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​Newsletter 2019
         The topic of Social Media seems to lately be a subject covered by several news commentators. The remarks speak to the abuse of Social Media to promote biased viewpoints and go as far as peddling fabrications disguised as ground breaking news. Social media has also been used as a career enabling tool.  I heard the term “twitter currency” used in reference to an artist using Social Media to promote himself by protesting something that it was likely he really cared little about. The observation by a commentator was that the protest, which took the form of not participating in some concert, did not really cost the artist anything but being part of the protest increased his “twitter currency” which helped his career more than the concert could.
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  However, it’s not all so dark and cynical. Sometimes, Social Media will provide some encouragement through the sharing of an inspiring story; pull on our heart strings by sharing images of children, puppies or kittens; or even provide exhortation to our faith through an inspirational thought.  Social Media has also yielded some interesting tidbits of wisdom to contemplate. Some of these tidbits may seem a bit unorthodox.  For example, I saw a Facebook post of a chimp saying something along the lines of “I figured out how to save a lot of money on Christmas presents. I bring up politics at the Thanksgiving  family dinner”. That may seem like a cynical thing to say but for those of us on a tight Christmas budget, it may be something to consider. It would require that we prioritize some things like family relationships verses our wallets.

  I suspect that as some read the words “Thanksgiving family dinner”, instead of hearts singing a joyful song, they made a woeful groan.  The question “who’s coming to dinner?” can be asked in gleeful anticipation or gloomy dread.  For some, Family Thanksgiving dinner is a joy, for others a duty.

  Having enough years under my belt to have experienced a wide array of these dinners, and the emotions that accompany them, I have learned that my attitude towards them is the main contributor to my enjoyment or lack thereof.  When I focus on the things that unite us such as family, history, common dreams and goals, then my time around family members, even if we don’t agree on everything makes for an enjoyable time. However, if my primary focus is on our differences, and the negative things in our past, then even my favorite dishes seem to lose their appeal and there is an oppressive air through the entire evening.

  I have also come to the conclusion that the same happens in our church family gatherings on Sunday mornings. If we come to church focusing on our differences, and the things we may not like about each other, the entire morning is tainted regardless of how many songs of praise are sung, how moving our communion mediations may be, or how challenging the message that is delivered.  But when we focus on what unites us which is  the shed blood of Christ; our history as a local congregation; and our common goals which are participation in and expansion of His kingdom; as well as our common dreams which are to each day grow in Him and to reflect His love to others, then our time together is something we look forward to and something that motivates us to do our utmost to be there on Sunday morning. When we manage a positive focus, Sunday morning is not about “I have to go to church” but “I get to go to church”.  What comes to mind when we achieve this are the words of David in Psalm 133: [Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessings, life forevermore.](ESV)

​  I pray that all of us look forward to our Sundays like the joyful anticipation of a loved family Thanksgiving dinner.    

​Have a blessed November, 
 
     Vic
From the Corner
by Joe Hagala

     “You meet the nicest people while camping”
 
 Well, it’s November!  Time to start talking turkey!!!  Like...where will we have dinner this year?  How big of a turkey?  Yams or sweet potatoes?  Gluten free stuffing?  Pumpkin or pecan pie??  All important questions!!  But, we’ll decide later.  This article  is about “CAMPING”
 
 Yes, that great Pacific Northwest activity for the Fall!  Or, anytime really!  We camp year round and so do lots and lots of other folks because the campgrounds are usually full year round!!  And yes, you do meet the nicest people.  Willing to share stories, advice and duct tape.  Recently , like last weekend, we were up at Port Townsend with the Coffeys and the Brenners.  Very nice people.  Activities included eating, going for walks, going to town, eating watching videos, burning wood, eating and just plain relaxing!  The sky was blue, the air was crisp, the wind was biting but it did not deter us nor scores of others because as usual, the camp was full!  I talked with several of our neighbors.  There were couples just up for the night who lived only 20 miles away, but they enjoyed coming out.  Another guy kept moving his trailer.  Found out later it was to get better reception to watch the Seahawks win!  Others were there with their little kids to explore the old coastal defense bunkers.  Like I said, lots of camaraderie amongst campers.
 
 You know Church is like that.  You meet the nicest people at Church.  People from near and far.  They will tell you stories, share advice and even duct tape if the need arises.  All are there at different stages in their walk with the Lord but all share the common bond of Jesus!  One of my most favorite scripture verses is this…      Galations 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”  So whether you are camping, at Church or just talking to your neighbor...Care, share, and Do Good!!      

​Joe​

    OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT 

  • Erna’s Cards & Care Group, Wednesdays, 2:00 PM 
  • Men’s Breakfast, 2nd Saturday of each month, 8:30 AM 
                           G.A.L.S.
  • Dinner & Devotion - 1st Monday of each month, 6- 8 PM 
  • Women’s Quilting Group - 2nd Monday of each month, 4:30- 8 PM 
ARE YOU INVOLVED IN A HOME GROUP? 
Click here for more information
Please let us know if you have an email address as the newsletter also goes out over email. 
If you have any updated information or anything to add to the newsletter you can 
make the request to the Church Office. 
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
Come join us on Tuesday Nights from 6:00 to 7:30
Meet new friends....have fun....bible study......
Looking forward to seeing you!!
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Men's Breakfast Saturday June 8th
​8:30 AM

  THANK YOU so much to all of you who contribute to the church pantry. People are being blessed by you.

G.A.L.S. Dinner and Devotion 
Dinner & Devotion - 1st Monday of each month, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

CALLING ALL MEN AND WOMEN WHO LOVE TO COOK! 
We know you are out there! Why not submit a recipe or two to share in our newsletter. Just give them to Nanette in the office.
Click the link above to go to the Recipes page.
Puget Sound Christian School is participating in a year-round fundraiser by clipping Box Tops. If you would like to help support our school, bring in your stash of Box Tops, please drop them off at the church office with Nanette or at the school office with Bobby Curts. Every little bit helps!!!