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From Pastor Bill
Even More Conversations
Some of you heard that I was interviewed for a KOMO 4 news story about the Seattle Atheist's sign campaign on the city buses. The interview went well and I was very happy with the outcome. Interestingly, I have been approached by several people around the city that recognized me from that interview, the interactions have been amazing! One gentleman thanked me for being kind in my response, not "drawing a line." A woman was interested in coming to All Saints because, as she put it, "It made me think about what I believe. I don't think about that stuff enough."
Now, there are many people who call themselves Christ followers who would want much more of a reaction from me, a definitive line in the sand, so to speak. I notice that many people feel that a badge of honor is to create tension on issues. It's almost like being scoffed at and criticized by those that don't believe is noble. I really don't see it that way. When I read the gospels, I see how Jesus was sought out by those that didn't believe, he put them at ease and invited them into conversation and relationship. I see how the religious were angry, aghast and astonished at how Jesus handled the law and cultural differences.
I do not want to put All Saints in a culture war where sides are drawn up and people are maligned. I don't see that. Jesus said, "If possible, be at peace with all men." I know that the gospel is irritating enough without our help. Let's be a church that is seeking the welfare of the city through meekness, kindness, gentleness, self-control, love, joy and peace. Against such things there is no law. There is a natural tension created when those characteristics are put into practice.
I am looking forward to spending Holy Week with you in prayer and gatherings. Please be a neighbor and invite a friend for gatherings this Sunday and next.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Bill
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General Updates
Get To Know All Saints Lunch: On Sunday, April 19th everyone looking to learn more about All Saints and what goes on here is invited to join us for a Get To Know All Saints Lunch. Lunch will be catered here at All Saints following the 11am gathering and will be a casual opportunity for people to meet some of the leadership of All Saints, connect with other attenders, and learn more about All Saints and opportunities to get plugged in. Please sign up at the concierge desk or RSVP to life@believedoubtseek.org if you'd like to join us!
Men's Ministries: On Saturday, May 2nd Men's Ministries will be hosting a breakfast for...you guessed it...MEN! All men are invited to meet at All Saints at 9am for some good grub, great company, and Pastor Bill's talk about "sex". A donation of $10 is suggested to help cover the cost of food. Sign ups will be available in the Commons, or you can RSVP to life@believedoubtseek.org
Youth: This Saturday, All Saints youth and their friends are invited to Seattle Vertical World between 11am and 1pm for some climbing and hang out time. Contact Christy for details at 651.278.6496.
Facilities: Our facilities team is busy getting quotes on replacing our furnace and water heaters, and addressing some electrical and lighting issues.
Life Groups: The summer life group season will begin the week of May 31st! In preparation, we are currently creating our roster of summer groups. If you are interested in leading a life group this summer, stop by the concierge desk and sign-up to have our life groups coordinator to contact you. Or just email Stacy Baas at lifegroups@believedoubtseek.org
Website: A team is being formed to help with both the technical and creative aspects of the All Saints website. We want the site to be an appealing and helpful resource. We now have the ability to download and and even subscribe to receive weekly podcasts of our Sunday messages!
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Easter Week Line-Up
April 5th - Palm Sunday
Our celebration of Easter will begin this Sunday, April 5th - traditionally known as Palm Sunday. Pastor Bill will be speaking on Mark 15:39-47 during both our 9:30 and 11am gatherings to help us begin reflecting on Jesus' death and burial.
April 6-10 - Easter Week Morning Prayer
We invite you to join us in the All Saints auditorium 6:30-7:30am for a personal time of prayer and reflection on Christ's love and the significance of His death and resurrection for each of our lives.
April 10th - Good Friday
We will gather at All Saints at 5pm for contemplative readings and music which will help us to reflect upon Jesus' death for us. You are invited to stay for a 6:30 showing of the movie "The Passion of the Christ" which depicts Jesus' final hours before His death.
April 12th - Easter Sunday
We will be celebrating Jesus' resurrection during both our 9:30 and 11am gatherings. Pastor Bill will be speaking on Mark 16:1-8. Please invite your friends and family to join us for our celebration!
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At All Saints we have made it a priority to continually work to truly understand the culture we are living and working in so that we can share the abundant life of Christ in a relevant way. Beginning on April 30th All Saints would like to host a series of forums to continue to explore our culture in partnership with other church & community leaders. We are inviting leaders from across the Pacific Northwest representing a variety of approaches to faith to dig into this together and work to understand how we can be even more effective in our communities. We invite you to join us and to extend the invitation to anyone you think should be here.
Our first forum will highlight author and UW Professor James Wellman who will be sharing about the ideas presented in his book, "Evangelical vs. Liberal: The Clash of Christian Cultures in the Pacific Northwest". Wellman's presentation will be followed by a a time of Q&A which we hope will generate some rich discussion!
The cost is $15 which will include entry and a snack. Professor Wellman will have copies of his book available for purchase. Please RSVP to 206.285.3866 or via the All Saints website: www.believedoubtseek.org
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The All Saints Newsletter is sent out regularly to the community to engage and inform people of all that takes place through All Saints Church. This and previous issues will soon be available on the All Saints website.
If you have any ideas, submissions, or comments, please send them to life@believedoubtseek.org
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