Dear Friends,
Blessed Lent to you, beloved community of Phinney! We have begun our time in the great season of +Lent, with opportunities to grow together as people of faith. Our theme, "Living in Beloved Community," reminds us of the many ways we live as people called to love God and love our neighbors. Each week we will consider a different word that completes the sentence, "Community is..."
Community is... QUESTIONING.
In the 3rd chapter of John Jesus meets Nicodemus, a leader of the Jewish community. He comes to Jesus by night, full of questions about this new teacher, who speaks with the wisdom of the rabbis. Nicodemus wants to better understand just what this Jesus movement is all about, and yet is hour of choice--- shrouded by darkness-- indicates he is hesitant to bring his questions into the full light of day. How often do we feel our questions are not welcome or wanted in community? How might we feel exposed or inadequate in asking big questions? Yet as people of faith we know God invites us to bring our whole selves, questions, doubts, wonders and more, when we gather. Jesus does not offer simple or easy answers. Rather he inspires us to reflect, to be curious, and to not be afraid to reconsider how things have always been in light of what might yet be.
So what are your biggest questions? Bring them all. Ask someone you trust. Know that God welcomes questions as a gift of living together as trusted ones.
Beloved, as we walk through these days to come, may you find blessing, comfort and peace in the gifts of beloved community.
In peace,
Pastor Kathy
Octopus Lunch & Games this Sunday March 8 @ 12:30 p.m.
Teens and their families are welcome to come together to enjoy this unique bonding experience this Sunday March 8 @ 12:30-3:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Please RSVP to David Roby TODAY so he can make sure to get enough food. "Octopus Lunch" is a 3-course meal (Ceasar salad, spaghetti, vanilla ice cream) with only one rule: no tableware. Each course is piled into the center of the (clean) table and everyone eats together. Description making you a bit squeemish or doubtful? There are many ways to keep this activity inclusive and hygienic (gloves, portions, sauce and dressing kept separate, etc). In the end, it's a fun and memorable time! Don't care for the meal? There will be games afterwards! RSVP to David TODAY!!!
Holden-Style Retreat Day @ PRLC Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
It is not too late to register for this coming Saturday's Retreat! Session topics will include Holden Village history, crafting, social justice and meditative walking. Of course we will also share a meal and have coffee and toast all day. We'll close the day with Prayer around the Cross. The event is free and you will have the opportunity to donate to Holden Village at the event to help the village during these disruptive times. Questions? Call or text Karla Ogle, 206-245-3776.
Nominating Committee Update
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Congregation Council appointed a six-person nominating committee to elect a slate of new councilmembers this Spring. The Congregation Council is a deliberative body that meets within our congregation to help guide our church mission and ministries, in partnership with Pastor Kathy Ierien and the church staff.
The nominating committee members appointed were Shannon Doniere, Mike Halvorson, Jill Hendrix, Ben Maier, David Rice, and Becky Roby. At their first meeting, the committee selected Becky Roby as committee chair, a role that includes convening the group and communicating with the congregation.
The group’s task is to search broadly, communicate within the congregation, share insights, and locate members who might be willing to serve on the Council. The available positions include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and youth member (18 or under). These are one-year roles. There are also two, three-year roles available called “at large” Council positions. (Longer roles allow for some continuity on the Council.)
If you are interested in serving in any of these ways, please let any nominating committee member know. Alternatively, if you have someone in mind that may be a good fit for Council, please share this idea with us. We’ll be meeting this March and preparing a slate of candidates for elections in early April.
This is an exciting time in our congregation, and we ask you to consider a Council role as a meaningful opportunity to serve the community we care so much about. For more information, please contact Becky Roby at beckitha@comcast.net.
May Youth Weekend at Camp Lutherwood
Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25
High School youth grades 9-12, students entering 9th grade for the 26-27 school year, and 2026 high school graduates are eligible to attend.
Theme: "Abundance For All" I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. -John 10:10
Special Guests: Pastor Halcyon (Pastor at Lord of Life in Renton) and Bryan Odeen (Pastor at St. Peder's Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN)
Registration is open! Youth and adult chaperones should RSVP to David Roby by Sunday, March 15. We need another chaperone in order to attend!!
Check-in will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and we will wrap up around lunchtime on Monday. The cost is $150 per person.
If you have questions, please contact David Roby at cyf@prlc.org or the organizer Nicole at holdenmyw17@gmail.com.