Weekly news letter

1. Weekly News from WCUMC-8/11/2013
Sharing the transforming love of Jesus, across the street and around the world.
Parables of Jesus Series
"The Prodigal Son”
Luke 15:11-32
This week, Gaila Palo shared a message on "The Parable of the Prodigal
Son". We all know this story of an impetuous younger son who asks for
his inheritance and then wastes it, only to recognize the error of his
ways and returns home asking only to be a hired hand. His father not
only welcomes him back, he celebrates his return. His older brother
reacts angrily that his father has never celebrated his devotion so why
celebrate the return of a son that deserted his family and wasted his
inheritance. The father's reaction and reply are the heart of the story
"we had to celebrate because this brother of yours was dead and is
alive. He was lost and is found".
In the dictionary, the word "prodigal" can mean extravagant or lavish,
but it can also mean unexpected. And many parts of this parable contain
prodigal actions and reactions.

2. There is the prodigal (extravagant) request for early inheritance,
which would not only benefit the younger son, but also place additional
hardships on other members of the family and staff that relied on the
land for their food and shelter. Jesus knew this story would touch a
nerve with an audience that could relate to the need to rely on the land
for survival.
There is the prodigal (extravagant) irresponsibility of the younger
son, who wasted his wealth through extravagant living and was forced to
work at a pig farm. This is another dramatic touch that only heightened
his audience's disdain for the son who has become the lowest of the low.
The surprise is the prodigal (extravagant and unexpected) mercy and
grace shown by the father who not only accepted his son but celebrated
his return. It is important to note that the father was "moved with
compassion" while he was still a long way off, and "ran to him, hugged
him and kissed him".
The extravagant grace of the father is the primary message in this
parable, but his reaction and rationale to the older son is also
important to remember. The father tells his older son that "you are
always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate
and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive".
Gaila's understanding and presentation of this parable also underscores
an important point about balancing grace with justice. We are often
confused when justice does not seem to be equal, but it is not our place
to ensure justice. God expects us to offer grace and forgiveness,
because that is what he does for us. More than we know. More than
we deserve.
Next week's parable:
August 18th - Gary Carlson - The Pharisee & Tax Collector
Remember that while Pastor Rick is on sabbatical, pastoral duties are
being covered by qualified staff members on a rotating basis. Please call
the church office at (425)483-5252 if you need pastoral assistance.
THIS WEEK AT WCUMC

3. Sunday - 8/11
Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room
Monday - 8/12
Talk Time, 6:00 PM, Crossfire Room
Tuesday - 8/13
Sewing Group (Beading Class, Part 2), 6:30 PM, Memorial Room
MST Meeting, 7:00 PM, Memorial Room
Wednesday - 8/14
Prison Ministry meets in Church parking lot at 5:40 PM
Thursday - 8/15
Friday - 8/16
Saturday - 8/17
Sunday - 8/18
The Open Door Class "How Christianity Changed the World". 9:00
AM, Room 11
Nursery Care is available in the Children’s Wing during worship
10:30 AM Worship Service
Tweeners Class for 5th-8th graders, 11:00 AM, Memorial Room
Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room

4. A Letter from Daniel Foster,
Puget Sound District Superintendent
Last Sunday, our Staff-Parish Relations Chairperson, Deni Johnson,
announced that our much-loved Children's Pastor, Rev. Lindsey Eklund,
has been appointed to serve as pastor at Monroe United Methodist
Church. We were asked to share the letter below:
Pastor Lindsey became a welcome addition to our staff in January of
2008. She married Scott Eklund in May of 2009, and both of them have
been a blessing to our church body. We will have a time to honor and
express our love and appreciation for them during our August 25 worship
service.
DeAnna Ankrum, a member of our congregation, has been hired as our

5. interim children's pastor. We pray for God's continued blessing on our
children's ministry and on the Eklunds as they take on a new charge.
Children's Ministry Day Camps
MEGA SPORTS CAMP
August 19-23 (Grades preK4 - 6)

6. Plan to join us after the service on Sept. 8 to
kick off the fall church season.
Sunday, September 8 - Cook-out and Ice Cream Social
Make this Sunday a good time to "reconnect" with friends and ministry
leaders. We will grill hot dogs and sausages in the area adjacent to The
Gathering Place and have an ice cream bar for the young and the "young-
at-heart".
Monday, September 9 - Men of Integrity
All men are invited to join our Bible Study and discussion group on
Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Memorial Room.
Tuesday, September 10 - Women's Bible Fellowship
Meets Tuesday mornings, 9:20 - 11:45 AM. Topic: Philippians, a study
by Kay Smith. Sign up in the church foyer. Childcare available on
request. Book cost: $8.00.
Wed., September 11 - Wednesday Women's Bible Study
Meets Wednesday mornings, 10 - 11:30 AM. Study: "Forever Touched:
Significant Women in Jesus' Life". Sign up in the church foyer. Childcare
available on request. Book cost: $7.00.
The Woodinville Storehouse Food Bank
serves our community by serving
practical needs, building relationships,
and joining people in prayer. A weekly
donation shopping list of needed items
in always shown in our church bulletin
and in this newsletter.
OUR STOCKS CONTINUE TO
BE VERY LOW.

7. PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING TO THE FOOD BANK TODAY!
This Week's Needs:
Spaghetti Sauce
Mac and Cheese
Peanut Butter
Rice
Hamburger Helper
Thank you for your continued support.
www.woodinvillestorehouse.org
Partner Fundraiser
On Friday, August 16 & Saturday, August 17, there will be a "Rally Round
4 Ultra Sound" at Fort Steilacom Park in Lakewood. This event will
benefit 4US.org, a partner of CareNet, which funds ultrasound machines
for pregnancy centers. Six different events will take place over two
days: a 5K run, concert, motorcycle ride, cycling, half-marathon, and
the Sound & Light Conference. The event is designed for the whole
family. Check out the information table in the foyer for more info.
Do you like to sing?

8. The Choir wants you.
The choir will hold its firs fall practice on Wednesday, September 11, from
7:15 - 8:30 PM.
Would you consider making an impact in the life of a student?
We are looking for help with the youth ministry to pour the love of Jesus

9. Christ into the lives of students aged 10-16. The latest Barna Study
indicates that nearly half (43%) of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ
as their Savior do so before the age of 13. Almost two out of three (64%)
of born-again Christians made that commitment to Christ before their
18th birthday.
You can help in many ways:
Chaperon retreats
Mentor student leaders
Lead weekly Crossfire events - play games, eat together, share
the Gospel
Pray for our students
Teach "tweeners' Sunday School once a month
Contact Youth Director Kim Knudsvig for more info. 206-794-6871, or
crossfirelife@gmail.com.
Financial Snapshot
General Fund
Income, week ending 8/4/13 $ 13,739
Income, weekly average, year-to-date $ 9,967
Expenses, weekly average, year-to-date $ 10,041
Weekly average budgeted expenses $ 10,413
Faith Promise Monthly Support
Total Faith Promise Pledges $ 90,342
Faith Promise beginning balance $ 21,016
Received to date $ 58,093
Disbursed to date $ 74,125

10. Prayer Chain Requests
Prayer Chain requests call Barbara Clark 425-483-3885. After 6:00 PM call
Mary Harvey at 425-827-2883 or call the church at 425-483-5252 during
office hours.
We hope to see you in church this Sunday and God Bless.
Have a great week!
This newsletter is published by Woodinville Community United Methodist Church for our
members, friends and all who love Jesus. Our vision is "To Share the Transforming Love of
Jesus Christ Across the Street and Around the World". If you are looking for a church home
with loving, devoted followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we invite you to attend our Sunday
Worship Service at 10:30 each Sunday. We are located at 17110 140th Ave NE, Woodinville,
WA 98072. Learn more at www.wcumc.org.