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Pastor Amy's Thoughts...

2/28/2018

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Greetings!
     Matthew 6: 9 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
     In my reading this past month, I have been exploring the writings of Ph.D. Sociologist, Brene’ Brown. She is best known for her TEDx talk on vulnerability, recorded in 2010. Her research uses “grounded” methodology. That means that she interviews people, and looks for similarities and trends in the data she gleans from the interviews. She is not looking to prove a particular theory or test a particular hypothesis. Instead, she takes a theme and asks questions about that theme. As a result, sometimes what she learns from her interviews surprises even herself. In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection, she shares how she and her husband had created a list of dreams – those things they hoped to one day accomplish. But as a result of her research, she wondered if this list matched who they really were- their joys, what gave them meaning. So she and her husband sat down and asked that essential question: what gives us joy and meaning? The list included such things as sleep, working out, going to church, time with friends and family, being present for their adult children, and having meaningful work that doesn’t consume them. (pg.102). Then they looked at their dream list and realized most of those things didn’t speak to what gave them joy and meaning. The dreams were about acquiring things, or accomplishing things. That day they made a conscious choice to focus on those activities that give them joy and meaning.
     What gives us joy and meaning as a church community? I think that was really the underlying question of our Vision 2025 survey and conversations. And the answer I heard loud and clear was that our greatest joy and what gives us meaning is being the church through worship, fellowship, and shared mission. The property is a bonus, the building is a bonus, the amazing sound system is a bonus – but the people and the mission we have in common is what truly matters.
     In the words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” May we have the courage to pursue the true treasures that give us joy and meaning.

With prayers in Christ,
Pastor Amy

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Missions

2/28/2018

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Our next mission emphasis is on One Great Hour of Sharing offering which will be collected on Palm Sunday, March 25th.
Started in 1949, One Great Hour of Sharing is a long-standing ecumenical effort aimed at raising the funds necessary to provide relief and reconstruction for communities in the aftermath of disaster. What started as an hour-long radio appeal has evolved over the years, varying from eight to 29 participating denominations, and has become the most participated-in offering in the PC(USA). Today, projects supported by One Great Hour of Sharing are underway in more than 100 countries.
The funds from this offering provide help to the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Self-Development of People.

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Easter Basket Stuffing

2/28/2018

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We will be stuffing Easter baskets again for the Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace. The Women's Association invites you to bring wrapped candy (any candy will do as long as it’s individually wrapped) for the baskets, by March 18th, and/or join them on Saturday, March 24th at 10AM to fill and wrap all the baskets. Bring a friend! 

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Women's Association

2/28/2018

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The Women’s Association met on February 14th for a business meeting and a lovely Valentine’s Day Lunch. The speaker was Tamarah Lee from Hopelink. She told us about the many services Hopelink offers, though most of them only apply towards King County residents. The March Speaker will be Jessie Rounsley from Americorps. The Meeting starts at 11:30AM and lunch starts at noon.
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PerCapita Reminder

2/28/2018

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Thank you to all who have donated toward our annual Per Capita payment which we make on behalf of the membership of the church. We give $48.23 per member, and have received $1,187.55 this year toward our total due for 2018. That is $170.42 more than this time last year! Great job and keep going!
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Souper Bowl 2018

2/28/2018

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Vision 2025 Update

2/28/2018

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     As one of the animals on the Ark said to the other after Noah shut the door, “Where are we going?” The response, “Only the Lord knows.”
     That is the same with the Vision 2025, only the Lord knows how this is going to end up, no decisions have been made, EXCEPT one. The decision that has been made is to make sure that the Legacy of the Edmonds Presbyterian Church is one of continuing to bless those who come in contact with the church. In the past that legacy was to be, “a caring community of faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. United in service, study and worship. Committed through intentional action, to reach others with the love of God in Christ.” In the future, we hope and pray that we will continue to bless our community, perhaps in a different way, but that is subject to all things working out. So what does this mean?
     We (Session) don’t feel it would be appropriate to use up the financial reserves that have been set aside by the Saints who have gone before us and when the funds run out, close the door, sell the property (the proceeds going to Presbytery) and we are through. This does not seem to bless our community and would not be responsible to the Legacy of the Saints who have served the Lord through their gifts of time, talent, and money over the last 50 years in this congregation. This is the only option your Session has indicated they want to avoid. But, if all other options fail, this is the easiest and involves the least amount of work for Session.
     In our recent Town Hall meeting (January 2018) and in the Frequently Asked Questions about the Future of Edmonds Presbyterian Church document, Session has made the effort to share with the congregation that we are not being responsible to those who have gone before us by letting the church close and “sell the property”;
     What we do with the property is still “up in the air (heaven).” Actually, I am sure the decision has already been worked out in heaven. I just hope we, as a Session, are able to listen for God’s voice in this issue. If you are hearing God’s voice on this issue, speak! Share your thoughts, hopes, and fears with any of the Session members.
     So what are the options available to us: ALL. In trying to find a way to bless others in our community, housing frequently comes up as a major source of frustration due to its very high cost in our area. Could we bless a specific group of people by providing a key piece of that housing cost? Yes. What groups could benefit from having the property already purchased? Young families, singles, teachers, those trying to change their lives, retired people (like retired Presbyterians - do you know any?).
     Which group have we as a Session decided to focus on, or should we look at other options? We are leaning towards housing, but that has not been decided. As for a specific group to bless, it has not been decided. When there is enough information to provide to the congregation to answer the questions that will be asked, you will be given an opportunity to decide. Until then, pray for your Pastor, pray for your Session, and pray for your Community.
     We will attempt to keep you updated on Vision 2025 each month here in the Caller. Thank you. God Bless - 
      “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19,
Don Ide
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Holy Week 2018

2/26/2018

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Our Holy Week services begin with:
Palm Sunday on March 25th, where we will shout "Hosanna," wave palm branches, as we remember Jesus' welcome as he entered the city of Jerusalem. 
Maundy Thursday March 29that 7 PM will find us gathered  here at EPC in the fellowship hall, remembering the Last supper of Jesus as we celebrate communion around a common table. 
Good Friday  March 30th we will remember Jesus' crucifixion with a short worship service at noon in the sanctuary.
Easter Sunday  April 1 at 10 AM we will rejoice together in the good news of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. 
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Coloring Night Continues

2/26/2018

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Come join us for an evening of coloring and conversation. The next one will be Friday, March 23rd, 7-8:30PM in the fellowship hall. Come and bring a friend!
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Congregational Life

2/26/2018

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Our Valentine’s Day Potluck was a success. Thanks to all of you who brought food for our Valentine's weekend potluck. Our next event will be the Irish potluck on March 18th after worship. Bring a dish to share and extra points for creativity.
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