All women of Messiah are welcome.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Lk, 10:38-39.
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.
Altar Guild News
Advent is quickly approaching and, with Kathy Lassman’s direction, we will soon begin preparing the sanctuary for the Christmas season. Kathy may be contacting some members to assist the Altar Guild. I would also like to give thanks to our Lord for leading two new members into our fold: Marie Byarlay and Gloria Schy. We will need them for the busy Advent season ahead. New members are always welcome. Please talk to Kathy Lassman or Cheryl Gagne if you are interested in serving your congregation by joining the Guild.
Poinsettias for the Sanctuary. If you would like to provide a Poinsettia to place in the Sanctuary in December, please add your name to the sign-up sheet posted on the Announcements Bulletin Board.
A “Thank You” and a reminder for those who lovingly provide flowers for Sunday services: you are responsible for removing/distributing them after the late service.
Just a Reminder - Memberships in Good Shepherd Auxiliary are due January 1, 2010. Please give $5.00 to LaurAnn Radosevich or send it directly to Joyce Scramlin, 10035 132nd NE, Kirkland, WA 98033. Thank you very much!
Good Shepherd Home Auxiliary
Washington/Alaska Unit
Membership Enrollment Form - $5.00 Donation
return to Joyce Scramlin, 10035 132nd NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
Congregation:_______________________________________________________
Letters from Messiah’s Deaconess Student
Deaconess Diary
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! The fall quarter is over, and I’m ready to come home for the Thanksgiving break.
Studying at the seminary has been a very humbling experience. The Lord has broken me down, but I trust He plans to build me up again. I pray that I may learn all the lessons He wants me to learn.
How grateful I am for His love and forgiveness–which reminds me of something my professor said in liturgics class. He quoted Luther, and it has stuck in my mind ever since: “If now I seek the forgiveness of sins, I do not run to the cross, for I will not find it given there....But I will find it in the sacrament or gospel the word which distributes, presents, offers, and gives to me the forgiveness which was won on the cross.” The cross is not forgiveness but punishment. Forgiveness is in the Gospel (the Lord’s Supper and the Word). That’s one reason it’s so vital to receive the Sacrament and to hear the Word as often as possible.
When I helped my field work pastor this past Saturday with a shut-in service at the local senior home, I saw the truth of Luther’s words. Divine Service with Communion is especially precious for those whose bodies and minds are broken by age and illness. To see 21 people in wheelchairs and walkers receive Christ’s body and blood was quite moving. We should always remember to give the Lord thanks, not just for our worldly blessings, but also for the heavenly gifts He gives us in His Word and Sacrament.
By the time you read this, Thanksgiving will be over, and Advent will have begun. I’m eager to see you and worship with you, both at Thanksgiving and at Christmas.
Your sister in Christ, Gail Ludvigson
CONCORDIA NEWS
from Dave Meyer, principal....
Here is an article written by one of our oldest Cardinal team members, Nate Hartman.
Last Friday at the Halloween party, I had an eye-opening experience. As the preschoolers walked past me in the gym, I reminisced about the time when I was a Bumblebee showing off my costume for the 7th and 8th graders. Then, I glanced at the Black, Red, and White teams. They were all watching how the Cardinal team acted towards the preschoolers. As I noticed this, the song, “I Believe I Can Fly,” rang in my head. Images of last year’s graduates, my role models for many years popped into my head. I realized that after they left I gained a lot more responsibility to lead with the younger kids. They watch my every move, taking notes in their heads about what’s cool and accepted.
Being an 8th grader, the theme for this year, “Release,” means a lot to me. Teachers always ask me, “What are you gonna do this year to feel like you have fulfilled all your goals as a Concordia Cardinal?” Now, most of them expect me to say something like, “Win another L.E.S.T. basketball championship,” or “Win all of our games this season!” But, it’s more than that. Sure I would like to do those things, but I feel like they aren’t that important to me right now. For me to fulfill my goals, I need to instill positive character traits in the younger teams, as I have tried to be a positive role model for the younger kids. God has put me in a great position. He has given me great qualities and abilities so that I can fulfill my goals for my last year here at CLS.
Just the other day Mrs. Buck asked me if I was ready to move on to high school. My response was “No, not yet.” But, in my heart I know that I need to release my leadership of being a role model to these wonderful kids, on to the up and coming Cardinal Team members. It’ll be hard, but I know that with God, my family, friends and teachers behind me, I can do it. “I Believe I Can Fly!”
Blessings,
Dave Meyer
