Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Council Member role and selection criteria
Dear SLCC Family,
We trust you are all doing well as you rejoice in our great Savior today!
In light of the upcoming council member vote on April 5th, we wanted to take the opportunity to ensure that all voting members of SLCC understand both the criteria for selecting council members and the role of council members once elected. We have received several questions along these lines in the past, and we want to be faithful to answer them as clearly as possible as we head toward the upcoming vote.
Therefore, we have included below the excerpt of the constitution specifically devoted to this office of our church. We have also included a copy of our statement of faith (below the constitution excerpt), so that you might be aware of the particular doctrinal affirmations made by all nominees prior to being considered for the council.
So please take a few moments to read over the following excerpts, and as usual do not hesitate to contact Pastor Jeff, Pastor Don, or any of the current council members (Leonard Hays; Ron Elson; John Stuhlmiller; Scotty Ireland; Ray Drape; Tom Anderson) with any questions.
Gladly serving,
SLCC Council
The following is an excerpt from the Constitution and By-Laws of Summit Lake Community Church:
Section C: Church Council:
1. The Church Council shall consist of a Pastor and 9 elected members. The Church Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God. The duties of the Church Council shall include the following:
To lead the congregation in stating its mission to do long range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate its activities in light of its mission and goals.
To seek to involve all members of the congregation in worship, learning, witness, service and support.
To oversee and provide for the administration of the congregation to enable it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission.
To maintain supportive relationships with the Pastor(s) and other professional leaders and help them annually to evaluate the fulfillment of their calling.
To be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry expected of all its baptized persons.
To promote a congregational climate of peace and goodwill, and as differences and conflicts arise, to endeavor to foster mutual understanding.
To arrange for pastoral service during the sickness or absence of the Pastor if he or she is unable to do so.
To approve and supervise the establishment and conduct of all institutions and societies within the congregation, such as: parochial school, Sunday school, youth and adult organizations, singing groups, etc.
To bring the call to the professional leadership of the church to the attention of the congregation, particularly the youth.
2. It shall be the responsibility of the Church Council for maintaining and protecting its property and the management of its business and fiscal affairs. The Church Council shall not, however, have the authority to buy, sell or encumber real property unless specifically authorized to do so by a meeting of the Voter's Assembly. It shall prepare an annual budget for adoption by the congregation, shall supervise the expenditure of funds in accordance therewith following its adoption, and may incur obligations of no more than $1,000.00 in excess of anticipated receipts only after approval by a meeting of the Voter's Assembly. The Church Council shall ascertain that the financial affairs of the congregation are being conducted efficiently, giving particular attention to the prompt payment of all obligations. It shall be responsible for the congregation's investments and its total insurance program. It shall provide for annual review of all accounts of the congregation.
3. The Church Council shall see that the provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws are obeyed and that the resolutions of the congregation are carried out.
4. The Church Council shall be responsible for the employment and supervision of the salaried workers of the congregation.
5. The Church Council shall be responsible for the employment and compensation of the Pastor(s).
6. The Church Council shall normally meet once a month. Special meetings may be called by the Pastor (or the president/vice-president) and shall be called at the request of at least one-half of its members. Notice of each meeting shall be given to all who are entitled to be present.
7. The elected member's place on the Church Council shall be declared vacant if the member: a. Ceases to be a voting member of the congregation, or; b. Is absent from four successive meetings without excuse.
8. The Church Council shall submit a comprehensive report to the congregation at the annual meeting.
9. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of 50% of the members of the Church Council, including the Pastor, except when such person requests or consents to be absent and has been given prior approval to an agenda of routine matters which shall be the only business of the meeting.
10. A Council member must be a voting member who, upon examination by the council, meets the qualification of deacon as set forth in 1 Timothy 3.
The following constitutes the Statement of Faith of Summit Lake Community Church:
We, the congregation of Summit Lake Community Church, in order to establish our spiritual identity as a true church of Jesus Christ before the Lord God Almighty and mankind, submit this statement of faith:
We believe that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired, inerrant and authoritative Word of God, “profitable for doctrine, correction, reproof, and for instruction in righteousness” (KJV) and is therefore the final and only source of absolute spiritual authority. II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:21
We believe that the Holy Scriptures are composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. We believe in matters concerning the will of God, that the Bible is the final court of arbitration. We believe in one God, the Lord God Almighty Who through Scripture is revealed in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Lord God Almighty is the creator of heaven and earth. Matt. 28:19; John 1:1-4; 14:13-10, 26; Gen. 1:1, 26-27; I Pet. 1:2
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God, and fully human, yet He is not two, but one Christ. He is God, in that He is eternal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He is man, in that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born of a woman, the virgin, Mary. John 1:1-14; Matt. 1:20-23; Luke 1:31-35
We believe that Jesus Christ suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and buried. We believe that God raised Him bodily from the grave on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father. John 14:10-30; 11:25; Acts 4:33; Rom 8:34; Heb. 12:2; Eph 1:20
We believe that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are in need of salvation. We believe that the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ paid mankind’s debt of sin to God. All sin, past, present, and future. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world; “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”. (KJV) Acts 4:12; John 14:6-7; Rom. 3: 23; 6:23; I Jn. 1:9
We believe that mankind is saved by God’s grace “through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works- lest any man should boast.” (KJV) Eph. 2:8-9 We believe that Jesus Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the resurrection of all mankind; the saved into everlasting life, and the unsaved into eternal punishment. We believe and practice two sacraments: water baptism (which is an outward witness of our receiving Christ as our Lord and Savior) and the Lord’s Supper. Jn. 5:29; 3:16; Tit. 2:3-4; Matt. 23:18-20; I Cor. 11:23-30; Titus 2:13-14
We believe that all we hold to be true, teach and do should be done for the glory of God alone. Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:1-15; Eph. 4:11-13
We trust you are all doing well as you rejoice in our great Savior today!
In light of the upcoming council member vote on April 5th, we wanted to take the opportunity to ensure that all voting members of SLCC understand both the criteria for selecting council members and the role of council members once elected. We have received several questions along these lines in the past, and we want to be faithful to answer them as clearly as possible as we head toward the upcoming vote.
Therefore, we have included below the excerpt of the constitution specifically devoted to this office of our church. We have also included a copy of our statement of faith (below the constitution excerpt), so that you might be aware of the particular doctrinal affirmations made by all nominees prior to being considered for the council.
So please take a few moments to read over the following excerpts, and as usual do not hesitate to contact Pastor Jeff, Pastor Don, or any of the current council members (Leonard Hays; Ron Elson; John Stuhlmiller; Scotty Ireland; Ray Drape; Tom Anderson) with any questions.
Gladly serving,
SLCC Council
The following is an excerpt from the Constitution and By-Laws of Summit Lake Community Church:
Section C: Church Council:
1. The Church Council shall consist of a Pastor and 9 elected members. The Church Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God. The duties of the Church Council shall include the following:
To lead the congregation in stating its mission to do long range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate its activities in light of its mission and goals.
To seek to involve all members of the congregation in worship, learning, witness, service and support.
To oversee and provide for the administration of the congregation to enable it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission.
To maintain supportive relationships with the Pastor(s) and other professional leaders and help them annually to evaluate the fulfillment of their calling.
To be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry expected of all its baptized persons.
To promote a congregational climate of peace and goodwill, and as differences and conflicts arise, to endeavor to foster mutual understanding.
To arrange for pastoral service during the sickness or absence of the Pastor if he or she is unable to do so.
To approve and supervise the establishment and conduct of all institutions and societies within the congregation, such as: parochial school, Sunday school, youth and adult organizations, singing groups, etc.
To bring the call to the professional leadership of the church to the attention of the congregation, particularly the youth.
2. It shall be the responsibility of the Church Council for maintaining and protecting its property and the management of its business and fiscal affairs. The Church Council shall not, however, have the authority to buy, sell or encumber real property unless specifically authorized to do so by a meeting of the Voter's Assembly. It shall prepare an annual budget for adoption by the congregation, shall supervise the expenditure of funds in accordance therewith following its adoption, and may incur obligations of no more than $1,000.00 in excess of anticipated receipts only after approval by a meeting of the Voter's Assembly. The Church Council shall ascertain that the financial affairs of the congregation are being conducted efficiently, giving particular attention to the prompt payment of all obligations. It shall be responsible for the congregation's investments and its total insurance program. It shall provide for annual review of all accounts of the congregation.
3. The Church Council shall see that the provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws are obeyed and that the resolutions of the congregation are carried out.
4. The Church Council shall be responsible for the employment and supervision of the salaried workers of the congregation.
5. The Church Council shall be responsible for the employment and compensation of the Pastor(s).
6. The Church Council shall normally meet once a month. Special meetings may be called by the Pastor (or the president/vice-president) and shall be called at the request of at least one-half of its members. Notice of each meeting shall be given to all who are entitled to be present.
7. The elected member's place on the Church Council shall be declared vacant if the member: a. Ceases to be a voting member of the congregation, or; b. Is absent from four successive meetings without excuse.
8. The Church Council shall submit a comprehensive report to the congregation at the annual meeting.
9. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of 50% of the members of the Church Council, including the Pastor, except when such person requests or consents to be absent and has been given prior approval to an agenda of routine matters which shall be the only business of the meeting.
10. A Council member must be a voting member who, upon examination by the council, meets the qualification of deacon as set forth in 1 Timothy 3.
The following constitutes the Statement of Faith of Summit Lake Community Church:
We, the congregation of Summit Lake Community Church, in order to establish our spiritual identity as a true church of Jesus Christ before the Lord God Almighty and mankind, submit this statement of faith:
We believe that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired, inerrant and authoritative Word of God, “profitable for doctrine, correction, reproof, and for instruction in righteousness” (KJV) and is therefore the final and only source of absolute spiritual authority. II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:21
We believe that the Holy Scriptures are composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. We believe in matters concerning the will of God, that the Bible is the final court of arbitration. We believe in one God, the Lord God Almighty Who through Scripture is revealed in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Lord God Almighty is the creator of heaven and earth. Matt. 28:19; John 1:1-4; 14:13-10, 26; Gen. 1:1, 26-27; I Pet. 1:2
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God, and fully human, yet He is not two, but one Christ. He is God, in that He is eternal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He is man, in that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born of a woman, the virgin, Mary. John 1:1-14; Matt. 1:20-23; Luke 1:31-35
We believe that Jesus Christ suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and buried. We believe that God raised Him bodily from the grave on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father. John 14:10-30; 11:25; Acts 4:33; Rom 8:34; Heb. 12:2; Eph 1:20
We believe that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are in need of salvation. We believe that the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ paid mankind’s debt of sin to God. All sin, past, present, and future. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world; “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”. (KJV) Acts 4:12; John 14:6-7; Rom. 3: 23; 6:23; I Jn. 1:9
We believe that mankind is saved by God’s grace “through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works- lest any man should boast.” (KJV) Eph. 2:8-9 We believe that Jesus Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the resurrection of all mankind; the saved into everlasting life, and the unsaved into eternal punishment. We believe and practice two sacraments: water baptism (which is an outward witness of our receiving Christ as our Lord and Savior) and the Lord’s Supper. Jn. 5:29; 3:16; Tit. 2:3-4; Matt. 23:18-20; I Cor. 11:23-30; Titus 2:13-14
We believe that all we hold to be true, teach and do should be done for the glory of God alone. Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:1-15; Eph. 4:11-13
Monday, March 16, 2009
What or who are you drinking from?
Jeff's sermon yesterday was both encouraging and convicting. The sermon is now posted on the SLCC blog ("Going Against the Religious Flow-Part 6"). Please listen to it when you get a chance. After having an afternoon and morning to chew on what was presented, here are two summarizing/challenging points:
1. What is flowing from your life? Yesterday’s sermon was focused on John 7:37-38 where Jesus, in the middle of a huge crowd, declares “if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him!”
We should all, like the crowd who heard Jesus, be shocked at what He said. Not in the sense that we are startled at the fact that Jesus yells something in the middle of a huge ceremonial service. We should be shocked and amazed that Jesus offers exactly what we all are seeking-- Living Water: perfect and eternal sustenance, provision, strength, encouragement, joy, satisfaction, security, hope, spiritual fruitfulness and peace.
Scripture portrays God as “the spring of living water” (Jeremiah 17:13). Jesus offers living water to the Samaritan woman at the well calling it the “gift of God” that will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:10 & 14). And now Jesus proclaims that this same living water will also flow out from the person who believes in Him.
So, let me ask you again, what is flowing from your life? Is it life giving, grace filled, love producing, redemptive Living Water? How about this, would people around you classify the streams pouring from your life as Living Water? You see, it doesn’t count if others don’t see it.
This is exactly why Jesus says, “by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). And just in case you think that this particular passage only refers to the disciples…read I John 3:14, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.” (For a crash course on what biblical love is please read I Corinthians 13:1-13 thirteen times)
The non-negotiable atmosphere of our lives and of our church must be filled with the fresh breeze of love that is constantly stirred by the streams of Living Water that rush out of the heart of every redeemed person.
2. What flows from your life is determined by what you are drinking! If your life is not characterized by God’s Loving and Living Water then you must take an honest look at what you are drinking. As Jeff mentioned yesterday, Jesus more than likely made His shocking statement after the priest read Isaiah 12:2-3 which declares, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
The source of the living water of Scripture is obviously God. He is our salvation and therefore He is where we go in order to draw from the wells of salvation. Salvation simply means deliverance from the power and effects of sin and preservation from destruction. Drinking from the well of salvation is therefore constantly remembering what God has done for us in salvation. Instead of pouring out justice and judgment on His rebellious, treacherous creatures, God mercifully pours out Grace and compassion. We are to constantly drink of the grace and mercy of God. This incredible “drink” gets better the more you understand your own sinfulness before the perfect, almighty and Holy God.
It is no mystery then that Isaiah goes on to declare, “Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.” This takes us right back to what should be flowing out of our lives. Scripture repeatedly describes the redeemed child of God as one who joyfully sings praises to God because of His amazing act of merciful kindness.
So, if you recognize that flowing out of your life are streams filled with things other than God’s Loving and Living Water then you MUST take an honest look at what and who you are drinking from. Jesus makes it perfectly clear, “if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him!”
What is flowing from your life? Are you truly drinking from the well of Salvation, the spring of Living Water?
In Christ's Love,
Pastor Don
1. What is flowing from your life? Yesterday’s sermon was focused on John 7:37-38 where Jesus, in the middle of a huge crowd, declares “if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him!”
We should all, like the crowd who heard Jesus, be shocked at what He said. Not in the sense that we are startled at the fact that Jesus yells something in the middle of a huge ceremonial service. We should be shocked and amazed that Jesus offers exactly what we all are seeking-- Living Water: perfect and eternal sustenance, provision, strength, encouragement, joy, satisfaction, security, hope, spiritual fruitfulness and peace.
Scripture portrays God as “the spring of living water” (Jeremiah 17:13). Jesus offers living water to the Samaritan woman at the well calling it the “gift of God” that will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:10 & 14). And now Jesus proclaims that this same living water will also flow out from the person who believes in Him.
So, let me ask you again, what is flowing from your life? Is it life giving, grace filled, love producing, redemptive Living Water? How about this, would people around you classify the streams pouring from your life as Living Water? You see, it doesn’t count if others don’t see it.
This is exactly why Jesus says, “by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). And just in case you think that this particular passage only refers to the disciples…read I John 3:14, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.” (For a crash course on what biblical love is please read I Corinthians 13:1-13 thirteen times)
The non-negotiable atmosphere of our lives and of our church must be filled with the fresh breeze of love that is constantly stirred by the streams of Living Water that rush out of the heart of every redeemed person.
2. What flows from your life is determined by what you are drinking! If your life is not characterized by God’s Loving and Living Water then you must take an honest look at what you are drinking. As Jeff mentioned yesterday, Jesus more than likely made His shocking statement after the priest read Isaiah 12:2-3 which declares, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
The source of the living water of Scripture is obviously God. He is our salvation and therefore He is where we go in order to draw from the wells of salvation. Salvation simply means deliverance from the power and effects of sin and preservation from destruction. Drinking from the well of salvation is therefore constantly remembering what God has done for us in salvation. Instead of pouring out justice and judgment on His rebellious, treacherous creatures, God mercifully pours out Grace and compassion. We are to constantly drink of the grace and mercy of God. This incredible “drink” gets better the more you understand your own sinfulness before the perfect, almighty and Holy God.
It is no mystery then that Isaiah goes on to declare, “Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.” This takes us right back to what should be flowing out of our lives. Scripture repeatedly describes the redeemed child of God as one who joyfully sings praises to God because of His amazing act of merciful kindness.
So, if you recognize that flowing out of your life are streams filled with things other than God’s Loving and Living Water then you MUST take an honest look at what and who you are drinking from. Jesus makes it perfectly clear, “if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him!”
What is flowing from your life? Are you truly drinking from the well of Salvation, the spring of Living Water?
In Christ's Love,
Pastor Don
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Snow Again?!
Good Morning everyone! Due to the surprising snow, Sunday School has been cancelled for this morning, March 15th. Hwy 8 and Summit Lake Road are slippery. However, the worship service will continue as scheduled. Use your best judgment before deciding to negotiate the roads. You can look at the intersection of Summit Lake Road and Hwy 8 at the following link (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/cwcam.aspx?cam=1151). If the webcam is still covered with moisture then check this link, http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/cwcam.aspx?cam=8052.
Have a great morning. Remember, you are recipients of God's Grace every minute of the day!
Pastor Don
Have a great morning. Remember, you are recipients of God's Grace every minute of the day!
Pastor Don
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
A Few Reminders for Sunday
Hello SLCC,
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the beautiful weather God has given to us today! I just wanted to pass along a few reminders for this Sunday:
Daylight Savings. This Sunday, March 8th, officially begins daylight savings time, so please remember to set your clocks forward one hour (spring forward!) when you go to bed Saturday night!
Mini-Service at the Barnhart's. A small group of us will be heading over to Barney and Bernice's house for a mini-service with them after our morning service at the church. You are welcome to join us for the fellowship if you would like...as long as you are healthy. Thanks!
Looking forward to fellowshipping soon,
Pastor Jeff
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the beautiful weather God has given to us today! I just wanted to pass along a few reminders for this Sunday:
Daylight Savings. This Sunday, March 8th, officially begins daylight savings time, so please remember to set your clocks forward one hour (spring forward!) when you go to bed Saturday night!
Mini-Service at the Barnhart's. A small group of us will be heading over to Barney and Bernice's house for a mini-service with them after our morning service at the church. You are welcome to join us for the fellowship if you would like...as long as you are healthy. Thanks!
Looking forward to fellowshipping soon,
Pastor Jeff
Sunday, March 1, 2009
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