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Communism: A Better Way
By Pastor Keith Wheaton
keith@acgc.us
Those who know me might be scandalized to hear that there's
a streak of communism running through my soul. It's a small streak but I can't
deny its existence. I blame it on my practical nature and my exceptional
concern for my fellow man.
"What's so practical about communism?" you might ask. Well,
consider the practicality of owning a ladder or even lawnmower. I don't use an
extension ladder twice a year. Yet, I own one. I actually brought it with me
clear across the country. Wouldn't it be more practical for all the men in my
neighborhood to chip in five bucks and have a single extension ladder that all
of us could use when needed? Likewise, each of us has a lawnmower taking up
precious garage space, which we use less than an hour each week. Why not share
the mower and related expenses?
The problem with this type of communism is that we don't
trust others. "If I share a ladder with other people, it'll be broken, abused,
neglected and lost." "Sure, my neighbor will be glad to share a mower, but do
you think he'll ever return it with gas? Not likely! He'll bring it back with
an empty tank and dull blade."
So, distrust trumps practicality... and good thing too.
Otherwise ladder and mower companies would be hurting! In America, we've
grown used to this distrust of our neighbors. Couple it with an unhealthy pride
that comes from owning things, and we've got plenty of fuel for capitalism.
But do you think Jesus intended His followers to be good
capitalists - even at the expense of Christian virtue? As a political or
economic model, communism can't hold a candle to good ole American capitalism.
But, Jesus' ministry isn't primarily political or economic. It's relational.
His model is family. Not government. Not business. As believers we are adopted
into God's own household - we are now His children.
Today's American families could learn a lot from other cultures.
In many countries extended families share everything: land, work, housing,
material goods... Ironically, here in America it seems that the more we
have the less we want to share - even with our own families! It's neither
practical nor friendly. But it is the American way. I just don't think it's the
Christian way. This Sunday I want to explore a better option for the Church.
Join me as we consider Acts chapter two, and the Church's communist roots!
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Here's the Up and Up
Hej Hej
and tack alla (Just practicing my new found appreciation for Swedish...as in
IKEA)!!
Last week
I suggested there would be big changes soon in our upgrade and update project
downstairs....WOW wait until you see it!! This has been the most productive week
yet....
-
cabinet
boxes installed, supported, and covered with plywood (a huge job when you are
working with uneven floors and walls)
- final
plumbing adjusted in kitchen
-
our
used commercial dishwasher was inspected and given a thumbs up.... and is now
installed
- microwave
installed over cooktop and vented to the outside
-
Sink
installed in ladies restroom
We made
the decision to hire Ken Durkee this week to pull all these projects together and
it has made a huge difference to have him full time. We are on track to have countertops installed
on Monday Nov. 9 and with great work parties we will make our Thanksgiving
goal!!!
THANK YOU
to all the trustees and faithful volunteers who are working overtime to keep
the progress going. Please pray for energy and zero injuries for our workers.
GOD IS
GOOD
Sandy
Tonseth
CLT
Chairman
Click the picture below to see current pictures of the work project!
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Youth News
The High School Group participated in Operation Christmas
Child on Sunday night. We split into three groups and filled three shoe boxes
with toys for children overseas. We had a great time shopping for our children
and writing a little note to put in the boxes.
Middle School Youth Group is off to a great start. We
have had a great group of students for our first two meetings. We meet at 7 pm
on Wednesdays in the clubhouse.
Thomas Jefferson's boys cross-country team had a great
meet last Saturday at the Westside Classic in Tacoma. The team qualified for
state this Saturday in Pasco, WA. Oscar had a great race and was a big part of
the team's finish. Great job Oscar!
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May I Introduce... Petie Hinte
By Pastor Keith Wheaton
The first Sunday after Petie moved into Villa Capri
apartments, she prayed the Lord would lead her to a good church. Then she
started walking. Within a few blocks she found our church and came just in time
for our Sunday morning breakfast and family hour. When asked if she was
thinking of joining our fellowship she made it clear that it all depended on
whether or not we believed in the Bible. Thankfully, we passed her test!
Our usual Sunday morning activities were soon disrupted by
building renovations, but that didn't hinder Petie from becoming a "regular."
Almost every time there's been a work party she's been there pitching in, doing
everything from wiring to painting to cleaning. Before daylight savings time
brought early darkness, Petie was in the habit of walking to the church early
on work-night evenings to make sure there was coffee brewed. In addition to her
fresh coffee she usually entertains the workers by serving up at least one or
two jokes.
Originally from the Ellensburg area, Petie spent much of her
adult life between here and Jacksonville,
Florida. Her only son lives
nearby on Kent
east hill. Besides helping us with our renovations Petie volunteers with the Kent food bank,
taking the bus each week to Kent
to help distribute supplies to needy families. Please pray for Petie and that
the Lord would send more people like Petie to be part of our fellowship! |
Operation Christmas Child
We've collected socks for the homeless, and now it's time to
collect filled shoeboxes for children around the world! To bring a
grateful smile to some child's face, pick up a brochure (and a shoe box
if you need one) on the back table at church, follow the directions,
and bring your filled shoebox back to church by Sunday, November 22.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse and is a
way of showing God's love to children everywhere. Questions? Talk to
Jody Fenlason. |
Classifieds- Graphic design services on a per-project basis - quick, creative, efficient design at reasonable rates. Services include logo design, corporate identity, brochures, specialty design, posters, flyers, etc. Contact Tracey Coon at 253-632-1085 if interested.
Listing items in the Classifieds
If you'd like to add items to a West Valley Classifieds list, please e-mail Tracey Coon in the church office for items in the following categories. Please also include your contact information and a detailed description.
- Help Wanted
- Work/Services Wanted
- For Sale
- Free Items
These items will be listed on a weekly basis in our e-news. If you have recurring items, please keep the church office informed on a weekly basis by the end of day Thursday.
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Mark Your Calendars
Nov 7, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 9:30-3:00 pm
Nov 10, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 5-8 pm
Nov 11, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 5-8 pm
Nov 12, CLT Meeting, 6:30 pm
Nov 12, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 5-8 pm
Nov 14, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 9:30-3:00 pm
Nov 15, Deacon's Meeting, after AM worship
View other calendar events online:
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| Christmas in October
Last Sunday we celebrated Christmas in October,
a time when we give money to be used as Christmas gifts for our missionaries.
If you didn't get a chance to give last Sunday, and would like to, there's
still time. Just make out a check to Women's Ministries and drop it in the
offering this coming Sunday. Thanks!
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| Villa Capri Update
"Hey Brad, let's play basketball." "What craft are we going
to make?" "Can I have seconds on snacks?" "Where were you guys last
week?"
These are some examples of questions we are
asked at Kid's Club on Thursdays at Villa Capri. After a shaky
beginning, the Kid's Club sponsored by West Valley is up and running.
There have been many turnovers in the management at Villa Capri and we
got caught in the middle of it, but hopefully this new Office Manager
will work out okay. Prayer is needed for the whole complex. There are
great people helping with this much-needed ministry. They are: Brad
Neil, Nelda Lobb, Bruce Pleasants, Sue Pleasants, and Jody Fenlason. If
you would like to spend some time with wonderful kids, please let me
know.
Sue Pleasants
Coordinator
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| West Valley Socked it to the Homeless!
Many thanks to everyone who contributed socks to
Operation Nightwatch's "Sock It To The Homeless" campaign. Our West
Valley goal was 100 pairs, and with the socks and money gifts that you
contributed, 323 pairs were collected! On Sunday the 25th, 7,320 pairs of
socks were brought into the Operation Nightwatch dispatch center by various
churches and other organizations. It's expected that socks will continue to
come in over the next few weeks which will allow ONW to reach its overall
10,000 pair goal. You have helped warm the feet of homeless folks on rainy,
snowy Seattle nights. THANK YOU!
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From Our Pastor Emeritus, Clio Thomas
Pastor Clio Thomas serves as "Area Director" for the Asia/Pacific mission field of the Advent Christian Denomination. One of his duties is to encourage mission workers in a variety of settings throughout Asia. The following is a weekly installment of his letter, sent literally around the world to those in his charge.
Dear Ones in Christ,
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is based on reconciliation.
It is through Jesus that we, as fallen sinful human beings, are reconciled
to God. In the same manner we are also called on to be reconciled to each
other. In this manner we not only live at peace with one another, but are
able to witness effectively to the forgiving and reconciling grace of
God. Paul describes this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Here
Paul writes:
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the
old has gone the new has come! All of this is from God, who reconciled us
to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not
counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message
of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God
were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: be
reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that
in Him we might become the righteousness of God."
We have been thinking about the Church in
recent weeks. The Church is God's reconciled and reconciling
community. Without reconciliation at the heart of the Church it will be
ineffective. Why is it then that we so often find conflicted churches and
conflicted Christian believers who are at odds with each other? This is a
shame and ought not to be. Conflicted churches and conflicted believers
can never be effective witnesses of a Gospel of reconciliation. How can
we claim to be reconciled to God when we are unreconciled to each other?
That is a contradiction. To accept reconciliation and forgiveness from
God means that we must extend that same reconciliation and forgiveness to
those around us. Otherwise we live a lie! How can we preach a Gopel
of reconciliation and remain unreconciled with our brothers and sisters in
Christ? If the Church
of Jesus Christ is to
flourish it must be a reconciled and reconciling body.
God bless you and keep you!
Love in Him,
Pastor Clio
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