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From the Pastor
"Nothing is Everything"
by Pastor Bill Berger
It's interesting to me how human beings are on a search for meaning and purpose. That is not a cultural thing, a generational thing or a trendy thing. It's a human thing. In our culture people spend millions of dollars and gazillons of hours and much angst trying to find out "Why am I here? What's my purpose?" These are legit questions and are certainly worth the effort for the discovery.
As this quest becomes tedious and sometimes elusive, others find ways to raise cynicism to a whole new level. Take Seinfeld for an example. The show about nothing. The genious behind the show is that really nothing is actually something. I think sometimes our culture really hates the idea of nothing, or starting over, or new beginnings. It almost seems like wasted time to start from scratch. Often I hear people talking about someone who had to "start over" a marriage, finances, or job. The sentiment seems like, "whew, glad that's not me." Granted, wise people learn from the mistakes of others, but the "start over" piece in life is all about grace, second chances and "mulligans."
I think Jesus really embraces the "nothing is everything" way of life. In a conversations with a very wise rabbi, Jesus told him to start over. To be exact, he said: "be re born!" Now, that is a do over; that is truly starting from the bottom and looking up. This is the place of nothing. When Jesus bids us to be re born, to start over, to begin again, he offers himself as the ultimate aide, guide and vested partner to navigate the trials, troubles and tests of life. In fact, he gives you everything and he is left with nothing...except YOU.
Jesus makes nothing look like everything.
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This Sunday
The Answer
James 1:16-18
Bill Berger, Pastor
As we continue in James, learning about dealing with trials, tests and troubles we have another piece of wisdom that James offers. Life as it is can be so difficult and "sucky," we need help to not only endure but to thrive. In this passage James gives us answers so we can live this life to its fullest. The average person wants to turn the tide and be better, we are going to learn that we cant just suck it up or screw it up. We need the motivation and power to follow Jesus.
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Service Teams Highlight of the Week
Here at All Saints, we want the people of
Seattle to know and understand the reality of an abundant life in
Christ. This can only happen if we live out our faith in the same
places where we live out our lives. The 1 + 1+ 1 forumla is a way to
bring together our faith and our personal lives to coexist as one. The
formula includes 1 church gathering + 1 service team + 1 life group. In
the coming weeks, we will be highlighting each service group. We want
to let you know more about the awesome opportunities to serve the
people of All Saints and the people of Seattle.
All Saints - Communion:
Help individuals encounter the gospel of Jesus Christ through the tangible elements of bread and juice. Contact Peter Watson at communion@believedoubtseek.org / 206.225.3754
In Seattle - Seattle Works:
As the premier community organization for local 20- and 30-somethings, Seattle Works offers opportunities for people to serve as active volunteers in the Seattle area. Projects range from one-time events, to weekly events, to a few hours per month. Contact Sam Orr at sam.pickettorr@gmail.com / 510.325.1432
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 HOW-DEE!!! Hang
on, partners, because Kids Church will never be the same now that Little Dogs on the Prairie are loose!
During the 11 o'clock service, kids will meet downstairs to journey back in
time to the Wild West. Each Sunday contains a heap o' stuff: an opening game or
activity that will get your li'l doggies fired up for the lesson, an
interactive Bible Story, a craft, and just a doggone good ol' time!
We can't wait to welcome your kiddos the first
Sunday of October to the Wild
Wild West!
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Just so you know...
Children's Ministries Changes:
The kids area downstairs is undergoing a lot of transition. The team is currently remodeling the downstairs area for the kids and are also putting together a new format for each gathering. If you are interested in volunteering
with the kids on Sundays, please email Sharlena Dressler at kids@believedoubtseek.org
Healing Hearts- Post Abortion Trauma Recovery Group :
Healing Hearts is a small group class for women with abortion in their past. It's a safe, confidential environment to experience healing and restoration, led by women who know first-hand what you're going through. Starts, Saturday, October 3, from 1-3pm and runs for 10 weeks. Call or email Patti Lozano for more information: 206-819-3207, pattihlozano@yahoo.com.
Central America Missions Trip:
All Saints is planning an international service trip November 7-14th to San Salvador, El Salvado. The team has been assembled and costs have been determined to be $1100 per person. If you are interested in assisting the team financially, send us an email to life@believedoubtseek.org
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We need your help at All Saints!
Here are a couple of specific ways that you can serve at All Saints!
The Reading Team is looking for a new leader and new team members to help with announcements and reading scripture during our weekly gatherings. If you'd like to help, please contact the office at: life@believedoubtseek.org
The Children's Ministries Team and the Nursery Team are looking for additional volunteers to help teach and assist in the classrooms and nursery on Sundays during both gatherings. If you would like to join one of these teams, please
contact Sharlena Dressler at kids@believedoubtseek.org or Jenn Gifford at nursery@believedoubtseek.org
Our fall season of life groups begins on September 27th,
and sign-ups start today! We have an amazing roster of groups this
season, so look for the new 1+1+1 brochure in your hand-out this Sunday, or check out the
new life group listings online at believedoubtseek.org to sign up today!
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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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