Creator Connection May 2023

Creator Lutheran Church and Preschool
Creator Connection
MAY 2023
Welcoming all to Worship, Grow, and Serve in God’s Grace.
Pastor’s Corner
A message from Pastor Horacio
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father
and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the
new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the
ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their
trespasses against them…” 1 Cor. 5:17-19
Newness is something that
we are, a lot of the time, looking
and longing for in our lives. The
next exciting thing might just be
around the corner and we can’t
wait to see it and experience it.
Spring and Summer are finally
coming after a long winter.
Every year it seems like winters
get longer and longer and
Spring and Summer shorter, at
least that is the impression we
might have. But no matter the
reality, when that new thing,
season, experience that we
are longing for finally comes
along, we might encounter
either of these responses.
One, it might be scary or at
least uncomfortable, and two,
it might get old pretty quickly.
We might finally get used to that
which we are looking forward
to and sooner than later it just
becomes part of our scenery
and our routine whether we like
it or not, whether we get used to
it or not. And if we get used to it
or really like it, we will only miss
it and long for it if or when we
do not have it anymore. A new
pair of shoes, a car, a book, or
the latest gadget provides that
excitement for certain amount
of time. But when we have
broken in the shoes, the car
loses its shininess or new smell,
the book has been read and re-
read, and the gadget has run out
of its novelty, we then move on
to finding the next exciting thing
or simply go back to our same
old, same old and forget about
it. No matter where we go, this
will happen to us because this
is who we are.
This is where God’s Word
comes into the picture. God’s
Word is always good news, it
Continued on pg. 4

Table of Contents
Ministry
Pastor’s Corner..................................................
Pastor’s Corner cont..........................................
A Letter from the Bishop...................................
1
3
4-5
Staff
Pastor:
Amanda Olson de Castillo
pastoramanda@creatorlutheran.net
Associate Pastor: Horacio Castillo
pastorhoracio@creatorlutheran.net
Fellowship
Church in Society, Altar Guild..........................
Thoughts on Stewardship, Church Council
Highlights..........................................................
Easter Altar: Thank You!...................................
Children, Youth, and Family
High School Bible Study, Confirmation
Schedule............................................................
Youth Mission Trip Participants.......................
VBS...................................................................
Preschool News..............................................
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Office Ministry: Donna Reynolds
office@creatorlutheran.net
Music Director:
Nancy Betz
Communications Coordinator:
Marion Gil
communications@creatorlutheran.net
Bookkeeper: Marcie Reid
creatorbooks@creatorlutheran.net
Custodian: Leslie Noborikawa
Nursery Attendants: Debbie Eikland
and Cynthia Lowe
Sunday School Coordinator:
Kate Wire
News and Education.................................
13-19
Preschool Director:
Andrea DeDominces
Birthdays and Reminders.......................
Calendar............................................................
20
21
Preschool Teachers:
Andrea DeDominces, Ragan Allen &
Cheri Farrer
Funeral Coordinator:
Janee Theleman
2
Ministry teams and program leaders, please think ahead about what is coming up and
submit information, pictures or stories of impact to office@creatorlutheran.net by the 20th
of each month. Our Office Ministry Coordinator, will collect, format, and get the newsletter
out to the congregation by the first of each month. If you have any further questions,
please feel free to call the office (253) 862-7700.

Continued from pg. 1
is always new. I like to call this
“God’s good old news.” God’s
Word is old because it has been
there from the beginning, but His
Word is new at the same time
because it is for you now, and
because, if we are honest with
ourselves, we forget it every day.
And this is what makes it news for
us, because we have forgotten
that God’s Word is for you, and
when you hear it again…it is the
“old good news” of the Gospel
for you all over again. If you have
not learned this about me yet,
you will find out that I like to dwell
in God’s Word through Scripture
but also through our Lutheran
Confessions. I would not be
surprised if you are thinking,
“well yes, that is your job!” which
is true, but more than this, it is
because in Scripture and in our
Confessions, I find this “good
old news,” at every turn, in every
place, and in every season.
God’s Word does not lose its
newness or even “novelty,” if
we want to use that word. Every
time we open the Scriptures, we
will find something new, or the
words that we know so well and
are ingrained in our hearts, will
have a different sound or even
meaning the next time we read
them.
This is the reason why I am
so passionate about studying
Scripture and our Lutheran
Confessions not only for myself,
but sharing and studying them
with you. And with the many
years that I have in ministry,
Ministry
this has not gotten old because
Christ is in us and we are in
Christ, and He continues to make
us a new creation every day by
the promise of our Baptism; the
old has passed away and the
new has come. I look forward
to continuing to dwell in God’s
Word and Lutheran Confessions
with you in the different aspects
of our life together. The study of
God’s Word and our Confessions
are inexhaustible, and better yet,
they are relevant and applicable
to our daily lives, in our vocations
anywhere we go, in our church,
in our communities, in our
country and the world because
in them we receive reconciliation
with God, His mercy and grace
in the forgiveness of our sin, and
His life and Salvation through
Christ for you.
God’s Word is always
good news, it is always
new.
3

Ministry
April 18, 2023
Dear Pastors and Congregational Leaders,
Over the past few months, I sent you two letters that talked about ministering to those with mental
illness. Related to, but different enough to warrant a separate letter, is the growing challenge of
dementia. The CDC describes dementia as follows:
“Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember,
think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most
common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal
aging.”
Our compassion goes out to those who struggle with the burden of dementia and also to those who
care for them. Our hope and strength is, of course, always rooted in the constant and complete love
of God, who never abandons us and always embraces us. As we consider those who are afflicted
with dementia, I am reminded of Romans 8: 38-39. For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor
depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
As you consider how best to minister to those with dementia, I want to share with you some resources
that I have found useful.
1.) Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW), which has offices and programs throughout
our Synod, has a number of programs specifically designed to support those with dementia and their
caregivers. This includes programs such as:
• Art classes for those with dementia
• Music and Memory gatherings
• Taking Memory Walks
• Establishing Memory Cafes
For more information about what LCSNW is doing, click both of the links below:
https://lcsnw.org/?s=dementia
https://lcsnw.org/program/dementia-services-2/
2.) An older article (2009) from the ELCA speaks to programs specifically designed to support both
those with dementia and their caregivers. Please note that the article references some resources
that are no longer available on the web. However, the article itself provides a useful discussion about
how to organize programs.
https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/6550
4

3.) Two resources from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership provide specific ideas for doing
ministry with persons with dementia. The Lewis Center is a program of the Wesley Theological
Seminary in Washington, DC.
Staff leader Jessica L. Anschutz discusses, “As memory fades, ministry grows”
https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/as-memory-fades-ministry-grows-ministry-alongsidepersons-with-dementia/
Guest presenter Kenneth Carter offers concrete advice about “Nurturing a Dementia-Friendly
Church.”
https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/nurturing-a-dementia-friendly-church/
4.) Lutheran SeniorLife in Pennsylvania provides tools that may be very helpful for caregivers taking
care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia.
https://www.lutheranseniorlife.org/caring-for-someone-with-alzheimers-or-dementia
5.) Finally, here is a resource from England, where Pastor Lewis Allen at Hope Church in
Huddersfield, shares these ideas he gathered from his parish ministry.
https://www.9marks.org/article/pastoring-dementia-patients/
*****
Dementia is a challenge that impacts many of our families and certainly each of our congregations.
Not only does the individual suffer from the effects of this affliction, but those who are caregivers, as
wells as other loved ones and friends who share in the struggle. Our ministries need to address both
groups and be based on love and compassion.
I hope you find these resource links helpful as you continue to reach out to members of your church
and neighborhood. If you have other resources to add to this list, please let me by emailing me here.
Blessings to you in this Easter season!
Ministry
Bishop Rick Jaech
5

Fellowship
Church
In Society
NEW HOPE – We continue to provide food
for the homeless the first Friday of every month.
Thanks to Creator members who generously
donate each month to help our neighbors in
Puyallup.
LAYETTE DRIVE – Besides the many baby
items we delivered to Auburn Pregnancy Aid in
March, Creator members also donated $296!
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – Habitat for
Humanity helps families build or improve a place
they can call home. On March 30, the CIS team
provided lunch to approx. 30 workers and on May
20 we will deliver snacks to student workers.
PEACE LUTHERAN – Creator members will
be providing and serving a family-style sit down
lasagna dinner at Peace Lutheran Community
Center on April 28. We have participated in
this meal program for many years. Peace has
recently partnered with a resource navigator to be
onsite to answer questions or provide information
on services available to the Hilltop community.
We are grateful to our members who donate and
participate in this worthwhile event.
Creator distributed funding in March to the
following:
• Sumner Food Bank -- $200
• Sumner Backpack program -- $300
• Bonney Lake Food Bank -- $200
• Bonney Lake Backpack program $300
• Auburn Pregnancy Aid -- $500
Altar Guild was busy supporting worship throughout Lent, Holy Week and Easter. It was an “all
hands on deck” effort and extra people who had not served before were called to serve and responded
willingly.
Easter was truly a time of celebration at Driftwood Point Park and at the church. One of our own,
Leslie Noborikawa, stepped up to organize and lead the Easter Brunch. Thank you, Leslie and team!
We are blessed to serve and support Pastors Amanda and Horacio and know that more events like
Confirmation and Pentecost are right around the corner. We are looking forward to a beautiful spring
and would love to add more members to our ranks, especially for the 11AM service. Please contact
Linda Reed via call or text at (253) 820-1757 or send an email to 84lkreed@gmail.com for answers to
your questions or to set up a training appointment. Peace to you!
6

Thoughts on
Fellowship
It is important to know your
‘why’ regarding Stewardship.
Many churches have an annual
stewardship campaign, but in
truth stewardship is something
that is year-round. So what is
YOUR reason to give to Creator?
In a recent article on
stewardship from Luther
Seminary it said “people give
to participate in God’s mission
to help our neighbor in need
and the community. People give
because God calls us together
to be the church. People give
because all things belong to
God and we get to use the gift of
money to God’s glory, therefore
our finances reflect our faith, and
our money does God’s work in
the world.”
We have witnessed God’s
generosity to us and this
congregation. How does this
influence your giving to Creator?
As we become more open and
learn about the work of the
Holy Spirit in our lives, can this
include our finances? There can
be freedom in putting God first,
and acts of generosity can be
transformative.
The Luther Seminary article
concluded with the statement:
“Financial giving can be an act of
faith, not just a math equation.”
As we partner in God’s work
at Creator, we grow and serve
together in faith.
Church Council Highlights
• Pastor Horacio led a discussion about Deuteronomy 8:3. Council discussed the idea, “God will take
care of you.”
• Joe presented the Treasurer’s Report.
• Total Income for March 2023 was $26,425.73, and monthly expenses totaled $35,950.10, for an
overall net loss of $9,524.37. 10% benevolence approved, 6% ($1,559.89) to local benevolence,
and 4% ($1,039.92) to the synod, for a total of $2,599.81 given.
• Pastor Amanda stated that the soup suppers and services during Lent were successful. Easter
services were well-attended.
• Pastor Horacio: Pastor has been acquainted with ministry teams and begun planning for summer
classes and attending youth group meetings.
• Future Council Leadership/Team Transition Old to New was discussed. The transition will be held in
June. A congregational meeting will be held on June 11th to elect new leadership.
• There will be a luncheon for new and prospective members on April 23, 2023. Pastor Amanda
estimates we will have 40-50 people attending. Members of leadership are asked to bring soup,
salad, and bread.
• Meeting closed with The Lord’s Prayer
7

Fellowship
EASTER ALTAR
THANK YOU
We are thankful for our new
Easter altar frontal designed
by Pam Olsson and made
by MaryLou Finch. What a
blessing this is to Creator
for Easter as well as Spring!
Thank you!
8

Senior High Bible Study
Children, Youth, and Family
High School Bible
Study Schedule
High school Bible Study 6pm-
8:00pm
Dinner at 6pm
• May 7th: Bible Study 6pm -
8 pm
• May 14th: No Bible Study
Sundays from 6pm-8pm at Creator Lutheran Church.
Students in grades 9-12 will gather for a meal, faith
discussions, and FUN!
We have moved the Senior High Bible Study to Creator.
However, we will be meeting at the same time.
Bring $5 for pizza if you are able. For more information, or if
you have any concerns, please contact the church office or Pastor
Amanda.
• May 21st: Bible Study 6pm
- 8 pm
• May 28th: No Bible Study
Confirmation Schedule
• May 3rd - Final Confirmation
class for the season
• Confirmation Sunday
- Stay tuned for more
updates
Confirmation is a wonderful time for youth to grow in faith
and come to understand what it means to be Christian and to
follow the path set forth by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sunday classes are at 9:45 am between worship services.
Wednesday classes at 7 pm and will be done by 8:30pm.
9

Children, Youth, and Family
10

Children, Youth, and Family
11

Preschool
Preschool News
May 2023
Every year as we approach the end of another year of preschool,
we are amazed at how quickly it passed. And we are so thankful
and blessed for our wonderful families and the opportunity to be
part of your lives as you are part of ours. Your children have
brought blessings and joy to our school and we hope your children
feel the same.
During the month of May, we will be talking about our moms
and dads and Summertime fun. Our numbers will be 9 and 10
for the younger classes and 19 and 20 for the older classes. Our
shape is the diamond, our color is blue and our letters are W,w,
X,x, and Z,z.
Our Mother’s Day Tea will be Thursday, May 18 and Friday,
May 19 during the last 45 minutes of class. Please bring your
child to school at the regular time and return at 10:45am for the
morning classes and 2:15pm for the afternoon classes.
There will be no school on Monday, May 29th for Memorial
Day. Thursday, June 1st and Friday, June 2nd will be our last
class days. At the end of class, approximately the last 30-45
minutes, we will enjoy an ‘informal’ graduation/moving up event.
More details to follow.
Thanks for a great year! We know you have blessed our lives
and hope we have blessed yours.
Andrea (Mrs. D), Cheri (Ms. Farrer), and Ragan (Mrs. Allen)
Save the Dates
• Week 1: (May 1-5),
Letter W,w, #9, #19
• Week 2: (May 8-12),
Letter X,x
• Week 3: (May 15-19),
Celebrating our Moms,
Mother’s Day Tea
• Week 4: (May 22-26),
Celebrating our Dads
• Week 5: (May 29-June 2),
NO SCHOOL, Monday,
May 29 for Memorial Day,
Moving Up/Graduation
Day!
12

News and Education
SAVE THE DATE!
Mark your Calendars
Ladies Night Out on June 3 rd !
Time and Details to follow
13

News and Education
14

News and Education
15

News and Education
The Evening Bible Study now meets on
the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 6:30-8:00pm
at Creator.
Come to take a deep dive into scripture
with one of our pastors.
We will distinguish law and gospel togeth-
er as well as look at the context in Luke and
the rest of the bible. Come prepared to learn,
to wrestle and to hear how this is the Word of
God for us today and for the original listeners.
16

News and Education
Daily Devotions
Pastor Amanda is starting her
devotions back up! They will take
place Tuesdays and Thursdays at
9:00am. You are invited to watch
the recordings which are posted or
consider joining us at 9:00am via
zoom. Pastor Amanda turns off the
recording after her reflection on
the reading and we have a time of
discussion and connection with one
another.
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.
us/j/633840757
Meeting ID: 633 840 757
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,633840757# US (Tacoma)
All worship services and devotions will be
posted after completion on both YouTube
and the creator website: https://www.
youtube.com/user/CreatorLutheran and
www.creatorlutheran.net
New Hope Resource Center Meal
THANK YOU to everyone
who donates food for Hope
Resource Center. Our next
lunch will be Friday, May 5th,
2023. New Hope Resource
Center is providing 40-50 sack
lunches M-F for our homeless
neighbors. New Hope has
asked that we help by donating
food appropriate for the sack
lunches. Please see the list of
food needed on the attached
link.
All food should be dropped
off at the church no later than
Friday morning at 10:00 AM.
Creator members will pick up
the food from church and deliver
it to New Hope in Puyallup.
Volunteers at New Hope will
prepare and distribute the sack
lunches. Please sign up below.
You will get a reminder email.
Volunteer sign up link:
https://www.signupgenius.
com/go/20f044fa8ac2ea5f85-
newhope
**** On the sign-up sheet
click the “sign up button” next
to what you want to bring, then
go to the very bottom of the
page and click “Submit and
Sign up” and there you will
enter your information. New
Hope Resource Center is in
downtown Puyallup and serves
the unhoused in Pierce County.
The mission of New Hope is to
assist homeless adults in their
efforts to find safety, health, and
stability.
17

News and Education
Thursday
Morning
Bible Study
The
Thursday
morning Bible Study meets
every Thursday morning
from 10-11:30. The study
book is The Greatest Story
Bible Instruction. Meetings
will now be in person at the
church. All are welcome.
The monthly dinner meeting
of the Creator Men’s Club will
be held Monday, May 1, 2023
at 6 p.m. at Brank’s Bar-B-Q,
13701 24 th St. E., Sumner.
In addition to fellowship,
discussion will cover work
projects and a field trip to a car
museum. All church men are
invited to attend.
Grieving with Grace is a support group led by Pastor
Amanda where adults learn about the grieving process and
how to care for themselves as they work through the grief of a
loved one’s death.
We will be meeting on the second and fourth Wednesdays
of each month at 10:30 am in Pastor Amanda’s office.
Men’s
Fellowship
During “All things Covid”
the Wednesday night
Men’s group has been
using Zoom. The meetings
start at 7:00 PM and get
over by 9:00PM. If you
are interested in joining
the meeting please contact
Scott Perkins with your
email address and he will
send you a link for Zoom.
Scott.perkins@hotmail.
com or 253-230-3416
18

News and Education
Do you know of any Creator members who are graduating from High School or Post High School
programs this 2023 year? Please give any information to the office as soon as possible so we can
congratulate them on Graduation Recognition Sunday on June 4th @ the 11:00 service.
We also include them in the June/July Newsletter, so please include any information about future
plans (college, Graduate school, jobs, military) scholarships, awards, or special achievements. If you
are a graduate this year, please plan on attending the late service with your graduation robe.
Upcoming Adult
Education Schedule
• May 7: Holy Communion
• May 14: No Adult
Education
• May 21: Holy
Communion
Sundays, 9:45 am between services
Join us between services in the multi-purpose room for Adult
Education! Learn from different teachers (including our pastors
and sometimes guest speakers) about a variety of topics ranging
from God in our lives to retirement plans. If you have any questions
please contact the church office.
19

Birthdays and Reminders
Remote Worship
Worship will continue to be live-streamed on Facebook Live and
Zoom. To join via Zoom, follow the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89375602512?pwd=M3hPK0pIMGIz
Z2M0eEhmTitoM3NQdz09
Meeting ID: 893 7560 2512 Password: 435230
One tap mobile:
+ 12532158782,,89375602512#,,,,0#,,435230# US (Tacoma)
Call in option: Zoom offers the option to call in to listen to the
service. Call into worship while it is open - usually a minimum of
five minutes before 9:30am until 11:00am - +1 253 215 8782 and
enter the meeting number: 89375602512 when prompted. You
will be able to hear the worship service.
CREATOR LUTHERAN NEW GIVING APP
Creator Lutheran is changing our mobile giving app! Vanco,
our eGiving provider, has launched an updated mobile app called
Vanco Mobile to replace GivePlus Mobile. You can download the
Vanco Mobile app for free from the App Store or Google Play.
Download Vanco Mobile by September 30. Vanco will
remove GivePlus Mobile after this date.
If you have questions or need assistance with our new mobile
app, please contact the church office at (253) 862-7700.
Pastoral Emergency Fund
Creator has a fund available to be used at the discretion of Pastor
Amanda to support congregation members and the community
as needed. If you or a member another member of the Creator
Community has a particular financial need at this time, please
reach out to Pastor Amanda for support. We are here for one
another at this time. This fund is also open for additional
donations from the congregation.
Recycle Your
Ink Cartridges
Don’t throw away those printer cartridges or used cell phones.
The Youth will recycle them for you. It’s good for the
environment and the youth program receives a small concession.
Just deposit old cartridges in the drawer in the narthex.
20
May
Birthdays
1 - Maxine Huffman
2 - Kirsten Nelson
4 - Danielle Reid
6 - Sara Heineman
7 - Kristen Dennis
10 - Lena Kronlund
11 - Chris Grigg
11 - Chelsea Linggi
11 - Monica Ricarte Powers
13 - Susan Serdahl
15 - Rich Heineman
15 - Brian Hinkley
15 - Gary Leaf
16 - Addy Nelson
16 - Connie Russell
17 - Terry Hoffner
18 - James Larson
20 - Brynn Feroy
21 - Janice Pendergast
22- Marshall Hollenbeck
23 - Kate Wire
24 - Jim Rutkosky
25 - Suzara Kraus
25 - Damien Littell
26 - Donna Lovin
28 - Jake Berg
28 - Debie Eikland

MAY
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5
6pm Creator Men’s
Club
9am Morning
Devotions
6:30pm Women’s Bible
Study
7pm Men’s
Fellowship
7pm Confirmation
7pm Choir Practice
9am Morning
Devotions
10am Thursday
Morning Bible Study
New Hope Lunch
6
7 8:30am Worship
Service
9:45am Adult Education
9:45am Family Sunday
School
11am Worship Service
6pm High School Bible
Study
8
6:30pm Evening
Bible Study
9 9am Morning
Devotions
5:30pm Property Team
Meeting
6:30pm Finance Team
Meeting
10 10:30am Grieving
with Grace
7pm Men’s Fellowship
7pm Choir Practice
11 9am Morning
Devotions
10am Thursday
Morning Bible Study
12
13
14 8:30am Worship
Service
9:45am Adult Education
9:45am Family Sunday
School
11am Worship Service
15
6:30pm CYF Team
Meeting
16 9am Morning
Devotions
6pm Church Council
Meeting
17 7pm CIS Meeting
7pm Men’s
Fellowship
7pm Choir Practice
18 9am Morning
Devotions
10:30am Thursday
Morning Bible Study
19
20
21
8:30am Worship
Service/New Member
Reception
9:45am Adult Education
9:45am Family Sunday School
11am Worship Service/New
Member Reception
6pm High School Bible Study
22
6:30pm Evening
Bible Study
23
9am Morning
Devotions
24 10:30am Grieving
with Grace
7pm Men’s Fellowship
25 9am Morning
Devotions
10:30am Thursday
Morning Bible Study
26
27
28
8:30am Worship
Service
9:45am Adult Education
9:45am Family Sunday
School
11am Worship Service
29
OFFICE CLOSED
30
9am Morning
Devotions
31 7pm Men’s
Fellowship
7pm Choir Practice
21

Creator Lutheran
Church and Preschool
Welcoming All to Worship, Grow, and Serve in God’s Grace
creatorlutheran.net (253) 862-7700 office@creatorlutheran.net
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 3:30PM
16702 South Tapps Drive East, Bonney Lake, WA 98391