Messiah Lutheran Church Seattle - LCMS

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Janaury 2011

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From The Desk of Pastor Lassman

My Fellow Redeemed in Christ,

“Compartmentalizing Our Lives”

The word “compartmentalize” did not enter the English vocabulary until 1925. It means “to separate into isolated compartments or categories.” Perhaps it was so late in coming because what the word describes is so associated with modern society. In the past, life was often seen as a unified whole. All of life was intimately connected and thus unified. In the past, life was slower and less complicated. But with the coming of modernity, secularization, science and technology, life became both faster paced and complicated. The result? Life is now divided up into parts and categorized. In other words, life has become fragmented. It is no longer seen as a unified whole but only as a collection of parts that are loosely connected to other parts or not connected at all.

Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky in the 1990’s is a good example of this. His job performance as President of the country was put into one category and his affair with Monica Lewinsky was put into another. In the past such a moral lapse that led to public scandal would have resulted in either the person being removed from office or his resigning. But we live in a new world where life is so “compartmentalized” that a President can now have a major moral lapse and still be considered a good president because of his “job performance.” You see? Modern people make such a distinction that no longer sees all of a person’s life connected in a unified whole but fragmented and compartmentalized. Bill Clinton’s immoral behavior and his performance as president had no connection. They were separate. That is compartmentalization. And one last example. At some time in the past I heard a defense lawyer tell a jury that just because so and so had murdered someone and robbed a bank that didn’t make him a “bad person”……..now that’s compartmentalization!

And this is a subtle temptation for us Christians too. For example, it is tempting to think and act like a Christian on Sunday morning but not the other six days of the week. Sunday morning is our “religious” time, God’s time, and the rest of the week is our “secular” time, time for us. But of course, this is not true. Why would God be happy with that? No, all of our time is to be His time. Everything that we do is supposed to be for God. One way to illustrate this is to simply put the word Christian in front of every thing we are or do. For example, you husbands: you are not just a husband; you are a Christian husband; you are to be the kind of husband that God wants you to be. (continued)

You wives: you are not just wives, you are a Christian wife; you are to be the kind of wife that God wants you to be. Parents and children are not just parents and children but are Christian parents and Christian children. And so it is through all of life. If you work for someone you are not simply an employee, you are a Christian employee. Are you a student? Yes, but you are specifically a Christian student. You get the idea. God wants to be in all our life, not just a part of it. God’s will touches every aspect of our lives.

Putting Christian in front of everything we are and everything we do is to help us to not compartmentalize our lives into little separate categories, but help us find unity, cohesion and oneness in our lives given to us by God in Jesus Christ. Jesus certainly did not compartmentalize His life. His whole identity and everything He did came from His oneness with His Heavenly Father. Every second of His life belonged to God. And that’s why He died for us on the cross to forgive us our sin including the sin compartmentalization, of keeping God out of some aspects of our lives. And believing in that forgiveness and having God’s peace we are renewed and committed to ever more commit every aspect of our lives to Jesus who gave everything for us because He first gave everything to God.

In Christ,

P.S. Kathy and I thank God for you and all of your expressions of love and support.

Mark your calendars!

On the weekend of March 26-27^th, Messiah will have the joy of having the Wind Ensemble from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. Concordia is one of the ten universities/colleges of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. On Saturday, March 26^th we will host 35-40 students in Messiah’s Fellowship Hall for an early supper and then enjoy a concert in the early evening. On Sunday, March 27^th, the Wind Ensemble will participate in our worship by accompanying hymns and the liturgy. We will be asking members to house these students Saturday night and prepare a sack lunch for their departure Sunday after the Divine Service. There is a sign up sheet located on the upstairs bulletin board if you can house a student

Why Higher Things?

“We live in a culture of blurry religious distinctions and do-it-yourself spirituality. Youth especially, need solid ground that will nurture lasting Christian faith. Rather than treating youth as an adolescent subculture and confusing them with religious experiences that cannot be replicated at home, Higher Things believes in challenging youth to learn the pure doctrine of the Christian faith. By teaching them the same message that they hear at home, youth grow in the fullness of the Christian faith as they come to appreciate historic liturgical practice and its unique focus on God’s gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation for us delivered in Word and Sacrament.”

This is the overview that Higher Things gives on their website for the Coram Deo (under God) conference of 2011. Held in Las Vegas, July 5 - July 8^th of 2011, Higher Things organizes these conferences to give Lutheran youth an enjoyable experience that will be bring them God's Word to read, mark and inwardly digest.

At Higher Things Messiah's youth can enjoy fine teaching about Christ and His Gospel, investigation and discussion into various topics and interaction with young Lutheran men and women. They can also enjoy the experience of worshiping with hundreds of other Lutherans. They can hang out and be a part of our greater LCMS community, remind themselves that there are other young people out there who care about the LCMS. Truly, it's something to go for.

What makes this unique? Higher Things seeks to address our youth and bring them Jesus Christ and Him crucified and to bring out all that can possibly mean. They seek to do this without resorting to cheap, empty entertainment which insults the intelligence of our youth, a laudable goal if you've been to many other “youthy” events.

Messiah Lutheran Church would like to send interested youth to this event. We are still in the planning stages at this point and so have few specifics as to how we'll get there, etc. However, we do want to make you aware of the conference and of the benefits. These kinds of events are rarely done well. Higher Things, from all appearances, has found ways to do them well. Their doctrine is solid and I personally know many of the people who speak or are involved with it.

Parents, check it out. There is a website with a fairly comprehensive FAQ to address any concerns you might have. Point your browser to http://higherthings.org and see for yourself. We of the Messiah Youth board will do our best to keep you appraised of our plans in this matter.

Youth, also check it out. You can meet some interesting people, spend some time in Vegas, learn some things about Lutheranism and our faith and enjoy the Divine Service on a massive scale. The folks at Higher Things seek to respect your intelligence as well as bring you some things to think about. It is very worth your time.

There is only the Lord, He is our shield and our protector,

By His Word,

Vicar Fremer

Youth & Youth Adult Corner

Messiah, you've done it again.

Today, December the 22^nd, at 1:15 in the PM, Vicar Fremer delivered two hundred and twenty three (223) pounds of food to Lake City Food bank. This delivery was a result of our calls for food donations in December. The people at Lake City Food Bank were both surprised and extremely gratified by Messiah's sizable contribution to their efforts to show mercy to those in need. On behalf of the staff and Lake City Food Bank, Vicar Fremer gives abundant thanks to God for the generosity of Messiah members.

St. Paul, in Galatians 2, writes of his efforts to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. After he received the blessing of the other apostles to do this, Paul writes: “Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing that I was eager to do.” Clearly, Messiah is a reflection of Paul's care for those in need. Saints in Christ, you have remembered the poor in a remarkable way. May the Lord bless you.

DEACONESS DIARY

A happy and blessed New Year to all of you in 2011! In May, I will complete my second (and final) year of classroom studies. Then, God willing, I will start a one-year internship in August to finish the program for the MA in Deaconess Studies.

One great lesson I've learned is how vital it is to have a faithful and loving church community to support me. Messiah has nurtured and encouraged me every step of the way. You are my true home and family and your gifts, prayers and kindness have kept me going whenever things were tough. What a wonderful blessing to be bound together with you in Christ--as the hymn says, "The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above."

Winter quarter classes are going well. Church History IV with Dr. Rast is especially enjoyable. (Some of you may remember him from this past summer when he taught the Continuing Education class at Messiah.) Here's an interesting historical tidbit: Did you know that there was a Lutheran settlement at Churchill, Manitoba (Canada) in 1619? The Danish royal expedition to find the Northwest Passage got lost in Hudson's Bay and had to stay for the winter. Since the state church of Denmark was Lutheran, the ship had a Lutheran pastor on board, Rasmus Jensen. Unfortunately, by spring of 1620 there were only 3 settlers left because everyone else (including the pastor) had died during the winter.

Being home for Christmas and New Year's was lovely because I was able to worship with you and visit with you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Your sister in Christ,

Gail Ludvigson
Fort Wayne, IN 46825

gcludvigson@yahoo.com

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
(LWML) News

Ladies Guild

“Anything Goes” Luncheon
Wednesday, January 12^th
12:00 noon
Bring a casserole or salad or ?
Dessert & Beverages provided
Don’t forget your Mites!
Project Day
January 19^th, 2011
9:30 am – 2 pm
Don’t forget your sack lunch
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.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS FOR DECEMBER

Jesus loves you dearly, you all know that of course, and on December 12^th, 2010 your Sunday School children’s Christmas service used that theme to share their love of Him with about 100 adults.

Twenty five students from Messiah and Mekane Jesus, Vicar Fremer and Pastor Lassman presented that message in song, word and visual form.

There are many to thank for their help in making this service possible, starting with God, with whom all things are possible and we thank everyone who got their children to the church on time.

Our heart felt thanks go to:

Vicar Fremer, who with the help of the students told us this world famous true story
Pastor for his homily
Barbara Sackett, Noel Channon, and Nancy Swanlund for their musical contribution
Rebecca Cohrs, Kim Strege, and Jeri Aguayo, our song leaders
Jill Cohrs and Joann Estergreen for teaching the music to the students
The drivers for the Mekane Jesus students
Vicki Bartlett, and Joan Miller, our visual creators and costumers extraordinaire
Andrew Boomhower, Peter Boomhower and Cole Daigneault, our readers
Elizabeth Cohrs for bringing the visuals out just in time
Eric Byarlay and Tristan Pierce, our ushers
Sharon Weiss for helping us through the many edits to get the material ready for

Kathee McAlpine and Hillary Saalfeld

Sunday School Teachers Meeting - January 9^th right after the late service. We have invited the Mekane teachers to participate. Vicar Fremer will lead the meeting and will cover the next three lessons. Sharon Weiss will lead us through the teachers tools package, so everyone remember to bring them!

FEBRUARY 2011 Messenger Deadline is January 16^th.

Social Ministry– WE SHARE BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT OTHERS
News
from Sue Hewitson
Used eyeglasses may be put into the lounge box. They will go to the Lion’s Club which will distribute them.
Bags for University Food Bank – For those of you who do not know about our plastic and paper bag collection for the University Food Band, we collect bags for the food bank in the big wooden box in the Fellowship Hall. When the box is full, they are taken to the food bank. They are always so appreciative. Keep those bags coming!
Donation News from Jackie Wold –
In January, we will be collecting Bath Towels. I know the recipients at Immanuel Lutheran Community Services and Compass Cascade Women’s Center are always grateful to receive new towels. Please place these items in the lounge basket!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Men’s Night Out - Monday, January 3^rd at 6 pm at “Sonrisa”, 2614 NE 46^th St. (University Village). RSVP to Brian Danforth at 206.363.5654.

Ladies Night Out –The next Ladies Night Out will be January 17^th at 6 pm. Chase away the winter chills at Mamma Melina's Ristorante, new location 5105 25th Ave NE. RSVP to Bev Edmon, 425.486.4653, bevedmon@gmail.com.

Women’s Monthly Bible Study – Mary/Martha will meet on Monday, January 3^rd for our study on John led by Kathy Lassman. We meet in the choir room and all women are invited to join us. Join us at 7 pm!

New Pictorial Directory

The pictures that were taken turned out AWESOME! If you were not able to schedule a time to get your picture taken, missed your appointment or changed your mind and would like your picture taken, watch the Sunday bulletins. We will let you know when the make up date will be so you can sign up!

The new Messiah’s cookbook is “steaming” along! If you have a favorite recipe you want to share you need to get “cooking” and turn them into the office. If you have any questions, please contact Hillary Saalfeld at hillary@messiahseattle.org or call the church office at 206.524.0024. You will also find “recipe cards” around the church where you can take a couple home, write down your favorite recipes and return that to the church office. So don’t “simmer”, turn in your recipes TODAY!

There has been some confusion with the new office phones. When dialing the church if no one is in the main church office (Kathee or Hillary), you will hear a message on where to direct your call. If you want to leave a message for Pastor Lassman, dial 103. If you want to leave a message for the Vicar, dial 104. To leave a message for the office, press 0. If you want to specifically leave a message for Kathee, dial 101 and for Hillary, dial 102. At any time during the recording you can also just enter the phone extension of the person you are trying to reach.

Office - 0

Kathee – 101

Hillary - 102

Pastor Lassman - 103

Vicar Fremer - 104

As you may know, at its meeting in November, the Messiah congregation decided to call an Assistant Pastor. Under the direction of God and the guidance of Pastor Lassman, the church Council is putting together a recommended list of nominees for the congregation to review. We will present those recommendations at a nomination meeting of the congregation on January 23^rd at 6:00 pm.

According to Messiah’s By-Laws, any communicant member may offer a nomination at this meeting. The nomination must be adopted by a majority of voters present at the meeting for the name to be recognized as an official. All official nominees will then be voted on at a congregational meeting on February 13^th.

The church Council appreciates the input we have received thus far. We look forward to a large attendance at the congregational meeting on January 23^rd as we make decisions that will affect the future of Messiah’s pastoral ministry. As usual, we ask that members bring a desert and we will bring the coffee. May the Lord bless our meeting and our congregation.

Yours in Christ,

Neil Strege

Messiah President

CURRENT AND UPCOMING BIBLE STUDIES

************************************************************************
FELLOWSHIP HALL BIBLE CLASS
WHAT: “Zechariah” started November 28^th
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 am
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 am
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Fremer
************************************************************************
YOUNG ADULTS
WHAT: Devotion and Dinner
WHEN: 1^st and 3^rd Sundays, 5:30 pm
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Fremer
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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH NIGHT
WHAT: Devotion and Fellowship
WHEN: 2^nd and 4^th Sundays, 7 pm
WHERE: Youth Room
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Fremer
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MONDAY EVENING MARY/MARTHA BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: Women’s Bible Study “Gospel of John”
WHEN: January 3^rd, 7 pm
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Lassman
************************************************************************
MONDAY EVENING STUDY
WHAT: “Lutheran Confessions”
WHEN: Every Monday Evening, 7 pm
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
LEADER: Jim Pierce
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THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd John”
WHEN: Thursday Mornings, 10:30 am
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
*************************************************************************
THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “Genesis”
WHEN: Thursday Evenings, 7 pm
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
LEADER: Jim Grant
*************************************************************************
ADULT INFORMATION CLASS
WHAT: A 15-week course on basic Christian teachings
WHEN: Thursday Evenings, 7 pm Next class starts on February 10^th
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
SCHEDULES FOR DECEMBER

Altar Guild Workers Children’s Message FLOWERS
2 Laurie Mendes, Stephanie Colbert 2 Vicar Fremer
9 Jean Mindemann, Stephanie Colbert 9 Jenny Lueck
16 Jean Mindemann, Stephanie Colbert 16 Eva Hansen
23 Cheryl Gagne, Stephanie Colbert 23 Lee Cohrs
30 Jean Holtz, Laurie Mendes 30 Debbie Viets
Transportation Readers
8:00 am 10:45 am
2 Jane Krueger 2 Harry Edmon Henry Hurley
9 Don Dunavant 9 Albert Lirhus Curt & Stephanie Colbert
16 Ron Redmond 16 Robin Melvin Sue Hewitson
23 Sue Hewitson 23 Dave Manion Dan Lassman
30 Arnold Swanberg 30 Lee Cohrs Dave & Barbara Miller
Acolytes Ushers
8:00 am 10:45 am 8:00 am 10:45 am
2 Zoe Anderson Elisa Adams 2 Steve Haverstock Steve Miller
9 Elizabeth Cohrs Tyler Barnes 9 Harry Edmon Jerry Tiersma
16 Brynn Hendrickson Trey Knudson 16 Jim Hewitson Dan Lassman
23 Tristan Pierce Amanda Adams 23 Lee Cohrs Curt Colbert
30 Natalie Brookman Katie Lassman 30 Leon Holman Dave Paeth
Elders
8:00 am 10:45 am
2 Jim Mendes, Ken Deaver Randy Martens, Mike Boomhower
9 Robin Melvin, Dick Hillmann Doug Hansen, Jim Grant
16 Ken Deaver, Lee Cohrs Ron Pearce, Doug Hansen
23 Dick Hillmann, Jim Mendes Mike Boomhower, Randy Martens
30 Robin Melvin, Lee Cohrs Jim Grant, Ron Pearce
Greeters
Upstairs Downstairs

2 8:00 June Scott

10:45 Cora May Gray Lourain Schmidt

9 8:00 Jim & Karen Smith Justin & Tiana Bourn

10:45 John & Laurann Radosevich

16 8:00 Rich Bloomquist

10:45 Robin & Ann Melvin Randy & Carole Martens

23 8:00 June Scott

10:45 Cora May Gray Lourain Schmidt

30 10:45 Hillary Saalfeld

January

Birthdays

(day)

Shelby Le 2^nd

Andrew Boomhower 4^th

Gina Pasco 6^th

Robin Melvin 7^th

Donna Adams 8^th

Makaela Jenson 8^th

Kristine Sharp 8^th

Ron Wold 8^th

Kathy Johnson 9^th

Ruby Holman 10^th

Megan Bartlett 14^th

Ryan Munsell 15^th

Elisa Adams 16^th

Ron Redmond 16^th

Alice Mariani 18^th

Jim Pierce 18^th

Wendy Smith 18^th

Billy Gard 19^th

Melissa Juergensen 19^th

Cora May Gray 22^nd

Eva Hansen 22^nd

Carolyn Smith 23^rd

Sue Stauffer 23^rd

David Sousa 24^th

Martha Mathiason 25^th

John McIntosh 25^th

Steve Anderson 28^th

Mary Questad 28^th

Erna Adams 30^th

Jennifer Clark 31^st

Dorothy Clarkson 31^st

Anniversaries

(day)

Ed & Serenna Brookman 3^rd

Ed & Kathy Johnson 20^th

From The Desk of Pastor Lassman

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