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Pastor Amy's thoughts

3/5/2015

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Greetings!

      Are you ready for Christmas in March? When we began our read-through of the Bible using “The Story,” the reading dates coincided so that we would study Easter at around the same date as Easter itself. But that meant that our study of the Christmas story would not happen in December. We were barely to the story of King Solomon in December, over 900 years before the birth of Jesus. So we paused “The Story,” celebrated Christmas, and resumed reading through the Old Testament. Now we find ourselves finally studying the New Testament – and celebrating once again the birth of Jesus, this time on March 1st.

      I find that rather fitting, actually. There is a school of thought that places the birth of Jesus later in the year- possibly summer or fall. The reasoning goes something like this. Shepherds would have found shelter for their flocks during the rainy winter, and would not have been in the fields with them until later in the spring, summer, or fall.    In addition, a Roman census would not have taken place when the roads were bad (also in the winter) but more likely in the summer when travel was easier for all concerned. But because of the lack of direct evidence as to a date for Christmas, the early Christians chose December 25th. That date coincided with the winter solstice which theologically coincided with the coming of the light of the world as proclaimed by the Gospel of John.

       Hearing the good news of the birth of Jesus at a time other than Christmas gives us the opportunity to reflect on that good news in a new way. What does it mean that Jesus, the Son of God, was born as one of us? 

        The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola include this prayerful reflection about the birth of Jesus. As we prepare to hear this story anew, perhaps you would like to join me in contemplating an imaginary conversation with the Trinity as they are:  

“looking upon our world: men and women being born and being laid to rest, some getting married and others getting divorced, the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the happy and the sad, so many people aimless, despairing, hateful, and killing, so many undernourished, sick, and dying, so many struggling with life and blind to any meaning. With God, I can hear people laughing and crying, some shouting and screaming, some praying, others cursing.” [David Fleming’s translation].Then after
contemplating the world as it is, the Trinity decides to send Jesus to be our savior. Reflect for a moment on what they observed, the contrast between God’s ideal and human reality.  Imagine what their conversation may have been like. Was this the time? Was this the place? How should Jesus come to them?

      This imaginary conversation is rooted in the words of the Apostle Paul in the letter to the Philippians, where he reminds us:  

“Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:5-11)

     This Lenten season as we prepare once again to celebrate Easter Sunday, let’s begin with Christmas.

With thanks in Christ,

Pastor Amy

 


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2015 Budget Narrative 

3/5/2015

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Mission Statement

Edmonds Presbyterian Church is 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.

Below is a description of our budget to provide a better understanding of where your giving goes in furthering the mission of this church.  The online report shows percentages only.  To see the full $ amounts, please refer to a hard copy of the report.

Where the Funds Come From

Offerings (pledges and free offering)                                 97%

Miscellaneous Income (building usage, gifts)                     2% 

Per Capita                                                                                 1% 

        

How the Funds Are Spent 

Worship Ministry      35 % 


Our Pastor, Music Director, Music Instrumentalist, and choir provide worship ministries. This ministry is coordinated through the work of Pastor, Choir Director, Instrumentalist, and Worship elder, and are enhanced by our piano, digital piano, and facilities. The Administrative Assistant produces bulletins and other programs, as needed.

Education Ministry    13% 


These ministries are provided by our Minister, Nursery Attendant, and others who give their time and talents to lead our people in education and Christian formation. The budget also funds youth activities. The educational ministries of our church are coordinated by the Minister and Christian Education elder.

Caring for our Members 12%



Ministries of care and fellowship are provided by our Pastor, Christian Education elder, Congregational Life elders, Board of Deacons, and church members who visit people in their homes, in hospital, and support our fellowship activities. Our Office Administrator provides staff support, with calls, cards, conversations, and listening. Our Board of Deacons coordinates care, and Congregational Life elders coordinate fellowship activities. Both of these are in coordination with the Pastor.



Mission Ministries 12%

Much of our ministry in this area centers on tithing God’s gifts of monies that we receive. Support for our overall mission ministry is channeled through gifts to several local, national, and international agencies of our church’s choosing. We open our building for use by others in the community, as well. Other designated gifts are forwarded as requested by their donors. The Minister, Missions elder, and our Administrative Assistant provide support. 

Outreach Ministries    5%

We support and coordinate these ministries through our Outreach elder and through advertising. Our Minister provides staff support and guidance, along with the Administrative Assistant, who produces fliers and the Caller. 

Presbyterian Partnerships 7%

Our connection to the larger church is funded through Per Capita, which underwrites the ecclesiastical needs that are provided through the larger church. The Minister, especially, who participates and conducts workshops for Presbytery and co-chairs the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry, and elders of the church enhance these partnerships.

Building and Grounds         13 %



Our Building and Grounds elder and many others of our church help to maintain our facilities. These facilities allow EPC and others to worship God, to study, to gather for Christian fellowship, to grow in grace. Costs include building and grounds maintenance, utilities, janitorial services, insurance, telephone/internet, and security.

Taxes and Administration       5%



The Administrative Assistant tends to the “business of the church” through ensuring bills and payroll taxes are paid, and providing accurate and timely financial information to the Minister and Session.

______________________________


[As a clarification: within this budget narrative, the mission allocation is included within the “Mission Ministries” category. Within our budget planning, this allocation is subtracted from income and is NOT listed as an expense. In the format of this narrative, the mission allocation is counted as an expense and is not subtracted from income. Therefore, both the income and expense numbers here are larger than in our itemized draft budgets. Let me know if you have any comments.]

If you have any questions about this information, please contact Elder Minna D. 


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Thank You!!

3/5/2015

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Work Party

3/5/2015

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Able to lend a helping hand?

Come join other handy persons in helping maintain the church building and property. Gay Hawkins is working on a list of needed tasks and will give us all an orientation on what needs to be done and how we might help. Saturday March 14th, 9:30AM-Noon.


 

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March Dessert Social

3/5/2015

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Stay after church on March 22nd to share a dessert in honor of that fine Presbyterian holiday, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th). With a pastor named “Delaney” we must support the Irish!  Bring a dessert or other item to share and we’ll have a bit of extra cheer on a Sunday in March.

 


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Come Stuff Easter Baskets!

3/5/2015

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We will be stuffing 130 Easter baskets again for the Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace. Every child will receive a basket with a stuffed toy, candy, and a booklet about Easter. The Women's Association invites you to bring wrapped candy for the baskets (by March 22) and/or join them on Saturday March 28th to fill and wrap all the baskets. 10:00AM - Noon. Bring a friend!  A Special thank-you to Ruth Roberts for pre-sorting all the goodies and organizing our efforts so that the packing goes quickly and smoothly on the 28th! 

 


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A Class for the Curious  – Saturday, March 21st

3/5/2015

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If you are interested in learning more about Edmonds Presbyterian Church, or the denomination (Presbyterian Church USA) to which we belong, please plan to join us on Saturday March 21st  from 10:00AM-1:00PM for an informative discussion followed by lunch with the church leaders. This class is required for those who wish to become members of the congregation, but others may attend also.  Contact Pastor Amy for more information or to register for the class.

 


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Easter Sunday

3/5/2015

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Looking ahead to Easter, April 5th, join us and invite your family and friends to come with you for our joyful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The choir is preparing special music, and we will have special activities for the children, including an Easter-themed “worship bag” and Easter egg hunts.  

 


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Summer Camps

3/5/2015

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As parents know, March is the time to start thinking about your summer plans. If you have a young person in your life who would like to attend a Christian summer camp, we have two Presbyterian camps in the area that provide excellent summer programming. Brochures for both camps will be available soon on the back table in the Sanctuary, or you can find information online at Tall Timber Ranch (www.talltimber.org) or Sound View Camp (www.soundviewcamp.com). Camper-ships are available. thanks to generous donations.  Speak with Pastor Amy for more information.  

 


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Joint Session and Deacons Meeting

3/5/2015

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Our Board of Deacons and our Session Elders will be meeting for their annual joint meeting at 12:30 on Sunday March 8th at the Dimmicks’ home. If you are a currently serving Deacon or Elder, we look forward to seeing you there for a luncheon together as we meet to discuss and coordinate the work of the congregation. 

 


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