In the wake of a week of snow and ice, Tent City 4 moved to Holy Spirit Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 21st. Tent City Move Master Joe said that it was the worst weather that Tent City 4 has had to move in ever! Nevertheless, about 60 volunteers, including 10 boy scouts, worked hard throughout the day to make the move from Issaquah a success.

The day began shovelling the deep snow from he HSLC grounds, parking lot, walkways, and tent sites. HSLC Move-in Coordinator Scott Wallin said that "The attitude of all the volunteers and TC4 residents was exceptional. I was not aware of any trouble anywhere at any time during the day which is phenomenal given the conditions.". He saw Christ's love in action throughout the day as TC4 residents and HSLC volunteers worked in miserable weather conditions to complete the move.

Thank you to all the move-in volunteers!

Parking is tight during Tent City's stay. If you are able, please use the offsite parking

Spend Sunday, February 26th, from 1:00 to 3:00 with the members of Word+ly Spirits Book Club to meet, greet and have an open discussion with these gifted, talented and charming Seattle area authors.

Their captivating publications, CITY OF ASH and NIGHT ROAD, can be found in paperback at local or online bookstores. While there are Reading Group Guides available for both of these exceptional books, they are more than willing to answer additional questions we might have as we read their books.

Most outstanding is that they have generously offered to autograph their books at the end of the open forum discussion! What a huge deal for reading aficionados.

We will be serving light snacks during the afternoon and only have seating for 100 people so kindly RSVP by February 14th to Lori Cappelletti at 425/488-1451 or email. To assist us in covering costs we are asking for a $5 donation be made that day. Our members cannot wait and look forward to seeing you in the Fellowship Hall for this fabulous, first ever HSLC event.

"Our people will spend up to 2 hours coming and 2 hours returning home for our Celebration meals and events, this is important to them." Jack enthuses. He further explains Holy Spirit is providing both worship and the usual meal making the HSLC event more special. Rev. Dave invites HSLC: "Join us, come and be present. Have conversation and connections that bridge the isolation commonplace when living with a disability". That is what we, the members and visitors to HSLC can do to be a part of the Bridge Ministries mission this Sunday.

Jack (photo right)has been very busy these last 6 years building and strengthening an organization that provides a vibrant spiritual social community serving thousands, that annually recycles $1 million in equipment for people living with disabilities, and that provides guardianship services. Jack's voice is full of pride and respect as he introduces me to his soon-to-be former team. Rev. Dr David Emery, (photo left) the incoming Executive Director, talks about his focus on the spiritual life, as the administrative side is well in hand.

Jack was an entrepreneur in technology and business services the first time he tried to retire 6 years ago. But God had other plans for Jack. He had been volunteering at Bridge Ministries, and the Board tapped him to fill the Executive Director position. He did this reluctantly but gladly, as he shared the deep spiritual convictions of the organization and saw how he could contribute.

Jack will continue to be on the Board but hopes now to have more time for his 7 year old grandson living in Chicago. I had to really pry to learn about his hobby: he hopes to spend time with his wife Deirdre, a fellow enthusiast, tinkering with and driving old Porsches.

Bridge Disability Ministries is one of the few Christian organizations working with people living with disabilities to fulfill spiritual, physical, and community needs. It was started 25 years ago by Rev. Wapstra, a Presbyterian minister to address the exclusion and isolation that people were experiencing. This Sunday HSLC has a chance to provide inclusive worship and community.

by Heidi Breslauer, Jan 11, 2011. Photo by Heidi also