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From the Pastor
This is a special weekend. We are celebrating all the people who volunteer their time and energy first, to Jesus, and second, to All Saints. We are very blessed as a church to have some very energetic, committed, passionate people who work in every aspect of the church. These are the people who make serving part of their church experience, this is what makes All Saints such a special place.
I firmly believe that its this kind of serving that makes being part of a church family much different than just attending on a Sunday. Although, gatherings at All Saints are wonderful experiences, participating and being part of a church family makes the dynamic something completely different. It's interesting, there are many places in the Bible where we see what a church should be and what people need in the church. From the New Testament, people in a church need to:
-Love one another (John 13:34)
-Be devoted to one another and give preference to one
another (Romans 12:10)
-Be of the same mind with one another (Romans 15:5)
-Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
-Care for one another (I Corinthians 12:25)
-Greet one another with a holy kiss (2 Corinthians 13:12)
-Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)
-Tolerate one another (Ephesians 4:2)
-Be kind to one another and forgive each other
(Ephesians 4:32)
-Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
-Regard one another as more important than oneself
(Philippians 2:3)
-Share God's message and instruct one another
(Colossians 3:16)
-Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
-Encourage and build up one another (1 Thessalonians
5:11)
-Live in peace with one another (1 Thessalonians 5:13)
-Confess sins to one another and pray for one another
(James 5:16)
-Be hospitable to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
-Serve one another (1 Peter 4:10)
-Gather together (Hebrews 10:25), but in such a way that
we can challenge one another to love and good deeds
(Hebrews 10:24)
The "one another" does not mean a pastor interacting with a congregation; it means everybody interacting with everybody else. Notice there are also not descriptors on "everybody." It means everybody- believer, doubter and seeker. For this kind of interaction to take place, we must be this for people to see this.
I get really excited when I think of the potential All Saints has to become a movement in the city of Seattle. I am encouraged when I attend and participate in baptisms, where people tell their story of how Jesus changed them and is changing them daily. I tear up when I hear that people are serving the oppressed and poor; I get goose bumps when I see people so committed to the mission of Jesus that it alters the way they spend their time and money. These "one another's" are life changers.
I look forward to the summer and all the many people serving and attending Life Groups. It's in these places where the "one another's" are lived out. Being part of the family of God is such an amazing place, and I pray that you are looking and listening for others to experience this too.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Bill
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This Sunday...
New Clothes
Colossians 3:9-17
 In relationships, we tend to underestimate, even dishonor the potential of what could be. As we grow with someone we need to learn how these new rhythms and modifications can help bring us deeper into relationship, thereby causing us to make changes that will benefit the relationship.
In a relationship with Jesus, we may tend to agree on some important things but we don't like the potential of what kinds of changes may take place in us. Some ask questions like; as a Christ follower, do I have to stop sleeping around with people I choose? Do I have to spend my money differently? Do I have to love my enemies? These questions have the potential to irritate us into deeper relationship or have us stop seeking and stay static in our pursuit of Christ. We are going to look at what the new self becomes. |
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Summer Life Groups Launched
And now what?
The summer season of life groups is under way! We had about 63 people sign up for life groups, 28 of which are trying it for the first time! That is a lot of people who will be experiencing community like never before. It is never too late to join a life group, or invite someone new to join one. Brochures and sign up cards will continue to be available in the life group lounge and in the Commons. You can also sign up on the website by clicking on the life groups link.
Another key part of the whole faith experience is service - putting our faith into action by using our gifts to serve others. Many of our teams get stretched pretty thin over the summer as students head home and team members take vacations. We encourage you to consider participating in some form of service that appeals to your interests and uses your particular gifts! If you're not sure what that might be, try something for a quarter. Eventually you'll find the right fit! This may lead you to a service team at All Saints or to one of the many shelters and outreach agencies around our city. The 1+1+1 brochure is a great resource for connecting with leaders who are coordinating service teams and projects. Or you can click on the service link of the All Saints website.
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Just so you know...
Summer Beach Party and Baptisms:
On August 30th we invite you to head to Golden Gardens Beach after our Sunday gatherings for our annual Beach Party and Baptisms! As we wtinessed this past Sunday, baptism is a very meaningful and powerful experience of leaving your old self behind, accepting Jesus' grace and starting again as a committed follower of Christ. We'll be baptizing people in the Puget Sound and then enjoying the afternoon together at the beach. If you would like someone to contact you about being baptized, please sign up at the concierge desk or send us an email to life@believedoubtseek.org
Children's Ministries: Over the summer quarter the 9:30am class structure will look a little different. During the first gathering we will be offering a preschool class for kids ages 3 (and potty-trained) through 5, and an elementary class for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade. The 11am Children's Gathering will continue to be available for kids of all ages!
Youth:
There is still room for more youth to participate in the Annual Youth Beach Retreat. If you know someone in 7th-12th grade that might enjoy spending a week on the Oregon Coast growing closer to Jesus, please pick up a registration packet for them from the concierge desk and get it back ASAP! The registration deadline has officially passed, but we want to make the retreat possible for as many young people as we can! Any questions can be directed to Jolie at: youth@believedoubtseek.org
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All Saints News is sent out regularly to the community to engage and inform people of all that takes place through All Saints Church. This and previous updates are 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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Free Espresso!!!
Turn in a completed info card to the Beanaddiction Cafe and receive a beverage of your choice FREE!
(Info cards are inserted weekly into the Sunday handout and are also available at the concierge desk or beside the offering boxes at the back of the auditorium. They're an easy way to ask questions, pursue an interest, request prayer, or otherwise connect with All Saints staff!)
Cafe Hours: Sunday 9:20-11am
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