BELPRES

MEMBERSHIP

BOOKLET

Spring 2016

WELCOME TO THE SPRING 2016NEW MEMBER EXPERIENCE

This 1-day event was created to help you learn more about the BelPres story, get to know some of its leadership and programs more intimately, and discover new ways you might want to serve with our community. But even more than that, we want to give you the opportunity to build some real and lasting connections with folks who – just like you – want to be a bigger part of BelPres. We recognize it can be difficult (and frustrating) to feel known and valued at a big church, so our hope and prayer is that you experience exactly that over these next two weeks. Thank you for being a part of it!

On behalf of the entire BelPres staff and congregation,

Daniel Triller (dtriller@belpres.org) Heather Uhler (huhler@belpres.org)

Bellevue Presbyterian Church1717 Bellevue Way NEBellevue, WA 98004

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425-454-3082info@belpres.org

YOUR COVENANT OF MEMBERSHIP

Trusting in the grace of God offered to me in the Gospel, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of God’s saving

mercy I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who lived, died,

and rose again for me I trust in him alone for my salvation

In grateful response to God’s love, and with a desire to be a faithful steward of the spiritual gifts, material possessions, physical energy, and time He has given me, I do hereby pledge myself to the Lord and to the members of this church,

To walk in Christian love, exercising care for the other members of the church

To participate in worship services faithfully To uphold the needs of the church and of its ministries and

mission in prayer To study and apply the Scriptures to my life To seek a place of active service in the church and to our

neighbors To contribute regularly, as the Lord provides and directs, to

the financial support of the mission and ministry of BelPres To endeavor by word, action, and prayer to bear witness to

Jesus Christ To respect the leaders whom God raises up to shepherd this

congregation

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To maintain the peace, unity, and purity of the church

QUESTIONS ASKED UPON JOINING THE CHURCH

You will be asked three questions upon joining Bellevue Presbyterian Church, so it is good to consider the implications of those questions. We are glad to talk through any of them at your request.

The Faith Question Do you confess your faith in Jesus Christ alone as your Lord and

Savior?

This question is the most important of all, providing you the opportunity to state very publicly your allegiance to Jesus Christ. Some of the key words are:

Confess: This is different from the “confess” in “confess your sins.” This is a positive confess—to speak with God, the reality of your faith in God

Faith: Faith is trust and belief rolled into one. Faith is the element that makes us Christians, not good works, not heritage, not some level of knowledge

Jesus Christ: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”

Alone: This is the key to faith, trusting in Jesus Christ alone to save us. Jesus is more than sufficient

Lord: The Lord is the boss, this means making Jesus Christ the head of your life. It is the major decision of life to call Jesus “Lord.”

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Savior: The Savior is the one who saves you. It is He that you depend on for forgiveness of your sins and for life after life

The Discipleship Question Do you intend to be his disciple, to obey his word, and to show his

love?

This question is about your intent to live your life in a way that is pleasing to God. Key concepts include:

Intent: None of us will be perfect in this life, but as Christians and members of God’s church, our desire must be to be faithful to God

Obey Him: We become Christians by placing ourselves under God’s authority, and as citizens in His kingdom, we exist to obey God

Love him: This means to give our devotion to God. He alone is worthy of praise and love!

The Greater Church Question Will you seek the fellowship of the Church wherever you may be?

Seek the fellowship of the church: Should a move take you away from this congregation, you are pledging to find a local church in your new community where you can continue what you being in joining this church

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ESSENTIAL TENETS OF REFORMED THEOLOGY*

The great purpose toward which each human life is drawn is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

I. God’s Word: The Authority for Our Confession

We glorify God by recognizing and receiving His authoritative self-revelation, both in the infallible Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and also in the incarnation of God the Son.

II. Trinity and Incarnation: The 2 Central Christian Mysteries

A. TrinityWith Christians everywhere, we worship the only true God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - who is both one essence and three persons.

B. IncarnationJesus Christ is both truly God and truly human. The divinity of the Son is in no way impaired, limited, or changed by His gracious act of assuming a human nature, and that His true humanity is in no way undermined by His continued divinity. The risen Jesus, who was sent from the Father, has now ascended to the Father in His resurrected body and remains truly human. The same Jesus Christ who is now ascended will one day return visibly in the body to judge the living and the dead. We are able to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and God only through the work of the Holy Spirit.

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III. Essentials of the Reformed Tradition

A. God’s grace in ChristThe present disordered state of the world, in which we and all things are subject to misery and to evil, is not God’s doing, but is rather a result of humanity’s free, sinful rebellion against God’s will. No part of human life is untouched by sin. Our desires are no longer trustworthy guides to goodness, and what seems natural to us no longer corresponds to God’s design. In union with Christ through the power of the Spirit we are brought into right relation with the Father, who receives us as His adopted children. Jesus Christ is the only Way to this adoption, the sole path by which sinners become children of God.

B. Election for salvation and serviceHaving lost true freedom of will in the fall, we are incapable of turning toward God of our own volition. God chooses us for Himself in grace before the foundation of the world, not because of any merit on our part, but only because of His love and mercy. Through His regenerating and sanctifying work, the Holy Spirit grants us faith and enables holiness, so that we may be witnesses of God’s gracious presence to those who are lost.

C. Covenant life in the churchIn Christ, we are adopted into the family of God and find our new identity as brothers and sisters of one another, since we now share one Father. Within the covenant community of the church, God’s grace is extended through the preaching of the Word, the administration of the Sacraments, and the faithful practice of mutual discipline.

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D. Faithful stewardship of all of life The ministries of the church reflect the three-fold office of Christ as prophet, priest, and king — reflected in the church’s ordered ministries of teaching elders (pastors), deacons, and ruling elders. Jesus teaches us that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind. There is no part of human life that is off limits to the sanctifying claims of God.

E. Living in obedience to the Word of God Progress in holiness is an expected response of gratitude to the grace of God, which is initiated, sustained, and fulfilled by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. As we practice the discipline of regular self-examination and confession, we are especially guided by the Ten Commandments.

* This is a condensed version of the Fellowship’s Essential Tenets. Full version at www.fellowship-pres.org/Theology.pdf.

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PASTORS AT BELPRES

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 Congregation elects elders, deacons; calls pastors

Deacons

for ministry, compassion, and service

Session

15 elders (lay men and women) plus pastors provide leadership; decision-making body responsible for the ministry of the life and ministry of our congregation

Presbytery

Equal lay and clergy representatives from churches in our region; central authority for life of the church; clergy are members of presbytery. Oversees pastor-congregational relationships

Synod of Alaska-Northwest

7 Presbyteries from our region; unit of mission for our region; equal clergy and laity

General Assembly

Commissioners from Presbytery; equal number of elders and ministers; bi-annual meeting; speaks to the church’s conscience; interprets and modifies constitution of the church

LIKE NATION

 

 

 

 LIKE STATE

(WA, AK)

 

  

 

LIKE COUNTY

(KING, KITSAP)

 

 

 

 

 LIKE CITY

OVERVIEW OF THE GOVERNANCE OF THE

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA)

Our Pastors – Ordained StaffDr. Scott Dudley… Senior Pastor and Head of Staff

Dr. Dudley is the Senior Pastor here at BelPres. He earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University in English Literature, and has a Master’s in Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary. He has taught numerous writing and literature courses at Stanford University and Seattle Pacific University, and has spoken at many Christian conferences. Prior to coming to Bellevue, Scott served as the College Pastor and then the Teaching Pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. He is married to Christina and they have three children: Holly (17), Jackson (15), and Lucy (13).

Rev. Annie Duncan…Executive PastorRev. Colin Robeson…Associate Pastor for Family Life MinistriesRev. Rich Leatherberry…Associate Pastor for Mission + ServeRev. Danna VanHorn…Associate Pastor for Prayer + CareRev. Rosalind Renshaw…Associate Pastor for Prayer + CareRev. Scott Mann…Associate Pastor for DiscipleshipRev. Rich Gingrich…Associate Pastor for Prayer + CareRev. Daniel Triller…Associate Pastor for Belong + Grow

CHURCH DEPARTMENTS

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Our departments represent the different areas of ministry within which BelPres currently operates. Each one has a specific focus as well as many opportunities for you to get involved. The most up-to-date information can be found online (www.belpres.org), but you can also contact the departments directly for more information.

Prayer + Care : Brings nurture and care to BelPres through support, prayer, hospitality, and fellowship. It encompasses Visitation, Deacons, Support Groups, Prayer Ministries, Spiritual Formation, Weddings, and Memorial Services

o For more information, contact Mona Chicks at mchicks@belpres.org

Belong + Grow : Helps people grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus by fostering the building of relationships and providing opportunities for congregants to be involved in community. Includes small groups, men’s and women’s ministries, young adults, singles, marriage enrichment, and Family Life Ministries (preschool, elementary, middle, and high school)

o For more information, contact huhler@belpres.org

Mission + Serve : Launches and nurtures the mission movement and equips the congregation’s sense of calling by planning projects and programs that address human needs on the Eastside, throughout Seattle, and the world. Includes GetConnected, Session, Presbyterian partnerships, leadership development, and service partnerships

o For more information, contact Elizabeth Hayford at ehayford@belpres.org

Worship & Preaching : Seeks to lead the congregation in spirit-filled worship and preaching. Includes preaching

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schedule, church partnerships for revival, and all music ensembles and events. Opportunities to participate through choirs, instrumental groups, modern worship, and worship events.

o For more information, contact Sarah Lackenbauer at slackenbauer@belpres.org or Nancy Eastham at neastham@belpres.org

Operations : Provides the necessary support to empower all of ministries within the church. Includes communications/AV, facilities, finance, human resources, and administration.

o For more information, contact the main church office at info@belpres.org or by calling 425-454-3082

ENGAGE AT BELPRES

BelPres is a vibrant faith community that offers a myriad of opportunities for you and your family to connect with people outside of our Sunday gatherings. The following is a small

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sampling of what we have to offer, but please visit belpres.org for a more comprehensive list of offerings.

If you are looking for something more specific, let us know and we can guide you to the right place! Or simply contact the main church office at info@belpres.org or 425-454-3082.

Connect: Small Groups

o Women at the Wello Vocation Groupso Singles Ministrieso Women’s Group Mentoringo Adult Senior Fellowship

Support Groupso Divorce care

Music & Worshipo Choirs of all ages and abilitieso Handbellso Modern Worship

Eventso Women’s Christmas Desserto Retreats

Fitness Classes Many more opportunities!

Learn: The Messenger/BelPres Ministry Highlights (weekly email)

o Make sure you’re signed up to receive them! The Bible, Plain and Simple

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Marriage Course and Marriage Mentoring Literary Nights Prayer Ministries and Spiritual Direction Events

o Immerse Events (Prayer + Care)o Engaging Poverty (Mission + Serve)o Soli Deo Gloria (Music and Worship)o And many more!

Service is also an ideal way to meet like-minded, like-hearted people. Contact GetConnected or Look through the following pages for information on service opportunities at BelPres, on the Eastside, and around the world.

SERVE WITH BELPRES

BelPres thrives on volunteer leadership and serving is a way for us to join Jesus’ mission on Earth, no matter what capacity you choose to serve in.

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Below are some examples of the needs in our church, community, and around the world. If you have a heart for a particular department or area of service, contact our GetConnected (getconnected@belpres.org) to discover how to serve.

At BelPres: Audio/Visual

o Camera Operator (Traditional or Modern)o Sanctuary Broadcast Booth Operatoro Sanctuary Front-of-House Operator

Children’s/Youtho Special Eventso Child Care Center caregivero Sunday School classroom leadero Special Needs Buddyo Vacation Bible Adventure – classroom guides and

coordinatorso Cooks o Hostso Middle and High School Volunteer Leaders

Hospitalityo Greeters – Worship, Special Eventso Christmas Dessert Planning Committeeo Parking Hostso Flower Committee

Worshipo Sanctuary Care Teamo Communion Prepo Usherso Medical Teamo Lay Leaders and Readerso Sanctuary Chorus, Handbell Choir and other volunteer

music ensembles

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On the Eastside: Community Leadership Team Jubilee REACH KidReach Eastside Academy Baby Basics Auto Angels Areas of Service:

o Hunger Serviceso Housing Serviceso Bellevue Communityo Special Needso Prison Ministryo Reliefo Educationo Urban

Around the World: Global Leadership Team Dolls with a Mission Impact Teams Prayer Teams Deputation Areas of service:

o Africao Asiao Europe

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o Latin Americao North Africa/Middle East

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