Uncategorized

This morning I woke up with the above verse on my mind and in my heart. Undoubtedly, this newsletter might find you at home, self-quarantined–depending on where you live–working from home, streaming your church services, possibly doing school, etc all online! What a day and age we live in where there’s even the possibility to do those things if there’s capacity. It’s easy, during this time with what we’re facing in the world right now, to fear. Fear can grip us and cause us to be anxious and worried over things within our control, but then we fret over very many things outside our control as well. Fear causes us to seize control, rely on our own strength and power, which eventually leads to bitterness and hardness of heart. Love asks us to release our worries/anxieties on the One who is Love, and to trust and lean on him. Love invites us to rest in the One who is above all, in all and through all. When we tap into the love that God as for us we are able to live in wisdom and discernment, we are able to reach out to those living in fear and hopelessness and show them the love of God, meeting them where they’re at. In the midst of your possible quarantine, I pray you can have sweet, intimate times with our Savior. How is he inviting you to tap further into his all abiding love?

Read the rest of Anna’s newsletter…

From 1981 until 1984 I lived in the city of Odawara, a famous “castle town” west of what is today Tokyo, Japan. During the “warring period” in Japanese history (1467-1615), the feudal lord, or daimyo, of the Odawara Castle ruled most of this area (1495-1592). Each year in May the history of this ruling family and it’s importance to the city of Odawara and surrounding areas are celebrated in a 3-day festival, the highlight of which is a parade called the “Daimyo Gyoretsu” or Daimyo Parade that happens on May 3^rd.

The parade is meant to be an historic enactment of a real military parade in which 1,700 samurai warriors in their armor, along with various other courtesans and members of the daimyo family march through the city in full regalia, wearing costumes and garb from that historic period, many riding war horses and brandishing traditional weapons.

Since it usually coincides with the blooming of the castle cherry and wisteria trees, it can be a colorful and cultural feast for the eyes and ears. Famous actors are usually hired to play the roles of the daimyo and his family while local people are encouraged to audition and participate in the parade.

In our text for today (Matthew 21:1-11) the author makes a point of interpreting the entrance of Jesus into the capital city of Jerusalem – riding on a donkey – as a fulfilling of the old testament prophecy from Zehariah 9:9.

“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

For some reason, whenever I read this text of Jesus, the king, entering Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, I think of the Daimyo Gyoretsu in Odawara. One is filled with flair and pageantry – while the other is decidedly simple and unimpressive. Many scholars believe that, in fact, Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem in this humble fashion was meant to contrast with the way in which the Roman rulers of this time would often appear. It was thought that Pilate, the governor of Judea, would surely have chosen this largest of all Jerusalem festivals – Passover – to make a grand entrance into the city, most likely on a warhorse, with the full strength of a Roman battalion behind him. I’m guessing it would be an image closer to my memory of the Daimyo Gyoretsu than the picture conjured up by Matthew’s description of King Jesus.

In the end it begs the question of us – which kingdom are we impressed by? To which kingdom will we tie our futures? What model will we choose to follow? A kingdom where wealth, political power, and societal influence still manage to sway us and form our decisions…. or a kingdom where gentleness, humility, and service (even unto death) are the identifying characteristics? The contrast couldn’t be more stark – and it’s hard to believe that Jesus wouldn’t have meant it to be. Unfortunately, the Daimyo Gyoretsu in Odawara has been canceled this year due to the coronavirus outbreak. But the choice of which parade we’ll join is still before us.

As we walk with Jesus toward the cross this week, are we able to consider following him in his footsteps? Can we serve each other – wash each other’s feet – as he commanded?

(the above is a summary of the message shared during our ZOOM worship time on April 5, 2020.)

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

主よ。深い淵から、私はあなたを呼び求めます。主よ。私の声を聞いてください。私の願いの声に耳を傾けてください。主よ。あなたがもし、不義に目を留められるなら、主よ、だれが御前に立ちえましょう。しかし、あなたが赦してくださるからこそあなたは人に恐れられます。私は主を待ち望みます。私のたましいは、待ち望みます。私は主のみことばを待ちます。私のたましいは、夜回りが夜明けを待つのにまさり、まことに、夜回りが夜明けを待つのにまさって、主を待ちます。イスラエルよ。主を待て。主には恵みがあり、豊かな贖いがある。主は、すべての不義からイスラエルを贖い出される。詩篇１３０

This ancient song is well-known for its opening line: “out of the depths…”

Sometimes it is from the depths of anxiety, fear, or sadness that we offer our most earnest prayers. On this Sunday morning (our first to ever worship via the internet!) we are reminded of the depth of anxiety and fear from which many in our state, country, and world are crying out. Those who have actually become sick and are dying from Covid-19; the health care workers who are attempting to care for them even as they recognize that they, too, become dangerously exposed to the virus; those who are most economically affected by losing their work and income – the list could go on. The Psalmist cries out here as well, but not without hope. Three words that stand out to me as I read and pray Psalm 130 this morning:

CRY

Psalm 130 falls into the category of a lament. A lament in scripture is where complaint and petition are combined. Lament = Complaint + Petition. When was the last time you complained to God? Do you consider that a good thing to do? Scripture is filled with complaints to God by the way… so it must surely be allowed in a person’s prayer life. Last week we considered the question asked by the Israelites in the desert when they were without water: “Is God with us… or not!?” They were certainly complaining. But as we learned, complaint, too, can be a form of faithful prayer. Hear my voice O Lord!

WAIT

I love the image of the watchman here, standing on the wall, wondering if the enemy will attack in the dark, waiting for the sun to rise in order to bring light and more safety to the situation. Waiting is also part of our faith, and part of our praying.

HOPE

“Put your hope in the Lord… In His word and promises I put my hope… for in the Lord is unfailing love and full redemption. ”  Yes, we cry out from the depths, and yes, we wait for God to answer, but our crying and waiting is NOT without hope. We have experienced God’s miracles in our lives before, we have seen God do great things for us in the past. We do not forget those…. and we lean on those experiences to give us hope for tomorrow.

Take these three words with you this week:  CRY … WAIT … HOPE  Let these be the words that move us toward deeper and more earnest prayer.

(the above thoughts are a summary of the message shared via our ZOOM meeting last Sunday…)

Recently, I received a phone call from Linda Mitchell, chief communications officer for “Mary’ Place” here in Seattle. It appears that their organization will be signing a lease / opening a new shelter in the former Keiro Care Center facility. She wanted me to communicate with JCC folks about these plans so I’ve pasted her communication directly below.

—————————————————————————————————————–

Hello, neighbors!

First of all, we want to apologize that this information is being delivered to you so impersonally. The current situation has limited our ability to reach out to you more directly. Under other circumstances, we would have invited you to a meeting to share more about what we do and answer your questions in person.

We want to share the news that we will soon sign a two-year lease for the building at 1601 E Yesler (the former Keiro Care Center). The now-vacant building was offered to Mary’s Place to become a 24/7 shelter for families with children who are experiencing homelessness in our community. We hope to begin making a few minor repairs to the building soon, and be able to start moving families in early in May.

Mary’s Place provides crisis response family shelter at several locations in King County, demonstrating effectiveness and an understanding and ability to meet the needs of diverse family configurations and backgrounds. We address the immediate safety concerns of our families, and following national best practices, provide housing, employment, and wellness services to help them resolve barriers to stability and find stable housing quickly.

Since 1999, Mary’s Place has operated a drop-in women’s day center in downtown Seattle, and for the past nine years have welcomed in families at several emergency family night shelters across King County. Across our shelters, Mary’s Place provides just over 800 beds, but there are still many families left outside each night. We are excited about the opportunity we have to address the need and bring more families inside in this new space!

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to be added to our mailing list, please email or call Linda Mitchell at 206-334-4687 or linda@marysplaceseattle.org.

We look forward to being your neighbors, and inviting you in to see our new home, meet our families, and learn more about Mary’s Place programs as soon as we can!

Mary’s Place

PO Box 1711 Seattle, WA 98111 (206) 621-8474

info@marysplaceseattle.org

marysplaceseattle.org

 

MARY’S PLACE YESLER FAMILY CENTER SHELTER DETAILS

The former Keiro Care Center at 1601 E. Yesler in Seattle is 62,388 s/f on two levels and a finished basement. The building, a former retirement home with private rooms and restrooms, a commercial kitchen, large common areas, medical facilities, parking, laundry, and fenced outdoor areas, is the perfect move-in-ready location for a Mary’s Place family center.

The Yesler location will shelter single and two-parent families with children who are experiencing homelessness. It will serve as a family center, modeled after our successful family centers in Burien, North Seattle, Northshore, Downtown Seattle, and White Center, providing housing and employment resources during the day and shelter for approximately 250 family members (individuals) at night.

Like Mary’s Place other locations, the Yesler family center shelter will be staffed 24 hours, and volunteers will assist with meals and activities.

This new location is even more important today, as we work to provide safe accommodations for our families and staff and keep them healthy. The private rooms and bathrooms, along with large common areas of the Yesler facility, will provide needed space to allow for social distancing while necessary.

 

SERVICES PROVIDED

• Intake and Assessment–Families will meet with a Mary’s Place Housing Specialist to provide initial family information and complete a background screening.
• Nighttime Shelter–Families will sleep in individual rooms. Beds are provided, and sheets are laundered weekly. Pack ‘n Plays are provided for children under two years.
• Three Meals a Day–A hot meal is prepared on-site and served in the evening by Mary’s Place staff and/or volunteers. A light breakfast and lunch are provided each day.
• Hygiene Facilities–Shower, toilets, sinks, and laundry services are located on site.
• Storage–Mary’s Place will store and distribute diapers, baby formula, emergency clothing, snacks, hygiene products, towels, etc. Families are provided large bins to store belongings.
• Family Support–Housing specialists work with families each day to empower parents to secure housing, build family stability, and prepare for employment. Family support includes school registration and transportation, school-specific advocacy, Kids Plus referrals, ESL referrals, childcare arrangements, housing application assistance and referrals to providers, DSHS benefits, job search, Mary’s Place Empower U employment intern program, conflict mediation, move-in assistance and referrals, connection to healthcare services, coordination of services, and special needs resource. Last year, Mary’s Place helped 768 families return to stable housing.
• Services for Children and Babies–Mary’s Place partners with local hospitals to provide private, healing spaces in our on-site Popsicle Place program for families dealing with their children’s life-threatening illnesses while living in cars and tents; and our Baby’s Best Start program for new moms and infants.
• Security – 24/7 awake and alert shelter and security staff, no-tolerance policy for drinking, drugs, drunkenness, threats of violence, 8:00 pm curfew, shelter staff, including volunteers, will be trained on shelter policies and safety measures.

Ephesians 4:17-32

JCC / March 22, 2020

All throughout church history, during times of uncertainty and crisis, the community of believers rose to the occasion and became lights in the darkness. Love overcame fear. Serving each other while others fled testified to the reality of God in their lives. We are faced with this challenge in our current situation with the coronavirus. As we continue on with studying the book of Ephesians, may the Lord show us how we should live.

Ephesians 4:17-19

¹⁷ So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, ¹⁸ being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; ¹⁹ and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

17そこで私は、主にあって言明し、おごそかに勧めます。もはや、異邦人がむなしい心で歩んでいるように歩んではなりません。18 彼らは、その知性において暗くなり、彼らのうちにある無知と、かたくなな心とのゆえに、神のいのちから遠く離れています。19道徳的に無感覚となった彼らは、好色に身をゆだねて、あらゆる不潔な行ないをむさぼるようになっています。

How did the Ephesians/Gentiles walk (lifestyle)? What were they thinking?

Ephesus was the center of Diana worship (idol worship). Through that worship, there was prostitution, filled with sensuality, fornication, and impurity. That was “normal”, and people all over the world came to participate. It filled their values and thinking.

Ephesus was also the banking center of the world. People were greedy for wealth, status and power. This blinded them to the true God. They were hard and callous people.   Paul says they were “excluded from the life of God”.

We are in the same situation. Many around us have become hardened and they do not know God. Paul came to bring the light of the Gospel to those who were lost and without hope. And by God’s grace, many believed. Their lives were transformed in Christ.

Ephesians 4:20-24

²⁰ But you did not learn Christ in this way, ²¹ if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, ²² that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, ²³ and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

20しかし、あなたがたはキリストを、このようには学びませんでした。21ただし、ほんとうにあなたがたがキリストに聞き、キリストにあって教えられているのならばです。まさしく真理はイエスにあるのですから。22 その教えとは、あなたがたの以前の生活について言うならば、人を欺く情欲によって滅びて行く古い人を脱ぎ捨てるべきこと、23 またあなたがたが心の霊において新しくされ、24 真理に基づく義と聖をもって神にかたどり造り出された、新しい人を身に着るべきことでした。

Paul introduced them to a new and better way; the way of Christ. The old self was being corrupted. Jesus himself said he was, “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Our default mode is to go back and do things in the flesh. But there is a better way. Paul tells the believers to “put on the new self”. In other words, become like Jesus. Be godly. It doesn’t mean we become perfect. When we fail, we confess and repent. It means that Christ will now become the center of your life. In the past, it was the flesh, the self, that was at the center. The truth may not be politically correct, but it is right in God’s eyes.

Ephesians 4:25 -32

²⁵ Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and do not give the devil an opportunity. ²⁸ He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. ²⁹ Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. ³⁰ Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ³² Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

25 ですから、あなたがたは偽りを捨て、おのおの隣人に対して真実を語りなさい。私たちはからだの一部分として互いにそれぞれのものだからです。 26怒っても、罪を犯してはなりません。日が暮れるまで憤ったままでいてはいけません。27悪魔に機会を与えないようにしなさい。 28盗みをしている者は、もう盗んではいけません。かえって、困っている人に施しをするため、自分の手をもって正しい仕事をし、ほねおって働きなさい。 29悪いことばを、いっさい口から出してはいけません。ただ、必要なとき、人の徳を養うのに役立つことばを話し、聞く人に恵みを与えなさい。 30神の聖霊を悲しませてはいけません。あなたがたは、贖いの日のために、聖霊によって証印を押されているのです。31無慈悲、憤り、怒り、叫び、そしりなどを、いっさいの悪意とともに、みな捨て去りなさい。 32お互いに親切にし、心の優しい人となり、神がキリストにおいてあなたがたを赦してくださったように、互いに赦し合いなさい。

So how should it look? What should we be doing?

Remember, it’s not about human effort. Pray that the Holy Spirit would work in your heart to transform you into being more like Jesus. It’s relying on God to do the impossible and trusting Him to work in and through you. Look at some differences that Paul pointed out.

1. Don’t lie. Speak the truth in love. There are so many falsehoods. Keep with the truth.
2. Be angry, yet do not sin.  Righteous anger is fine (against child trafficking, murder, abuse, stealing, etc.), but do not let the anger cause you to sin or harm others. Anger gives the Devil an opportunity to take advantage of your feelings, or a foothold, in your life. Don’t allow it. Forgive. Let go, trust God.
3. Don’t steal. That means no looting when times get hard in a lockdown. Appeal to the church believers for help. Work hard and share.
4. No foul language. Use language that builds others up, not criticize or put others down.
5. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit. If you know it is sin, STOP. We can actually grieve God. He still loves us. But if we love Him, we should want to stop. Ask God for help.
6. Forgive. Let go of bitterness, anger, slander, and malice.
7. Be kind. Be tenderhearted. FORGIVE, just as Christ has forgiven you. We forget. That is why we need each other to help remind us.

Put on the new self now. In a nutshell, it is God-centered, then other-centered. It lifts others up, not tear them down. May we shine in the midst of the coronavirus and craziness that may come up during this time.

God Bless each and every one of you.

Richard

(the above is a sermon summary provided for us by Richard Nakamura, who was scheduled to be with us this coming Sunday, March 22nd. Thanks Rich!)

According to our text (Exodus 17:1-7) this was the question asked by the people of Israel to Moses when they arrived in Rephidim and found themselves without any water. After demanding water of Moses and accusing him of leading them out into the desert only to die – they then ask this question – “Is God with us or not!?”

The text assumes that their question displayed a complete lack of faith in God, a God who had shown them countless miracles over the past recent weeks… leading the people out of slavery in Egypt, allowing them to miraculously cross over the sea on dry land with the Egyptian army in pursuit, a God who had already provided water for them miraculously at Marah (Exodus 15) as well as initiated the provision of manna – their daily bread (Exodus 16). Yes, it’s true – their question did represent a tendency to easily forget all that God was doing for them.

Later in the New Testament in the book of Hebrews, this same incident is recalled and again, the people of Israel are soundly criticized for their hardened hearts and unbelief.

So yes, perhaps one lesson to be learned here is to stand firm, as much as we are able, in our faith that God will be with us and provide for us – through any and all circumstances. And yes, we should never forget all of the myriad ways in which God has miraculously looked out for us in the past.

But as I read this text it feels like there may be another side to the story. After all, it was tens of thousands of people (old and young) along with their cattle and other possessions. They were in a desert climate – severe heat – wandering for hours without any drinking water. How long would you survive before a sense of panic set in? How many miracles would you have had to experience before you could honestly say that your dry throat and crying children at your side brought you absolutely NO sense of anxiety?? (By the way, how many reports last week did you hear of panic buying before YOU got in line to pick up toilet paper?)

This story in Exodus does not provide a lot of detail. Although Moses is clearly exasperated with the people, it doesn’t appear – at least here – that God is angry with the feelings expressed by the people of Israel. The following details appear:

• God tells Moses to take some of the leaders and go ahead (before) the people to the rock of Horeb
• He is to use his staff, the same staff that God had commanded Moses to use on countless other miracles, to strike the rock
• God would, in fact, be there with them, by the rock
• Water would miraculously come out of the rock and provide enough for all to drink
• Moses would name the place “Massah” and “Meribah”, referring to the quarrelsome nature of the peoples’ attitude toward Moses, and to their hardened hearts of unbelief toward God.

So what are we to make of this account? What lessons should we take away for ourselves? Briefly, I offer the following:

1. Let God know about the anxiety, and yes, even anger that you may be feeling. God can handle our outright questioning of God’s presence among us… and accusations of absence. It’s true that the people of Israel were guilty of forgetting recent miracles of provision on their behalf. And we, too, are often guilty of forgetting God’s powerful work in our own lives. But there are also plenty of examples of doubt, anger, and lament within scripture – times when even people of faith felt free to accuse God of being absent and uncaring. Is it possible that this too could be an expression of faith?
2. God is, in fact, with us – whether we feel it – or are aware of it – or not. Just as God was present at the rock of Horeb for Moses and the people of Israel, God is present for us.
3. This text offers us much to think about in regard to our present situation with COVID-19. What are we most anxious about? How can we be praying about this situation? How can we stay in touch as a church family during a time of social distancing? Are there surprising resources (like a rock!) that God may use to provide for us during this crisis?

The words from Philippians 4:6-7 may be a good balance of speaking honestly with God, as well as accepting the amazing peace and presence of Christ into our lives during these stressful days. May this peace be yours.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(The above is a brief summary of our text and message at JCC last Sunday, March 15^th)

Dear JCC family and friends,

I know you’re getting MANY updates and communications from various sources as we continue to weather this coronavirus situation. We just wanted to check in with you and give you a couple of details about JCC.

• About 10 of us ended up gathering at church last Sunday (3/15) for worship. We followed the guidelines for wiping down the entire sanctuary and keeping our social distancing.
• A decision following that meeting was made that until further notice – ALL gatherings at JCC are suspended.
• If you would like to read a brief summary of our text and message from that worship service you can find it HERE.
• I’m still exploring ways that we can continue to stay in touch during this time of social distancing. I’ll continue to send out this occasional update. And please check this website for other announcements as they appear. Hopefully, we can continue to post a summary of our Sunday messages online and maybe even post an occasional video.
• Let’s continue to pray for each other – and especially for those most impacted by this health crisis!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Tim

Greetings to JCC family and friends,

Recently we received the following message from Abbie Watton of King County United Way –   and we pass it along to all of you!

 

Free Tax Help

Did you know that 70% of Americans qualify for free tax prep services by IRS-certified volunteers?

This tax season, United Way of King County’s free tax preparation services are a convenient resource available to you, your family members, and your community! Tax time can be stressful and expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. Come take advantage of this free service at one of the 33 convenient locations throughout King County or online and maximize your refund today! Now through April 18^th, households making under $66,000 can have their taxes prepared by a certified tax preparer and get connected to other community resources and public benefits.

There are two easy ways to file:

 Online

With no income limit this year, you can file your taxes online for free with United Way’s ‘My Free Taxes’ tool at www.MyFreeTaxes.com.

In-Person 

File your taxes in-person at one of 33 locations throughout King County. Locations have convenient hours to meet your schedule, and no appointments are needed. To find a location near you, languages available, a list of what to bring, and other details, visit United Way’s website at www.FreeTaxExperts.org or call 2-1-1.

If you would like digital or physical outreach materials, please feel free to reach out to me.

Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at awatton@uwkc.org or call me at (206) 461-3631.

Best,

Abbie Watton (she/her/hers)

Benefits Hub Tax Associate

United Way of King County

awatton@uwkc.org | 206-461-3631

Web | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

 

ReplyForward