1. Art and Diseño

The Circuit Rider…
A publication of Snoqualmie United Methodist Church
P.O Box 458, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
h t tp://www. snoqualmieumc. info
Office: 425-888-1967
February 2015
Beloved,
Four Ways Good Churches Die
Here’s a “guest” article for you this month by Rebekah Simon-Peter.
“Why do good churches die? I’m not talking about churches that have an apparent fatal flaw like mean or nasty people,
terrible location, clergy sexual misconduct, uninspiring worship, or the like. Churches can and do recover from all of
those things. No, I’m talking about good churches that care about people, hold decently inspiring and cohesive
services, are doing their best to reach out and respond to a changing world, are led by a committed leader, and backed
up by laity who truly care. Good churches. Why do they die?
Theories abound, including changing demographics, young people leaving the church or not being raised in church at
all, the rise in the spiritual but not religious crowd, the appearance of “nones” and “dones” — those who have no
religious affiliation or once did but have now retired from church — and the changing culture around us. Yes, these
factors all play a part. But churches can and do transcend these factors too. There is one hidden reason why churches
that seem to be doing it all right still die. I want to share that with you today, plus four hints to help you discover if
this hidden reason is operative in your church, and what to do about it. The secret reason good churches die is they
lack a vision. In fact, I believe 100% of church decline and demise is due to this. Here’s how you know you lack a
vision:
1. Your current vision doesn’t expand assumptions about what is possible. Instead, it describes what you are already
doing. For example, let’s say your church’s vision is “Extending the love of Christ to the heart of our community.” Let’s
say in the past, against all odds, you started an outreach to the homeless with food, clothing and prayer. Once upon a
time it seemed impossible to do. But now you are doing it on a regular basis. Guess what? It’s no longer a vision. Now
it’s a program. Time for a new vision. Because a program, no matter how positive, won’t keep a church alive.
2. Your questions change from “Who is God calling us to reach” to “How can we avoid losing what we have?” The first
question is forward-looking, outward-focused and risky. The second question is backward-looking, inward-centered and
cautious. It’s a sign that maintaining structure has become more important than doing real ministry. Also, that fear has
become more important than the gospel.
3. You have not put your own credibility on the line when articulating what’s next. In other words, you are trying to
look good, be liked, not rock the boat, save your job, or save the church. Jesus put his own credibility on the line when
he cast his vision that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. So much so that Rome crucified him for sedition as “King of
the Jews.” But his vision worked! Here we are 2,000 years later, still organizing around it and implementing it. I’m not
saying we will be crucified for having a vision. I am saying that putting our own credibility on the line, for the sake of
the vision, is the only way we can be agents of transformation.
4. You are waiting for someone else to come up with a vision. If you are leading in any capacity — whether you’re in
charge of the Rugrats Ministry or you lead a team of 20 denominational executives, it is your responsibility to come up
with a vision. That’s what leaders do. Waiting for someone else may be a sign that it’s time to retire or to retool your
understanding of leadership. You can tell when you are in the presence of a visionary leader, congregation, or
denomination. It’s exciting, invigorating and a little bit scary. You sense purposeful movement, forward direction, and
perhaps more faith than you yourself currently possess.”
Beloved, seek and own the vision God has for Snoqualmie United Methodist Church! I’ll be seeing you!
Pastor Paul
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Upcoming Events
2/4
2/6
2/7
2/8
2/11
2/11
2/17
2/18
2/25
Community Dinner – 5:30-6:30 PM
“Laughing Ladies” Luncheon at the Mt. Si Golf course at noon
SV Community Network, “The Heart of the Valley” Dinner/Dance/Silent
Auction, at Snoqualmie Casino, doors open at 6 PM
Worship Service at Transitional Care Center – 2:15 All welcome to join!
Community Dinner – 5:30-6:30 PM
FOLLOWED BY Church Council meeting of 2015 at 6:45 PM. All are welcome.
Church Council meeting at 6:45 PM. All welcome to attend.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in the Fellowship Hall 5:30-7 PM
Community Dinner in Fellowship Hall – 5:30-6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall,
FOLLOWED BY Ash Wednesday Service at Mount Si Lutheran Church at 7 PM
Community Dinner in Fellowship Hall – 5:30-6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall
Social Hour = Fun = Wings!
What are Wings? Wings are the group of people who take turns bringing goodies each Sunday.
Some also help in the kitchen. If you would like to be in our group, let Nancy Parsons know. Email
her at [email protected], call at 425-888-0478 or leave a note in the kitchen with your
name, phone number and email. She will put you on a rotating list that is sometimes once a month.
We would love to have more people!
Communion Server Class
On Sunday, February 22 after Sunday worship, there will be a class offered by Pastor Paul for all
current communion servers and for anyone who would like to become a communion server. The
class will be in the sanctuary shortly after the start of Fellowship Hour.
Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday
This year’s Ash Wednesday Service, February 18th, will be preceded by our annual family Shrove
Tuesday pancake supper in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, February 17th. The Women’s Spirituality
group will host this meal. Come prepared to enjoy an evening of camaraderie and to satisfy your
“sweet-tooth,” before we enter the six-week period of reflection and repentance leading up to
Easter on April 5th. The Ash Wednesday service will be an ecumenical service, starting at 7 PM, at
Mt. Si Lutheran Church on 8th in North Bend. We will have an opportunity to have the sign of the
cross marked on our hand or forehead as a sign that we are willing to follow Jesus in the darkest
time of his life and the dark times of our own lives.
Community Dinners
The Community dinners started up again on January 7th. We haven’t had as many guests as we did
before stopping in December; however, we have had some new folk join us. There are about three or
four “loyals” who have attended every Wednesday since these dinners began last September! Spread
the word through the community about these wonderful meals, and come enjoy the camaraderie
yourself! If you would like to be a helper or provide food, call Lyn Melton at 425-392-3643, or sign up in
the Fellowship Hall on Sunday morning. Join in these opportunities to open our doors and invite all to
‘Come & Dine!’ Lyn Melton chuck roast stew on January 21st was amazing!
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Food Bank Item for February: Canned Fruit
Pastor Paul’s Mid-Week Class
On Thursday February 26 from 6:45-8:15 PM we will begin a new book in our mid-week “Bible
Study” class for adults. The book is The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’
Final Days in Jerusalem by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. We will cover the book in five
session on consecutive Thursday evenings – we switched to Thursdays so there is no conflict with
the Lenten Vespers on Wednesday evenings at Mount Si Lutheran Church to which we have been
invited beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18, following our own community dinners. Even if
you cannot attend the Thursday evening class, you may want to read along. We will cover the
Introduction and Chapter 1 the first week and two chapters each week.
Add to Your Calendars
“Chili Cook Off” and Dessert Auction – March 7th
Spring Bazaar and Plant Sale
Let’s have a Spring Bazaar and Plant Sale!
Saturday and Sunday May 2nd and 3rd
We could have crafts, Mother’s Day gifts, plants and baked goods. So start dividing and potting your
plants and plant your seeds.
If you would like to help, have ideas and/or want to bring items give me a call 425 888-1714
or e-mail me [email protected]
Annual CROP Walk
Our annual Snoqualmie Valley CROP Walk to alleviate hunger here in our Valley and around the
World will occur again at Meadowbrook Farm on Sunday, May 17th. Following the walk, a festive
luncheon will be served in the Interpretative Center. This ecumenical walk is sponsored by our
church, plus St. Clare’s Episcopal, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic and Mt. Si Lutheran churches. Onefourth of the funds raised with be given to the Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank, while the rest will be
given by Church World Service to help communities throughout the world alleviate hunger and
poverty. So be looking ahead in March for CROP Walk materials during our Sunday Fellowship Hour.
Average Worship Attendance for 2014: 63
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PNW Annual Conference Appointments
Rev. David Van Heyningen is appointed as interim pastor to Des Moines UMC, effective February 1
to replace retiring Rev. Roger Barr.
Rev. Rich Lange, currently at University Temple UMC is appointed to be the Seattle District
Superintendent, effective July 1 2015.
Winter Shelter Update
………..for whatever you have done to the least of these……..
On Wednesday, January 21st at the Snoqualmie Police Station, attorney Sharon Rice, Hearing
Examiner, presided over a hearing regarding our church’s petition to the City of Snoqualmie for a
temporary use permit to use our church facility as the site for the Snoqualmie Valley Winter
Shelter, under the auspices of the SV Renewal Center and Congregations for the Homeless. The
hearing started at 6:30 PM with Attorney Rice explaining the process: the City of Snoqualmie would
speak first, followed by the petitioner, followed by testimony from attendees, followed by
responses by both the City and the petitioner to the testimony raised. Both the City of Snoqualmie
and the petitioner recommended that the temporary use permit be approved. However, the City
and Petitioner need to reconcile some issues raised, e.g., when the personal belongings of a shelter
guest might be searched. The City and Petitioner must submit their final accord to Examiner Rice,
by Wednesday, January 28th. Then Examiner Rice has up to 15 days to make her decision. If the
Petitioner and the City get their material to Examiner Rice sooner, the 15 day period could start
sooner. Examiner Rice does not have to use the whole fifteen days to make her decision. If her
decision is affirmative decision, the Winter Shelter could move from Mt. Si Lutheran to our church,
unless there is an appeal to her decision. The evening’s discussions were conducted in a very
respectful manner. Local citizens testified both for and against the presence of the shelter. David
Johns Bowling, from Congregations for the Homeless, said he appreciated hearing the concerns of
residents and business owners. Most issues could be addressed during the operation of the shelter.
If the temporary use permit is approved, the Shelter would be at our church until just before
Easter, and the Shelter staff will have a meeting open to the public each month for feedback.
Toxic Hot Seat: Mercer Island Showing
The Washington Toxics Coalition and Earth Ministry are hosting screenings of “Toxic Hot Seat,” in
the Puget Sound area, as part of a state tour building awareness for the Toxic-Free Kids & Families
Act in the 2015 legislative session. This effort is collaboration between the Toxic Free Legacy
Campaign, local Fire Departments, and faith leaders who want more people in the community to
see this important film and learn how we can, by working together, ban toxic flame retardants in
Washington. Protecting God’s Creation and the most vulnerable among us are the faith values that
cause us to support the use of only safe chemicals in all our products. Your faith, your voice, and
your actions matter! Please join come learn about how we can leave
a better, safer world for our children.
All are invited to a free February Screening of the film at:
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
4400 86th Ave, Mercer Island, WA 98040
The exact time and date will be posted in our Sunday bulletin.
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Simpler Living
by Mary Brown
Winter is a good time to think about simplifying our lives. The weather is often inclement outside.
So we think about combining our errands so that we don’t have to go outside as often. If we start
getting into that habit now, we can carry it over into all the seasons of our lives. For example, I try
not to drive into Issaquah more than once every week to ten days, by combining and doing all my
“Issaquah chores,” on the same day. So this month, on the morning when Guapa has her annual
veterinary check-up, I’m going to get together with a Chaplain friend who lives in Issaquah, as well
as doing my routine Issaquah errands.
Winter’s also a goodtime to write down all those “spring cleaning” chores you want to do, as soon
the sun will come out again and shines on all those cobwebs that need dusting away. Actually, with
all the sun, we’ve had this winter so far, I’m already seeing those telltale signs. Winter’s also a
good time to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate/tea/coffee and write a letter to a dear friend of
relative! A hand-written letter, what a treasure for that person! That makes me think of a request I
just had, which I think many of you may want to respond to. In March, our dear friend in Christ,
Joyce Lee is turning 90 years old. This dear member of our congregation, who for many years was
our communion steward, moved to Richland about a year and a half ago to be closer to her son
Mick and her grandchildren. To celebrate Joyce’s birthday, her children, Donna, Judy and Mick,
want to put together a “surprise” to let her know her nearest and dearest are thinking of her. They
want to create “90 Years of Memories” by filling 90 envelopes with a memory people have of
Joyce. So on a piece of paper, jot down a favorite memory of yours, including, if you wish, a
picture or decoration pasted to the paper. If you want to make more than one “memory page,”
that’s great! Sign your name on each page and send them to: Judy Crandall, P.O. Box 244, Eden, UT
84310, Email: [email protected] And DON”T WORRY, this version of the February “Circuit Rider”
will not be sent to Joyce!
And remember, simplifying our lives, means making time for the people relationships that are most
important to us!
Pastor Mary
SNO-VALLEY TEEN CLOSET
If you would like to donate NEW OR GENTLY USED TEEN clothing, would like to volunteer or if
you have any questions, please email [email protected]
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SUMC Children’s Sunday School Programs
Each Sunday during the 10:30 service for ages Pre-K-6th Grade
Nursery Care
Available Sundays at 10:30 for infants through three years old.
Thank you very much to our Sunday school volunteers – we couldn’t do it without
you!!!
WENDY HOLLOWAY
LORI HUNGERPILLER
KATHLEEN SHARP
ANGELA RICHTER
Ladybug Apples
Recipe makes 4 servings
- 2 red apples
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 8 thin pretzel sticks
Slice apples in half from top to bottom and
scoop out the cores. Place each apple half flat
side down on a small plate. Dab peanut butter
on to the back of the 'lady bug'. Stick raisins
onto the dabs for spots. Use this method to
make eyes too. Stick one end of each pretzel
stick into a raisin, and then press the other end
into the apples to make antennae.
Upcoming Special Events for SUMC Kids!
Sunday, February 1 – All children will come back into the sanctuary for communion
Sunday, February 8– Try inviting a friend to church
Sunday, February 15 – Bless this House Sunday
Sunday, February 22–Birthday Sunday for March birthdays
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Love Bible Verses
1 John 3:1
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And
that is what we are!
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall
not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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Notes, Quotes & Anecdotes
Sometimes it is a good thing to rock the boat……carefully……and know when to sit down and let the waters calm.
Snoqualmie United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 458
Snoqualmie, WA. 98065-0458
Our website is http://www.snoqualmieumc.info--Our phone 425-888-1697