Its Most Important Part

When I first began to visit FLCWS I could hardly believe my ears and my eyes.  The pastor was sparing no effort and taking real risks to preach the Word in its purity, and a responsive, engaged congregation listened.  Very evident was an intentional and purposeful devotion to the liturgy, beautiful sacred music carefully and skillfully performed by the organist and the choir, and all in a beautiful, yet unpretentious church.  My wife and I had been looking for a church we could live with, and found an extraordinary gem of a church we could love.

     I don’t think I am exaggerating how special this church is.  I’ve been in a lot of churches over the years, big and small, liturgical and modern, in the South and in the North, but none like this.  When I enter the sanctuary, I feel that I am in the presence of God and want to respond accordingly.  Based on two years of experience now, I never fear that the service will compromise that desire but know that it will heighten and sharpen it, challenge it.  Thanks to the historical liturgy and music, I feel that I am in communion with the saints who have gone before, not just those living in this brief moment in history.

     I am supposed to be writing about stewardship, and I probably am, but first I feel the need to thank God and those who have worked so hard and contributed so much over many years, both the active members and staff of the church and those who have gone to a better place before us, for building this specific and unique church in West Seattle. 

     Feeling this way about FLCWS, I want also to share it with others.  Yesterday, I took bulletins from the service on the occasion of the Kierkegaard statue and shared them with colleagues at work.  They’re brainy, philosophical types like me over in Redmond at the Bear Creek School.  Several of them are used to that sort of thing now.  I have sometimes been awkward about it, but they notice that I don’t stop doing it.  I would really like to bring more members into this church.  I suspect in the long run it is the most important thing we can do as stewards: help more people to become a part of this church’s traditions, to carry then on, sustain them, and finally transmit them to others again, so that they are there for others when we leave.  There are people here and there in this area who would quickly come to love it, and others who could learn to love it. They are not legion, but they are out there.  The commute into West Seattle is merely a little effort for something worth a great deal more effort.  I don’t know if it will bear any fruit, but I plan on continuing to be persistent in suggesting to others that they need to check this church out.

The traditions of FLCWS are not just its own traditions, but a precious inheritance from the past which is everywhere under assault, not just from the world with its unceasing hatred of, or indifference to the truth, but even from the Church itself.  May we be tireless and fearless in supporting and growing these traditions, which are no less than the body of Christ in this world. ─Earl Nelson, Church Council

The season of giving

This holiday season, we thank everyone who has supported First Lutheran Church of West Seattle this past year with their time, talent and financial contributions and look forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead. If you need a convenient way to make regular offerings or if you plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up, especially around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. Visit www.flcws.org or contact the church office for more information.

Dean’s Anniversary Speech

I am keenly aware that one does not come to a moment in life like this by standing on one’s own merits or accomplishments without recognizing that if it were not for the support and encouragement of many other people, this recognition would not, indeed, could not be happening today. 

    First Lutheran church of West Seattle became and continues to be the singularly most important event in my life… after my birth of course.  It is here that I was baptized.  It is here that I was confirmed.  It is here that I was taught, and it is here that I work, serving as deacon and choirmaster, sacristan, property manager and parish archivist. 

    When I walked through those large oak doors at the front of this church on Reformation Sunday 1955 (not long after my 15th birthday and the beginning of my sophomore year at West Seattle High School) I was instantly struck and overwhelmed by the awesome beauty of this house of worship with its pillars, arches, vaulted beamed ceiling, breathtaking stained glass windows, and the music.  It was an immense, spirit-filled moment that I, all these years later, vividly remember and continue to experience. 

    What initially brought me here was an invitation to sing in the church choir by Paul Fosso, the Choir Director; but I believe it was the work of the Holy Spirit.

    I am honored and blessed to serve as a part of the ministry team of First Lutheran Church of West Seattle; a church whose purpose is foremost to worship, confess, witness and serve the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; proclaimed in Holy Scripture by honoring the historic liturgies; upholding the Apostolic faith and practice; by celebrating the seasons and festivals of the liturgical year; and by honoring the music and great hymnody of the church, seeing in it a richness that properly matches the grandeur of our faith.

    I remember and give thanks to God for the ministry of the Reverend Norris Halvorson, Pastor 1946-1959.  A distinguished looking man with a military officer’s formidable presence, and a voice of a Shakespearean actor; he saw something in this young precocious teenager.  He asked if I would be interested in a study of the church and its history.  I agreed.  He set up a study program of discussions and books to read that eventually would cover a two year period, meeting twice a week after school.  We covered church history, liturgies, architecture, vestments, and the sacraments.  He trained me to be an acolyte.  He taught me the work of the Altar Guild in all its detail.  He took time to tell me about the building of this beautiful church and the stories behind those magnificent stained glass windows.  It was a tutorial that was life changing for me. 

    I also give thanks for the faithful ministry of Pastor Marshall.  It is because of his working tirelessly over several years that the historical office of Parish Deacon was created.  It was presented to the Executive Committee, the church Council, and then to the congregation and was overwhelmingly approved. 

    I give thanks for sharing in the ministry with Sonja Clemente, Parish Secretary; Andrew King, Cantor; Larrine King, Subdeacon; the choir members over the last 57 years; the Altar Guild: Evelyn Coy, Maxine Foss, and Janice Lundbeck; and the 126 Acolytes over the last 43 years. 

    And lastly I give thanks for the faith, courage and vision of those who worked so hard and sacrificed so much to build this church.  And to all of you, the faithful and godly people who continue to support, encourage and labor in this parish.  Thank you, and may God continue to bless each and everyone.

    I am eagerly looking forward to many more years of service if it is God’s will. 

    In His Service,  Dean