Quest Church blogs

Global Village e-News: March

kateyhage — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:35:25 +0000

Greetings Parents and Children's Ministry Leaders

Are you ready for Easter? To be honest, I'm not. I grew up in a home where Easter tended to sneak up on us. The Easter Sunday outfits and egg baskets appeared right before it was time to go to church and celebrate that "Jesus is Alive!" Now that I have children and hope that they would be able to learn how to prepare for and anticipate the death and resurrection of Christ, I have to figure out what that looks like in my family's context. Some people have their Lenten traditions down- that's great! Others of us are still learning- that's a good place to be too! Can we walk together? Over the past week I've had several people share some exciting Lent traditions and ideas with me, and I'd like to pass them along to our ministry leaders and families. In the coming weeks, we will be putting together Holy Week Packets for families to take home; ideas to engage your family in conversations around Jesus life, death, and ultimate resurrection, and learn a little more about the history and significance of Easter, as well as fun activities for the family! Make sure you pick on up starting THIS SUNDAY!

News

Our new Associate Director of Children's Ministry, I am proud to announce, is Pam Christensen. She will be overseeing Nursery & Toddler Ministry as well as helping run our special programs and events, including continued development of children and family ministry. I am so excited to have another wonderful partner in ministry. Pam has worked with children and families for many years in many capacities, and has served in the Toddler Classroom at Quest as lead teacher for a couple years. Please welcome her!

SURVEY: We will be sending out a new survey to Quest Parents as a way to find out how our children and family ministry is serving you, and how we can come alongside you better. If you fill out the survey, you will be entered into a drawing for a family prize! Please take a few moments to fill out the survey when it comes to you later this week.
Ministry leaders: the new spring schedule is on google docs. don't forget to write down your volunteer dates!

Calendar of Events

March 14, 9:45am at Q Cafe- Infant/Child Dedication & Baptism Prep class- CANCELLED
April 2- Good Friday Service at 6pm. Kids will participate in a special good Friday service at Global Village
April 3- Easter Egg Hunt at 10am, Global Village. Invite friends and neighbors to our egg hunts for kids and fun Easter activities. Our goal is to bring in at least 100 kids for this fun Outreach and Family Event: http://www.seattlequest.org/event/2010/03/easter-egg-hunt
Sign-up to help with the Easter Egg Hunt Here!
April 4- Easter Service & Potluck at Whittier Elementary. Early Childhood Sunday school program only. Elementary Kids will worship with parents.
April 11- Baptism Sunday: Infant & Child Dedication/Baptisms at morning services\
Coming in May- A Parenting, Class, depth class or workshop- STAY TUNED!

Volunteer Opportunities

We need help with childcare and elementary kids service on Good Friday
Join planning committee for Easter Egg Hunt; help with set-up, activities, or clean-up: http://doodle.com/esf8mn6fhe538td3
Donate candy for Easter eggs (Drop a bag of candy off at church on Sunday, or take a bag of eggs home to stuff on your own time!)
We need more nursery and toddler volunteers! Once a month parent volunteers needed, as well as nursery lead for 9:15 and 11am.

Thanks y'all! Happy March!

Katey Hage, Children's Director

We Are More Than What We Wear

kateyhage — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:28:07 +0000

Women’s Accessories Exchange:

We Are More Than What We Wear

Perhaps we think that some outfits could use a little accessory boost from time to time, but why spend more money when we can simply exchange?

Quest’s Women Ministries continues on our theme of Identity and proudly announces our first annual Accessories Exchange: We Are More Than What We Wear. We welcome and invite all the ladies of Quest Church and friends to join us for a special morning of brunch, fellowship, testimony and the all-anticipated exchange. So, browse through that closet and bring an accessory or two that you would like to exchange, shop around and leave with something new! All accessories are welcome -gently used belts, scarves, hats, jewelry, bags and shoes.

In addition, as you bring an item to exchange, we ask that you would consider bringing an item of gently worn women’s clothing to donate to Jubilee Women's Center

Save the date and we look forward to a fun and life-giving time together!

Saturday, March 6

10am -12pm

Quest Church –Lower Level

Date & Time:

03/06/2010 - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Global Village e-News: February

kateyhage — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:58:54 +0000

I Global Village kids, volunteers and parents!
Happy Valentine's Day

Thanks for being a part of a great family-building potluck. We'll do it again this spring! Here's a link to Global Village 2009 Slideshow

Family Lent Event (rsvp online today by clicking link)| Ash Wednesday | February 17 | 6:30-8:15pm | Delicious dinner (donation $2/$1 adult/kid) and FUN family art-prayer time.

3rd thru 5th Grade Overnighter | Fri-Sat. | February 19-20 | 7pm-9am. Drop your 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders off at Global Village for a fun night of talent show, movie, games, and snacks. Don't forget to bring a sleeping bag and pillow! Pick up by Saturday 9am. Permission Slip Here. PLEASE RSVP to Katey.

Churchwide Volunteer Appreciation Dinner | Sat. | February 27 | 6-8pm. Childcare provided at Q Cafe. This is our small way of saying thank you to all the wonderful volunteers in children's ministry!

Safety and Respect | Parents, please know where you kids are after church services and events. Children should not be allowed to play anywhere outdoors but the fenced in grass area because we are so close to busy streets. Help your children follow church guidelines, respect the property and stay safe. Any parent or children's ministry leader who is concerned about the safety of a child after service should speak to the child directly and the child's parents if on-going concern.

Tees & Bibles | We still have plenty of Global Village t-shirts (kid and adult sizes) for only $5, and kids bibles for sale. [Discounted prices, we're just covering costs]

Planning Committees | Summer VBS & Eggcellent Easter Egg Hunt. We are looking for volunteers to help begin planning, promoting, recruiting, and organizing for our Easter weekend and summer celebrations. Please email or call me if interested in knowing more about what this might entail.

Phillippines Update from Sarah Ryer

suzy — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:09:30 +0000

Sarah Ryer has sent Quest an update on her missions work in the Phillipines. Thankfully Sarah is doing very well. Below is Sarah's recent email to all of us at Quest:

Hello all! So I've been in Philippines for just over a week, and I feel as though I should write and update to all of you to let you know what I've been up to!

After traveling for 38 hours - I think I counted this right it includes lay overs - I arrived in Zamboanga which is in Mindanao the southern island of the Philippines. It's very hot here and everything is in a general state of chaos which the natives seem to get but is beyond me. I am trying to learn how to function in a society which appears to have no rules...This is good for me though, teaches me tons. :) So far I have managed to not get sick off the water or the food which is always good. God is truly taking care of me, and besides the amount of rice I have to eat every day, I've had no problems! Please don't feed me rice when I come home... ;)

I am here to work alongside MUPT who have been in the Philippines for about 10 years. They've been in Davao for most of their time here and are currently in the process of moving their work and ministry to Zamboanga. They are still learning about the city and what they can do here. They must re-start the work they were doing in Davao in this city. Since they've just moved here they are mostly working in a Muslim community called Rio Hando that exists inside Zamboanga city. Mindanao has many Muslim tribes which is why it has such a bad reputation. However, MUPT is a presence in Rio Hando and they are widely loved and cared for. Since I am part of MUPT - however temporarily - I am protected. On the first day we visited the leader of the community told me that he was so glad I was here because I was an American because my presence proved to them that not all Americans hate Muslims. I was a white American girl and by coming I just proved that I care, that I love, and that I have the love of God in my heart. It was amazing to hear that said. When I get home I will share more about the technicalities of the situation. Currently I am working with the other SAW (South Asia Worker - this is what they call us) in the school to set up a tutoring programme for students who cannot read. It's quiet challenging, but the other SAW is a teacher, and I have some teaching experience, both of which are helpful. The community loves us, and we usually have a trail of children after us wherever we go. Both of us are trying to learn Talsug, the language they speak, but we are blessed in that they speak English so we're able to communicate more or less.

The other SAW and I live with a family who is part of MUPT. They have two children, and are so kind to us! It's a lot of fun living with a local family! I am not allowed to go anywhere myself, we must always have a Filipino with us, and that can be challenging, but it's also good. I really appreciate the people who are so amazing at taking care of us.

All right, well that's enough for now! I will try to write again when I have another opportunity! I hope all of you are well in your Seattle coldness ;) and I'll see you in a few weeks when I return!

Love,
Sarah
PS: Please feel free to share this if you think I forgot someone!! And tell them I'm sorry.

Date & Time:

01/23/2010 (All day)

Haiti and the Annual Meeting | January 13th - January 20th, 2010

suzy — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:05:47 +0000

As many of you know, Haiti and the neighboring regions were struck by a devastating earthquake. For those that are able, consider donating to orgs doing work in Haiti. There also several in the Northwest including World Concern, World Vision, and Mercy Corps that already have a strong presence in Haiti. I also want to call your attention to the relief efforts of our denomination in Haiti. I also invite you to be in PRAYER for the country and people of Haiti. Take some time in your devotions and even in your community groups to pray.

And please excuse me for the awkward transition to the topic of the church's Annual Meeting which takes place on Saturday, January 23 at Quest Church (9am-Noon). We'll serve a light breakfast from 9 - 9.30am (basement) and hold our meeting in the sanctuary from 9.30-Noon. And childcare will be provided. I can share with you how important this meeting is so I sincerely hope all of you will join us. We'll especially need our members' participation in voting to ratify the church budget, constitutional amendment regarding the Deacon Board, and Jeff Roach (EB nominee).

In preparation for the meeting, here are some documents we want to ask you to review:

· 2010 Budget Proposal

· Supporting Financial Documents

· CHURCH MATTERS Letter

· Jeff Roach's Elder Board Profile

· Deacon Board Amendment

If you are having trouble accessing this information, please contact us at office@seattlequest.org

God's peace to you,

Pastor Eugene

Pastor Eugene // eugene@seattlequest.org // http://seattlequest.org

Date & Time:

01/23/2010 (All day)

Global Village e-News: January

kateyhage — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:10:16 +0000

Hello Parents and Children's Ministry Leaders!

2009. A year for me- as the returning prodigal children's director-to be blown away by the incredible service of fantastic CM volunteers, and encouraged by the depth of care our families have for one another, and the desire by all, to see children growing in their faith. Thank you, each of you!

2010. The decade for new resolutions, for new projects, for new dreams and visions. 2010. A new decade for children to grow up in- faced with the realities of cyber bullies, self-image issues, poor communication skills due to high uses of technology, peer-pressure, awful language on the playground, lack of respect for authority, pop-culture idolization, video game induced tendinitis and carpal tunnel, the list goes on and on. We have many obstacles to face in this new year! BUT WE WILL FACE THEM WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN US.

How can we compete for the attention of our children, whether preschooler or 5th grader? The reality is, it's tough. It's really, really tough. But is not impossible. Those first few years where young kids spend the majority of time with their parents, those are key years for building a solid foundation. Good habits, healthy boundaries, unconditional love and support, clear discipline, respect for authority, just to name a few. And then we let them flee the nest as they enter gradeschool. We watch and wait and hope and pray that they come home from school safe and sound and un-shaken by the realities of the world. This is the time for character-building. The time for facing the challenges your kids face, with them, head on. The time for open dialogue, time in prayer, finding support from other parents who are dealing with similar issues. This is the time for bringing your children to church every week so they can worship with you; to be surrounded by fellow Christian kids who are doing life just like them, to have friendship and mentor-ship with other adults in the church who care about them.

So this is my resolution for 2010: Global Village will be a place where relating and relationships and real worship take place every week.

Ephesians 4:14-16, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves; and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

Your presence at church each week is KEY to the success of this resolution. Every teacher who prepares a lesson, snack, or craft and every parent who chooses to get up early on sunday morning to get their kids fed, dressed, and ready for sunday school is playing a VITAL role in the health and well-being of our children's lives. No pressure! It's a group effort, and one that will provide a safety net for parents and a support system for children to grow in their relationship with God, and will be a highlight of everyone's week! Church is wonderful, uplifting (no I didn't say perfect), and place of connectedness. This is the place I hope you want to be- I know I want you here!

Renew: VBS Summer 2010

kateyhage — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:09:37 +0000

Children's Ministry To Do: Get Summer VBS Ready- Check!

On top of my to do list this month was ordering our summer curriculum for VBS. Yes- we are going old school. We'll tell it like it is. It's Vacation Bible School...but I don't think kids can get turned off by that name anymore. We've set the precedent. They know VBS at Quest means fun, games, music, laughter, great leaders that become friends and life-transforming learning about God's Love and our best friend Jesus!

I am so excited about Renew:The Green VBS. It's going to be a wonderful summer! Quest is surrounded by wonderful natural parks, mountains and water- this year kids can grow deeper in their faith as they explore God's love for his creation too! Camp is tentatively set for the 2nd full week of July. As usual we'll need a host of volunteers to guide kids, lead centers, and work behind the scenes, but we'll be changing some things up a bit this year- so watch for more info!

March in Solidarity-- MLK March, January 18th

DeAnza — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:10:25 +0000

'History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people'. Martin Luther King, Jr

Martin Luther King, Jr forged a path for our world-- calling into question status quo and challenging all of us to tear down the walls that divide us-- these walls that are grounded in race, economics, circumstance and politics. As a church, we've been also challenging each other to look at what it means to truly be a community which embodies multi-ethnicity. We understand that we cannot fully embody that without looking at the intricate dynamics and understanding the racialized structure in which we all live... And as we come to more and more awareness around the privileges we each bear, but that are not equal we must speak, we must live, we must march in solidarity.

This January 18, 2010, we will be joining with other men, women and children in marching in solidarity and recognition that change is slow. We still very much live in a world that is inequitable and that perpetuates divisions around race. And so as community we send the message that this is not okay.

Will you join us? We'll meet up at the church and carpool to the rally and march together. You can check out the MLK committee's website. Please watch for more information to come!

A Sunday Depth Class: The Cruelty of Heresy

jason — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:57:16 +0000

Dorothy Sayers once observed that "there was never anything so perilous or so exciting as orthodoxy, nothing so sane and so thrilling." I would guess, however, that most folks would beg to disagree with Sayers. Heresy is the thing that's exciting, edgy, interesting, and perilous. Just the word "orthodoxy," meaning right belief, seems a heavy-handed word that entails dullness, boredom, and exclusion. Or perhaps all this talk about belief and orthodoxy and heresy just seems antiquated. Instead we should focus on action and let beliefs be a private matter. Relativism, that giving up of thinking truth can be found, is certainly en vogue.

Yet if we are to live and proclaim gospel we must know how the god of Jesus differs from the gods that compete for our loyalty and belief. And if the early church thought that what we believed about Jesus had real consequences of how we follow him then it's worth investigating the issues they deliberated over. If, in fact, heresy is not just wrong belief but something that harms us when we begin to live it out, it's worth our examination.

That's why, come January, we're going to start a new depth class that will be meeting on Sundays from 11:15-12:15 that looks at how the classic heresies are not just ideas, but ways of living that are always attractive because they appeal to some part of our fallen human nature. We'll spend time each week examining everything from the Scriptures that influenced a heresy, why it was opposed by the early church, to how it bubbles up today in the songs, movies, and conversations. If you're interested in attending RSVP by emailing jason@seattlequest.org

Give through the Giving Tree!!

DeAnza — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:53:35 +0000

This year's Giving Tree is going towards building awareness and support of the organization One 4 One. One 4 One is a local non-profit organization that has established a mission that goes beyond just serving the homeless to building relationships with those who are experiencing homelessness in Seattle. One 4 One emphasizes the necessity of seeing people differently and acknowledging the beauty, dignity and integrity of every person-- housed or non-housed. It is this mission that we should all be striving to live out in our day to day interactions. However, when we're honest with ourselves it is easier to assign someone who looks different, smells different, acts different then us with stereotypes & stigmas which perpetuate the idea that we must maintain our distance. The latter mode of relating is counter to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that Christ exemplified a love that cut across societal barriers in order that his grace may be experienced by all. One 4 One seeks to live out that mission.

Through this very small way we have a platform to support that vision by providing these much needed items for those who are non-housed. Resources like sleeping bags, jackets, shoes, etc are extremely important, especially for those who are living outdoors. This is a dangerous time of year as the outside tempertures continue to dip making it an extremely vulnerable situation for those living outside.

Getting involved is simple! While you're at church pick up an ornament from the Giving Tree located in the foyer, purchase item on ornament and follow the instructions. Please bring back your donation by December 20th.

Also, check out One 4 One on Sunday at the Global Market. Take an opportunity to get a sense for what they are doing, how you can be involved and how you can be partnering and praying. You can also visit their website at www.joinone4one.com