Vision Statement:
‘Building a community together that
explores faith & experiences God’

St. Andrew’s Online
January 28, 2014

For where two or three gather together as my followers,

I am there among them." - Matthew 18:20

@Seahawks @russellwilson @seahawkschurch

As we approach a big day in Washington State history - referring of course to the Seahawks in their 2^nd Super Bowl in as many years - I wanted to hold up the amazing Christian faith several of the players have shared, especially Russell Wilson. Here is part of an article sent to me by a friend entitled ‘What Russell Wilson Taught Me About Faith’ from The Huffington Post blog:

“In a world where professional athletes have more star power than most members of congress and their salaries triple that of our commander and chief, Wilson has remained steadfastly humble during his short but impressive career. His social media presence isn't filled with photos of him partying on yachts or popping bottles in the roped-off VIP sections of exclusive nightclubs, hand in hand with that week's model-cum-actress, but with endless selfies with bright-eyed kids in hospital gowns. He does this without fanfare or media or hype, his countless hours of volunteerism less about good press and more about good character. While Richard Sherman's brand of intelligence can often cut deep, Wilson seems to adhere to an "if you don't have something nice to say..." philosophy, his Twitter feed a collection of gratitude and scripture with the occasional old school R&B lyric thrown in for good measure.

Russell Wilson's brand of Christianity never feels judgmental or fueled by hate. On the contrary, it is full of a joy so contagious that even if you don't follow the same religious tenets you can't help but feel the power of positivity that his faith radiates. His love for his God is private and personal while at the same time being completely revealed in the way he lives life every day. Full of a deeper purpose he pulls from a faith that he wears proudly, one he never takes off regardless of the season. He doesn't have to tell you he is a Christian for you to know that there is something higher driving every single thing he does, on the field and off. In a time where Christianity has little or nothing to do with Christ, Russell is a shining example of what walking like Jesus actually looks like.

As a lifelong Seahawks fan, when I look back on the amazing few years we have had, I am grateful someone with such strong devotion is leading our team. And as I get ready to fly to Arizona just so that I can sit outside of a stadium with thousands of other 12s who merely want to be present when we bring home our second Superbowl win, I know that the man who helped reignite the passion of an entire city hasn't changed the way I think about football so much as the way I think about faith.

After the NFC Championship game Aaron Rodgers was quoted as saying he doesn't "think God cares a whole lot about" football games, and he may or may not be right. Russell Wilson, however, cares deeply about God, and so far that has proven to be more than enough.”

            It is impressive to me that these men continue to carry their faith in Jesus Christ week in and week out in front of an often judgmental audience of tens of thousands and on Monday Night Football millions of viewers.  I know their faith will continue to take them far in life.

If you haven’t seen it yet some of the Seattle Seahawks' most popular players extol their Christian faith on a newly released video. In the 15-minute video "The Making of a Champion," quarterback Russell Wilson, tackle Russell Okung and others discuss the importance of God in their lives and careers. You can catch it on the www.komonews.com website under the article titled ‘God on the gridiron: Seahawks DVD extols a higher power.’ Go Hawks!

Blessings,

Pastor Melissa

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Upcoming Activities

Feb 1            SOUPer Bowl Sunday – Both services
In celebration of the Seahawks making it to the Super Bowl – bring canned soup or other canned goods to donate to the Food Bank.

Feb 1 & 8     Valentine Sale
The children are selling Valentines for $5 – all money goes to Church World Service program ‘Share the Well,’ to improve water conditions and dig wells around the world.

Feb 2            Making Sense of the Bible,   Mondays  6:30pm – 7:30pm
A video & discussion based small group class. Pastor Melissa invites you into an honest conversation about the Bible. The book begins with foundational questions such as, How and when was the Bible written? Who decided which books made it into the scriptures and why? How literally must we read it? And, Is the Bible ever wrong?

Feb 10          Packing FORKIDS bags @ Food Bank
Every 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of the month St. Andrew’s people head to the Food Bank (220 Thurston Ave, Downtown Olympia) from 3:30pm – 5:30pm to serve the most vulnerable of our community, hungry children. Join us.

Feb 15          Pancake Breakfast @ 10:00am
There’s nothing better than having a great meal with family. Fellowship Committee will provide Pancakes, syrup, sausage and juice to help us start Lent off right.

                    Children’s/Family Activity @ 12:15pm
Ms. Janie and the Education Committee is working on a fun family activity. Set this afternoon aside for some fun - possibly BOWLING!

Feb 18          Ash Wednesday Worship @ 7:00pm

Mission Opportunities

 FORKids Backpack program

NEEDED:  Chef Boyardee microwavable cups, Vienna sausage, Fruit cups, pudding cups. Place in box on the floor inside Sanctuary doors

VOLUNTEER: January: 2^nd & 4^th Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30pm @ Food Bank (220 Thurston Ave, Olympia). Fill bags with food to be delivered to students in low income families to help get them through the weekend.

Items we collect Year Round

Besides food for the school bags and the Food Bank we collect:

Aluminum Cans – we recycle and the $ goes for Missions. Place in the small house to the left of the dumpster in parking lot.

Hygiene items – for homeless. Especially needed are trial size soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste. Also toothbrushes, toilet paper, diapers, and feminine product. Must be new still in packaging. Place in ‘Donation’ bin across from Pastors’ Office

Plastic Shopping Bags & Empty Egg Cartons that hold a dozen eggs: Food bank could use your clean plastic shopping bags and empty egg cartons to use in passing out food to families. Please put in the Food Bank bin just inside the Sanctuary doors.

Small Group Meetings – EVERYBODY WELCOME:

Adult Sunday School ~ 9:30am – 10:30am

Adult Sunday School will begin at 9:30am and will end at 10:30 when the choir starts to practice. Childcare is available in the Nursery during this time

Quilters –  This group is responsible for supplying the comfort quilts St. Andrew’s gives people at Baptism and during emergency/crisis circumstances. They also love to try new quilting techniques. Contact: Denise Gerth         

Singles Luncheon Group –  meets 3^rd Wednesday of each month Next meeting: Feb 18th

Ash Wednesday Program – 10:30am, Seattle Room, Quinault Bldg, Panorama

Lunch – 11:30am, Chambers Restaurant, Panorama For ALL singles (widowed, never been married, divorced, separated, etc.) Contact: Chris Regester

No-host After Church lunch – meets every Sunday after 11:00 service for lunch at Emperor’s Palace (on Martin)