CIRCIUT

SALMON CREEK
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
12217 NE HWY 99
Vancouver, WA 98686-3621
(360) 573-3111
www.salmoncreekchurch.org
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
PAID
PERMIT #610
VANCOUVER, WA
Salmon Creek United
Methodist Church
CIRCIUT
RIDER
◄ Dec 2014
~ January 2015 ~
6
13 Share House
7:00 EOCF
9:30 Tues am Small Group
11:00 Fresh Start-AA
6:15 Worship Team
6:30 Missions Mtg.
6:30 FANN Mtg & Distrib.
7:30 Admin. Board Mtg.
Tue
Mon
5
7:00 EOCF
7:30 Rotary
9:00 Felida Friends
6:00 Boy Scout Venture
6:30 Boy Scouts
Sun
4 Wear your Name Tag
8:30 & 10:00 Worship
9:30 Coffee Fellowship
9:45 Sunday School
4:00 Youth Group
11 Fair Trade Coffee
Baptisms & New Members
7:00 EOCF
11:00 Fresh Start-AA
6:30 Finance
7:00 Stephens Ministry
Wed
7
7:00 EOCF
9:15 Luv to Dance
12:30 Grant House Quilters
5:30 Stokman Soccer
6:00 Praise Team
6:30 Stephen Min. Training
6:30 Men’s Group
6:30 Pastor’s Class
14
Thu
7:00 EOCF
9
2
Fri
Boy Scout Overnight Ends
17
9:00 Undecorate the church
10
3
Sat
Feb 2015 ►
1
16
24
15
8
11:00 Fresh Start-AA
6:45 AM Men’s Group
7:00 EOCF
9:30 JOY
11:00 Fresh Start-AA
11:15 Games with Kids
7:00 Choir
7:30 Trustees
7:00 EOCF
12:00 Book club
7:00 Boy Scout Overnight
7-9 Youth Movie Night
2:00 Luv @ Dance Recital
Sundays at 8:30 and 10:00
12 Circuit Rider Deadline
7:00 EOCF
9:00 Felida Friends
6:30 Boy Scouts
7:00 EOCF
9:15 Luv to Dance
12:30 Grant House Quilters
3:30 Kids Club
5:30 Stokman Soccer
6:00 Praise Team
6:30 Stephen Min. Training
23
Join Us For Worship
8:30 & 10:00 Worship
9:45 Sunday School
3:00 Performing Arts Min.
4:00 Youth Group
6:45 AM Men’s Group
7:00 EOCF
9:30 JOY
11:00 Fresh Start-AA
6:30 Cancer Support
6:30 SCCPD Bd. Mtg.
7:00 Boy Scout com. mtg.
7:00 Choir
7:00 Spiritual Growth Mtg.
7:00 EOCF
22
Sunday School at 9:50
6:30 Men’s Group
21
31
29
communications@salmoncreekchurch
20
30
9:30 women’s One Day
Retreat
[email protected]
19
6:45 AM Men’s Group
7:00 EOCF
9:30 JOY
11:00 Fresh Start-AA
7:00 Choir
7:00 EOCF
Communications
7:00 EOCF
11:00 Fresh Start-AA
1:00 UMW
6:30 FANN Mtg & Distrib.
7:00 EOCF
9:15 Luv to Dance
12:30 Grant House Quilters
3:30 Kids Club
5:30 Stokman Soccer
6:00 Praise Team
6:45 AM Men’s Group
7:00 EOCF
9:30 JOY
11:00 Fresh Start-AA
7:00 Choir
[email protected]
7:00 EOCF
7:00 Rotary Mtg.
9:00 Felida Friends
6:00 Boy Scout Venture
6:30 Boy Scouts
6:30 Stephen Min. Training
Youth and Young Adults
18 Lighting One Candle
8:30 & 10:00 Worship
9:30 Coffee Fellowship
9:30 Blood Pressure Ck.
9:45 Sunday School
11:30 Women’s Min. Mtg.
3:00 Performing Arts Min.
4:00 Youth Group
6:30 Men’s Group
6:30 Health Min. Mtg
7:00 EOCF
9:15 Luv to Dance
12:30 Grant House Quilters
3:30 Kids Club
5:30 Stokman Soccer
6:00 Praise Team
January 2015 edition
6:30 Stephen Min. Training
Children's Ministry
Check us out online for more pictures,
information about the ministries, and to
subscribe to our online version of the Circuit Rider
Salmoncreekchurch.org
6:30 Men’s Group
Nursery Care Provided
27 Circuit Rider Mailing 28
Church Secretary
Message from Our Pastor
Staff Changes
United Methodist Women
Dispatches from Youth Culture
Health Ministry Corner
Serving and Sharing Christ
Ministry Spotlight: SPR
The Arts: “Oh Little Christmas
Town”
Ministry News
Calendar
[email protected]
7:00 EOCF
11:00 Fresh Start-AA
6:30 SPR
[email protected]
26
[email protected]
What’s Inside?
[email protected]
7:00 EOCF
9:00 Felida Friends
6:30 Boy Scouts
Winter Court of Honor Practice
Pastor
25
Vancouver, WA 98686
The Council on Ministries voted at their December 2 meeting to
refocus the Circuit Rider in 2015 on thematic areas of ministry, one
each month, more like a journal or magazine instead of a newsletter.
This volume starts off the year with special articles written about SPR
and the historical perspective of staff in the Methodist church.
We start the year thinking about Staff Parish Relations (SPR). Our
chairperson Ann Stillman writes the lead article (pg.8). Pastor Joyce
reflects on the biblical model of Providing for spiritual leaders, and
then, we hear from the staff.
This edition of the Circuit Rider has been a joy to put together, and
we can only hope it will get better and better in the months to come!
360.573.3111
8:30 & 10:00 Worship
9:30 Coffee Fellowship
9:45 Sunday School
3:00 Performing Arts Min.
4:00 Youth Group
12217 NE HWY 99
Something Look a Little
Different?
Contact Us
Ministry News (cont.)
Message From Our Pastor
Winter Overflow Housing (W.H.O)
Disciple Bible Study
MARK YOUR CALENDARS....Salmon Creek Church will host/staff Winter Housing Overflow at St. Paul Lutheran Church from February 25th thru 28th. Each winter the Council for
the Homeless opens doors for the homeless at two church sites. St. Andrew for women,
children and families and St. Paul for men. Local churches take turns staffing at the host
churches in the early evening as people arrive, overnight as they sleep and in the morning
as they leave and clean. Participants who come to the sleeping shelters are pre-registered
for the evening thru the Council for the Homeless. Those staffing are teamed up with others
for the various shift times. Consider taking your turn....sign-ups will occur in late January,
early February.
Would you like to participate in a meaty, indepth Bible study with like-minded disciples,
but have difficulty committing to the 34-week
length of a DISCIPLE Bible study
class? The same people who developed the
successful DISCIPLE Bible study program
now offer a series of shorter term Bible
studies based on the same effective model
used in their longer term studies. We are
offering a short term DISCIPLE Bible study
on the Book of Romans beginning in
January, 2015. If you are interested in
joining this class, and want to know more
about what's involved contact Mike Pervere
at 574-8308.
Salmon Creek
Missionary Covenant
Salmon Creek Church, through the Missions
Team, partners with a missionary of the
General Board of Global Ministries of the
United Methodist Church who is promoted in
the Pacific Northwest Conference.
In previous years, we have supported Dr.
David and Lorene Persons of the Congo.
They have recently retired. We are excited
to introduce our new Missionary Covenant
Relationship with Larry & Jane Kiews of Zimbabwe. We support them both in prayers
and in dollars.
Larry is assigned to Africa University as a
technical advisor, assisting in the development of the university’s farm and working to
train a new generation of agriculturalists from
countries across the continent. Jane teaches English to Africa University students
coming from countries where it is not spoken. Larry says, “I am in mission with the
African people as we manage a commercialscale farm that demonstrates appropriate
farming methods. Students, even those not
studying agriculture, are exposed to sustainable practices, as many work part-time on
the farm to help pay their school fees. In
teaching, I hope to reinforce in students a
Christian outlook toward farming and
business, since many of them will be the
African leaders of the future. By so doing, I
hope Jesus’ command, implicit in Matthew
25, to feed the hungry.”
Jane says, “Working with young people
who come to Africa University with a passion to learn English is a rewarding experience.
Fluency in English equips them to study for
a degree that will enable them to carry out
their particular ministries and use their gifts.
I am thankful for the opportunity my students give me to learn about the diversity of
cultures and peoples on the African
continent. I also value the opportunities
there are to study and discuss the Bible
together, and help the students apply its
teachings to their lives and experiences at
Africa University.”
Larry and Jane have 4 children: Ben,
Andrew Pule, Carly and Michael.
Budget Items
What we spend on staff (not daycare)
2014– 270,442 (59% of the budget)
2014– 277234 (projected 60%) of the budget
A Biblical Perspective
When we are baptized we take on the vocation of Christian. We are
in training for life-long service to our Risen Savior. At Confirmation
or when we join a congregation we pledge to turn from sin and follow
Christ in the midst of our fellow believers. Why do we need a paid
staff to serve with our congregation when we are all members of the
Body of Christ? Why do we need clergy? Why do we invest in staff
at a United Methodist Church?
When we attempt to trace the various roles of form and function in
service of God, we can go back to the twelve tribes of Israel to
understand the priestly office. Remember those Levites, the sons of
Aaron? (Exodus 40:15, Deut. 18:5) They were not assigned any territory in the Promised Land. Rather they were imbedded into each
tribe to perform the rites and rituals of sacred service: worship,
purification, offerings and praise. These priests were to be a conduit
of the blessings of the Lord. (Numbers 6:22-26). A portion of every
tribe’s harvest and spoils were to be shared with the Levites.
(Numbers 18, Leviticus 2:3, Ezekiel 44:30) When the temples were
built in Jerusalem a Levitical priestly class developed around the
temple worship. Recall the sacrifices that went to feed the priests
and those in the welfare system around the temple. (Think widow’s
mite.)
Jesus shook up the priestly system. At his death the curtain was torn
between the Holy of Holies and the temple. Jesus became our High
Priest providing direct access to the mercy and blessings of God.
Who would support these early disciples? Judas kept the money for
these traveling itinerates. Jesus instructed the seventy, “The harvest
is plentiful, but the laborers are few…Carry no purse, no bag, no
sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter,
first say, ‘Peace to this house!’” (Luke 10:2, 4-5). It was expected
that God would provide for the preachers, evangelists and teachers
from the folk who offered them hospitality. “Remain in the same
house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer
deserves to be paid. Do not move from house to house.” (Luke
10:7). We know of people like Lydia who shared from her wealth as
a benefactress with the early apostles. (Acts 16:14) This brief article
does not afford the space to trace the rise of priests, monks, teachers across a 1700 span of history.
As United Methodists we celebrate those early circuit riders who
were willing to move out across the vast terrains of what would
become these United States. They worked with Sabbath School
missionaries and colportiers who were beginning libraries and
schools across this nation. Congregations enjoyed these itinerate
preachers who covered many charges bringing the Word and the
Sacraments. Our own Salmon Creek Church enjoyed these circuit
riders at the very beginning in the 1850’s and 60’s. Today an elder
appointed to a charge has a salary package that is approved each
year at Charge Conference. The laborer is paid for his or her work.
A church that is able to afford to have staff is truly blessed to work
with members of the congregation to serve and share Christ. We
celebrate the gift of staff in this issue of the “Circuit Rider.”
(see pages 6-7)
Staff Changes
Welcome: Janis Sykes- Bookkeeper
On December 15, Janis Sykes will join the
staff as our part-time Bookkeeper. She will
be keeping regular office hours in the office
just off Sue Wiltsey’s office. Janis has had
her own Bookkeeping business with long
term clients and a record of competent service. We are grateful to have her join the
team. Janis is a church member.
Farewell: Phyllis Lightner: Bookkeeper/
Treasurer
Phyllis began her tenure as Bookkeeper and
Temporary Treasurer during the early part of
2013. This year she became our Bookkeeper and elected Treasurer. Phyllis secured a
full time position in her field early in 2014
and began to do our books during the early
and late hours of the day. The Bookkeeper
serves the congregation 10 hours a week
and the Dayschool 10 hours a week. Phyllis,
with her Masters Degree in Accounting, has
brought us many new policies and
procedures which have streamlined the
processes. For example, we now have
direct deposit for payroll and many of our
bills are paid online. Quickbooks Pro is our
accounting software. Monthly reports are
generated for the Finance Committee. This
Committee voted to change our bookkeeping to a
cash based accounting system. Phyllis had to
restate all of the books for 2014. Phyllis Lightner
will complete her service to us on December 31.
We are so grateful for the tremendous gifts
she has shared with us. Thank you!
Farewell: Pat Prichard- Director of Music
Pat Prichard has served this congregation
for the past nineteen years. He is the
master of puns and as a Postal Worker we
know that he is always out “spreading
cheer.” We have so appreciated his ability
to lead us to the throne of grace in music
as he has led hymns, the Praise Team, and
offered special music to us using his own
instrument, the voice, the Chancel Choir and
the Bells and the Praise Team. He is a
master at bringing people together and
helping them support one another in
the endeavor of making music. It is to
be noted that Pat led the way with others to
start the Annual W.H.O. concert each
November. That has been a seventeen year
endeavor. Pat has also coordinated the
running of the soundboard, all video work
for sermons and rendered them up on the
website. He has prepared all of the Easy
Worship displays for worship with the help
of his visually gifted wife Ellen. She has
freely shared her visual gifts with us.
We are eternally grateful to this couple for
their generous service. They will be missed!
We will see them around in the future when
they are not traveling. May the road rise to
meet you! May the sun be always at your
back! And may a Disney musical be playing
on your dvd player!
Ministry News
Staff Changes (cont.)
Praise God From
Whom All Blessings Flow
What’s Next?
Director of Music Search
SPR and the Worship Committee began working to move us to the
selection of a new Director of Music when Pat Prichard tendered his
resignation. Lauren Hubbell, the new Worship Chairperson was
asked to begin holding conversations across the congregation to
learn what is desired in a music program into the future. The new
Worship Committee that was elected at Charge Conference was
asked to look outside our congregation to see what other churches
are doing and to ask questions about our role in the larger community. The responses are being gathered. An initial report has been
submitted to SPR. Please speak to any member of SPR, the Worship Committee especially Lauren Hubbell with your insights. Come
January 1 a new Job Description will be written and the position posted far and wide. SPR has requested an increase in the salary and
the hours of the position to 20 hours per week. The audio visual
pieces will not be included in this new position. (They were not in the
past position either.) Those listening sessions have identified a desire to begin a children’s choir program again. The hope is to have a
new Director on staff before Easter.
United Methodist Women
By Lucille Harwood
It’s time for our UMW to wish each of you a
Happy New Year. I found The Gold Star
Family Album these Golden Thoughts that
will help us make 2015 worthwhile and
enjoyable. Peter Marshall said, “We cannot
speak with any truth or realism about our
faith in the future unless we understand the past.” Will Rogers
emphasized, “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”
Already your UMW officers have programs scheduled for the 2015
year. “Let’s Change the World- UMW Helps” is the theme for the
January 20 Program at 1 o’clock in the St. Paul Room. Marge Pound
always presents the Treasurer’s report and will talk about January’s
pledge drive program. Elaine Gilbert will provide Dessert and Carolyn
Fox, the devotions.
Here’s my update about our November meeting. Elaine led devotions
with a reading from “Help, Thanks, Wow.” By Anne Lamott in the
church library on the UMW reading program. Jan Hayden’s program
on conditions in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake was unique. She
had UMW members read portions of interviews from a radio show in
January 2014. It then led to her presentation about Haiti Hope House
to which out UMW made $250 donation.
President Phyllis Browning asked Elaine to present Reading Program award certificates for Level 1 (those who ready one book in
each of the five categories and Response magazine) to Kathleen
Zimmer, Clare Kennedy, Lucille Harwood, Phyllis Browning, and
Elaine Gilbert. Lucille’s certificate was level 2 for two books in each
category. Thanks to Elaine for selecting the books.
Thanks to Linda Garrison who is our UMW photographer. She plays
her flute now and then at SCUMC. Special thanks to Michele Turner
who put together our UMW mission basket for the auction and to
those who donated. Also thanks to Elaine for her many hours of work
on a beautiful quilted wall hanging that appealed to bidders in the live
auction. We extend special thanks to everyone who helped our UMW
have such a good 2014 year. President Phyllis was happy to present
Auctioneer Roger Brindle with a $500 check from UMW at the
auction.
Kathleen Zimmer, Clare Kennedy, Lucille Harwood, Phyllis Browning, Elaine Gilbert
As I continue to write for UMW, I am grateful for kind comments and
your encouragement. This is sort of how I feel about the soon-to-be
2015 year: “Lord, every day, I will take time to appreciate all you have
done for me, giving you glory and praise.”
By SCUMC Missions
With approximately $16,000 raised from the 2014 Annual Missions
Basket and Dinner Auction, God’s blessings will be multiplying and
flowing to many through local agencies that care for, educate, feed,
clothe, and support those in need. We can’t be everywhere, but by
supporting Friends of the Carpenter, Vancouver Seafarers, SHARE
House, YWCA Safe Choice, and Open House Ministries we have the
ability to extend our reach in the community in the name of Jesus
Christ through them. Our hope is to again give additional monies to
SHARE for their summer program, feeding children in need each and
everyday. (last year our donation fed 144 children each and every
day all summer long!)
Thank you to ALL who came to the auction, who donated baskets,
who purchased baskets, who donated above and beyond. And special thanks to those hands & feet of Christ who served the body of
Christ to make this event happen: Roger Brindle, Amanda, Chris &
Emily Pemberton, Lisa, Cyril & Caleb Stokman, Cindy Harrington,
Larry & LaVeta Scherer, Leah Such, Jim, Colleen & Jaret Castleberry, Larry Siewert, Greg Ackley, Kathy Bachman, Michael & Tarisa
Tognetti, Kathy Hardy, Adena, Mark & Char Manzer,
2014 Wrap-Up in Missions
Not that Missions is ever ‘wrapped up’. The Salmon Creek Missions
Team is busy throughout the year looking for ways to extend our
church beyond the walls of Salmon Creek Church. Some of those
are/were:
Supports W.H.O. (Winter Hospitality Overflow) both in dollars and in
adopting a week for staffing.
Stepped forward as a Partner in Faith with other Methodist and Presbyterian Churches to build a Habitat House for the Doug West family.
Missions sponsored two Mini Muffins, raising $5,000. in both proceeds and additional donations. Then, sponsored 2 weekends of
‘man/woman power’ in the building of that home.
Developed an ongoing relationship with Gaiser Middle School, helping them with items needed for students in need.
Coordinated the adoption of Christmas Families received from the
Salvation Army.
Coordinated and Planned the Annual Mission Dinner and Basket
Auction held in November, raising monies to disburse to local mission agencies: Friends of the Carpenter, YWCA Safe Choice, Open
House Ministries, Share House and Ft. Vancouver Seafarers.
Raised additional monies for YWCA Second Step Housing and
SHARE House Summer Children’s program where we sponsored
144 children each day, all summer long!
In addition we continue a covenant missional relationship – 2014
with Larry & Jane Kies.
The congregation of Salmon Creek Church steps forward as disciples of Jesus Christ reaching out through the coordination of the
Mission Team and in many additional ways. Missions is done within
many Ministries of Salmon Creek Church.
Lynne & Sammy Nieda, Elaine Gilbert, Sue Wiltsey, Allison
McGranahan, Aaron, Maddie & Hannah Hawn, Pastor Joyce Emery,
John Harrell, Gavin Huckins, Jeff & Maggie Hildreth, Linda Sloan,
Kathy Scott, Zach Scott, Becky Roberts, Joan Stuart, Berniece Winters, Neva Oishi, Debbie Troyer, Alice Love, Weston Beilsmith, Kenny Wilson, Kyle Wilson, Anna Yotsuuye, Ryan Standley, Jeni Smith,
Anna Schweppe, Kaelyn White, Amy Rapp, Mariah Davis, Adriana
Roncarati, Pam Beggs.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY…GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!
The Youth have served at several missional events along with traveling on their annual Mission Trip – this year to South Dakota. Women’s Ministries has given to KIVA, the Fistula foundation and made
passing quilts for the hospital. Adults gather weekly at Salmon
Creek Elementary for games with kids. A Tuesday group cooks
lunch at Share House monthly. The Sunday School children have
collected for No More Malaria and have gathered Christmas Boxes
for Operation Christmas Child. Members of the District Emergency
Response Team from Salmon Creek – Larry Siewert and Steve
Enyeart - traveled to Alaska to help rebuild, United Methodist Women
collects box tops and labels to send to the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky and thru it’s UMW sponsorship supports Haiti Hope House and
collected & sent UMCOR packets. The Mother Bear group crochets
bears sent to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations.
group sends teddy bears. Individuals have given to UMCOR for
emergencies. Our Praise Team helps raise funds by participating in a
benefit concert for W.H.O. A new outreach ministry has been
formed, FANN (Friends and Neighbor Network) We give to those in
need through our food closet and Good Samaritan Fund. Numerous
persons within the congregation volunteer time in the Salmon Creek
Dayschool and at numerous agencies within the Vancouver area.
Salmon Creek Church gives 100% to it’s United Methodist Church
apportionments which includes a significant amount to missions…..and there is always MORE…. Salmon Creek Church is a
Mission Minded Congregation.
There’s always room for more individuals on the Missions Team – if
interested, contact Cindy Harrington, 2015 Missions Chair at
[email protected].
Ministry Spotlight: SPR
By Ann Stillman, SPR Chariperson
I am so pleased for this opportunity to clarify the role of this committee for you. Our work is clearly defined in the training manual from the
Discipline, but our role is not always visible to you, so I will briefly
describe the outline given to us in the Discipline.
It begins by describing our committee as “members who are committed to their own spiritual lives, who look to God for insight and guidance as they begin their role in the responsibilities with which the
committee is entrusted.” (The Discipline guidelines)
It goes on to say that the committee is entrusted with support of the
pastor and staff, including their job descriptions, and their resulting
evaluations; their continuing education and spiritual formation; also,
to recommend staff positions to the church council; keep current the
policies and procedures and sexual misconduct and safe church policies for the congregation; consult on matters of staff support. These
are the directives from the Discipline training manual.
On a deeper level, the SPR chair is charged with working together
with the pastor as we seek to respond to the movement of the Holy
Spirit within the congregation. As opportunities arise for spiritual
growth, these are supported by 1.)revitalization of existing programs,
and 2.) forming new programs. SPR is charged with supporting those
changes in the best way possible, upholding them with prayer and
diligence.
As the committee plans for 2015, we are preparing for what lies
ahead.
We will be seeking to fill the position of Music Director. In order to
take the time to possibly enrich the current musical programs, a
committee has been formed to evaluate existing programs in the
Methodist churches in the area. From that research, SPR will develop a revised job description which will be posted during January.
It now appears that we will need to separate the music director’s job
from the sound system operations. With that in mind, SPR is
developing a job description for that new position.
SPR has also separated the financial job into two separate functions:
Bookkeeper, (a paid position,) and Treasurer, (a volunteer position,).
Both of these positions have been filled, and their training and the
transfer of responsibilities have already begun.
As the year 2015 unfolds, SPR will be prayerfully engaged in
responding to the developing needs of the congregation and staff
within the guidelines we have been given. Please keep our pastor
and the committee in your prayers as we all seek to do God’s will for
this congregation.
The Arts
Children’s Christmas Play
The annual Christmas play was presented December 14th, 2014.
Many of our children participated in the play, and pulled off a
wonderfully entertaining and heartfelt presentation of “Oh little
Christmas Town.”
Set in a town hall meeting in Bethlehem, the townsfolk discuss their
little town and how to handle the large influx of tourists. Glad tidings
were brought by three Shepards, who report on finding the babe in a
manger, under the “really big star.”
The children’s characters shone brightly against the Christmas
backdrop of this holiday season. I hope in this bustling time of
holiday cheer, we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas,
as our children presented in their play.
Dispatches from Youth Culture
That Kid Reminds Me
of Someone
By John Harrell,
Ministry Associate
I had a mild culture-shock one Christmas
night as a teenager, staying up into the wee
hours of December 26th. WASH-FM, our
local soft-rock station in D.C., had been
playing an all-Christmas format for weeks
and weeks. That night, as the calendar
turned over to the day after, they were right
back playing their usual Phil Collins and
Shania Twain as though the preceding four
weeks of Advent had been merely a
peppermint-coated dream.
That’s how the radio business works, I suppose: and I do like Phil Collins as much as
the next guy, so I’m not lamenting the choice
of music. But it seems to me that we’ve
gotten Christmas backward.
Our culture tends to equate Advent,
designed to be a season of looking-ahead,
with Christmas itself, such that December 25
is a single, climactic day to cap off and terminate a season, rather than the kickstart it
actually is—the jumping-off point for a twelve
-day festival that we’ve almost completely
forgotten.
It might not be such a big deal, except that
there are implications here for the way the
church interacts with teenagers. Advent,
recall, is a time of looking forward to God
being born as a human baby, somehow
both fully God and fully diapered at the
same time (technically, “wrapped in bands
of cloth”, Luke 2:12 NRSV): and then for the
next twelve days from December 25th to
January 5th, the season of Christmastide
invites us to stop in awe and praise God
that it has actually happened—that God
was among us as an actual kid.
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example
for the believers in speech, in life, in love,
in faith, and in purity.”
- 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
But if we move on too quickly, if we fail to
do like Mary who “treasured all these things
in her heart” (Luke 2:51 NRSV)—taking it all
in, pondering, enjoying it—we might fail to
make a crucial connection: that if God
became a human teenager, the teens
around us are exactly like God just as they
are. Leave Christmas too fast, and we might
miss it—and we may not realize how holy,
how God-reflecting, how amazing these
under-18ers are just by virtue of being
themselves.
Instead, let’s make some deliberate effort
this Christmastide to celebrate for the entire
12 days, even if in small ways, praising the
Lord for affirming our kids by becoming one
of them. Once Epiphany comes, from
January 6th onward, we may then be able to
ride the wave of celebrating “the child” that
the magi visited (note that it’s not “the baby”
anymore in Matt. 2:11), and then the youngperson Jesus who “increased in wisdom and
in years, and in divine and human favor” (Luke 2:52 NRSV)—just like the junior
and senior-highs around us are already
doing.
These youth bear Jesus’ image through
simply being themselves, without even
trying. This January, let’s stop and be in
awe of how awesome that is—and how
powerfully our young people reflect the
image of the Living God just by being alive.
Health Ministry Corner
Can We Walk To Jerusalem
To see
more
pictures
please
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How many times have you promised yourself you would start to be
more active? How many times have you said “I want to exercise,
but…..” ? Well it’s time to throw away your excuses, get off your
“buts" and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
The time is now and the way is the Walk to Jerusalem. You can sign
up now, either online or on paper (available in the Narthex). Pick up
your Passport on Sunday January 11 and join the Health Ministry in
an epic virtual journey that will improve our physical and spiritual
health as well as our global and cultural awareness. Those unable to
participate due to a disability, or physical limitation, may accumulate
miles by physical/occupational therapy sessions, armchair exercises, or praying for those who are walking.
So dust off your sneakers, put batteries in your pedometer, load
your favorite praise music on your MP3 player and let’s get ready
to walk the 6852 miles from Salmon Creek to Jerusalem. We will
start on Sunday, January 11 and gather together in spirit in Jerusalem on Easter Sunday.
Visit us online at salmoncreekchurch.org to register and log
your miles!
Serving and Sharing Christ at SCUMC
Director of Children’s Ministries– Adena Manzer
Pastor – Head of Staff– Rev. Joyce Emery
A United Methodist pastor serves the charge (a congregation) on behalf of the Bishop (and Cabinet) with supervision from the District Superintendent, peers and the local Staff Parish Relations Committee. I have served as a
colleague with many United Methodist colleagues who had a mixed relationship with the PPR/SPR. The job in ministry was always under review. Oftentimes SPR was the complaint committee. Pastors were always thinking about
the next appointment and keeping the D.S. happy unless they were retiring. Some congregations were known to
be an upwardly mobile track– others were dead ends. I have found the leadership of SPR, Squirrel Lovelady and
Ann Stillman to be exceptional leaders with the very mind of Christ at the center of their focus on behalf of the spiritual health of the Salmon Creek Congregation and the staff. I have appreciated the intense accountability provided
by SPR and the annual review of myself and each staff person. We reflect and write annual goals and action steps to support the vision and
mission of the congregation. My job is to create a space, an environment, where people love to work and serve and share Christ empowering
all of those called to use their spiritual gifts. We’ve rewritten all job descriptions in the last year and adopted a revised Employee Handbook. I
am happy to have the buck stop at my desk. I sign off on vacation requests and paychecks. Our staff meets every Tuesday afternoon for program strategy work, calendar coordination. We’ve had several full day retreats during my tenure and of course we know how to party!
Youth Ministry Associate– John Harrell
Empowering youth to serve Christ and share Christ is essentially a two-way street. When Jesus instructed us to
“make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19 NRSV), he obviously included people who happen to be between the
ages of 11 and 18 (“all nations”). Teenage life can be extremely hard, what with the challenges of everyday life
in school, drama with friends and relationships with family members, and the regular changes all of us go
through in adolescence emotionally, socially, and physiologically. The Father’s word of deep love through the
work of the Son, Jesus—love that is unconditional and tailor-made for every single teenager—can have an
“actuating” influence in the otherwise often hopeless world that teens have to face every day, helping to impart
a sense of hope, even joy, as they learn that their identity is in the heart of a God who loves them more than
words can say.
So in that sense, youth ministry is a means by which Salmon Creek shares Christ with those under 18.
But it also works the other way ‘round. The Bible says that “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:3 NRSV). In
other words, whenever a teenager says “yes” to Jesus as their Lord, it means that the Holy Spirit is already speaking through them. And since
the body of Christ needs all its parts (see 1 Cor. 12), we adults therefore need to listen to the Spirit’s words as translated by the kids who are
being activated by the Spirit’s presence in their life. If we don’t, we won’t hear all that God has to say. In short: Scripture says teenage Christians have authority to speak God’s wisdom to us grown-ups—and we need to listen to what they say.
Yes, Salmon Creek’s youth ministries help to empower teens and pre-teens to serve Christ and share Him on mission trips and through acts of
service. But those same kids also empower you and me to serve and share Christ better, simply by opening their mouths. God the Spirit will
speak God’s love into our lives, whether the kids realize it or not, whenever they open their mouths and speak up as Christian believers. How
awesome is our God, how magnificent his ways, that he speaks through kids to share Christ with adults!
Secretary– Sue Wiltsey
As church secretary, I am privileged to know so many people in our congregation and get the opportunity to meet
and get acquainted with newcomers as they visit and make decisions to attend and/or join Salmon Creek United
Methodist Church. I am familiar with the church groups, committee’s and members, and am able to connect people who have passions in particular areas to ministries where they are able to use their talents and gifts to serve
and share Christ. We have so many places for people to plug in for Bible Study, serving in the community and
serving in our church. Additionally, I have the opportunity to meet folks who come to our church and are in need.
Salmon Creek has a food closet where we can help with a meal or coffee and something to eat for persons who
are passing through. I refer to our pastor requests from our Good Sam fund. Both these endeavors are supported by the generosity of our
congregation. We are blessed, to be a blessing to others.
The job as Director of Children's Ministries is to ensure the care, safety, and Christian Education for our children
ages infant to 5th grade. I am here to help others and supply individuals with what they need to share Christ and
serve in Christ's name. Our children are taught to serve and share Christ message and love. We have several
programs associated with Children's Ministries, this article would be way too long to list everything. Children's Ministries also hosts invitational events like Eek, Easter Egg Hunt, and VBS. On any given day, I could be shopping
for sprinkles, color sorting feathers, writing a report, cutting 625 strips of paper, looking into curriculum and lesson
plans and calling people to volunteer.
I am also the Designated Safety Advocate (formally Designated Safety Officer) for our congregation. I continually
check records, run background checks, read training material, and address issues that arise. I also attend training and research ways to make
our Safe Church Policy current and relevant. The DSA provides Safe Church training to the congregation at least once a year and to various
groups or individuals as needed. The Safe Church Policy is currently being revised to bring us up to date, especially regarding technology. My
up-most concern is the safety of our church environment and it's members.
I love working with children and work to make their learning experiences meaningful and enjoyable. I especially get excited when others can
use their gifts to serve children. We are so blessed with an amazingly talented and caring congregation. Our children are very lucky to have
Salmon Creek as their church home.
Day School Director– Gayle Horwitz
Greetings! One of the wonderful blessings we have as a ministry of Salmon Creek Church, is that members
have the opportunity to Serve and Share in Christ by committing their time, talents, and gifts through our very
own Dayschool.
Currently several members contribute in ways that motivate, educate, inspire, and support the children and staff
whether in direct partnership in the classrooms by reading or sharing special knowledge with the children, or
behind the scenes by assisting in the kitchen. Some church members have served on the school board or
helped on work crews, painting, gardening, doing woodwork, or helping in our fundraisers, our largest being the
annual rummage sale in June.
We are enormously appreciative of the kindness and generosity of our church community and many members are a great source of inspiration! The staff are filled with gratitude in that capacity of mutual interest and commitment, especially when they sense that very real connection
with the church membership. It is a mutually rewarding relationship that everyone, particularly the children, benefit from.
Caring for and teaching children is a sacred trust. Assisting our students, and their families, to form a positive relationship with the church, and
in the service of Jesus Christ, while providing an appropriate early learning environment for school readiness, is our most ardent goal. Promoting stewardship and providing valuable skills will help build a foundation for their success in their future education, career choices, and lives!
Please contact Betty Selby, Volunteer Coordinator or Gayle Horwitz, Dayschool Director if you would like to Serve and Share in Christ Salmon
Creek Christian Preschool and Daycare!
Communications Coordinator– Hannah Smith
Serving and Sharing Christ are the two main focuses of communication at Salmon Creek Church. I’ve had the
pleasure of working with many of the ministries here in the past year, and it has been a wonderful experience for
me to learn more about how this congregation shares the love and gospel of Jesus Christ. There is so much good
happening here at Salmon Creek Church, and I am happy to be a part of it.
Here at SCUMC we’ve developed both internal and external communications to help serve the members of this
congregation, and the members of this community. I’ve enjoyed working with other staff members and ministry
leaders to better the communication here at the church, and I look forward to implementing new plans in the new
year!
To learn more about our staff, please visit us at salmoncreekchurch.org