Agnus Dei Lutheran Church Gather in grace

Grow in faith Go in service

July 2017

From Our Pastors I’ve got a so spot in my heart for big, fancy, somewhat silly words. Recently, I came across this gem:

I had three reac ons:

1. It sure is fun to say! 2. Is it a ‘real’ word? Turns out that currently this word is defined as ‘slang’ and you won’t find it in any

official dic onary. 3. This sure sounds a lot like the Chris an life. We are always travelling, we have not reached our final

des na on. And we do so purposefully, but we have been given a purpose by God. We are created for care of the world, for love of neighbor, for abundant life! Where we end up a er this earthly life is, indeed, vague. The bible is abundantly unclear about what happens a er we die. While we know we will be with God, what exactly the a erlife looks like is a mystery. So we trust God to know, we trust that it will be good. And so for now, we coddiwomple along!

Summer seems an especially good me to coddiwomple, and so as we journey together, let us go with purpose, knowing our final des na on is in the hands of a God whose love never ends. Peace, Pastor Stephanie

agnusdeilutheran.org www.facebook.com/ADLCGigHarbor/

Please let Pastor Seth and/or Pastor Stephanie know if you are in need of pastoral care. If you would like to be contacted by one of our pastors please call the office at 253-851-6222 or email them at pastorstephanie@agnusdeilutheran.org or pastorseth@agnusdeilutheran.org. In an emergency, you can reach Pastor Seth @ 253-448-3481 or Pastor Stephanie @ 253-234-7752.

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Thank You! A huge thank you to everyone who heard the call and responded by coming to the church for another yard work party on Saturday morning, June 10. Weeds were pulled and 10 yards of fresh bark were spread in the gardens at the front of the church. What an improvement! Next up, another 10 yards to be spread around the far side of the church. Watch for an announcement of the date and me of the next gathering soon. Thank you to Julie Bell, Lynne Zema s and Ann Rousseau for organizing and to Harlan Damron for coordina ng the bark delivery.

Sunday, July 23, 2017 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Chamber Music by J S Bach & Georg Telemann Mary Beth Harrison, violin; Doug He nger, cello

Shari Shull, harpsichord & organ

Go for Baroque

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Reconciling Works, Lutherans for Full Par cipa on “Why are we singling out LGBTQ people?”

The Reconciling Works Program is for Lutheran congrega ons who desire to publically welcome all people regardless of their sexual orienta on or gender iden ty. Our congrega on is in the process to determine if we shall become a recognized Reconciled in Christ congrega on. Last month our message focused on the ques on of why there is a need to inten onally

make a public statement welcoming LGBTQ people. This month we address the idea of singling out only LGBTQ in our welcoming statement. While we understand that the generic “All Are Welcome” invita on has historically been perceived by the LGBTQ community as an invita on that reads “All Are Welcome Except Me” we might wonder how other individuals who have also experienced exclusion perceive our invita on. Is the invita on truly open to everyone? People of diverse economic backgrounds, ages, ethnici es, faith experiences, etc.? The answer is, “Yes!” Our welcome statement will be cra ed to include an invita on to all people regardless of their differences. It is up to us how we wish to frame our welcome. The only requirement by RIC is that our statement specifically includes “people of all sexual orienta ons and gender iden es or that lists lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, people explicitly”. Welcome statements are as different and unique as the communi es who create them. Some are as short as one sentence, others are a page long. Ours will be somewhere between that! Here is a rela vely short example created by Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, our neighbors in Maple Valley:

“We believe that God loves all people equally and that there is a place for you at God’s table. You are welcome here at SVLC regardless of age, race, sexual orienta on , gender iden ty, religious background, life experience, complexi es, or ques ons.”

Doesn’t that cut right to the heart of the ma er? More examples of welcome statements can be found at reconcilingworks.org We look forward to the fall when we will have three forums dedicated to the RIC process a er which we will cra a welcome statement of our own for the congrega on to consider. If adopted, our welcome statement will demonstrate we are living out the gospel mandate that we love all our neighbors and that we value diversity here. If this commitment to be welcoming is made, it will be up to us to determine how we fulfill our promise. As always, the RIC taskforce welcomes your thoughts, concerns and ques ons. Lets keep those conversa ons going! Next month’s topic, “Reconciled In Christ as an Evangelism Tool” Cindy Beals for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)

It’s almost here!

JULY 17-21 9am to Noon Vacation Bible School 2017

Register online at www.agnusdeilutheran.org or in the church office. Registration deadline July 10

At Hero Central kids will enjoy being Heroes as the par cipate in interac ve ac vi es, make new friends, play games, sing songs and find their strength in God! This year the VBS outreach project is collec ng PB & J Kits for families who have been vic mized by domes c violence at the Crystal Judson Family Jus ce Center. Something as simple as a peanut bu er and jelly sandwich can be a familiar comfort to a hungry child in crisis. Dona ons of jars of peanut bu er and jelly along with cash or grocery store gi cards for bread will be collected through the week of VBS. Our congrega on is encouraged to bring in peanut bu er and jelly too! Collec on ends on July 21.

Many volunteers are needed to provide this fun ministry to the children of our community. From crew leaders to storytellers to game and craft helpers and more! If you can help in any way, please speak to Pastor Seth.

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Sharing our Gi s Stewardship Update Thank you to all, good and faithful stewards.

2017 Designated Giving Report Through June 25 Building Fund $1050 FISH $2530 World Hunger $9000 Food Backpacks 4 Kids $2873 Organ purchase $1635

Building Fund, 2017 Operating Reserve, and Above & Beyond combined June 25 Balance: $93,847.97

2017 General Fund Giving Report Through June 25 General Fund: Goal Actual % of Goal June $36,750 $29,090.66 79% Year to Date $220,500 $200,369 91%

June A endance

June 4 163 June 11 155 June 18 137 June 25 159

Thank you to Paul Miller, Dick Ohme, Don Krump, Lyle Miller, Ellis Rousseau and George Mitchell for keeping our lawn neatly groomed. We con nue to need volunteers for weekly lawn mowing. We have mowers and trimmers here, just call the office if you need access to them outside of office hours. Look for the signup sheet in the narthex.

Help Needed @ Sunday School. It’s new, it’s different, it’s not what you think!!! Our Sunday School ‘teachers’ need li le

me to prepare because of the style of Sunday School here at Agnus Dei. Parents and children come together, and hands-on ac vi es are provided for you. Lessons are two Sundays in a row. Would you be willing to teach a lesson or two next year? Contact Margaret Duncan or Pastor Stephanie!

July 30 – Narrated Liturgy – Ever wondering why we pray that par cular prayer? Why we sing certain pieces of music? What the word liturgy even means? At both services on July 30th, we will explore our worship service. Instead of a ‘regular’ sermon, we will use that me to share about the beauty that is liturgical

worship. Have a par cular ques on you would like answered? Submit them to Pastor Stephanie!

Narrated

July 30

VBS Outreach Project 2017: Peanut Bu er and Jelly Kits Each year there is an outreach project as part of our VBS curriculum. This year our VBS a endees will be encouraged to bring jars of peanut bu er and jelly to make up kits for

families vic mized by domes c violence. For more informa on see VBS at the top of page 3.

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Summer Choir

Sunday, July 16 – Rehearsal at 10:30 AM in the Music Room. All are welcome to join our summer pick-up choir. All are welcome to: Sing to the Lord a New Song!

Southwest Synod Assembly Report By Randy Spitzer

The 2017 Southwest Synod of Washington Assembly was held at Pacific Lutheran University on Friday June 16 and Saturday June 17. The theme was: “Deep Roots, New Life”

This was the first synod assembly I had ever a ended, so I went into the experience wondering what to expect. I had heard the stories of past assemblies where conten ous social statements were hotly debated or where a struggle over leadership of the conference some mes occurred. At this assembly, no such conten ous debate or struggle for leadership occurred. Rather, the business of the synod was conducted in a collegial and business-like manner as we moved through various reports, listened intently to several short informa onal videos about various programs. We worshiped together, listened to key-note addresses, adopted a budget for the next biennium and elected representa ves to synod’s governing body. And, I was delighted to reconnect with old friends and to make new acquaintances. In this brief report, I thought I would share some of my observa ons and ques ons.

My Observa ons and Ques ons:

I was pleased to see that as Lutherans, we con nue to hold social jus ce as a very high value. To that end, we passed two resolu ons, one on Women and Jus ce, and one on Refugees and Immigrants. Are we willing to step up as individuals to support our resolu ons?

I was pleased to see that, a er a period of struggle post-recession, our synod and our congrega ons are back on a solid track financially. Our synod budget, like our own congrega on’s, is growing and funds coming in have exceeded the budget which has allowed us to do even more vital ministry. How can we maintain this posi ve momentum?

I was surprised to hear that we are experiencing a significant clergy shortage. In this synod alone, by the year 2019 nine-ten congrega ons who want to call a pastor and have the funds to do so will be unable to find anyone to fill their open posi on. The biggest barrier, it seems, is the significant debt seminarians now incur as they pursue their studies. Decades ago, the cost of seminary was largely subsidized by the na onal church. No longer. To help address this problem, our synod has launched a major campaign, “Deep Roots, New Life” principally to raise $3 million: 50% for suppor ng theological educa on, 40% to strengthen and expand mission support, and 10% to support local congrega onal ministry. Our own Lyle Miller is the chair of the leadership team working on this project. There are already several congrega ons that have made financial commitments to this project. Will Agnus Dei Lutheran Church will soon make a commitment as well?

I was surprised to see the number of “second career” candidates coming into the ministry. At the assembly, we welcomed many new clergy and deacons who were in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Many of these candidates come into the ministry from other denomina ons or through on-line or remote campus programs. Can we do even more to encourage “second career” pastors?

I was surprised to see how much more diverse the Lutheran church is becoming as we are plan ng new congrega ons right here in our synod that worship in other languages, or are located on na ve American reserva ons and in our prisons. The Lutheran churches fastest growth is now in other parts of the world like Asia. How can we stop the decline in membership in the Lutheran church here in America and begin to grow again?

I was surprised to see that women appear to represent a high percentage of new pastoral candidates. It led me to wonder, are men now less likely to consider ministry in the Lutheran Church? If so, why; and what can we do to be sure that our clergy going forward includes a healthy mix of women and men?

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the delega on represen ng Agnus Dei Lutheran Church at the assembly.

Respec ully, Randy Spitzer

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Barbara Ausich Steve and Dianna

Carlson Bob Finlayson Richard Hermstad Dick La mer

We lift in prayer... Hal and Myra Snider Sherry Stava Jack S er Joanna Stuen

Rose VanderKlomp Dick Werner Jim Wilson

Serving Our Country: Jason Barelli, U.S.

Navy Staton West, U.S.

Army

Li le Lambs Preschool News Our Li le Lambs finished their school year with a picnic for all families here on our playground June 5th. What a fun way to celebrate the growth and learning that has happened this year! It was a fond farewell to some of our friends who will be star ng Kindergarten in September. Registra on for the fall is well underway with wait lists for some of our classes. We have expanded to include a second threes class and we are considering an addi onal a ernoon class

for Pre Kindergarten. If you know someone looking for a quality preschool program please let them know about Li le Lambs. We are hiring addi onal staff in the form of an Assistant Teacher for morning classes Monday through Thursday. The job descrip on can be found in the church office and on the Li le Lambs Face Book page www.facebook.com/li lelambspreschoolgh/. Resumes are due by July 6 and the start date is August 30.

Friday, August 4, open house begins at 5:00 PM. Water and lemonade, hot dog buns, condiments and s’mores supplies will be provided. Please bring your hot dogs/brats/sausages of choice for grilling or roasting over the fire, a dish to pass, and lawn chairs.

THANKS FROM FOOD BACKPACKS 4 KIDS!! The FB4K volunteers hear ly thank Agnus Dei for your commitment and generous par cipa on in this program which helps to alleviate hunger for local school children. Here’s evidence of your strong support: $4363 donated for food purchasing, 6124 lbs, of food purchased and distributed, 564 volunteer hours, 37 weeks of weekend food for up to 51 students at Peninsula High School, Harbor Ridge Middle School and Purdy Elementary. Thank you on behalf of the students, too!

Paul Gross and Kimberly Morgan as they mourn the death of Paul’s mother.

Sunday, August 27, 2017 at Noon Plan to stay after worship for an all church potluck picnic. Bring your lawn chairs and a dish to pass. Outdoor games will be organized by the Faith Formation Team

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July Human Concerns Report Right Now… We are Partnering with Peninsula Lutheran This month we will be suppor ng a rummage sale at Peninsula Lutheran to benefit Lutheran pastoral care and other Prison Ministries at WCCW and Belfair. You may remember that for many years this sale was held at the Grange in Aug. Now it’s being

sponsored by and held at Peninsula Lutheran on Friday July 21 from 8-4 and on Saturday July 22 from 8-3. The most helpful way to contribute is to take items to Peninsula Lutheran, beginning on July 18th. But if that won’t work for you, you can bring small items to Agnus Dei on Sunday, July 3rd or Sunday, July 10th. Items can include about anything except electronics. If you have furniture, it should be taken directly to Peninsula Lutheran on or a er July 18th

Star ng July 17th… We are Partnering with VBS kids and the Crystal Judson Family Jus ce Center VBS kids have been asked to make peanut bu er and jelly sandwich kits for families who are in crisis. And everybody is asked to join in the collec on. Please bring the PB, jelly and money to buy bread during the week of July 16th to 24th.Bread will be purchased with donated money just before the kits are given out. Small and medium sized jars of homogenized PB are best. Any flavor of jelly is ok, but kids like grape and strawberry. Look for the GIANT PB JAR and GIANT JELLY JAR in the narthex. Cash dona ons through envelopes should note: PB&J COLLECTION. Deadline: July 21. FYI The Crystal Judson Family Jus ce Center is a living memorial to a woman who was slain in Gig Harbor in 2003 by her husband, the Tacoma police chief. Her family started the Center, which is located in downtown Tacoma, and is a place of refuge for families in crisis. Coming in August…..We are Partnering with Lutheran World Relief and local school kids It wouldn’t be August if we didn’t collect school supplies. Collec on will actually start the last two weeks in July. Some of the supplies will be for local needs and some will be for LWR school kits. Items needed include:

regular (non gel) pens, #2 pencils. Crayons/ 24 or 16, 30cen meter/12 inch rulers, pencil sharpeners, blunt scissors, 70 page spiral notebooks and “pink” erasers.

Thank you for your generosity. Ronnie Kulman For the Human Concerns Commi ee-Phyllis, Linda Z, Linda R, Donna H, and Rose

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July Coordinator–Linda Ribary Team: Damron, Henne, Lubash, Brueckner, Buster, Bell, Werner

Serve in Worship Schedule Coordinators: Altar Guild: Dianna Carlson; Altar Flowers: Dianna Carlson; As-sis ng Ministers: Shari Shull; Communion Servers and Greeters: Ghita Lorenz; Lectors: Marilyn Colyar; Offering Counters: Linda Ribary ; Ushers: Ghita Lorenz

Serving in Worship July 2017

More families are needed to fill out the Hospitality Schedule through the end of the year. Please take a moment to check out the chart in the hall by the nametags and sign up on one of the months to help provide coffee hour hospitality.

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Agnus Dei Lutheran Church Calendar July 2017

Two Services (8:30 and 11:00 AM)

One Fellowship Time at 9:45 Each Sunday

*denotes group not affiliated with ADLC

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Repea ng Event Details Weekly Events Wednesdays, 9:20 am--Back Packs 4 Kids (on hiatus un l school resumes) Volunteers gather in the com-munity room to fill backpacks with weekend food for students in need. Contact Phyllis Brandt Wednesdays, 10:30 am Lec onary Study with our pastors in the Youth Room. Wednesdays, 1:30-3:00--Prayer Shawl Ministry meets in the ADLC Youth Room. All kni ers and cro-chet enthusiasts are welcome! Contact Gwen Daugs Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal (on hiatus un l September Contact Shari Shull Thursdays, 10:00 AM Church Staff Mee ng Fridays, 10:30 am--Augsburg Bible Study in the com-munity room. Study is tled, “God Loves Us” includ-ing passages from Psalms, Joel, Jonah, Romans, Ephe-sians, and 1 John. Contact Rose VanderKlomp Sundays, Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 AM, followed by fellowship in the Parish Hall Sundays, Educa on Hour for all ages at 9:45 AM Adult Forum meets in the Parish Hall, Confirma on meets in the Youth Room, Cross Genera onal Sunday School meets in the Sanctuary

Monthly Events: First Saturday, 8:30 am--Men’s Square at the Sunset Grille, Breakfast & Bible Study. Contact Steve Carlson First Saturday, 8:30 am--Women’s Circle at the Sun-set Grille, Breakfast and Bible study. Kayaking or walking for those who wish. Contact Sonja Miller Third Tuesday, Gather Bible Study in the community room. Social me begins at 1:00 pm followed by the study found in the Gather Magazine. For more infor-ma on contact either Marge Olmsted or Barb Deák Third Thursday, 12:00 Dining for Women (on hiatus un l September) The Gig Harbor Chapter of DFW meets monthly for a program and lunch benefi ng global projects that empower women and girls. All women welcome! Third Thursday, Theology on Tap, 5:30 PM (on hiatus un l Sept.) Discussion group meets at the Market-place Grille. Contact Lyle Miller Third Friday, 7:00 pm--Agnus Dei Book Group in the community room. Contact Neal VanDerVoorn Fourth Tuesday and Second Monday 1:00 Quil ng for Lutheran World Relief meet in the Community Room to e quilts. Previous experience not required!

July Celebrations: BIRTHDAYS 2 Katie Schinkel, Sawyer Latimer, Holly

Robinson Hogeberg 3 Laura Latimer, Leah Frazier 4 Adam Farley 5 Harry Hoiland 6 Laura Baxter 7 Dane Beals 10 Kathleen Kulman, Eunice Werner 12 Angela Brueckner, Sherri Ferrell 13 Dick Baerg, Carol Dana 14 Jason Barelli, Tom Bradford 15 Howard Larsen

16 Joy McCraw, Autumn Clark 17 Joannah Powers 18 Doug Page, Bob Nussbaum, Elaine Erickson 20 Lance Colyar 22 Allan Bucholz 23 Isabelle Beaudette 25 Lyle Miller 26 Duane Erickson 27 Kari Oliver 28 Jane Wagner 29 Anne Sapp 30 Kristin Kulman, Dick Ohme 31 Mary Beth Harrison, Nels Peterson, Trudy Wagner ANNIVERSARIES 3 Sharon Ebelt and George Unruh 7 Dick and Judy Latimer 10 Richard and Marilyn Hermstad 13 Harlan and Pat Damron 18 Doug and Kristin Page 21 Howard and Karen Larsen 24 Wayne and Kathy Stark 25 Brett and Stacy Bigger 27 Ed and Laura Baxter 29 Steve and Dianna Carlson 31 Jack and Maryfran Oakes 31 Scott and Margaret Duncan

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The monthly newsletter of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church 10511 Peacock Hill Ave NW

Gig Harbor, WA 98332 Submit newsletter items, subscription requests and address changes to Editor/Administrative Assistant: Cindy Beals 253-851-6222 office@agnusdeilutheran.org Church Staff Pastor: Rev. Stephanie McCarthy 253-851-6222, pastorstephanie@agnusdeilutheran.org Pastor: Rev. Seth Novak 253-851-6222, pastorseth@agnusdeilutheran.org Minister of Music, Shari Shull, Deacon 253-851-6222, sharishull@comcast.net Church Musician: Susan Luebeck Administrative Assistant, Cindy Beals 253-851-6222, office@agnusdeilutheran.org Congregational President, John Stava Treasurer, Julie Bell Financial Secretary, Holly Lewis Asst. Fin.Secretary, Rose VanderKlomp Zoe Holmes, Faith Community Nurse Gwen Daugs, Faith Community Nurse

Council Jim Adair, Bob Beals, Lynette Brentin, Donna Hogeberg, Denise Iversen, Bob Nussbaum, Ann Rousseau, John Stava, Randy Spitzer, Linda Zehnder

Little Lambs Preschool Director/Teacher Shannon Moore Email:lambs@agnusdeilutheran.org Board President Debbie Snowden Financial Secretary Kimberly Morgan Secretary Ardith Johnson, Dave Marquardt, Kristin Page, Nels Peterson