White As Snow

Some snowed-in Sunday cheer:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)


Last night my wife and I saw a movie that reminded me that everything great in my life is a gift from God. Although I personally feel that the first movie was a lot better, the second movie in the Chronicles of Narnia series, Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008), brought me to this spiritual epiphany.

I won’t destroy the storyline for those who haven’t seen the movie but I do want to share about the scene in the film that led to think about my life and my relationship with God. About three quarters into the movie, in the fight against the tyrannical Telmarines, one of the kings and queens of the past (Lucy, Edmund, Peter, Susan) i.e. the protagonists of the film and “good guys” of the movie, Peter the magnificent, wrestles with whether or not he should put more faith in own abilities to lead the group against the tyrannical Telmarines or to put his faith in the power of Aslan (the Christ-God-like character in the story who has been absent up to this point in the movie). Seemingly frustrated with Aslan’s disappearance, Peter tells the others that they can defeat the Telmarines without the help of Aslan. Peter feels this way because in the first movie, Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005), he with the help of others defeated the antagonist of the first movie, The Wicked White Witch. His little sister, Lucy, disagrees with part of his new-found confidence in himself and says: “You need to remember that you didn’t defeat the Wicked Witch all by yourself.” Her words are true because in the first movie, Aslan, the Christ/God character in the movie is one who ultimately defeats the evil White Witch. By saying this, Lucy is trying to convince Peter to humble himself and ask for Aslan’s help instead of trying to defeat the Telmarines on his own. Although he doesn’t respond to her words at first, at the end of the movie, Peter does look to Aslan for help and as a result, Aslan does make an appearance in the battle between the two parties and comes to the aid of Peter and the others. How much of difference does Aslan make? You will have to rent the movie to find out for yourself.

I was convicted by Lucy’s quote because I started to think about my own life and then I asked myself if after looking at good things that have gone well, do I “really” give glory to God and remember that it is him who has been responsible for any success that has taken place in my life? As I thought about it, I was guilty because I know that in my everyday life, I should give God much more glory than I do. God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve as a full-time intern in a church in Tacoma, Washington, for the past 2 and ½ years; I have a loving wife who is both beautiful and spiritual; I have been a disciple for always 9 years; I have been a part of several thriving campus ministries in the Northwest and even got a chance to go on a mission team to Spokane, Washington; I have a host of family and friends that love me and give purpose and meaning to my life; and many more blessings in my life (too many to count really). However when I look at what’s went well in my life, one constant reminder that I always I need to go back to is that I am not the reason that I have been successful: It is all because of God.

So as I close, I want to remind you the same way I was reminded last night: Every great blessing that you have in our lives is not because you are so great, but that serve a great and glorious God. Everything that has gone well and the blessings waiting for you in the next year (and for the years to come) are because of his grace and his undying love for you.

In this “film of life,” let’s not forget who the real Aslan (God) is in our lives!

Holiday Traditions on Campus

I guess it's that time of year again,you know the holiday season. My wife and I start our holiday season on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving with our annual T-day Devotional. Now I know what you're thinking, "Devotional right before Thanksgiving break?". We'll the annual T-day Campus Devo is a different devotional entirely: we don't start off with singing and I don't preach for an hour, yet it still somehow manages to remain fun. This year, my wife got the ball rolling, spending the better half of a day preparing three turkeys (and I don't mean me and the kids) for the almost 70 students that came to have dinner with us Tuesday night. It's our campus tradition: The students bring the desserts, the side dishes and the zeal; while Danni and I cook the Bird. Okay, I didn't actually cook anything this year, but I did baste the Turkeys when my wife asked me to.

So why do we love this tradition so much? Well, we all get to exercise our turkey muscles two days early. That means we don't go into Thanksgiving with out a warm up. The students must love it, because this year was the biggest it's ever been. We apologize to any mothers who had students that seemed disinterested in the Thanksgiving meal, yes it was all our fault.

Truthfully, we love the holidays, the students that are in our ministry and those coming around for the first time. We have so much to be grateful for and so much to share. I guess I get to exercise my muscles of giving thanks and loving the people God has put in my life and that's why I truly love this time of year. Tuesday, I looked around our packed living room and saw a whole lotta college students joing hands in sincere prayer, grateful for what God had given them. That made me happy. I then looked at the table and was astonished at what the students brought: ham, pies, mashed potatoes, greens, gravy oh my. Jolynne was holding my daughter while Mike Kim had his hand on my son's shoulder. My lovely wife didn't even see me peeking at here during the prayer. I surveyed the room and thought, I am truly one very blessed man. Happy Thanksgiving and let's bring in the Christmas Season.


actual photo of real food brought by students

Miss Keyser's Big Day

Here's a little 7 min. video to go with Megan's post below...

Inspiring Westside Teen

Madeleine Keyser began studying the bible a year ago. When we first started talking about studying the bible we were sitting in a cute UDistrict tea shop. Even sharing a sugar cookie can turn spiritual with a woman as deep as Madeleine.

She is currently a sophomore at Nathan Hale High School. She serves in ASB leadership, is a radio DJ at her school's radio station (c89.5), is a stand out big sister, and a constant fixture in the teen ministry. Most first attempts to describe Madeleine start out something like, "she's just so cool..."

It is so inspiring to know a teen of such strong character so young in her life. Her pledge of a clear conscience towards God will serve her so well in this life. I also am confident that her decision will help so many of her hearers, it already has had such an impact on her friends. While Madeleine was studying the bible her friend from school began coming to church with her. Her friend liked it so much that she began bringing her 2 sisters and her mother. Her mother liked it so much that she began studying the bible and got baptized last summer. Madeleine's friend is also studying the bible, and has been so inspired by the changes she's seen in Madeleine and their relationship.

Madeleine was baptized on the sunny Saturday morning, November 15, 2008. Her experience while studying was certainly a time of change in her life, but the moment she came up out of the water she knew this was the start of a journey that will last for the rest of her life.

By Jay Kelly

Every time I walk through our church courtyard I am reminded of a very special group of people who recently spent the day serving our church and our community.

This group of young men, Troop 72, and their willing and wise parents spent an entire Saturday scraping, sanding, caulking, priming, painting and eating slice after slice of pizza. It was a sunny, warm October Saturday, the 18th. Sullivan Brown, our local Eagle Scout, had orchestrated the entire day. His idea was to serve the community by helping to restore a historic building in his neighborhood.

Sullivan had called me months before to discuss possible projects that he and his troop could handle. He was interested in projects that would make a difference in our restoration efforts.

On our assigned day we were there at 8AM and everyone worked hard all day. God had granted us warmth and sun, which was key for primer and paint to adhere and dry. The original eighty-year-old leaded glass windows were set in wood frames that were in serious need of attention. Much paint was peeling, some wood was rotting. The boys and their parents followed the direction of their resident contractor-dad, Doug Shay and did an amazing job. Doug installed our new lights with the help of Jim Gore

I’ll always appreciate another reminder that there are people all over Seattle that are willing to work together to build community, preserve history and sacrifice for the good of others. Thank you Sullivan and your fellow Boy Scouts. We cherish the memory of your service and our beautifully restored windows.

My BU Roommate is a Disciple and a Hero

by Jay Kelly

I always knew Sokoun was a special brother. I loved our discipling relationship. I led the bible talk group and was supposed to be his leader, but it seemed that I learned more from him than he learned from me. His heart was always very passionately connected to the lostness of those around us. He shared his faith more than me; he prayed longer than me. He was one of those people that are hard to lead because they are always running ahead of you in the areas that matter most. Sokoun was a groomsman in my wedding 20 years ago. I'm proud to be his friend and brother for the last 20+ years. I'm still praying to be more like him.



Check out his inspirational story on TIME and CNN

Hello from Kiev, Ukraine's International Leadership Conference

by Jay Kelly

Click here to see video blog on YouTube

The City's Mission Town Leader Men's Retreat

By Jay Kelly

The churches of the United Kingdom

On our recent anniversary trip, Lynne and I were privileged to not only visit the Kiev church, but also the Birmingham, England church led by Andy and Tammy Fleming.  We spent four days with them, including a two-day retreat with all the leaders (most of them lay leaders) of the United Kingdom churches (and those of Scotland and Ireland as well!).  Here's a clip of the retreat (some of you will recognize Malcolm and Penny Cox, Mike deSouza, and the Flemings), with a little "shout out" to Seattle:

The leaders of those churches have struggled and overcome in their quest for a more mature kind of unity between the churches (not unlike what we've forged here in the Northwest family of churches).  It was a GREAT honor to add our experiences to theirs on how to build respectful yet humble unity, and how to build the local works with "costly stones."

Lynne and I both feel that in the days to come, we will be building more ties with these churches--stay tuned!

Kiev Part III--hello from Estonia

BE SURE TO skip down and read/view all three Kiev installments.  Here's the last part of our Kiev time--a shout out from the leader of the Tallin, Estonia church.  We had a two day retreat with all the Kiev, Ukraine, and Central Euro leaders.  Who is that beautiful emcee on the intro?

love from Scott and Lynne

Sunday in Kiev (part II of three)

Tech difficulties are being overcome!  Here's Sunday in Kiev, featuring a Seattle Cossack preaching...

The Miracle of Kiev

Read on:  video to follow!

Last week, Lynne and I were privileged to serve for and be witnesses of an amazing work of God in Kiev, Ukraine.  Many of you will recall the miracle of Moscow in 1991--the LA mission team that began in Red Square with fear, trembling, and prayer, and went on to discover that God had prepared a remarkable remnant of seekers perhaps unique in our generation.  Hundreds were baptized into Christ that first year, and soon mission teams proliferated all over the former Soviet Union.  One of those plantings grew fastest of all--the Kiev church led by Shawn and Lena Wooten (Lena being one of the first Moscow converts).  If I'm remembering Shawn's recounting correctly, 28 were baptized the very first week!  Later that year, they experienced a Sunday on which over 200 were baptized (that took about four hours).

Since that time, the Kiev church has become a church of over 1000 disciples with nine other Ukrainian churches planted.  The Wootens spent many years away from Kiev, working in Moscow and spearheading the work of HOPE worldwide for Russia and Eastern Europe.  About a year ago, they were asked by the Boston church to serve as missionaries for Ukraine and Central Europe.  They now reside again in Kiev, and had invited us to teach the church and Ukrainian/European leaders over a week's time--Scott preached NINE times and ran out of words!

Over a thousand years ago, Vladimir I decided that Kiev should be a Christian city and literally forced every resident at sword-point to be baptized.  Today, the Wootens and their spiritual family are praying for the same--not by force (!) but by conviction.  Have a look at these video witnesses...

Here's a hello from Shawn and Lena:

More videos of Kiev to come, but I'm having technical difficulties at a Cornwall internet cafe!!

Love,

Scott (and for Lynne)

A shout out to the Seattle women from KIEV!!

Bellingham Church Has First Service

This past weekend, Danielle and I got the chance to take our family up to Bellingham for the inaugural service. The experience was nothing short of amazing. God has performed miracle after miracle in Bellingham in order to make Sunday's Service a success for the 40 people in attendance and I was thrilled to be a part of it.

Saturday afternoon: The weekend started with a drive that was significantly shorter than we anticipated. After having traveled to Portland three times in the three previous weeks, I felt like we were there before we realized. The scenery was breathtaking, especially the last 15 miles between Burlington and Bellingham. We rolled down the windows and enjoyed a sunny, crisp fall afternoon drive.

Saturday evening: Landon and Gina hosted us for a tasty Italian dinner (props to Gina). We sampled a homemade sauce and got the chance to meet Mark Geising, a disciple from San Diego, whose family moved up here a few years ago. We had a wonderful dinner talking about Bellingham life and learning more about the different members of the mission team and talking about the answered prayers that coincide with the Bellingham Church planting. Justus and Jael watched Fifel while we all fellowshipped.

Saturday late night: The Vanderyachts joined us as we put the kids down to catch up and talk about the mission team. It was great to hear about the things God had already done before the team arrived. We talked about the ministry, joked with one another and had an amazing time. About midnight, my eyelids were too heavy and we had to call it a night. Landon brought out a housewarming gift from one of his neighbors, we drank some of it and stayed up a bit longer. It was good. :)

Sunday morning: There is something cool about being in a new city preparing for Church. I drove around Bellingham and found a coffee shop where I sipped a latte while enjoying the view of the Sound by the Bellweather Hotel. It was a great QT spot. Danni and I shared a latte later that morning as we went over our communion and prayed.


Sunday Service: Service went smoother than we could have imagined. We met in the gateway center, about a half mile from WWU. The building was new and the facility was cozy. When I walked in, it reminded me of when we used to meet in the Hyatt. I met two of Landon's neighbors that showed up for service and worked my way through the fellowship that included disciples visiting from Seattle, Eastside and even a couple on vacation.

Scott Wellington led the congregational songs, while Bernadette Anderson, who drove up from Seattle, kept the audience in key. After a welcome/communion by me and Danielle, Landon preached a short but powerful message entitled: What type of Church do we want to become? He spoke about being a Church that's involved and being a Church that's purposeful. Looking around the room, I thought about what the room would look like in a couple of years and smiled at the idea of having a Church of 50 in Bellingham really soon.

Post Service: There was a old school burger drive in right outside of Church. That's another benefit of being in such a prime location, you can walk to lunch afterwards. The family ate burgers and fries and shared a blackberry milkshake. We got to see the Rawson family one last time before we left and said our final goodbyes for this trip. We got on the freeway and I let out a sigh of relief, knowing that Bellingham was in great hands and feeling certain that God had set up this time and this place for the Bellingham Church to begin.

If you or someone you know is interested in visiting the Church, call Landon or Gina 253 350 6367.

Musings on Turning 70 - by Ron Brumley

Turning seventy is a shock to my system. Nothing in my mind allows me to think of myself as much older than 25. What lessons has age taught me? I can think of three offhand.
1. Gravitate toward God.
I don’t know how many days lie ahead, but for every day past, I’m grateful for God’s clear presence in my life. The best days have always been when I’ve drawn near to God, found direction in His word, stayed mindful of His presence, depended on His power and remained grateful for His blessing.
2. Cherish Children.
Children keep me young. Their innocence, exuberance, humility, trusting natures, endless curiosity, and eagerness to laugh and play inspire and delight me. I want to stay childlike until my last breath!
3. Value those who share your values
The quality of the friends you choose will largely determine the quality of your life. I am so grateful for the Christians who are my companions. There’s great comfort and pleasure in being around people who are aiming for the fruits of the Spirit in their hearts and an impact for good in their lives. Plus, they give great birthday presents—like Starbucks gift cards representing the decades of my life—THANKS!!! (can’t wait til 80).

Paige Kelly Gets Baptized!

By Jay Kelly

CLICK HERE to see this and other videos on YouTube

St. Peter's in Rome

Some building thoughts:

But seriously folks, some irony of pagan Rome...

Greens at Roman Coliseum

My first colossal try at video...

Bellingham Mission Team Send Off

By Jay Kelly

Just a short video blog of the Bellingham Mission Team being sent off last weekend...



Click here to see it and other videos on YouTube

“We Hiked up Koko Head!!!”

You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned." The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear."
But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12: 18-24)

In a vacation that my wife (Naomi) and I took to Oahu, Hawaii, at the end of June, we and her brother (Bryan) hiked up Koko Head Mountain on the Eastside of the island. If you are unfamiliar with this mountain, Koko Head is a mountain summit in Honolulu County that climbs up to 151 feet (46.02 meters) above sea level (http://www.mountainzone.com/mountains/detail.asp?fid=7772456). To say that the hike was difficult would be an understatement. I thought I was going to die. As you hike up the mountain, only walking on discontinued railroad spikes, one starts to really ask themself: “What in the world am I doing?” However when you reach the top, you see one the most beautiful views one could ever see. We (myself and my wife, her brother, Bryan, could do this hike in his sleep) were sore for days and we both agreed we would never do it again but at least we could say that we did it one time in our lives.
Despite how trying of a hike it was, it did remind of my life as a disciple. As we climb or live from each day to the next, there will be times of doubt, questions, and challenges; but for those who persevere, there is a great reward waiting for us (Revelation 21: 7). Let’s all hang in there till the end no matter how high the “mountains” in life become.

Some Thank Yous...

Lynne, thank you for how much forgiveness you've given me, for enduring the headaches I've caused you of late;
Ariel, thank you for being resilient, patient, and esp. for the hugs;
Stephen, thank you for your determination to be a man ruled by conviction, not whim, even though whim is tempting; thank you for "going for it"
Ron, thank you for all your comfort--you are like Barnabas;
Jay, thank you for the craziness;
Mark, thank you for coming here;
Daren, thank you for staying here;
Alex, thank you for your humility;
Darin, thank you for your pure love for God, which "Shines"
NW leaders, thank you for your trust;
Greg, thank you for being my friend;
Bruce, thank you for the laughter;
Wedgewood BT, thank you for the insight!
God, thank you for the beautiful people you've put in my life...

I see you

We had a tremendous Bible Talk last night at the Keysers' house--sitting room only! We had a rather open-ended discussion about Vacation, the Journey, and Heaven; yes, it was a challenging thing to pull together.

One insight from last night worth repeating for the day out of Heb 4:12ff--in the context of not wanting the Hebrew Christians to miss their chance at the ultimate Sabbath Rest (heaven), the writer dwells on the power of God's Word and how all is laid bare before God to whom we each must give account.

What's the link? I think this: God sees us as we really are: "I see you, Scott." His Word goes deep and exposes the Truth about us to....ourselves as we read it.

When we read God's Word, then, we see what He sees about us. And that helps us "make every effort" to enter the promised land.

"I see you, Scott. Do you see what I see?"

We're back from Vancouver

By Jay Kelly

Serving Temporal Ends

I've now finished about half of my academic curriculum at SPU in Marriage & Family Therapy. I have, however, about two years to go including all the impending practicum and internship hours. This augmenting of my ministry calling and career has been an inspiring, though sometimes tiring, experience.

One overarching insight about being a "therapist": it will be the first thing I have ever done professionally that primarily serves a temporal interest--a value in "this life" rather than for "eternal life." Everything else I've ever done in the ministry--evangelism, teaching, counseling, training, discipling--has pointed more towards eternal things: how and in what condition we get to heaven.

And so this endeavor has helped me see the world through the lens of most of our members--doing the kind of work (accounting, engineering, computing, teaching, whatever) that does not directly connect to the life that is to come, but rather serves the temporal times in which God has placed us for now. It's different. But it's normal.

Perhaps then, indirectly, we labor for our own stewardship, which has eternal value for our character, and potentially eternal value for those we serve and work with.

Shalom,

Scott

Back from Dan Rice's Funeral

by Jay Kelly

Wanted to share a little about our time in St. Louis at Dan Rice's funeral...

Click here to see the short video blog on YouTube.

A Dear Friend Crosses the Finish Line

By Jay Kelly

A treasured disciple crossed his finish line today and I lost a dear friend for now. Dan Rice died unexpectedly this morning though he seemed to be in great health. He and his wife, Heide, and Carol and I became fast friends when we were all single interns for the Denver Church twenty years ago in 1988. We’ve been close ever since. We later served together in the Los Angeles Church. Dan and Heide lead the Las Vegas church and have spent the last several years serving in the full-time ministry in the Church in St. Louis.


Pictures of us 10 and 20 years ago...


I rejoice that he has been so faithful in his love relationship with God. I mourn deeply for Heide and their two children, Alex and Taylor. Our kids are the same ages. I can’t imagine. Dan had just finished running two back-to-back teen camps and was leaving today to build homes for the poor in Mexico with Casas de Christo.

So many lives have been touched by Dan; mine is one of them. Dan and Heide served as guest speakers for the Seattle Church Singles retreat in Port Ludlow several years back and inspired our Singles Ministry greatly. He has always been an insightful teacher and preacher. He’s also been a famously mischievous teaser and talker. He loved to push the boundaries of appropriateness and indulge in hilarious self-depreciating humor. We are kindred spirits in those and many other ways.

I will miss Dan until we are together again in a place where there are no more tears.

Click to see the Disciples Today announcement.

Shering Reeves Gets Baptized!

By Jay Kelly



Believe me when I tell you you've never seen a baptism quite like this one. It was so encouraging to see these three fly through the air on their way to the waters of salvation. The hot tub was just to warm up after the inspiring Lake Washington baptism.


Click here to see the video on YouTube

Who is My Father?

The past weekend was a time for depth. Saturday night, Ron and Linda hosted our first annual Father-Daughter dance at the Queen Anne building. Fun, beautiful, kinetic (I guess this applies to both the dance and to my daughter Ariel!) and of course, "deep," (the Brumleys had armed each table with a series of cards with questions for the Dads like, "when's the last time you cried?") the evening was just enchanted enough to be believed.

Sunday morning church services featured a thank you to all the Dads out there--you, know, we appreciate it even more than we think! The UW ministry ran the whole church service--graduation Sunday--and it was a brief reminder of how much we love and need the next generation of zealous disciples.

Some close friends of ours lost a Dad on Father's Day--we are grieving with them.

On Monday, the staff sat at the feet of Steve Staten, an elder, evangelist, and teacher from the Chicago church. Steve taught on the subject, "Who is my brother?" helping us navigate the confusion endemic to denominational Christianity as we seek to share our faith with patients that need the healing rather than with doctors who don't. Stay tuned.

The question can be confusing: who is my brother exactly? A better question, that keeps the first one in humble perspective, is, "Who is my Father?" The closer we are to Him, the better we know Him, the longer we walk with Him, the clearer it all gets...

Go in the strength you have…

I have been waiting months for this day: June 8, 2008. It marks the last meeting for those interested in the Bellingham House Church planting to make a commitment. Landon and I have been dreaming about moving to Bellingham for a while now and it was refreshing to see those who are eager to share in this dream.

Our numbers were small but we are not ones who shrink back. Eight people have confirmed their pledges to be apart of the house church and it will be enough. The family that will be relocating up to Bellingham is one of love, laughter and sacrifice. As long as we have a bible talk, we have faith the Bellingham House Church will be a success and designed exactly the way God intended.

Our official send off will be August 10, 2008 at the Northwest Christian Conference. We will then start relocating to Bellingham and our first service will be September 14, 2008. In the meantime, we will be meeting for midweek at the Queen Anne Building. This time will be used to build relationships with one another and to receive training from the ministry staff.

We are so excited to see all the amazing miracles God will do in Bellingham. We are still asking for your prayers. And since Bellingham is such a beautiful city, you should come visit us!

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have an save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14

True Companions

"The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true."

- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

From left to right: Marcus Wallace, Matt Rollins, Emanuel Eguia, myself. Pier 66.

I turned 24 this last Wednesday. I was completely encouraged by the love showered on me by so many disciples. The fellowship felt so true. It felt so refreshing, so life giving. It also felt so... out of character. I had to break off the stiffening rust of bad habits, open back up and resurrect lost practices. I have to admit, I've been a little stale in the fellowship these days, too guarded really. How has your fellowship been, how's your surrounding company doing? Beyond church. How is it on a daily basis? That's what's been missing for me and probably why this week felt like a drink of cold water. It brought me back to days where my fellowship plate was full.

• I worked Monday, kind of a personal organization day.
• Got sick Tuesday. Dave White bought me chicken noodle soup and a huge Gatorade. I was knocked out for most of the day, but really appreciated the gifts. I also chatted with Emanuel Eguia for a good half hour. He spent all weekend much sicker than I was. We chatted about life's challenges and things we'd been learning from our quiet times. I'm grateful that these talks have been common for us this past year. Eman has become a best friend in a year's time.
• Wednesday was the the tops (or so I thought). My girlfriend dropped off cookies, candy and a handmade banner outside my house at some early morning hour... I was still asleep, so the surprise remained in tact. Throughout the day I got so many encouraging phone calls and Facebook messages wishing me a Happy Birthday. The best came from Aaron Helmers giving me a heart-stirring rendition of 'Happy Birthday' via voicemail. What a voice!
  
• After work, got a quick coffee time w/ Todd Schoeplin before men's midweek. Todd is a hero in the faith to me. I deeply admire his love for God and his spiritual mindset towards life. We discussed our fellowship woes and confessed that neither of us felt that sharp in the fellowship lately (hmmm, might this be a theme?).
• Men's midweek - inspiring. Thanks Jay. Really looking forward to a summer of 'Passionate Spirituality' and this time with the bros.
  
• Afterwards Brandon Renfrow and I celebrated the day w/ Beer and Pizza (yes, that event deserves capitalization. Brandon always appreciates a good public 'shout-out.' There ya go bro). Sometimes the simplest times are the best. Do you have people you can simply be with? End of day, went to bed.

And then there was Thursday (the actual top)...

• Miyoko (my girlfriend, who I could write a whole blog about... but you wouldn't want to read) planned a birthday dinner for me at Anthony's on Pier 66 with a group of some of my closest friends. The table was filled with laughter and many memories. What a gift, to be "surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses." God was not to be left out, and gave us a sunset over Elliot Bay complete with a glowing rainbow touching down on Qwest Field. After a crippling dinner we made our way to the pier for some pictures in the gale force winds of June 5th(seriously... June 5th?). This night will stick with me for a long time.

From left to right: Emanuel Eguia, myself, Miyoko Kim, Marcus and Naomi Wallace, Matt Rollins and Jen Harvey.



This was a special week. For me the family was all it's meant to be. What about next week though. Does it have to be any different? Why? Shouldn't the fellowship always be this fulfilling? I know I'd sure like it to be! I also know it's time to get rid of weak (or week) fellowship and get back to the true, life giving fellowship Jesus intended for us. May we all seek to give and to have this kind of company in our own lives!

"The blogs are long while the Company is true."

"We have it so good"

“And everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting.” Exodus 35:21

I am pleased to announce that at yesterday’s worship service, our church (The South Sound Church of Christ) collected two thousand dollars ($2,000) to help assist Patrice Abijibly (member of the Seattle Church of Christ) and his family fund a benevolent trip they will be making this summer to the Ivory Coast in West Africa. The Abijibly’s will be working with HOPE worldwide to provide food, clothing, and other monetary needs for those who are less fortunate in the country.

As a part of the service, Patrice shared and showed a video that explained the extreme level of poverty in homeland. In this heart-moving film, we saw the poor in a way that many of us had not them seen them before. We saw families who lived in one room shacks and even heard the stories of several children who could not even attend local schools because they had no money. In addition, we also listened to other children and adults discuss the challenges they faced each day because they or families members of theirs were infected with the HIV virus.

The great part of the video was that it also showed the impact that HOPE worldwide is making on the community. Through a host of different projects and programs, HOPE has been extremely influential in meeting the physical and emotional needs of the poor. One example in particular was the creation of a support group by that brought orphans together to talk about their lives and how to deal with the pain of the past in a positive way.

After the film ended, Patrice both encouraged and challenged us that as Americans and as disciples, we need to reach out and sacrifice for others because we can. Thankfully our church gave more than any of us could have expected. This was probably the most encouraging part of the two thousand dollars ($2,000) that we collected. On a normal HOPE benevolent Sunday, we usually average somewhere between four and seven hundred dollars ($400-$700). The two thousand dollars ($2,000) we gave was truly an “offering” not just to Patrice and HOPE, but “one to the Lord.”

In response to such giving, I am reminded of the amazing churches that we all a part of (South Sound Church of Christ & the Seattle Church of Christ). I want to share this story so that we focus more on the positive things going on around us instead of the negative. Too many times we talk about what needs to change (more studies, better discipling, stronger families, etc.) instead of remembering the blessings that God is doing all around us. There will always be things that we need to change in church but let’s not forget to smile at the great things that happen when our hearts our moved to sacrifice for him. The truth is, despite our all of our sin (from the past and present and future), we are in “a great and giving church” because we have “a great and giving God.” Let’s remember this as we live our lives as Disciples of Christ.



Marcus Wallace
South Sound Church of Christ Intern
June 2nd, 2008

Our Weekend Trip to the Vancouver Church

Last weekend, Darin and I had the privilege of spending an entire weekend with Brian and Sara Felushko and the Vancouver Church. Brian and Sara were gracious hosts and great examples of service – they served tirelessly all weekend. Friday night was time to unwind and then meet Brian and Sara for a great dinner and time of fellowship.

On Saturday, we had an all day devotional and workshop, 9am to 4pm, with the Worship team. Darin preached an inspiring lesson entitled, “The Heart of Worship.” We had a great time of Q and A afterwards, followed by lunch and Part II of the workshop. The worship team in Vancouver is full of servants, eager to use their talents for God.

On Sunday morning, we met with the entire Vancouver Church, Darin preached a great lesson and then we enjoyed a time of rich fellowship with the disciples following the service. We even saw some Seattle disciples who were in town visiting for the weekend. We ended the weekend over lunch, discussing the weekend, with the Felushkos, Andy (who leads the Worship Team in Vancouver) and his wife, Cathy.

We feel even more bonded to the church in Vancouver. Our hearts were truly refreshed after our weekend in Canada.

Fun and Fellowship in Pt. Townsend

Last weekend the Bible Talk Leaders from the South Sound held a Leaders retreat in sunny Pt. Townsend. In keeping with our congregational theme "Shine," the weather was amazing, the lessons were inspiring, and the fellowship was invigorating.

We started our weekend with lesson entitled "Shine on the Lost." We talked of the need to rethink and recommit ourselves to the evangelism of our individual mission fields. We followed it with a great talk about renewing our evangelistic efforts. After a lunch break, Marcus Wallace, Greg Miller and Walt Channell taught a lesson entitled "Shine on the Fellowship." The topic was the ever-present need to recommit ourselves to humility, openness and transparency. We ended the first day with a group feast at a local Chinese restaurant, where the food was plenty, the fellowship was energizing, and our waiter was out of control. Once he got to telling jokes, there was unfortunately no reeling him in!

We ended our weekend together by worshipping as a group on Sunday morning. The lesson was entitled "Shine on ME," where I spoke of a foundational principle of all spiritual leaders: being committed to personal transformation and renewal. Following more fellowship and lunch, we all headed home, filled up by an inspiring weekend in a wonderful little town with a close group of friends...counting the days until next year!

Daren Overstreet

Take a Break

By Scott Green

If you’re feeling stressed, you may need this warning I got this from the internet:

“There is a dangerous virus being passed around electronically, orally, and by hand. This virus is called Weary-Overload-Recreational-Killer (WORK). If you receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss, or anyone else via any means DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your private life completely.

If you should come into contact with WORK, put your jacket on and take two good friends to the nearest grocery store. Purchase the antidote known as Work-Isolating-Neutralizer-Extract (WINE) or Bothersome-Employer-Elimination-Rebooter (BEER). Take the antidote until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system.

You should forward this to five friends. If you do not have 5 friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling your life.”

(OK, this is not a literal recommendation, but everyone, ease off the gas: “each day has enough trouble of its own” right?)

Hugs,

Scott

Jake Smith is Baptized on the Eastside! by Ron Brumley

Tuesday evening, just after our men's midweek session, fifty or so of us gathered at Enatai beach on Lake Washington and shared in the baptism of Jake Smith, our next door neighbor. When we moved into our new condo unit, Jake was immediately open to our friendship and we quickly "adopted" him as our son. Our own kids, all of whom have met Jake over the course of the last three years, refer to him as their "brother from another mother".

It has been a thrill to help Jake come to know God, to make Jesus the Lord of his life and to talk him through many doubts, fears, and misunderstandings. Several of the guys were involved in his actual Bible studies and have become some of his closest friends. Jake is an amazing young man. As many shared on Tuesday evening, he is a man of integrity, energy, enthusiasm, love for people and a great friend to many. And now, can be added, a man who loves God, Jesus and his word!

I am confident that God has wonderful plans in store for Jake, "plans to prosper him and not to harm him, plans to give him hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

God Makes It Grow! by At Ford

A few weeks ago, we had an exciting event happen in our lives. We started the neigbourhood Bible Talk that Darin and I had dreamed of for a while. When we moved to the North Sector two years ago, we prayed for God to move us into a neighbourhood where our neighbours would become disciples. Darin quickly became know as the “mayor of the neighbourhood” - being the first person to meet and greet every new move-in.

A few months after we moved into our home, Darin suggested that we have neighbourhood potlucks every other month. Amazingly, our neigbours wanted to have potlucks every month – one of them even suggested every week! After a year of monthly potlucks - a different neighbour hosted each time - Darin and I were even more eager to see how God was going to use our potlucks. A few months ago, during one of our dinners, one of our neighbours asked Darin if he would start a neighbourhood bible study. Darin declined!! Of course not – we were excited but we did not want to get our hopes up too much in case this was just being said for the moment. The next morning, she emailed Darin and said she was very serious and had been talking to other neighbours who wanted to join as well. We had our first neigbourhood bible study last month and will be having our second one next week.

I am reminded of the scripture in I Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” It is incredible when we do our part and watch God make it grow.

Random pictures of my kids - I had to include them!

We're in the News!

By Jay Kelly

"Church Restoration Continues" is the headline this week in the Queen Anne News. The article is by Russ Zabel who wrote about us when we first purchased the building.

"The congregation and leaders of the Seattle Church of Christ have big restoration plans for the former Christian Scientist church they moved into last year. They've also launched an effort to hold a live and silent auction at the end of May to raised money for the work."
Read Entire Article

The Saddest Thing...

(Read Ron's San Diego update below, then come back to this post)

I don’t follow horse racing but because I’m addicted to both trivia and rareness, I usually watch the 3 minutes of the Kentucky Derby each year, wondering if a horse might win the elusive “Triple Crown,” something that hasn’t happened since 1978 (back when I was in high school, Jimmy Carter was President, and the telegraph was invented). Today “Big Brown” won the derby (as predicted); finishing second was a fly filly named Eight Belles.

A few seconds after the race was over, Eight Belles collapsed on the track. Right at that moment, I had to answer the front door and left the TV. When I returned I learned that Eight Belles had broken both her front ankles and had to be euthanized right then and there on the track. I got a little teary for a horse I didn’t know and an industry I don’t care about, remarking out loud, “that’s the saddest thing I can think of…”

Why is that? Why should it even affect me? I’m thinking back to John 11 when Jesus learns that Lazarus has died and sees the torment of his sisters. The Bible says that Jesus was deeply moved and wept. Of course, Jesus knew he was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, so why did he cry?

It must be because death has a sting, even for God (1 Corinthians 15:55-56). Death is always tragic, always painful, even when we see resurrection on the other side. It’s painful to God, and when we’re in touch (even with horses we do not know), it’s painful to see. I suppose the innocence of animals is a large part of today's pain as well.

On tomorrow’s Lord’s Day, as we commune together remembering Jesus’ death and sacrifice, may we be deeply moved at the tomb that is now empty. May we feel the sting of death enough to appreciate salvation from its jaws.

Just back from San Diego...

Dispatch From Ron Brumley:

Linda and I had the good fortune to travel to San Diego last weekend, to visit with our daughter, Gretchen, and her family. Besides all the wonderful grandkid stuff, a highlight for us was the opportunity to worship with the Pomerado Region of the San Diego Church of Christ. In 1965 Linda and I, along with our first two babies, Greg and Meredith, began to worship with what was then called the Poway Church of Christ. Now, 43 years later there are four regions of the church that is spread out over the San Diego metropolitan area.

We were very encouraged to see how our old church family remains to be faithful and obedient to God and how it has grown over the years. As in most other places throughout our brotherhood, the San Diego church has patiently implemented changes that better meet the needs of its members. We are also encouraged to realize the close relationship they feel with the Seattle church.

There is a special joy in my heart, feeling as I do, as a "father" to the church there. As John said in 2 John 4, "It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us".

The San Diego Church of Christ is a great example to all of us , through many trials over the years, of love, faith, service and perseverance. Thank you, San Diego Church of Christ!

About God & Feminists

(Don’t let me bore you, but try to read to the end). I’m taking a feminist course right now in my masters’ MFT program (yes it’s required). My professor is terrific, mixing in humor, information, discussion, and I appreciate how much she encourages our freely expressing views that dissent with both patriarchal and classically feminist orthodoxies. It’s a riot and epiphany every Monday night.

The largest issue looming in the class right now—in both the books and articles we’re reading and in class discussion—is the role of “sociology.” The trend towards blaming this component for how we are seems simplistic and question-begging to me. Do we blame Homer Simpson, or Archie Bunker, on just their “socialization”? I think this over-credits nurture. After all, isn’t “socialization” just US? WE contribute to the traditions we wind up calling socialization. This really matters because postmodern academics see gender purely as a social construct. Besides reproductive anatomy, they tend to equate the sexes, blaming “socialization” for any other differences.

Genesis offers some clarity. When God casts Adam and Eve out of the garden, he warns them of curses they will face. To Adam, He says, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life…by the sweat of your brow you will eat your food…” To Eve, He says, “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Remember, these were consequences, if not curses (“because you have done this…”).

Men, then, seem addicted to work. Women, then, seem addicted to “a relationship” (or their husband). And we all know addiction isn’t the goal. These Genesis 3:16 characteristics are as true today as they’ve ever been, and if all of this is just “socialization” then I’m Gloria Steinem. There is a “nature,” a temperament at work here, not just society.

Keep in mind that these are curses, not strengths. It’s not a strength for women to be “all about relationships”—it’s insecurity. It’s not a strength for men to be “all about career and success”—it’s insecurity. BOTH sexes need the healing that comes from Jesus, and with it, the grace to transcend these consequences, while still affirming the different strengths God respectively gave men and women. Men AND women are each incomplete on their own—and that’s by beautiful design. If you don’t understand that, go see a UW volleyball match.

One Year of Blogging

If you hadn't noticed, April marks one year of the Minister's Blog here on our church website. By no coincidence, April 2007 was also our most frequently blogged month with 30 total posts; that's one for every day of the month, and over double the combined total of 2008 so far! Why the drop off? Perhaps we realized how much time it can take to put together a well crafted blog, or to follow a post by Scott Green. Also, there are now far more articles than ever before, and therefore less blogs. (By the way, what actually distinguishes an 'article' from a 'blog'? Some of my blogs have felt more like articles...)

So, with only eight days left this month, we've got some catching up to do. In a potentially meaningless blog that will increase the monthly total to six, here are my Top Events For April 2008:

- Saw The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, @ KeyArena with Darius Hadjian (Somewhat breaking the rules because the actual concert date was March 29th). This guy still rocks! My ears were sore for seriously three days.
- Met Ed Viesturs @ the Seattle REI. Ed is the first American to climb the world's 14 highest mountains (all over 8,000m) w/o supplemental oxygen. He's somewhat of an icon to me because I admire his accomplishments; his vision and the determination to see it through. You may remember him from the IMAX movie Everest.

- Had our first ever "Downtown Bible Talk Hot Pot Night." A few new visitors came out and the food and fellowship was excellent!
- Inspiring to me as an outsider now is the University of Washington Campus Ministry. The UWMin has baptized five students this month: 4 girls and 1 guy. Three of these girls were baptized in one week. With a Northwest Campus Retreat this weekend, prayerfully there will be more ready to hit the water. What a miracle to watch!
- I spent three days serving my first jury duty summons for the United States Federal Court in Seattle. I found it enjoyable and informative and would recommend serving if your name is called.
- Our mission on Seattle U and the downtown campuses has been challenging. The guy's in our BT have been committed to morning prayer at Madison park, as well as having real and honest talks about our evangelistic efforts. Last week we had a lesson from Psalm 126 about crying out for the lost of Seattle University and sowing with tears in downtown Seattle. We followed with prayer, and a great time of repentance.

- Personally, the greatest moment of the month came in having my 'kid' brother return home from a six month tour in Iraq with the United States Marine Corp. Eric is 2 1/2 years younger than me, an inch shorter, but outweighs me by about 25lbs. (let's just say it's not fat). Eric and I have always been close, and now he is one of my best friends. It is a great relief to have him back on U.S. soil. One of my lifelong dreams is for him to be baptized as a true disciple. Interestingly, a third of the original 12 disciples were brothers: James and John, Peter and Andrew. I think of these guys and try to imagine standing with my brother as disciples. I'm still hoping and praying for this dream to come true!

That's my list. One thing that has always amazed me about being a disciple is the sheer volume of exciting things that happen in such a short period of time. It helps me to go back over my months and years as a Christian and to see the many experiences and opportunities that God puts into my life on a daily basis. It also helps me, particularly in hard times, to remember the victories and good that God has brought to my life. Many of these things I did not even remember happening until I began writing and took a moment to reflect. We would do well not to forget God's involvement in our lives. So, what does your list look like?

Church Members on TV, Northwest Afternoon

by Jay Kelly

On Friday, 4/18, several of our church members met at the television studios of Northwest Afternoon just south of the Space Needle to participate in the taping of their show and have an opportunity to advertise our upcoming auction. Tracey Warren, our auction chair, organized this fun event. We clapped and cheered on queue to three different quests including Phil Donahue. We taped our little commercial, got some free gifts and had fun seeing how TVLand works.


See Video on YouTube
See Video on Google Video

Visit to Vancouver

~Brian & Sarah, Celia, and Xing & Jane, at our favorite Chinese restaurant (sorry Seattle)

~VCC Song Leaders doing their thing!

~Evangelist Brian Felushko starts our prayer...

"Visit to Vancouver": [First, make sure you read Ryan's great post from April 16th]

What an amazing 24 hours, eh? Lynne and I had the distinct pleasure last weekend of serving and worshipping with the wonderful Vancouver church of Christ (check out their cool website on www.vancouverchurchofchrist.org). We drove up Saturday afternoon and actually arrived, (no thanks to the annual Skagit Tulipfest--yawn) That night we met with Brian and Sarah Felushko, who lead the congregation, and their ministry leadership group, talking for hours about ministry building and strategy—we were all worn out but edified.
Sunday we enjoyed a terrific time with the church—their use of media and their song service inspired us and made it easier for me to preach on “War and Peace.” Afterwards, we had lunch together in my favorite North American Chinese restaurant with the elder candidates Brian and Sarah are training. It was a privilege to be in the pulpit there in Vancouver; we can’t wait to have Brian and Sarah, and some of their lay leadership down to Seattle to return the favor!!!