Green Lake ChurCh

GA ZE TTEJune 2020

w w w . g r e e n l a k e s d a . o r g

From our Pastor: ListenTuesday night, I drove east out of Enumclaw on Highway 410, turned off the highway onto Forest Road 72, and headed up into Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. I took my time on the drive. I was in no hurry, and the fog was really dense. It was late when I set up my tent, the air so thick with moisture I could see scarcely twenty feet with my flashlight. The air was perfectly still, and I relished the quiet before dropping off to sleep.

In the morning, the air remained windless and quiet. I made coffee and sat for a time of contemplation. After a little while I noticed the music. It was so quiet the sound of my breathing obscured it. I had to listen between inhales and exhales. I had to hold perfectly still because the slightest rustle of my rain gear would obliterate the music. It was a duet—one part like a drone string, the sound of a distant stream, rushing and cacophonous, I’m sure, if I had been on the creek bank, but here a just-audible whisper. The other part, the plucked notes, if you will, came from the patter of drops. Not raindrops. But fog drops condensing on needles of the trees and falling to the forest floor.

There was no sound of sirens or planes. No passing cars or barking dogs. The entire forest neighborhood was still. I sat for a long while. Inhaling then holding my breath to listen to a few measures of music. Exhaling and again holding my breath for long seconds to savor the sweetness of the water song.

I gave thanks for the stillness and resolved to be even more constant in taking time to be still with God. To be quiet and practice trust and hope.

In these crazy-making times, I encourage you to make time to be quiet with God. To be still. To give deliberate attention to the loveliness God has created in nature and to the hope and wisdom God has placed in the Word.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

i n t h i s i s s u e

From Our Pastor: ListenCelebrating Ministry, Saying Farewell Housing Ministry ContinuesSnapshots of Life During QuarantineZoom GatheringsMonthly Meals for the HomelessGiving

CeLebratinG ministry, sayinG FareweLL WriTTEn by PAsTor John McLArTy

Hanz Jouissance came to Green Lake Church in June 2017, after completing his Master of Divinity degree at the seminary at Andrews University. Not long after beginning his ministry here, he began ministering with Community Passageways, a program that aims to keep troubled young people out of prison and get them back on track toward a productive life. After working with them for some time, Pastor Hanz invited the director and some of the program participants to share with us in a worship service. The congregation was deeply moved and inspired by the stories of the kids and the preaching of the director, leading Green Lake Church to support Community Passageways financially.

Pastor Hanz pulled together a team to create the Green Lake Poetry Slam. The poetry slam welcomes a mostly young crowd into the church once a month. We will miss his leadership in the Poetry Slam, but we are resolved to continue this outreach to the community.

Hanz was born July 17, 1989, in Haiti. At age three he moved with his family to Brooklyn, NY, where they were members of the French Gethsemane Adventist Church, a large and storied Haitian-American congregation. After attending public school, he went to Oakwood University where he studied theology. He graduated from Oakwood in 2013, and then came to Seattle where he worked with Pastor Eugene Lewis at Emerald City Church for a year before heading to Andrews University for seminary.

After completing seminary in the spring of 2017, Hanz joined us at Green Lake Church as assistant pastor. From the outset Pastor Hanz charmed kids and adults with his ready smile and easy laugh. He worked to build connections among families, organizing movie nights and roller skating and bowling events. He helped to transfer the gifts left over from the His Kids program to Tree House Kids (reducing the volume of items stored in the attic!). He showed his love

and support for kids by driving many miles to cheer them on in their various extracurricular activities—games and swim meets and other athletic events. He presented worships at Cypress Adventist School during the school year, connecting with Green Lake kids and their classmates.

Pastor Hanz has been active in every aspect of church life—preaching, board meetings, finance committee meetings, softball, shoveling snow off the sidewalks, studying with people for baptism, and telling children’s stories. He has won our hearts with his sunny humor and willingness to serve. We are going to miss him greatly.

A year ago, our youth class was revitalized. Pastor Hanz began leading the class every week. The current youth class—Christopher and Elizabeth Pham, Elizabeth Josiah, Francisco Lopez, Gabe and Phoebe Mays, Megan Rickaby, Oliver Morrow, and Sally Maroa—has appreciated Hanz’ leadership and engaging conversation. All of us will miss his ready smile and cheerfulness.

Next step: Pastor Hanz’ next assignment, beginning June 1, is to serve as the pastor for two congregations: Breath of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in White

Center and 24-Seven Adventist Church in Bellevue. At some point, he hopes to further his education by earning a Ph.D. in counseling psychology.

Taking up the leadership of two congregations during this pandemic is a great and daunting challenge. So we give to Pastor Hanz God’s words to Joshua on the border of Canaan when he was taking up the leadership of Israel as they launched into an unknown future:

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Dear Green Lake Church,

Thank you isn’t enough to express the gratefulness we have for being able to stay at your beautiful basement unit. Due to Covid risks, we were not able to stay at our daughter’s home when we had to come for an emergency eye doctor appointment. The beds were so comfy and the decorations beautiful. Plus, the kitchen had everything we needed. Your grace and this ministry are a true witness.

Thank you.

Recently, the Green Lake Foundation moved forward on yet another renovation of the Meridian House, providing a washing machine/dryer unit and new cabinets on the main floor. Now our primary renters do not have to walk through the guest suite to use shared laundry facilities.

The housing ministry exists and continues because of the vision and support of the Green Lake Church family. Thank you!

housinG ministry Continues amid Covid-19 PandemiCBy Karin McLarty

Photo courtesy of Don Meher

In mid-March, as Seattle drew national attention as the epicenter for the novel corona virus outbreak, hospitals and clinics began cancelling non-essential medical procedures and services. At Green Lake Church, we wondered about the future of the housing ministry. People couldn’t get out of Seattle fast enough, and nobody wanted to come. One after another, we received cancellations for prospective guests as surgeries were postponed and medical appointments cancelled.

But life and exigencies happen, even amidst a pandemic. For families in need of emergent medical treatment, their stress has been greatly intensified by Covid-19. Finding a place to stay in Seattle—any place, much less a safe place—has become more difficult. We have been able to serve several families during this very stressful time. And we have done this while still safeguarding the health of our primary renters.

We were able to offer a small studio apartment to quarantine one of our renters so that she could then be reunited with her family in California after the University of Washington campus closed. One of our GLC members needed a safe place for her elderly parents to stay during a recent medical emergency. We have helped several families with pediatric emergencies.We frequently receive thank you notes from our guests. Here is a recent one:

Badminton during quarantine at home Shelly LaGrone and her dogs during quarantine

snaPshots oF LiFe durinG Quarantine

Participation in Sabbath School and other gatherings is available by Zoom or conference call while Green Lake Church has online worship services. You are invited to contact the group host for time and log-in information. Here are reports from some of the groups:

Gr e e n La k e s i n G e r sreport from Wanda R. Griffiths, Minister of Music

Since about the middle of March, the Green Lake Singers have been gathering most Friday evenings for about 45 minutes or so for a “get together” at our regular rehearsal time using the Zoom platform. We typically have nine to fifteen people show up for these, and each week is a different group, depending on who is available or interested that week. We check in with each other asking how everyone is doing, what is new in their world, and if there are health or other concerns they wish to share. We enjoy seeing each other’s faces, even in the often pixilated version that Zoom provides. But this is the tool we have to connect, and so we are grateful! Each week before we end the call, we pray together, lifting up the joys and concerns shared that evening, and depart feeling blessed by this brief time of connection.

Zoom GatherinGs

We met by Zoom on Friday evenings from mid-March until mid-May for ‘dinner,’ prayer and discussion. We were joined by six to twelve young adults for each session and discussed topics such as how to claim God’s promises through our fears. We learned tips and tricks of how to make it through hard times by looking at examples of Biblical heroes. We encouraged each other and shared our gratitude and challenges to stay connected. We will be taking a break for the summer but will keep the Zoom line open at 7:00 p.m. each Friday evening for any young adult who would like to hop on to pray or would like to connect with us.

beGinners and Primary CLassrePort From eLyse Lambeth

Every Sabbath at 10:00 a.m., a joyful and rambunctious group of three- through eight- year-olds gathers on Zoom for the Green Lake Church hybrid Beginners, Kindergarten, and Primary class. The kids share what in the week has made them thankful and their worries. The class delves into Bible stories through interactive lessons that have included science experiments, scavenger hunts, puzzles, tricks, games, and homemade puppets. Recently, the kids have been honing their leadership skills by taking turns guiding the class through craft projects. The kids seem to enjoy the time to connect and some stay long after the class has ended to tell one more story or show one more amazing skill.

the meridian house Care GrouP re P o r t F r o m er i k a or b a n

waLk-throuGh-the-bibLe CLassre P o r t F r o m mat t r i C k a by

Juniors CLassre P o r t F r o m te r r i sm i t h-we L L e r

women’s sabbath sChooL CLassre P o r t F r o m Pat t i G i b s o n

The Walk-Through-the-Bible class has a conference call each week for our Sabbath School. We have about ten of us each week. Currently, we are studying the book of Luke. We take turns reading passages and discussing how what we read applied to those living in their day as well as how it applies to our own lives. Each week brings a lively discussion, and we enjoy the fellowship.

Thanks to our dedicated Juniors teachers (Sheree Carson, Francisco Lopez, and Bianca Talakua) the class is doing well via Zoom. Also, thanks to the parents who ensure their kids get connected. We’ve had an attendance of 5-12 every week. Sometimes it seems slightly easier to teach remotely. The wiggly boy can’t quite as easily distract the whole class when he has only a small window in the gallery. However, when I taught one week the teacher was at a slight technical disadvantage when I forgot how to disable the ability of a participant to draw over the entire screen. A minor problem, though. We haven’t had any issue with Zoom bombers. The kids seem happy to see each other. Bianca says they seem more attentive because they’re by themselves. Francisco says, “They like when I use screen share with some videos or pictures to illustrate a topic.” Planning has required a different type of creativity from the teachers, and the class is thriving.

During this time of threatened health and lockdown, the Women’s SS class has put aside the book reading temporarily and focused on the joy of being together. We share our week’s events, support each other, and blend our hearts in prayer. Joining us are a couple of former class members who have moved away, so we typically have eight to nine women at our weekly Zoom meeting. On May 23, we started a second meeting to give us time to include some book discussion. For many, it is a highlight of our week.

Zoom GrouPs and hostsBeginners and Primary Class: Elyse Lambeth, HostJuniors Class: Terri Smith-Weller, Host Youth Class: Host to be determined. Watch the church weekly email for the new host.Walk Through The Bible Class: Matt Rickaby, HostWomen’s Class: Patti Gibson, Host Fireside Class: Stephanie Mays, Host Library Class: Shine May Woodcock, HostGreen Lake Singers: Wanda Griffiths, HostMeridian House Care Group, 7:00 p.m. on Friday nights: https://washington.zoom.us/j/634954548.

Zoom GatherinGs Continued

disCussion CLassre P o r t F r o m sh i n e may wo o d C o C k

Join in!

Shine May Woodcock is coordinating the Discussion Class, which, in “normal” times meets in the church library. She writes, “The GLC library discussion class convened by way of Zoom for the first time four weeks ago—it was incredibly nice to see the faces of dear class friends for the first time in many weeks since the lockdown order was put into place by our governor. At the initial meeting, we took turns sharing what we had been busying ourselves with since the stay-at-home orders went into effect. It was very good to catch up, however briefly and remotely. During the second week of the virtual library discussion class, I gave a brief book review of Traveling Light by Max Lucado, and we discussed the inherent tension between self-reliance and casting your care, as well as the complementary nature of the two (casting our anxieties on God enhances our ability to do more for ourselves). Last Sabbath, Asa Takamori presented a book review on The Storm On Our Shores, which was followed by lively discussion. On May 23 and 30, Karla Walters presented on Tara Westover’s book Educated. On June 6 we are anticipating Alvin Kwiram’s review of Dinosaurs, Volcanoes, and Holy Writ: A Boy-Turned-Scientist Journeys From Fundamentalism to Faith by James Hayward. Surely, we will have more engaging dialogue and witty banter in our future meetings!”

Because we can’t ask face-to-face, it is difficult to find people to participate in the worship service. Did you know you can pre-record your part? Gummi Ibsen (gummi2@me.com) has created a helpful guide (https://vimeo.com/410407961/1b6dae0cf6) and is happy to help if you need additional technical assistance. If you would like to provide special music, contact Wanda Griffiths (wandagriffiths@me.com). If you would like to give a children’s story, scripture reading, prayer, or offering call, contact Dana Waters (h2osrd5@gmail.com).

youth sabbath sChooLrePort From hanZ JouissanCe

I have been leading the youth Sabbath school through Zoom and it has been great thus far. We have discussed this strange time of COVID and together have adjusted to being at home constantly; they’re definitely getting bored. So our Sabbath get-togethers are helpful in breaking up the boredom. We’ve all heard that children are the future, but I beg to differ.

These young people are our today.

So I encourage the church to put as much effort and care into them as possible. They deserve it.

Last, thank you for allowing me to serve the Green Lake Church family. I am happy and excited for my new journey. Please keep me in your prayers. You will be in mine.

monthLy meaLs For the homeLessby seLLyna ehLers

Every fourth Sunday of the month, a group of us get together and prepare a meal to be served to our homeless community at the Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 12509 27th Ave NE, Seattle, located directly west of the Lake City Library. I have been serving the meals for almost four years now, and I am always grateful to Ellen Park for inviting me to participate that very first time. Now, Ken Fairchild, Lynette Vargas, and I spearhead the organization of the meal, and we estimate that we have served almost 3600 people over the past three years.

As we prepare to feed this month amidst the Covid-19 outbreak, I am reminded of a quote by Ted N. C. Wilson, President of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, which said “It is during the storms of life when Christ is near. It’s in the darkness of the night that we can shine more brightly for him.” March and April were tough months; we were scared, but we knew regardless of what happens, there are those out there who rely on us to provide them with one warm meal. Covid-19 has overturned our lives and left a lot of people without jobs and food. We continue to serve because we know there is a need and that through this small action, we make a difference to someone’s life.

It takes a lot of work and planning, and we could not do it without the help of our church members who are always

so generous. Most of the food we serve is made in our kitchens, but the last part of it is prepped at the church right before we serve. It is a privilege to be able to do this ministry; as one young person told me in November, they were humbled. This small act of kindness has brought a lot of joy to us and, at the end of each fourth Sunday, we look

at each other and feel that somehow, somewhere, we have made at least 75 people’s day just a little better.

Our menus range from meatballs and spaghetti to turkey and mashed potatoes for holidays. In the summer, we vary the meal by preparing something lighter like hotdogs with mac and cheese.

All this is always accompanied by an amazing salad chopped and lovingly

prepared by Ken and the most scrumptious brownies baked by none other than Carolyn Lacy.

For those interested in receiving a receipt for tax deduction (in-kind contribution) or financial reimbursement for their purchases, please contact me, sellynae@gmail.com.

We always want volunteers and especially young people, because this is an easy way to get school credit for community service. Thank you to all those who donateevery month. We appreciate it!

www.GreenLakesda.orG

(206) 522-1330

GivinGMany have been giving on line. Thank you.

If you prefer to give by check you can mail a check to the church office or to Claire Knierem. You can contact the church office for her address. 

If you prefer to give cash, please contact the church office or Pastor McLarty. 

If you need help of any kind, please feel free to contact Pastor McLarty by phone or text at (253) 350-1211 or by email, jtmclarty@gmail.com. You can also contact the church office by phone, (206) 522-1330 or email, glcsda@gmail.com.