I hope my weekly email/snail mail finds you well and enjoying the beauty of our NW spring. The colors of the rhodys, azaleas, dogwoods, tulip, etc. are so vibrant and just give our spirits a lift – even through the rain.

Let’s jump right into what is happening at LWCC

• Were you here last Sunday to hear the new band? It was GREAT!! We had Cindy on guitar, Louis on bass, Andrew on keyboards, Andre on drums, and Delio on bongos. Would you like to join in the fun? See a band member after worship.
• Several of us will leave for the NW Region’s Assembly in Yakima on Friday, 5/16. We are excited to participate in the varied worship services, workshops, fellowship events, and to have the opportunity to connect with other DOC congregations throughout the region. We hope you will come to worship on Sunday and hear Don Wood give the message. We will be in worship in Yakima the same time you are worshiping here and we will keep you in our prayers.
• The “Book It” book drive kicks off Sunday. Bring new or nearly new children’s books (4-14 years of age) to the church and drop them in the collection box in the coffee area. If you would prefer to give a cash donation see our KIN representatives, Marc and Lorna Forgey. Hopelink will distribute the books throughout the summer months. Speaking of KIN, we received their annual report. Great reading! I hope you will pick up a copy from the table in the foyer and see how our membership in the Kirkland Interfaith Network provides so much to our neighbors. A few of the projects that LWCC took part in are the Back to School, the Holiday Fair, CROP Walk, Tent City support, and more.
• “Sew much fun!” Anyone interested in fun, fellowship, and outreach is invited to join our Piecemakers quilting group. We will meet on Saturday, May 24, at 10:30 AM. We have plenty of material “sew” you can just jump right in and start a project. We continue to work on baby blankets for Children’s, lap quilts and catheter covers for Hospice, or you have to opportunity to work on a project you started at home. See you here!
• We will recognize our dedicated Sunday School Teachers on May 1 during worship. Please be sure to be here to add your thanks.
• Hey, Graduates! If you or a family member is graduating in 2008 from high school, college or university, community college, or another advanced career educational center, please let me know so they can be included in the LWCC celebration on June 8. A special reception held in the graduates honor will be held following worship.
• Dad’s Against the World!! Who will be the victors this year? Are the “Dads” getting a little “long in the tooth”? Is the “World” up to the challenge? The annual softball game (I noticed the other day that there is some work being done on the field) and potluck will be held at the Kingsgate 3&4 Park on June 8 after worship. Gather at the shelter about noon for lunch before the “big event”! Bring a dish or two to share. LWCC will provide pop and dessert. “Swing, batter, batter!”
• Vacations are starting. As Kerry and I start scheduling our vacation times we want to make sure that you call the office before you come by. We don’t want to miss you!
• We received the Summer Camp Schedule. If your child is interested in attending make sure you get your registration form into the Region by the deadline date! The registration forms are on the table in the foyer. Scholarships are available through both the Region and LWCC. Contact Kerry if you would like a scholarship.

Kids 1 2,3 grade June 30-July 3 June 16 Deadline

Junior 1 4,5,6 grade August 11-16 July 28 Deadline

Chi Rho 1 7,8,9 grade July 28-Aug. 2 July 14 Deadline

CYF 1 10,11,12,& Grads July 14-19 June 20 Deadline

• Week of Compassion & Global Ministries respond to world’s disasters. We received an email update from Week of Compassion regarding the response to the Myanmar Cyclone. Church World Service, a WOC relief partner, has sent out an appeal for $1,000,000 to their partners for aid to this devastated area. Because of the CWS 60 + year history of working with local partners in Myanmar, India, and Thailand, and being appropriately licensed, the CWS support is reaching cyclone survivors. The coordination of support for the victims of the earthquake in China is going through WOC, CWS, and the Amity Foundation. Amity is a long-time WOC & Global Ministries partner that works throughout China. Through Global Ministries, Tom Morse is working for the Amity Foundation. On top of these two disasters tornadoes have again ravaged Oklahoma, Missouri, and Georgia. WOC has supplied support for congregations affected by this event. If you would like to make a special donation to WOC please visit their website, www.weekofcompassion.org or send a check to the church. Mark “WOC” on the memo line of the check.

As I close I ask for prayers for members of our congregation and LWCC friends who are have concerns & joys. Dot Dover, David Russell, and Virginia Harris are recovering from recent illnesses. Chris, Kapala, & Penda Hoge welcomed home their beautiful daughter, Kauna (10 lbs. 7 oz.). We welcome new members, Linda & David Wilcock and Bill Hamrick.

I will miss seeing all of you this Sunday, but I hope your turn out in droves to hear Don and share together in worship and fellowship.

Peace to you,
Martha