A LO O K I N S I D E T H E H E A RT A N D L I F E O F M I PC |

THE WINDOW

FriEndsHip rEgisTErs p.13 ▸

THankFul For JiEun p.18 ▸

pEsHasTin Trip p.17 ▸

Music To THE soul p.19 ▸

MirinEssE cHoir p.19 ▸

Task Force update p.10

Cash Flow p.6

Backstory: rita-lou p.7

a look aT Mipc’s rooTs p.5 ▸

issF Vs gloBal poVErTy p.16 ▸

sHaring THE Joy p.12 ▸

apr 5 – May 23

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Successful Transitionsheri Edwards dalton | co-senior pastor p.3 ▸

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The Window Newsletter is published six times a year by Mercer Island Presbyterian Church.

3605 84th Ave SE Island Crest Way

Mercer Island, WA 98040(206) 232-5595

www.MIPC.org

SUNDAy WORSHIP TIMES8:15am | 10:35am | 5:00pm

MIPC PASTORS

SHERI EDWARDS DALTON co-senior pastor

DALE SEWALL co-senior pastor

LINDSAy HARRIS associate pastor for students & their Families

PAUL BARRETT associate pastor for adult discipleship and outreach

RITA-LOU CLARKE parish associate

WINDOW DEADLINESDeadline Covers dates

aug 17 aug 30 - nov 28nov 16 nov 29 - dec 19dec 7 dec 20 - Feb 14Feb 1 Feb 15 - apr 4

Mar 22 apr 5 - Jun 20

E-mail Articles to TuckerF@MIPC.org

The Window is edited by Tucker FitzGerald,

Dale Sewall, & Kari McFarland.

This issue printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

Doing this each year will save:

6.7 trees, 19.33 lbs of water-borne waste, 2,800 gallons of wastewater, 315.3 lbs of solid waste, and 619.4 lbs of greenhouse gases.

sEMi-annual CONgREgATIONAL MEETINg MAy 31

Session has called its Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting for the purpose of hearing an update from our Finance Committee, electing a new MIPC Foundation member and a new Deacon, and to re-approve our Pastors’ Terms of Call. This re-approval is necessary to correct some mistakes that were discovered on the

original Terms of Call which were approved at the Annual Meeting in March. This meeting will take place on Pentecost Sunday, May 31 after the 10:35 Worship Service in the sanctuary. All active members of the MIPC congrega-tion are eligible to vote in this meeting and everyone is invited to attend.

ONE SERVICE ONLy JULy 5 & SEPT 6

July 5 | One Service 10am in the Sanctuary

All Church Family Picnic at 11:00am

Please join us on the Sunday, July 5 for a “4th of July” Cel-ebration followed by an all church family picnic at 11:00am.

Weather permitting, the event will be outdoors. If not, we’ll be in the Fellowship Hall. Either way, we’re picnicking together! Games, treats, music, balloons, friends, for persons of all ages. Hot dogs and des-

sert will be available for $1 a serving. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and set-up camp for a afternoon of fun and laughter. There will be a level and shaded tent area for older members of our congregation.

Please bring a homemade picnic sidedish to share with 12 others! Dishes can be stored in the main kitchen refrigerators before worship starting at 9:30am. And wear as much red, white and blue as your festive heart desires. And maybe, just maybe the Statue of Liberty Balloon Lady will make another special appearance like she did at our last 4th of July picnic a few years ago!

sponsored by adult community life, Worship, Hospitality & Music Ministries for the entire Mipc Family!

DEPARTMENTS

ark (cHildrEns) ....................11

rock (sTudEnTs)................... 14

Missions ...........................15-17

Music ................................18-19

adulT cHrisTian Ed ......... 20-21

adulT coMMuniTy liFE ....22-23

unsung HEros . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6VolunTEEr ViBEs . . . . . . . . . . . 9sEaTTlE aids Walk . . . . . . . . . .10icE crEaM social . . . . . . . . . .10TEaM randy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12parTnEring againsT doMEsTic ViolEncE . . . . . . . . .15urBan iMpacT . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Mipc concErT sEriEs . . . . . . . .18ruMMagE salE updaTE . . . . . 23

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I heard some commentator the other day say that “the advantage of these difficult times is that we all have the opportunity to make big changes in our lives.” Of course that is always true, whether we are in the best of times, or the worst of times. But there’s no doubt that the “worst of times” is often the stronger motivator.

We are living in times of great transition. All around us we see businesses collaps-ing, governments changing and reforming, technology creating new modes of com-munication. In our congregation there are many people experiencing transition: those who have rejoiced in the birth of a child or grandchild, those who have recently experienced the death of a loved one, or the news of an illness, the loss of a job or the beginning of a new one.

I came across an article the other day that dared to suggest that as people of faith, we actually might try to enjoy the transitions life brings our way. It was called “Enjoying Successful Transition”. I hope it will offer you hope and promise, especially if you are entering the summer in a time of transition.

TRANSITION IS:

T - aking risks (Psalm 18:28-30) To suc-cessfully deal with transition in your life, you must consciously become comfort-able with being in a state of flux...of going with the flow...of growing and stretching. Change is good and transition is a neces-sary part of life, so embrace it without the fear of the unknown, believing that God will perfect that which concerns you!

R - eaching forward (Philippians 3:13, 14) Embrace the fact that this may the best time for you to let go of things you’ve been needing to release, so that you may move on to the next wave...to the new current in the river of your life. God only brings you out of something in order to take you into something better.

A - ccepting change (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) Dare to think differently than you’ve thought before, so that you can be dif-ferent than you have been before. You can change and you can change for the good! It is never too late for you to be-come everything that God has ordained for you to be!

N - eeding more (Isaiah 54:2, 3) Always be in the moment and enjoy what you have while you have it. Don’t ask for more than your daily bread. But if your godly

contentment has devolved into a sense of complacency, it may be time to admit that you really do need more in your life. And if that requires a shaking up of things, then so be it!

S - eeing opportunities (Romans 8:28) Meditate on what Jesus meant when He said that he who loses his life shall save it. Humble yourself before Him and offer your life as a living sacrifice. But when you perceive that you have lost some-thing, decide to see your loss as a new opportunity for growth.

I  - ncreasing vision (Proverb 29:18) Celebrate being a new creation in Christ. Seek God’s wisdom, and as you do you will see an increase in vision. The KJV says, “Where there is no vision the people perish,” but a better transla-tion of that verse is, “Where there is no prophetic revelation, the people cast off restraint.” In other words, your vision and goal will help you discipline yourself through your time of transition.

T - rying again (Proverb 24:16) Transi-tion offers you the chance to try again.

I - magining possibilities (Ephesians 3:20) You are in charge of your life but, ultimately, your future is in God’s

hands, and there may a reason why things are moving around in your world right now. If you see change as a way for God to do more than you can ask or think, you will be able to imagine God-possibilities within everything that happens around you.

O - utlasting difficulties (Matthew 7:24-27) It’s an old cliché, but it’s true: TOUGH TIMES DON’T LAST, BUT TOUGH PEOPLE DO. Successful transition involves just hanging in there, taking it a day at the time.

N - ever quitting (Ephesians 6:10-13) Remember that if you respond to it appropriately, the transition in your life will take you from glory to glory, so that ultimately you can and will be transformed into the image of Christ; so don’t ever quit, and don’t ever give up! “And all of us...are CONSTANTLY BEING TRANSFORMED into His very own image...from one degree of glory to another . . .for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit”. (2 Corinthians 3:18).

May your summer be filled with the peace and joy of Christ.

adapted from an article by Bishop Jim swilley, March 11, 2009, on streamingFaith.com  

Enjoying Successful Transition

sheri Edwards dalton | co-senior pastor

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It’s spring, and it’s impossible to look around and not be awed by the wonder of life springing up from the ground. Seeds planted decades ago send up shoots, grow, reseed, multiply, and a few plants become a garden. A cone becomes a forest.

In the spring of 1953, the seeds of Mercer Island Presbyterian Church were planted, as one hundred and fifteen people became charter members, and the church was formally or-ganized. It was Pentecost Sunday, May 24.

Jim Smith is one of those charter members who recalls the early days leading up to that momentous occasion. In 1952, he had a small cottage type real estate office, flanked by planters of geraniums, situated where the north end QFC now sits. Into that office walked a young graduate student of Princeton Theological Seminary. His name was Rev. Clarence Sinclair. He had received a letter calling him to the task of determining if there was enough interest in starting a Presbyterian church on Mercer Island. Rev. Sinclair was given the names of only two families. So, armed with a handful of business cards and a winning smile, he began knocking on doors.

The door to Jim Smith’s office proved to be an important one. Jim knew the properties of the island well. He was appointed chairman of the site committee. He set to work. A piece of land was needed which would be large enough to build not only a

Sanctuary, but an education wing. Ample space for parking would be needed, and it had to be near the focus of family life.

Besides Jim and his wife, Helen, Bob and Rhea Pollock were interested in having a church on Mercer Island. The island was a wonderful place to raise their young children. It was set apart; a wholesome environment for nurturing a child. Still,

they wanted a church family to nurture their children, to give them spiritual roots, to teach their children about God.

Were there enough families to support a new church? More doors needed to be opened.

On August 14, 1952 a small group of potential members at-tended a potluck at the home of Dan and Ruth Prosser. It was a beautiful setting for getting acquainted. Only seven people attended, but it was a start, a foot in the door.

Interest grew. On September 7, 1952 the first vespers service was held in a one room Episcopal chapel at what is now the Boys and Girls Club. It was evident that a more suitable loca-tion was needed. The church organizers wanted a place where Sunday services could be held, as well as Christian Education classes. From the beginning, founding members were focused on educating the children. What better place than a school itself? One month later, on October 5, 1952 the church held its first service in a rented classroom space at Mercer Crest School. They would meet there for three years.

Bob and Rhea Pollock recall the procedures for those services. Note was taken of the room arrangement, so that the teacher would find everything in the exact order it was left when class resumed on Monday morning. Chairs had to be brought in, bookcases moved, a piano, pulpit and makeshift communion table had to be put in place. At the end of the service, every-thing had to be put back as it was, including anything that may have been erased from the blackboard.

A Bouquet

Memories from MTHREE CHARTER MEMBERS LOOK BACK

karin Temple

rev. sinclair’s Business card

Were there enough families to support a new church? More doors needed to be opened.

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of

IPC’s Rootsbuilding of the church was unusual in that the Christian Education center and Fellowship Hall were constructed first, not added later.

Jim Smith had a vision of Mercer Island Presbyterian Church being a ‘cradle to grave’ church: a place where a young child is baptized and presented in the arms of the pastor to a nurturing con-gregation, given roots, planted in faith, maturing, bearing fruit. He thought there might even be a space for a colum-barium. We now have a Remembrance Garden. A garden indeed!

The charter members who gave of their time and talents to plant the seeds of

Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, started an abundant garden of faith. Like a garden in spring that bursts into bloom with rain and sunshine, we of this church have grown in so many ways, nurtured by the spirit of God descend-ing on our hearts. At Pentecost, it’s impossible to look around and not be awed by the wonder of God’s spirit.

The newly organized church needed a home of its own. Jim Smith began to pursue the owners of property purchased as an investment, and sur-rounding parcels. When a loan and the property were secured, and an architect hired, more financial back-ing was needed. A loyalty dinner was held. A canvassing committee was set in motion. More doors to knock on. Jim remembers calling on Mr. McCurdy at his lakefront mansion. His tugboat/yacht was tied up at the dock. Jim was graciously received, and years later, the church’s first Hammond organ was donated by Mr. McCurdy.

The Pollocks and the Smiths and the other charter members of Mercer Is-land Presbyterian Church had a vision of a church that set its main goals on educating the children of the church about God, and a mission to reach out to each other and the world.. The

Meeting at Mercer crest school

(l-r) Joseph Bird, rev. sinclair, and Jim smith break ground

for Mipc’s building

Bob & rhea pollock Jim smith

Mipc’s 3 remaining charter Members

The charter members who gave of their time and talents to plant the seeds of MIPC, started an

abundant garden of faith.

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Unsung Heros

Gwen Kuhn

The Kuhn family came to Mercer Island Presbyterian Church in June 1959, only six years after the church’s founding. Gwen’s husband, Carl Kuhn, and two children, Scott and Kristen, made up the family, but soon thereafter Karen was born.

Gwen has been passionate about singing since childhood and has given the gift of her lovely soprano voice in our choir since coming here. Gwen’s love for others came through when she became a Deacon in 1981, and, when MIPC started Stephen Ministry several years ago, Gwen felt the call to train and become a Stephen Minister. Many people have received God’s love through Gwen’s ministry, and MIPC is eter-nally grateful. In addition to these commitments, Gwen has been our Gifts and Memorials “queen” for years, keeping the necessary records and responding to the bereaved in a most meaningful way. Thank you, Gwen, for the many ways you share God’s love with your church family. You are indeed a wonderful MIPC Unsung Hero.

Help us solve the Summer Cash Flow Challenge

Jan Feb Mar apr May Jun Jul aug sep oct nov dec

- Money received

- Expenses

HISTORIC PATTERN▴$ ▾

The Mipc Finance committee

The Finance Committee has re-cent shared with the congregation our summer cash flow problem. Every summer MIPC pledge payments and other donations falls significantly be-

hind expenses. This has necessitated the use of MIPC designated funds to cover costs until giving picks up in the fall (see first graph). Using designated funds to cover summer cash flow is not a good financial practice general-ly. And it prohibits use of those funds for their designated purpose during the summer when they are needed to cover the summer income shortfall.

There is a simple solution to our sum-mer cash flow problem which does not require more money. It only requires a change in the timing of our giving.

This does not require more money. It only

requires a change in the timing of our giving.

Jan Feb Mar apr May Jun Jul aug sep oct nov dec

- Money received- Expenses

PREFERRED SOLUTION▴$ ▾

HERE‘S A SOLUTION:If you are able, make your pledge payments sooner rather than later.

•As we go into summer, make your second quarter payment by May 31 rather than June 30.

•Or make your third quar-ter payment on July 1 rather than in September.

•Or make both your second and third quarter payments as the summer begins.

• If you normally make pledge payments monthly, pay ahead 2 or 3 months if you can.

• If you pay annually, can you make your payment at mid-year rather than the end of the year, 

•Or can you pay half by mid-year?

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I was born in Riverside, CA where my father was stationed at March Field in the Army Air Corps Reserved. From four months to 4 ½ years I lived in Seattle. Then moved to Hamilton Field (San Francisco) for 2 years before settling in rural Missouri (near Kansas City) where my father was a pilot for TWA. I attended a 3 room

rural school until the beginning of 8th grade. At age 14, my parents divorced. My mother brought my two sisters and myself to that home I lived in as a small child. I attended Garfield High, an ur-ban school with students who were very rich, very poor, Jewish, Chinese, and Japanese, as well as middle class white students.

Upon graduation I spent a year at Whitworth College in Spokane, came home and graduated from the University of Washington with a BS in Home Economics Education, which I used in raising my four children.

As a child I attended an Evangelical United Brethren (later joined with the Methodists) Sunday school. I was baptized and confirmed in my mother’s Episcopal Church. In High School, I attended Young Life and then joined a friend’s Fundamentalist Baptist Church.

In 1955, I married a Canadian who was raised in the Christian and Missionary Alliance. In 1968, we became Presbyterians in Park Ridge, Illinois. I felt like I had come home.

In 1978, my husband of 23 years decided he wanted a divorce. That sent me full time to Claremont School of Theology (Methodist ecumenical school) where I had taken a couple of classes for enrichment. I soon met my

second husband, Jim Clarke, who became my partner in my pastoral career. Seven years of Seminary gave me a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry. My focus was

Pastoral Care and Counseling. My doc-toral project, “Pastoral Care of Battered Women” was published by Westminster Press (Presbyterian) in 1986.

It was a long journey from the pew to the pulpit. I was the first woman pastor in four churches – all Presbyterian - As-

sociate Pastor in Garden Grove, CA for 4 years; solo Pastor in Williamsburg (Cincinnati) Ohio for 5 years; Interim Pastor in Rutherford, NJ (across the river from NYC) for 2 years; Stated Supply for a rede-velopment church in Brookline (Boston) MA for almost 2 years. Each of those churches had a woman pastor who followed me. I was a pioneer!

In September 2000, Jim and I motored across the coun-try to retire to Covenant Shores on Mercer Island. Jim died six months later of Multiple Myeloma. In 2002, I became Parish Associate at MIPC, a role I love. I get to

be involved in the best church I have ever been related to, doing the things I do best. God has always been a part of my life through the variety of experiences. I have grown in knowledge and understanding in my journey of faith as follower of Jesus. It is not over…

I live with my beloved cat, KitKat, I now have time to be with my children and their families. Two children live in the area. I visit my other two children and two step-children twice a year in California.

The Back story: Rita-Lou Clarke | parish associate

In 2002, I became Parish Associate at MIPC, a role I love.

In 1968, we became Presbyterians in Park Ridge, Illinois. I felt like I had come home.

It was a long journey from the pew to the pulpit. I was the first woman pastor

in four churches – all Presbyterian

I attended a 3 room rural school until the beginning of 8th grade.

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DID yOU KNOW THAT... A few very talented artists decorated the

western motif cookies which were sold

at the recent Rummage Sale? They were: Ruth Hansing, Mary Lou Innes, Beverly vanHartesvelt, Annie Vu & Mary Beth Froman. Thanks, ladies for sharing your

talents.

Bill McNary served lattes at our Rummage

Sale? YUM! Thank you, Bill.

Many volunteers helped to make our

Rummage such a great

success? The Chairwomen were: Sharon Olson, Jean Carter, Carol Simons and Sally Garrett.

The hosts of angels who assisted were: Evan Taylor-Hurley, Kirk Robinson, Steve Airoldi, Alan Waite, Marian Webster, Leslie Ferrell, Ginny Amphlett, Margaret Jenkins, Mikie Helman, Bryan Olson, Rita Clinton, Carol Shafer, Jerry Sparrow, Diane Taylor, Mackenzie Smith, Gayle Seda, Susie Kern, Mary Beth Froman,

Ben Buchacher, Cathy Ramsay, Janet Stafford, Dorothy Steding, Devon Singh-Barrett, Daniel Dawson, Carl Garrett, Jeff Garrett, Dorothy Swarts, Molly van der Burch, Dirk van der Burch, Georgia Quick, Tinker Sutter, Marilyn Dierickx, Patty Young, Raegan Young, Judy Frame, Judy Leithe, Teresa Hamp, Becky Showalter, Pat Barrett, Paul Barrett, Zoila Troncoso, Jean Christy, Carol Fielding, Alan Clinton, Mark Shafer, Susan Stanley, Eric Elefson, Dave Williamson, Susan Shyne, Kirk Dawson, Frank Ceteznik, Glo Ceteznik, Seth Garrett, Natalie Garrett, Payo Troncoso, Elizabeth Cross-Nichol, James Fischl, Elizabeth Fischl, Steph Boyer, Marilyn Handeland, Lynn Faith, Donna Philips, Craig Wittenberg, Aditiya Wittenberg, Marilee Duer, Ruth Ann Biggers, Morgan Darrah, and Margie Schroeder. MIPC thanks God for each and

everyone of you.

Several Boy Scouts also assisted with clean up. They

included: Bailey, Lake, Ervin Ham,

Dalton He & Erick Hardwick; along with adults Eric Hsueh, Christine King & Dave Hardwick. Thanks for making this the quickest clean up ever!

Karin Temple recently interviewed our remaining three Charter

Members, Jim Smith and Bob & Rhea

Pollock and wrote an article about them and the early MIPC years which is in this WINDOW? Thank you, Karin, for sharing your talents with your church family in this special way.

Rosie Seeks, Carter & Steve Case, Payo & Zoila Troncoso and

Mary Beth Froman recently prepared and served dinner at Laytner House,

temporary housing for HIV/AIDS patients?

Thank you, wonderful friends, for being the hands and feet of Christ in this way.

Elaine Bolger is heading up the “feed the hungry” program at

Straley House, the teen emergency

shelter? Thank you, Elaine!

Kelly & Dean Nelson , Becky Snellenberg & Doug Fraser, Rosie Seeks, Georgia Quick, Rhinee Yeung, Dorothy Swarts, Margaret Jenkins, Elaine Bolger & Regan Wong have served Plymouth

VOLUNTEERruth ann Biggers | coordinator for outreach & lay Ministry

RUMMAGE

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on Stewart and Simons Senior Apartments faithfully? Thank

you for representing the rest of your faith

family in this beautiful way.

Many thanks go to James Fischl, Terry Anderson, Scott McBurney, Ben Templeton,

Susan Costa & Susan Williamson for

their tireless work with our TNL kids and volunteers?

AND a huge thank you to Susan Williamson,

Lisa Elefson & James Fischl for helping out EVERy week with our middle school kids in ROCK

SOLID!Adult Christian Growth & Education would like to say “thank

you” to the following persons who have volunteered their time, talents and energies in

bringing our weekly Sunday

morning adult CE offerings to life this year? Katty Clark, Traci Brandon, Carl Dodrill, Angela Miksovsky, Linda Fowler, Rita-Lou Clarke,

Boyd Stockdale, Susan Stockdale, Keenan Conder, Jim Smith, Rita Clinton, Jack vanHartesvelt & Einer Handeland. We thank God for all of you!

A huge thank you goes out to the 5:00 PM Ministry

Team members who breathe creativity, life and vision into that

Worship Service throughout the

year? The team meets every six weeks with the 5:00 PM pastoral and music staff for dinner, fellowship and a visioning time together. The team for this year has included: Sharon Olson, Bryan Olson, Evan Taylor-Hurley, John Winterscheid, Ben McConaughy, Dawn McConaughy, Mark Spranger, Kim Kasabali, Gene Robertson, John Rieke, Gwen Sherman, Ben Sherman, Nicky Templeton, Ben Templeton, Cindy Erler, Michael Melvin, Pat Barrett, Carol Wagner & Devon Singh-Barrett. We give thanks to God for each of you!

Adult Christian Growth & Education and Pastor

Paul give great thanks to God for an amaz-ing “Evening with Anne Lamott”

recently? It was a sold out event with almost 700

adults of all ages packing the MIPC

Fellowship Hall. We give thanks to the gracious pool of volunteers and staff persons who helped facilitate this event insuring a meaningful and joyous time for all. This team included Andy Gill, Jen Jenkins, Elizabeth Fischl, James Fischl, Rand Ginn, Katie Ginn, Judy Ginn, Marilyn Dierickx, Ruth Ann Biggers, Beverly vanHartesvelt, Ashley Quintana, Sharon Olson, Jon Stafford, Sally Garrett, Angela Miksovsky, Devon Singh-Barrett, Evan Taylor-Hurley, Joe Fielding, Nicola Davidson, Bekah Grim, Jackie Cramer, Eliana Maxim, Dirk van der Burch, Teresa Hamp, Joan Ernest, Ben Weyhing, Burry Pelzel, Tucker FitzGerald, Ben Buchacher, Carin Towne and Mindi Oberg. A special “shout-out” to Roger and Island Books for their generous and faithful

partnership, too!

The recent Men’s Breakfast amazing chefs and servers were

Eric Elefson, Kevin Bay, Mike Seifert, Ed

Helsel, John Winterscheid, Bob Erickson and Joe Carter? A couple of staff men really helped to make this such a wonderful event: Tucker FitzGerald and Paul Barrett. Thanks so much, men, for the wonderful food and great event!

VIBES

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seattle AIDS Walk

TEAM MIPC

Save the date for the Seattle AIDS Walk

SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

This year, the Seattle AIDS Walk will be held on Saturday, September 26 in Volun-teer Park.

Save the date to join us again on this journey as we walk together in support of those who have too often walked alone. Join us as we support Lifelong AIDS Alliance in their commitment to preventing the spread of HIV, providing practi-cal support services and advocating for those whose lives are affected by HIV and AIDS. Join us because you have compassion for those infected and affected by this disease. Help us again to show the Seattle AIDS com-munity that MIPC cares.

Task ForcE nEWsdale sewall & sheri Edwards dalton | co-senior pastors

We currently have two active Task Forces commissioned by Session. Each group is prayerfully seeking to create important ministry recommendations to present back to Session that concern the life of our church. Please pray for these people as they seek to be faithful to the Spirit, the Session, and the Congregation in their recommendations.

Welcoming Task Force

In September of 2007, the MIPC Session voted to establish a Task Force “to explore the process of becoming a fully inclusive faith community, welcoming and accepting of individuals who are gay and lesbian.” In January of 2008, they adopted a set of Guiding Principles for this Task Force, and in January of 2009 the Task Force on Welcoming Gay and Lesbian People at MIPC began meeting twice a month to listen, learn, discuss and pray. Task Force Members include: Co-Chairs: Elders Barbara Jirsa and Mark Bolger; Members: Mary Brucker, Peggy Sue Juergens, Sasha Maxim, Angela Miksovsky, Ben McCo-naughy; Staff: Dale Sewall, Sheri Edwards Dalton, Alan Waite, Lindsay Harris

Ministry and Budget Task Force

This Task Force was highlighted in the last Window. Their Session man-date is to analyze the financial and budget support for the ministries of MIPC and to make recommendations to Session concerning MIPC finances, budget, ministry, staffing, and congregational giving based on that analysis. Task Force Members include: Co-Chairs: Irene Peters and

Bob Jirsa; Members: Elaine Bolger, George Bassett, Brad Fowler, Melinda LeClercq, Jon Stafford, Kirk Dawson, Evan Taylor-Hurley; Staff: Dale

Sewall, Sheri Edwards Dalton; Finance Committee liason: Craig Fetters, Personnel Committee liason: Karen Jones.

all cHurcH ICE CREAM social

Wednesday | July 15 | 7pm Sponsored by Super 60’s

Please join us for an all church festive ice cream social on Wednesday, July 15, 6pm in the MIPC Fellowship Hall. Come build your dream ice cream sundae, enjoy live music and celebrate a summer evening with friends and family! All ages are welcome! This is a great event to invite friends and neighbors to come along and introduce them to your MIPC Family! Rain or shine – ice cream will be served! YUM! Special entertainment that will knock your socks off will be provided free of charge.

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News from the ARKEliana Maxim | director of Ministries to

children and their Families

What an amazing year of ministry we’ve had in the ARK! We had great atten-dance in our Sunday school classes, faith events and LOGOS. Our Advent Craft Alley was snowed out (what a snowy winter!) and we introduced a new family event: quarterly Family

Potluck and Movie Nights. All in all, we continue to grow and deepen our

relationships with the children and fam-ilies of MIPC and with our faith as well.

This summer we host our annual (and very popular!) Vacation Bible School. This year’s is: Camp E.D.G.E, an extreme sports themed adventure where we will delve into the Word of God and ex-ercise our faith muscles! I’m so grateful for Stephanie Hinson and Denise Thomas who have stepped up to the plate and cheerfully taken on this event. The Camp runs from July 6 -10, but our registration deadline is June 5. We are already 2/3 full, and anticipate having a full house.

We’re returning to Peshastin, Washington in July to once again partner with our friends at the local UCC church and provide help with a Habitat for Humanity project and run a vacation Bible school for local area children. This is a great mission opportunity for families with children as young as 4. For more information, check out the Mission’s page.

Our Sunday school program is a popular one, with many loving adults provid-ing leadership for eager children. For the past 5 years, Halie Dodrill has been key to this ministry. She has taught the Bible Improv workshop, leading the children in music and movement activities, and served as our accompanist for our opening music time. But more than all this, she has been a strong advocate for our children and loved them unconditionally. She has also been a caring and supportive friend to me personally. Halie feels called by God to serve the church in other areas of ministry this coming year, and so it’s a bittersweet transition for us. We’re delighted that other ministries at MIPC will benefit from this incredibly talented woman, but sad that we won’t share Sunday mornings in class with her.

I invite you to consider where God is calling you in the life and mission of the church. Won’t you please consider how you can support ministries to children and their families? I’d love to discuss with you all the possibilities!

Be sure to stay connected with what’s going on – check in often with our website: www.MIPC.org/Children

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRy

Halie dodrill

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Sharing the Joy! linda Fowler | prayer shawl Ministry coordinator

We are faithful to communicate the prayer concerns of our congregation each sunday in the printed prayer list in the bulletin. in this new column in the Window we would also like to share some of joys that have been expressed and experienced through our many caring Ministries here at Mipc…

Good News of Prayer Shawl Ministry

Our knitters have been busy. Two other churches in our Presbytery feel led to start their own ministry of knit-ting shawls for those who struggle with illness, death or loss. God heals in dif-ferent ways through these shawls, wrapping the recip-ient in comforting warmth reminding of God’s pres-

ence with them in a time of darkness.

This is a thank you note we received last year:

“Hello, I am the blessed recipient of one of your gorgeous shawls. Your daughter . . . learned about my physical challenge, and passed it on to you. Then you made me the beautiful shawl that my daughter brought to me a few weeks ago . . . in Colorado I have had several opportunities to wrap myself in it’s warmth and softness. The color is . . . like gold – did you know that gold is the color of faith and glory? So that makes it even more meaningful to me.

God has been very good to me. During this time, He has brought me into His Word in a new way and brought me closer to Him. I believe that He will heal me . . . thank you again for your contribution to my life. Grace and peace . . .”

Five months later, we received this update from the same person:

“I wanted to tell you the wonderful thing God did in my life. I feel He has delivered me from a sentence of death. I had been diagnosed with a melanoma in my left eye. Several doctors and many tests later, in August the doctor was ready to say the tumor was not a melanoma after all . . . I still am amazed and in awe of God for what He has done in my life. It has been quite a journey. I became a changed person. I pray God’s blessing on your shawl ministry and church family. Thank you again for the beautiful throw.”

Thanks be to God!

CARINg MINISTRIES

TEAM RANDy: sEaTTlE Brain

cancEr Walk 09

Saturday | May 30

Please join TEAM RANDY for our sec-ond annual walk in honor of Randy Pe-terson. We will walk in celebration of his life, and to raise awareness of the Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment at Swedish Neuroscience Institute.

We remember our dear friend Randy as a loving, warm-hearted, caring and compassionate person who often shared his time and talents with others.

Donations from “Team Randy” will go specifically to help fund a foundation that Randy’s family is establishing in his name to support this important research.

The Seattle Brain Cancer Walk will be on Saturday, May 30th at the Mercer Island High School Track. Stay tuned for the time and location our team will gather at the track.

Online registration is available now.

When you register online at www.Brain-CancerWalk.org, please indicate that you are signing up specifically for Team Randy.

If you prefer to signup at MIPC there will be a signup table following each Sunday service on May 24.

For more information contact Jim seeks at (206) 236-7273 or visit www.BraincancerWalk.org.

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Deacon Question: We all see those red notepads at sunday services, and sometimes we fill them out, sometimes we may overlook them. Why is it important for people to sign their names?

Ruth Ann Biggers: It is very important for both members and visitors, for different reasons. Starting with visitors who perhaps are attending for the first time, I en-ter whatever information they leave, phone number, email, etc. in a visitor data-base. Then by the end of that week, I will have contacted them to let them know how wonderful if was to have them in worship, as well as giving them appropriate information about MIPC.

Q: do you email, call or write a letter?

RAB: Any and all of the above. If they’ve left an email address, then that is my first choice as it is easiest for them to reply back with any questions they may have. Calling is next, for the same reason, it is personal and allows for questions if they have them. If they have just left an address, then I will send a letter or note.

Q: What if they are one-time visitors, perhaps family members who live out of the area and don’t necessarily need information on Mipc?

RAB: I will still send them a postcard, even if it is out of state or out of the country. I want everyone to feel that is was important that they were here as they visited their family or friends.

Q: What about for members? you have our information already, so is it necessary to have us sign in every week still?

RAB: It is, for a couple of reasons. The most obvious one is for track-ing attendance. If active mem-bers do not sign the friendship registers, then down the road they may mistakenly be asked if they wish to become inactive members. We would hate for that to happen if someone has been attending church. It is just impossible for us to really

know who has been here if you don’t write your name down. The other benefit is that when you pass the notepad down the breakfast table or pew, you see the names of those next to you and are hopefully more comfortable talking with them.

Q: Back to visitors, what if a person or family is new to the area and they are curious to explore what Mipc has to offer? it is probably important for them to sign the friendship registers as well?

RAB: You bet. We want to make everyone feel wel-come. My mission, our mission, is to share the love of God with everyone who enters these doors, to try to be the hands and feet of Christ to everyone who comes here.

We would love for you to ask your deacon any question that’s been on your mind about Mipc,

and we’ll do our best to find an answer!

not sure who your deacon is? contact kari McFarland, deacon administrator (kariM@

Mipc.org | (206) 232-5596x207)

CARINg MINISTRIES

DID yOU KNOW? Friendship Registers

insigHTs FroM our dEacons

Hilary Benson | Mipc deacon

as you may know, Mipc is pleased to now have all member families belonging to deacon flocks, smaller groups with between 15 – 20 families per flock. While we deacons are getting to know the families in our care, we are also learning the ins and outs of our church organization, from big picture issues to smaller, though important details.

This issue, we launch our new column “did you know?” by chatting with coordinator for outreach & lay Ministry ruth ann Biggers about the importance of the red friendship registers we are asked to sign each week.

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Chase AndereggWill BassettiSam BenderPetter BurrowsPeter ClarkConnor CreswellMaddison CrothamelJoJo FrazierConnor FreemanCaley HoldenPerry Holen

Ellen HortonAlyssa JemleyMegan JemleyBlake JohnsonJeff LindquistCaely LybeckJoe McConaughyScott MillsStephanie PedreiraChris RothDaley Seaton

Dan SimonsElena SkourasSarah StewartZac StickneyAlec StraughanBella StriblingDylan SullivanCiarra VuLauren WestElliott Wittenberg

rock Summer

Happenings

June 7 | 5pm | Senior Recognition @ MIPC

June 15-21 | Senior Road Trip | for graduating seniors

June 22-25 | 6th Grade Welcome Week | for

incoming 6th graders

July 5-11 | Splash Houseboat Trip | for incoming 9th graders

July 19-24 | Shuswap Canadian Houseboat Trip | for incoming 10th – 12th graders

August 9-15 | Camp Firwood | for incoming 7th & 8th graders

Jennifer AdamsLillian BaileyEric BauerHeather BauerSam BlissAlly BrayJP BrucknerLucas EggersGennie GebhartDaniel GilesKevin HanschenMackenzie HarringtonSimone HeardAlex HoffMarnie Hogue

Alyssa JensenChristian JohnsonKendra JohnsonMatthew KjosRose LeavensRory LubnerKara LungmusSammie MarshallKate McConaughyPhoebe MerrittChristopher MorrisEddy PageColin RamsayBrady ReganTyler Reymore

Hannah RuleMelissa SedaRebekah SkellyCasey SmalleyCaroline StephensAllison StoneyGalen ThomasMatthew VincentGabe WalkerAlexa WilcoxOlivia WitterCaitlin Wood

Becky Yoda

“He who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6

We congratulate & give thanks to god for the 2009

Confirmation Class

THE ROCK STUDENT MINISTRIES

We congratulate & give thanks to god for the

Class of 2009

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partnering Against Domestic Violence around the globe

LEADERS IN VIETNAM WOMEN’S UNION TO VISIT SEATTLE MAy 16-23

glo ceteznik | director of Missions

Northwest Family Life, under the leadership of Dr. Nancy Murphy, and in partnership with MIPC is sponsoring six

leaders from the Vietnam Women’s Union for a weeklong visit in Seattle. They will be here to learn about work in and laws about domestic violence in Washington State.

On Monday the delegation will be welcomed to Wash-ington State by Governor Christine Gregoire. MIPC has been the link between the Vietnam Women’s Union and Northwest Family Life over the past several years working to bring about this important connection.

We hope and pray for a long term partnership between the Women’s Union and Northwest Family Life as they work to improve the lives of women and children and families both here in Washington and in Vietnam.

MISSIONS

urban impact summer academy

lunchesJuly 13-16, 2009 | 10am

Meet at MIPC to prepare lunches

Deliver and serve lunches to Summer Academy students in the Rainier Valley (do either activity or both)

Contact Mikie Helman (Millos@Comcast.net) or Glo Ceteznik (Gloc@MIPC.org) to sign up. Great mission ministry for the whole family!

They will be here to learn about work in and laws about domestic violence in Washington State.

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You are invited to join our second an-nual mission trip to Peshastin, Wash-ington, right next to Leavenworth.

Our trip offers opportunities to work in the Vacation Bible School at the Peshas-tin United Church of Christ, work on a Habitat for Humanity project nearby, and worship with Presbyterian pastor Ann Hinz’s congregation on Sunday morning before we go home.

Here is an excerpt from an article writ-ten by Linda Fetters for the Window after last summer’s trip:

We (MIPC) also had a huge lesson in hospitality. The church was open to all of us who chose to stay there. Pastor Ann came each day and through the week her husband and other members of the congregation dropped by. The first night a welcoming mother left a bag of sweet cherries for us. The Habitat supervi-sor’s wife and the mother of the family building the house each baked treats for our workers. On the last day the family welcomed us to tour their home and we will never forget the excitement of six year old Simon as he led us up to his bright red bedroom.

What can you do about global poverty?

JUST PICK SOMETHINg! AND DO IT!glo ceteznik | director of Missions

There are all kinds opportunities from small business loans to anti-malaria bed nets to programs that train rats to sniff out land mines.

According to Nikolas Kristof from the NY Times, the best programs seem to be grass roots investments with local buy in –usually in health, education, agriculture or microfinance.

MIPC has chosen to fight global poverty through education. Our international partners have told us more than once that the best thing we can do to help them is to send a poor child to school, especially a girl.

On one visit to Cambodia, one of our travelers from Seattle Presbytery, asked Dr. Susan Jack from Servants to Asia’s Urban Poor, a medical doctor who lives with her family in the slums of Phnom Penh, what could she do to help after seeing the poverty all around. Susan’s reply was fairly quick. She said, “Send a girl to school.”

Our administrators who run our programs in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and South Africa are long term missions partners and friends. All of your money goes directly to our scholarship program. There are no administra-tive fees.

If you want to do something about global poverty, MIPC can recommend that you give a scholarship to a poor child. You will make a difference both to your child and to your own family when they know that their scholarship helps to make someone’s life better.

July 22-26

second Mission

MISSIONS

diVE inyour $350/year scholarship

may be paid annually, quarterly, or monthly and may be paid with a check

or with a credit card online (www.Mipc.org/issF). There is an additional $10/year fee

that covers the cost of the credit card transaction.

rETurn To glo cETEZnik, or drop off at the Front desk

i pledge to fund a $350/ year scholarship (until graduation) for a student in:

[] child academy/south africa[] servants to asia’s urban poor/ cambodia[] daughters of Mary immaculate/Vietnam[] Homes Without Boundaries Education Fund[] place of greatest/most urgent need[] i would like to fund multiple student’s education.

please sign me up to fund #______ students.

naME ___________________________________________________________________________________

addrEss ___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

EMail ___________________________________________________________________________________

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annual Trip to Peshastin

MISSIONS

FaMily naME: ____________________________________________________________________________________

naMEs + TEaM prEFErEncEs (sEE BEloW):

adulTs: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Minors (+agEs): ___________________________________________________________________________

addrEss: __________________________________________________________________________________________

pHonE | cEll: _____________________________________________________________________________________

EMail: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

HoW Would you prEFEr To BE conTacTEd? _____________________________________________

JOIN OUR SECOND MIPC Missions Trip to

PESHAST INW A S H I N g T O N

July 22-26

Mission TEaMsplease indicate for each family member their mission team preference:Team 1a HospiTaliTy - prepare meals + work with outreach team on carnivalTeam 1B ouTrEacH - present VBs program for community children and coordinate carnivalTeam 2 HousE Building work on a Habitat for Humanity house. (children under 10 cannot participate in house building)

FEEs$125 per person. children 5-10 are free. Fees cover meals and church activities. scholarships available upon request. please see glo ceteznik.[]i would like to make a donation to cover scholarshipsdEadlinE For sign up is JunE 30. May 18, 11:45 aM MandaTory oriEnTaTion MEETing in adulT a For all parTicipanTs.

Sunday morning as the VBS children walked down the church aisle to sing, elderly hands reach out to touch them in welcome and blessing. After worship this tiny congregation treated us to a potluck feast. Two long tables were laden with their very best dishes. We were overwhelmed by their generosity.

You may choose your own accommodations in Leavenworth or stay at the church where there is a shower in the basement. Cost is $125 for ages 10 and up and includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners; pool fees, snacks, VBS expenses, and a donation to the church for hosting us.

This is a great time to get involved on a missions team, intro-duce your children to mission, join a smaller church in their outreach to the community, or work on a Habitat house. We will also come together in the evenings for community time.

contact glo ceteznik at gloc@Mipc.org, ruth ann Biggers, ruthannB@Mipc.org, or Eliana Maxim,

ElianaM@Mipc.org for more information

From age 6 to 70+ | Singles, families, couples, everyone

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Mipc CONCERT SERIES sEason coMEs To an End &

A New One Begins!Friday, May 31 | 7:30pm

Mirinesse ends this year’s concert series

Our season Finale is a performance by an outstanding community women’s choir, Mirinesse. Mirinesse is Old English for “joyful women”. The singers of Mirinesse Women’s Choir are an auditioned group of approximately sixty women, ages 21-70, who enthusiastically and joyfully share their love of music, and strive to model the highest level of musicianship, artistry and individual vocal ability.

SUMMER CONCERT 

Monday | July 13 | 7:30pm Bells of the Sound

An excellent community Handbell ensemble does a preview concert at MIPC before heading to the National Handbell Seminar in Arizona.

2009-2010 CONCERT SERIES BEgINS OCTOBER 9

Friday | October 9 Mark Thallander Organ Concert

(A portion of the proceeds of this concert will go to help-ing people with disabilities.) See Mark’s story at www.MarktTallander.com/Story/index.asp

Friday | November 20 | Groove for Thought

Back by popular demand (A portion of the proceeds from this concert will go to provide Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless).

Sunday | December 13 MIPC Festival Choir and Orchestra

Christmas Cantata “To Us a Child is Born” by JS Bach and carol singing for congregation, choir, orchestra and organ.

MUSIC

in apprEciaTion oF

JIEUN KIM NEWLAND sincE HEr arriVal in JunE oF 2007

cheryl storey | director of Music Ministries

Jieun brings with her a commitment to excellence in church music and an appreciation for organization, preparation and involvement of musicians of all abilities. She is sup-portive of staff and helpful in all areas of the department. Few musicians who have been trained in traditional music have a love and appreciation for praise music and/or different con-temporary worship styles. Few have the flexibility to be able to adapt to these different styles. Jieun is one of these few.

She is a great partner, willing to do most anything to make the music meaningful for each worship service. She con-nects well to instrumentalists, which is a vital piece of her job description. People respond well when they are scheduled to play in worship. She maintains lists of potential instru-mentalists, both volunteer and professional.

Since Jieun has arrived, the depth, variety and involvement in the department have all increased. She assists in the or-ganization of Music Ministries, scheduling and searching for music. The large works for choir and orchestra, which cannot be accomplished without a skilled accompanist and organist, have brought new people from the community to sing, play and experience music.

Jieun’s hymn playing ability continues to grow and helps to inspire us as we sing. She continues to stretch, learning new organ repertoire and praise music. Mentoring her has been a joy for me, as her enthusiastic personality makes the challenging work fun. It took a long time to find someone with her skill and overall vision for music in the church. As she continues to learn and grow, we have yet to see what she can become and how truly valuable she will be to building a thriving music ministry at our church. Thanks Jieun, for your faithfulness to the vision for music at MIPC!

On a personal note, having Jieun on the music staff at MIPC, working alongside me as the Director of Music Ministries, opens up the space to think and work creatively, allowing the Holy Spirit to truly lead as we plan music together. What a blessing!

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MUSIC

Music to the soulSCIENTIST FINDS gOD IN THE VIBRATIONS

I’m a science guy. I’ve taught chemistry and physics all my life. And of course I believe in evolution. The scientific data for it is pretty compelling. But there are some things that evolution just can’t explain.

Recently I stayed late at school –working and listening to music. Somewhere in the middle of Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven,” I started thinking.

We’ve studied sound and music in physics for years. We know they’re nothing more than a bunch of vibrations. Put your fingers on a table when somebody’s banging on it: That’s all that sound and music are---the vibrations you feel through your fingers.

But when those same vibrations are picked up by your eardrums and sent to the right part of the brain, a really cool transformation takes place. Those vibrations begin to have meaning.

Now you can certainly make an evolutionary argument as to why someone who recognizes different sounds has a competitive advantage, since speech obviously gives anyone an advantage. But music?

I’ve always found it amazing that certain combinations of vibrations can be so pleasing. What could possibly cause our brains to interpret those sounds that way? I can’t think of any evolutionary advantage for a being who understands music over one who doesn’t.

Yet, there it is: music—just a bunch of vibrations. But a bunch of vibrations that can move us, influence us, and bring so many thoughts and emotions.

And here the scientist in me finds God. What other ex-planation for music? Evolution alone just can’t seem to explain it satisfactorily, this gift of God to us.

This article was featured in the monthly magazine, The Lutheran, May 2009 and written by richard Morgan. Morgan

teaches at Eastwood High school, pemberville, ohio, and is a member of Zion lutheran church, luckey, ohio.

MIRINESSE

AN OUTSTANDINg COMMUNITy WOMEN’S CHOIR!

Friday | May 29 | 7:30pm

Our season Finale is a performance by an outstanding com-munity women’s choir, Mirinesse. Mirinesse is Old English for “joyful women”. The singers of Mirinesse Women’s Choir are an auditioned group of approximately sixty women, ages 21-70, who enthusiastically and joyfully share their love of music, and strive to model the highest level of musicianship, artistry and individual vocal ability.

To that end, co-conductors Rebecca Rottsolk and Beth Ann Bonnecroy seek out challenging and diverse repertoire from historic and contemporary sources throughout the world. That high-level repertoire then becomes the vehicle for education in performance practice, cultural context, language and under-standing of text, musicianship and vocal technique.

Since 2006, Mirinesse has thrilled audiences in Seattle and around northwest Washington with its beautiful sound and facility with difficult repertoire. Mirinesse prepares one concert program annually, rehearsing in March and April and per-forming 5-8 concerts in May and June. Through its uplifting and engaging performances, Mirinesse introduces audience members to diverse repertoire by composers old and new, performance practice from other times, countries and cultures, and innovative musical techniques.

At the same time, Mirinesse educates audiences in the beautiful sound of healthy, classically-trained, adult women’s voices. To-gether, the conductors and singers of Mirinesse strive to create an environment that enlivens the role of women’s choral music in our society, re-freshing the spir-its and capturing the imaginations of singers and au-diences alike.

To hear a sample of their music, please visit Miri-nesseChoir.com

MUSIC STAFF CONTACTS

Cheryl Colantonio Storey | director of Music Ministries | cheryls@Mipc.org | x211

Jieun Kim Newland | organist/accompanist | (Jieunkn@Mipc.org | x235

Haley Montoya | 5pm Worship coordinator | kindermusik instructor | HaleyM@Mipc.com)

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SUNDAy MORNINgS | 9:15 – 10:15am (THrougH JunE 14)

our sunday Morning classes for the 2008-09 school year revolve around the importance of becoming disciples of Jesus christ in heart and mind, in theology and practice. We encourage you to commit yourselves to attending a class offering for a season and seeing how god might us that offering to usher you forward on the adventure of becoming disciples of god through Jesus christ. Hope to see you on sunday!

Becoming Disciples Bible Study (FIRESIDE ROOM)

Our class is proceeding well as we go through the Bible and focus on its major themes. We are now ready to start the New Testament epistles. This is a good time for you to join us in the Fireside Room each Sunday as together we learn how to be disciples of Christ. The class sessions are interesting, and each week, we have a short talk on the materials to be covered, an informative video, and group discussion of what the material means for our lives. As we become Biblically nourished, we

can also become people who nurture others and who encourage others to become disciples of our Lord. The teaching team for the rest of the year includes Angela Miksovsky, Carl Dodrill, and Pastor Rita-Lou. Linda Fowler facilitates the class.

Faith-full Parenting (Adult Ed A)

Sometimes we just need help! Is the glass half empty or half full? Oftentimes, it depends on one’s perspective, right? That’s why this class offering is for parents and interested others of all ages and stages in life because we believe in the African Proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Several recent studies surveyed young adults about their spiritual foundations and the role their parents played during their childhood in deter-

mining their Christian faith. These studies have reaffirmed that a parent/mentor’s faith and practice thereof does have significant implications on the faith and beliefs of the next generation. During the course of the year we will have opportunities to dialogue with professionals from faith-based and secular settings. And opportunities to learn from each other will abound. For the remainder of the school year the sessions are:

May 24: “Working through Challenges of Parenting, pt. II” (continued from 5/3 session). Presenter will be Sue Bennett, mediator of Parent Peer Groups for MI schools.

May 31 & June 7: “Staying Afloat: Facebook, Twitter, etc.” Morgan Darrah, ROCK Ministry Coordinator.

June 14: ROCK Parent Forum w/Lindsay Harris & Alan Waite.

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION | SUMMER 2009

5PM SERMON TALK-BACKS

Beginning Sunday, May 17

Have you ever had a thought or feeling after a sermon which may be of interest and use to others, but had no opportunity to share your views? Have you ever wanted to hear what others are thinking? Here’s a chance to move beyond a “dine and dash” hearing of the sermon to something more interactive, some-thing which builds on our collective wisdom. Beginning on Sunday, May 17 you will have an opportunity to gather with the preacher of the day and explore ideas raised in the sermon and shared by others. This is a chance to clarify ideas, raise questions, and expand the horizons for us as individuals and as a com-munity. So immediately after the worship service, grab your beverage and cookie from the Narthex and meet in the Family Room to enjoy this great time of sharing in commu-nity. Talk-backs forums will be up to 30-minutes in length. All ages are welcome. 5pm Sermon Talk-backs will be offered 1-2x each month so watch for bulletin announcements for future dates. Our facilitators will be Gene Robertson and/or Gwen Sherman.

5pm TALKBACK

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June 21 & 28 | Personal Financial Management.

Guest speaker Douglas Bilderback of First Free Methodist in Seattle will present a summary of the Dave Ramsey course on personal financial management. The Dave Ramsey course, solidly practical and Bibli-cally consistent, has been taught in more than 10,000 churches, and it is without a doubt the outstand-ing personal financial management program in the United States today.

July 5 | No class on the 4th of July weekend.

July 12 – Coping with Diminished Income.

Guest speaker, Richard LeMieux, will present his book “Breakfast at Sally’s”. Richard had it all until the trappings of success were stripped away and he was left homeless. He reveals who the homeless really are, what redemption really means, and how the Salvation Army transformed his life.

July 19 | Interpersonal Stressors as a Product of

Financial Difficulties.

Devon Singh Barrett, Ph.D. will be our special speaker on this date. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Singh Barrett has dealt with many interper-sonal difficulties including those for

individuals and in marriage where the difficulties have been aggravated by financial factors. She will bring a practical and a spiritual focus to those difficulties, especially in the context of marriage.

July 26 | Our Faith Makes a Real Difference in

Tough Financial Times.

Our own Co-Senior Pastor Dale Sewall will bring the series to a close by focusing upon questions such as, “How can our faith help us in tough financial times?”, “What can the Holy Spirit teach us in this situ-ation?” and “How can we rethink our giving and our generosity when money is tight?”

Questions about the series to Elder carl dodrill (carl@dodrill.

net; 206 236-0067).

NO CE IN AUgUSTThere are no Sunday AM Christian Education classes during the month of August. Come to Worship and then enjoy long summer days with your family and friends. Regular adult CE classes will resume after the Labor Day weekend.

MID-WEEK AT MIPC

Women’s Weekly Bible Study | Mondays | 10:00-11:30am | Fireside Room

Women of all ages and stages in life are invited to join other women for an opportunity to study and discuss the preaching texts for the following Sunday sermon series. This Bible Study meets most Mondays of the school year. Our Monday morning facilitators are Angela Miksovsky, MIPC Seminary Pastor Intern and Dorothy Swarts, long-time MIPC Member. For more information, please contact Angela at AngelaM@MIPC.org or Dorothy at Dorothy.Swarts@Comcast.net.

Men’s Weekly Bible Studies/Small Groups:

We have several Men’s Bible Studies and Small Groups that meet weekly at different times/locations. Men of all ages/stages in life are actively in-volved and participating. And we’re always willing to start more groups if the interest arises. If you are in-terested in joining a weekly Men’s Group, please contact Pastor Paul Barrett (Paul@MIPC.org).

Faith in the Workplace Small Group/Fellowship:

One of these groups has been meet-ing all year and we’re looking to start another. These groups are intended to be provide a co-ed fellowship in-volving a monthly dinner, devotion and discussion relevant and practi-cal for persons in similar workplace environments, positions or stages of life. If you have an interest or passion for such an offering, please contact Pastor Paul Barrett (Paul@MIPC.org)

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

SUNDAy MORNINgS | 9:15 – 10:15am (JunE 21–July 26)

One class | Adult A & BdEaling WiTH TougH Financial TiMEs is the topic of the adult summer sunday school program.  The summer series recognizes the national recession in which we find ourselves, and it provides practical information on managing debt and dealing with diminished income, all in the context of our faith.  The sessions are as follows:

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suMMEr WalksFor more information, and to let me know you are coming, contact Brad Fowler, (BradleyFowler@Hotmail.com | (206) 232-3307 | cell (206) 612-9674). Bring lunch, water, rain and wind gear, warm clothes, other hiking supplies as you desire. Wear shoes you will find comfortable on rocky, steep or muddy terrain. Participants share the cost of gas, entrance fees, ferries.

June 13 | Ebby’s Landing on Whidbey Island

Meet at MIPC at 8am. A wonderful Puget Sound beach walk under undevel-oped bluffs. North along beach to large tidal lagoon and back along the bluff trail. Opportunity to extend walk depending on group preference. About 4-5 miles, 4 hours walking. 300’ elevation gain. Good destination for small children. Dogs welcome in your own car. Estimated return to MIPC 5:30pm, but depends on ferries. Ferry fare is about $4.00 plus share of cost for cars (likely about $4.00 more each.)

July 11 | Boulder Lake

Meet at MIPC at 8am. Gradual climb to large, attractive subalpine lake at 3,780’ elevation. The trailhead is in the Sultan River Basin, 22 mis north and east from Sultan. 7.6 mis. and 2,500’ elevation gain. About 5 hours hiking time. Return to MIPC 5pm. Dogs on leash ok.

August 1 | Glacier Basin at Mt. Rainier

Meet at MIPC at 8am. Drive to White River Campground and trailhead. The trail is part of the climbers route up to Camp Shurman and the Emmons Glacier route on Mt. Rainier. We’ll top out at about 6,000’ with open views of the mountain and alpine meadows. 6 mis. 1,800’ elevation gain. Return to MIPC about 5pm. No dogs allowed.

FINAL T@I Join us For onE lasT gaTHEring, May 25Join us for our final T@I, at 8:30pm, for some appetizers, beverage of choice and some T@I (aka. Theology at the Islander). The Islander is above True Value on Mercer Island. Women, men, younger, older, all are welcome. NO RSVP required.

MIPC ADULT COMMUNITy LIFE

1ST & 3RD yOUNg ADULT DINNER 1st & 3rd Monday Night

6:30-8:00pm

If you are a young adult (or young at heart) and looking for a meaningful place to connect with others around your age then look no more. You are invited to join us on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, 6:00-7:30pm, for dinner, devotion, dis-cussion and worship at Paul & Devon’s home. If you or someone you know wants to be added to the YAG’s email list, please send an email to Paul Barrett (Paul@MIPC.org) with all of your contact information and you’ll be good to go!

Men’s BasketballThurdays | 8:30pm

Pickup basketball in the MIPC Gym. No RSVP needed. High school+ age guys of all skill levels are welcome.

For more info: John kauffman (Jdkauffman@stoel.com)

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MER 09

Rummage Sale Update

Our Rummage Sale raised over $7,000!

The Rummage Sale was so amazingly successful that Adult Ministries will host it again. The date is set, April 25, 2010, so please save you “stuff” to help us make it even bigger and better!

SUPER 60’S & BEyONDMeeting on the 4th

Wednesday of the month

If you haven’t tried a Super 60’s monthly luncheon then you need to make it a priority

ASAP. Super 60’s celebrates those 60+ years in age, BUT we welcome people of all ages to join us

for this great monthly time of fellowship, inspiration and festive food. Meets nearly every 4th Wednesday in

MIPC’s Fireside Room, 10:30am – 1:00pm. Programs this spring and summer will include:

May 27 | VIVA Mexico

Pastor Paul and other guests will share “after the spring break house-building” stories and more about our mission partner, Casa Hogar de los Ninos Orphange, in Tijuana, Mexico.

June 24 | Join us for our annual “Senior Road Trip”.

This year we’ll be taking a trip down south to the Tacoma Glass Museum and enjoying a lunch somewhere along the way. Watch for details.

July 15 | 7pm | All Church Ice Cream Social

In the MIPC Fellowship Hall sponsored by Super 60’s

It’s SUPER to be 60 and beyond!

We hope you will join us.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP 2nd WEdnEsdays | 7–9pm

Calling women of all ages who would like to just show up, have fun and leave without any assignment! Please join us for Women’s Fellowship the second Wednesday night of each month, 7–9pm, Peggy Sue Juergens’ home, 9130 SE 72nd Place, Mercer Island.

Bring a snack or beverage to share and a friend. rsVp to peggy sue(psJmi@Hotmail.com

| (206) 232-1389)

MIPC ADULT COMMUNITy LIFE

60’s+

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP & OUTREACH MINISTRy

LEADERSHIP CONTACTS

Keenan Conder | adult christian growth & Education Elder | keenanconder@comcast.net

Carl Dodrill | adult christian growth & Education Elder | carl@dodrill.net

Beverly vanHartesvelt | outreach Elder | JBVanhart@aol.com

Becky Showalter | adult community life Elder | Beckyshowalter@comcast.net

Angela Miksovsky | seminary pastor intern, angelaM@Mipc.org

Ruth Ann Biggers | coordinator for outreach & lay Ministry | ruthannB@Mipc.org | x203

Paul Barrett | associate pastor for adult discipleship & outreach | paul@Mipc.org | x219

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Children are possessed with certain inalien-able rights, and one of them is the right to ask questions anytime and anywhere. We have these same rights because we are children of God. Let us ask our questions boldly, courageously, like a little child….

Think back to those times when a child you knew was curious about the moon, a snake, Grandmas’ wrinkles, or your bald head. Re-member how you tried to answer the questions, knowing the little girl standing next to you could not grasp your answer? Yet patiently (or impatiently), you attempted to answer. To your amazement the child looked at you and said, “Oh. Thanks.” Off she went, anxious to run outside, no more enlightened

than when the question was asked, but it didn’t seem to matter.

A child’s question is never ex-clusively about the moon or the

wrinkles. The question of a child is a million questions: Do you love me? Do I matter? Do you

care about me? Do you want me to grow? Is what I notice worth noticing? Is Grand-mother okay? Do you have a disease? Am I going to look like you? Is my hair going to fall out like yours?

An ExcerptBRIEF gLIMPSES OF gOOD BOOKS

Michael yaconelli on Questions

DANgEROUS WONDER By MICHAEL yACONELLI

The question of a child is a million questions: Do you

love me? Do I matter?

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