Burien’s Glendale Lutheran School is holding a book sale fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 27th from 9am to 2pm at their gymnasium at 13455 Second Ave SW.

All books will be priced at just 50¢ or less, with special deals during the final hour.

Proceeds from the book sale will benefit school operations and help maintain affordable tuition rates at Glendale Lutheran School.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Glendale Lutheran School Book Sale Fundraiser

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 27th from 9am to 2pm

WHERE: Glendale Lutheran School Gymnasium, located at 13455 2nd Ave SW • Burien • (206) 244-6085

INFO: “All books 50¢ or less!! Come early for best selection. Special deals during the last hour!”

Burien’s St. Francis of Assisi School’s 7th and 8th grade students are presenting “The Pied Piper” musical at the Highline Performing Arts Center on Feb. 26th and Feb. 27th at 7pm.

According to the school’s website, “The Pied Piper” is:

“…the story of a town infested by rats. When the Piper comes to town and offers to get rid of the rats for a nominal fee, the villagers gladly agree.”

Here are the details:

WHAT: St. Francis of Assisi’s 7th & 8th grade students production of “The Pied Piper” musical.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 26th and Saturday, Feb. 27th at 7pm.

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien (located at 401 South 152nd Street, next to Highline High School).

TICKETS: Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children, and are on pre-sale at the school, which is located at 15216 21st Avenue SW (206-243-5690); or you can download an Order Form here (PDF file).

INFO: From the school’s website:

PIED PIPER ALL SCHOOL MUSICAL

This year, the annual play of St. Francis of Assisi School is “The Pied Piper”. The 7th and 8th grade students and their teachers have been enthusiastically at work to rehearse for this performance.

It is the story of a town infested by rats. When the Piper comes to town and offers to get rid of the rats for a nominal fee, the villagers gladly agree. We invite you to come see for yourself what happens when the villagers refuse to pay the Piper for his service.

This wonderful play will be held at the Highline Performing Art Center in Burien on Friday, February 26th and Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at 7:00PM.

Tickets are on pre‐sale at the school. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children.

Thank you for your support of our school!

We are having a contest between all of the classes to see who can sell the most tickets to our school musical, “The Pied Piper”, on February 26th & 27th. Please help them to spread the word and make this the most successful musical ever!

Seattleite Julia Bolz will be presenting a photo essay of her work educating boys and girls in Afghanistan at St. Francis’ Parish Hall on Friday, Jan 22nd.

Last May, Julia spoke at St. Francis about “Alternative Strategies to War” (see our previous coverage here), and according to the Ayni Education website:

If you had met Julia in 1998, she was a partner in a downtown Seattle law firm.  Her story of going from a lawyer to a social justice advocate is a story in itself; but, she was greatly affected by the illness of one of her sister’s who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her illness really affected Julia, who found herself saying, “If I only had 6 months to live, do I like what I’m doing?  Do I like the legacy I’m leaving behind?”  After a great deal of soul searching, Julia decided to take a two-year sabbatical and moved to Africa.  She decided to do something that tugged at her heart-strings – human rights and social justice issues affecting women and children.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “The Peaceful Surge” – Julia Bolz’ photos about her journey building Afghan schools

WHEN: Friday, January 22, from 7-9 pm

WHERE: St. Francis Church, Parish Hall 15226 21st Ave, Burien 98166; enter parking lot from 20th Ave.

INFO: Refreshments will be served and there will also be a bake sale. Please bring ball-point pens to send to the students. Learn more about Julia’s work and how you can help: (donations are tax-deductible) www.aynieducation.org

CONTACT: For more information, contact Annie Phillips at 206-275-1393; St. Francis of Assisi Parish Social Justice contact: Frances Davis • 206-242-4575 ext. 29

From a press release:

Seattleite Mounts Peaceful Surge

Is military escalation the path to peace? What would victory in Afghanistan, look like?

Come find out why one brave woman is stepping up her work educating Afghan boys and girls. Find out what she thinks of the troop surge.

Julia Bolz will update us and show slides of the schools she’s built, the charming kids who attend them, and the village elders who work with her in rural Afghanistan. Friday evening at 7, January 22, at Saint Francis Parish Hall, on 152nd Street and 21st Avenue in Burien. Enter parking lot from 20th Ave.

Refreshments will be served, and there’ll be a bake sale. More items for bake sale are welcome! (come early)…and bring ball-point pens, which are hard to get in Afghanistan, for us to mail to students there.

Learn more about Julia’s work and how you can get involved: www.aynieducation.org Donations are tax-deductible.

Contact: Annie Phillips, 206-275-1393

Sponsored by Southend Neighbors for Peace, and St Francis of Assisi Parish Social Justice.

We swear that this isn’t a joke – the 8th annual Drive-Thru Christmas Story will be this weekend, Dec. 12th and 13th from 6pm to 8:30pm in the church parking lot at Normandy Christian Church in Des Moines.

From what we can tell, not only are there live actors involved, but also live animals, and you can experience the entire story in just 10 minutes!

We’re not quite sure if the baby Jesus is a real child though, but there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?

Here are the details:

WHAT: The 8th Annual Drive-Thru Christmas Story

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 12th and Sunday, Dec. 13th from 6pm to 8:30pm

WHERE: Parking lot of the Normandy Christian Church, located at 908 South 200th Street in Des Moines.

INFO: Here’s a blurb from the church’s website:

Normandy Christian Church invites you to the 8th Annual DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS STORY December 12-13, 6:00-8:30pm.

For 10 minutes this Christmas season, you and your family can be transported to Bethlehem while driving through the church parking lot at Normandy Christian Church.

^Now that’s a great marketing line isn’t it?^

Here’s a video promo that will make you want to jump in your car, drive on thru and get your 10-minute Christmas fix:

More information available at the church’s website here.

Burien’s St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church is holding a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday Dec. 5th from 9am – 3pm at their building at 1005 SW 152nd, just west of Olde Burien.

It’s happening the same day as Burien’s WinterFest, so keep this in mind when you’re out shopping or enjoying the day – St. Elizabeth’s is just to the west of Olde Burien, and you can’t miss its distinctive, curved rooftop.

Here are the details:

WHAT: St. Elizabeth’s annual Holiday Bazaar

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 5th from 9am to 3pm

WHERE: St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, located at 1005 SW 152nd near Olde Burien.

INFO: From an email:

Our Bazaar will feature BAKE SALE with breads by professional baker and other goodies, HAND-MADE CRAFTS, Quilt and original Oil Painting raffle, coffee bar, “ATTIC” for collectibles, many BOOKS.

Home-cooked lunch served from 11:30am – 2:00pm ($5).

Plenty of parking on 10th, on side of church.

Part of Winterfest in Olde Burien.

COME AND JOIN US!

For more information, call 206-243-6844 or visit their website here.

The B-Town Blog welcomes its latest Advertiser: The Yard Sale, located at 14017 First Avenue South #101 in Burien!

You don’t have to wait until summer anymore to find those hidden treasures by driving all over town, wasting your time and gas – you’ll find them waiting for you at this new store, which had its grand opening today (Nov. 2nd).

Owned by The Cross Church and Discipleship Center of White Center, The Yard Sale’s proceeds go to sustaining the ministry Pastor Jerry Wilson started at the church in 2003. The ministry is dedicated to helping people who have become distressed through crisis in their lives. For information about this life changing program, go to www.crosschurchseattle.com.

Here is a list of some of the products you’ll find at The Yard Sale:

• New and used clothes
• Electronics
• Ceramics
• Paintings
• Jewelry
• Games and toys
• Collectibles
• Appliances
• Furniture
• Books
• Cards
• Kitchenware

Also on site every Saturday through November will be Scat the Cat!

This past spring, Scat, who has been the pet therapy cat at the church for the past several years, suffered several wounds, including a seven-inch gash on its side, three broken ribs and severe internal injuries (a local man has been charged in the attack. He plead Not Guilty to a first degree animal cruelty charge in King County Superior Court.)

Pasado’s Safe Haven, a local non-profit animal rescue organization, covered Scat’s medical expenses.

Church members said when Scat first came to the church, he was very leery of people. But over time, he became more socialized and eventually grew into a lovable therapy cat.

Donations are gladly accepted at the Yard Sale store or at the Cross Church & Discipleship Center located 1320 SW 102nd Street in White Center.

The Cross Church can also provide hard working people with a variety of skills to help you with projects around your house or business if you are looking for some hired helping hands.

So stop by and help support this wonderful new branch of their ministry and say Hi to everybody.

The Yard Sale
14017 1st Avenue South #101
Burien, WA

Hours:

• 10am – 6pm Monday through Saturday

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The B-Town Blog welcomes its latest Advertiser – Burien’s 10th Church of Christ, Scientist’s upcoming guest lecture “Cut Through the Glare – See What’s Real,” featuring Kevin G. Graunke on Saturday, Nov. 7th.

Graunke is a national speaker who will discuss Biblical basis of prayer as a practical way to discover what’s spiritually real.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Christian Science Church lecture “Cut Through the Glare – See What’s Real” featuring Kevin G. Graunke

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 7th at 2pm

WHERE: Burien Library, 4th St and SW 152nd Street

INFO: For more information, call (206) 439-8069; here’s their press release:

Living life spiritually—and finding deeper meaning

National speaker to discuss Biblical basis of prayer as a practical way to discover what’s spiritually real.

American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “It is not length of life, but depth of life.” A national speaker coming to this area will discuss how spiritual perception—gained through prayer—can shift our view away from surface appearances toward a more deeply satisfying way of life.

Kevin G. Graunke, a full-time prayer-based healer using the Christian Science system of healing, will present a talk titled “Cut Through the Glare—See What’s Real” at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the Burien Library, 4th St and SW 152nd Street.

Graunke said, “Everyone has the ability to pray—and even the simplest prayer can take us beneath the surface of everyday life. It takes us to the very center of who we are and how we live. It’s a spiritual approach that moves our thinking and living out of the shallows and limitations of a strictly mortal view and into deeply divine inspiration and spiritual conclusions.”

He continued, “Then we start to see that there’s a divine, all-powerful source of good at work in the lives of everyone—of you and me—right here and now. And that this source of good applies to every aspect of our lives.”

During his talk, Graunke will draw on ideas from the Bible and from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, a book that describes how to find health and healing through practical, spiritual means. He’ll also draw from his own experiences to explain that when we embrace the law of God, of Truth and Love, here and now, we’ve actually engaged the full law and the power of God for ourselves.

As an experienced practitioner and authorized teacher of Christian Science healing, Graunke—who lives in Wisconsin—has helped many people find renewed health and lasting answers to problems of all kinds through the Scriptures as well as in the practical system of healing presented in Science and Health.

In addition to serving as a national speaker for the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, Graunke serves the public through his healing practice and teaching; writing for The Christian Science Journal and Christian Science Sentinel, and audio contributions to the Sentinel’s radio edition.

He added, “Moving our lives out of the shallows of mortal limits brings us clearer, deeper views of who we are as God’s children. As this spiritual perception gets clearer and sharper, we’ll stop measuring life by what’s just on the surface. We’ll cut through the glare. We’ll see what’s real.”

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Burien’s Glendale Lutheran School is holding a huge, 60+ family sale this Saturday, Oct. 3rd from 9am to 4pm.

No, they’re not actually selling families – over 60 of them are contributing to this fundraiser sale, which will also include goodies and raffle prizes.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Glendale Lutheran School’s huge 60+ family sale

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3rd from 9am to 4pm.

WHERE: Glendale Lutheran School’s gym, located at 13455 2nd Ave SW in Burien.

INFO: 60+ families were asked to bring in their new treasures! There will be goodies and raffle prizes, too.

Lake Burien Presbyterian Church is bringing back multi-award winning Canadian Musician Steve Bell on Saturday, Sept. 19th at 7pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: An Intimate Evening Of Story & Song with Steve Bell

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 19th at 7pm

WHERE: Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, located at 15003 14th Avenue SW; 206.242.6023

COST: Tickets are $15, and are available at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church

INFO: Here are some testimonials for Steve:

“Steve Bell makes beautiful music. His is a talent that deserves extensive exposure. His worship music does what worship music should do – it lifts your soul to the heavens”.  – Tony Campolo, Eastern University

“Steve Bell’s music offers an astonishing combination of familiar and fresh, provocative and comforting, exuberant and reflective, salty and sweet. Immediately attractive, it rewards repeated listening: the genuine beauty on the surface gives way to treasures in the depths”. – John G. Stackhouse, Regent College

For more information, visit the church’s website here. For more on Steve Bell, visit his website here.

Here are some videos:

As homelessness grows with tough economic times, a local non-profit organization, Light Under The Bridge Homeless Ministry, is successfully affecting homelessness one person at a time.

Light Under The Bridge began last October by husband and wife founders, Kevin and Hope Kerkof.

“It began with us just making 6 sack lunches and going to Occidental Park on a Saturday morning. We just wanted to remind the homeless they are not forgotten. To look them in the eye and treat them with respect as human beings,” Kevin explained. “We had no idea what a mission this would become.”

What began as 6 lunches, has now become a team of volunteers and about 40 lunches every Saturday. “The need is overwhelming,” Hope explained, “With approximately 1,900 unsheltered people in Seattle, its easy to get discouraged and think what difference can one person make? However, our strategy is to affect the lives of the homeless by establishing relationships built on trust and respect, one person at a time. We bring them food, clothing, supplies…and as we build relationships with them, we continue to visit them when they are sick or injured in the hospital, and visit them in jail. And through our networking with other ministries, we are able to help get the homeless off the streets and the help they need when they’re ready.”

Light Under The Bridge goes where most charities will not go – under the freeways, bridges, and into the woods looking for the homeless that are not involved with the missions, shelters, and soup kitchens. These are the homeless that indeed feel forgotten, that is until they meet the volunteers from Light Under The Bridge.

Light Under The Bridge goes out every Saturday morning, on the same route-thereby visiting the same people, at the same time. The homeless look forward to their visits as one homeless man, William Johnson tells, “I’ve lived in 49 states, and in all those states, meeting Hope & Kevin is the first time I’ve ever been shown real love. Everyone out here on the streets is always asking me when the Christians are coming back out.”

As a result of Light Under The Bridge and their volunteers building relationships with the homeless, some have left the streets and are getting the help they need. Part of Light Under The Bridge’s mission has been to establish networking relationships with other faith based programs that offer rehab, housing, food, clothing, job skills, and eventually integrates them back into society. One such program that Light Under The Bridge has partnered with is The Freedom House.

The Freedom House is located in Des Moines and is a year long faith-based program that provides a discipleship program for men and women suffering from addictions. There are three phases of discipleship. During Phase I Temporary housing is provided which occurs in the first 30 days. During this time men and women are able to stay in a drug and alcohol free facility. Those that are committed to change continue into phases two and three and provided permanent housing. The program is an inclusive program, providing lodging, food, clothing, biblical teaching, life skills and an alternative life to drugs and alcohol abuse. At the end of the year, these men and women will have established a job, been taught how to budget and have savings, and will have a place to rent. Several of Light Under The Bridge’s success stories have sought treatment and are now residing at The Freedom House.

Kevin & Hope Kerkof compare Light Under The Bridge to a search and rescue team, and The Freedom House as a hospital with long term care.

“It’s a fantastic system which is affecting lives one person at a time.”

Both ministries operate from donations. 100% of all donations received by Light Under The Bridge help the homeless.

Hope adds:

“We are in great need of donations. Tangible items such as clothing or groceries can actually be left off at our church office at Shorewood Foursquare Church marked for Light Under The Bridge. We need socks, gloves, hats, and jackets are most in need, especially since the weather will begin to cool off very soon.

We get help and donations from The Freedom House in Des Moines, and Hope Fellowship Community Church in Burien which has a community outreach clothing closet every Sunday. Volunteers are always welcome. We ask them to give us a call first and to check out our website www.LightUnderTheBridge.com.”

You can also donate by sending checks to:

Light Under The Bridge
224 SW 153rd St #146
Burien, WA 98166

For further information, you can visit their website at www.LightUnderTheBridge.com.

Household finances got you down?

Feeling the pinch during this economy?

Well, the good folks at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church are holding a Free Resource Fair and Block Party, where they will be giving out advice, resources and more to parents, along with FREE Backpacks (with school supplies) to the first 300 kids this Saturday, Aug. 15th from 12 to 3pm at 15003 14th SW.

This is their second annual event, and is in conjunction with the Church Council of Greater Seattle.

Here are the details:

On Saturday May 2nd, Holy Family Elementary is holding its 21st annual R.E.A.C.H. (Reinforcing Education And Catholic Heritage) Fiesta Auction and Dinner.

Here are the details:

WHAT: 21st Annual R.E.A.C.H. Fiesta Auction and Dinner for Holy Family Elementary

WHEN: Saturday, May 2nd with Silent Auction starting at 5pm; Dinner at 7:30pm and Live Auction at 7:45pm

WHERE: Holy Family Elementary School, located at 9615 20th Ave SW in Seattle (map below)

INFO: All proceeds go to the school for operational costs, deferring costs for teachers and scholarships, providing an excellent Catholic education to everyone in the community regardless of their ability to pay.

Hosting the evening will be Master of Ceremonies Joe Budde and Auctioneer Jeff Stehr. There are more than 220 items available that guests can look forward to winning.

Live auction items include:

• Donated by E.B. Foote Winery: Private 2 hour evening wine tasting which includes hors d’oeuvres & wine for winner & 40, plus a gift basket to take home that night, value $635
• Donated by Tellit Productions in Burien: The Evergreen Package which is a video interview of family member & production of a DVD with music & photographs to preserve family history, valued at $1000
• Dinner for 8 with Fr. Bloom the Pastor at Holy Family Parish at Salty’s a $500 value
• Donated by Christine Gregoire: Gift certificate for Washington Wine & hors d’oeuvres at first mansion on December 8, 2009 for a meet & greet with the governor & first gentleman value $100
• And much more

Some of the 267 silent auction items include;

• Donated by Dunville Gallery in White Center: $50 gift certificate towards custom framing of your choice
• Donated by Seattle Art Museum: SAM admission for 2 value $30
• Donated by the Garage (in Seattle): Evening at the Garage for 2 including 4 course dinner and 1.5 hrs of bowling or pool, value $85
• Donated by West Seattle Karate Academy: month of Karate lessons for one adult or child includes registration, dues, month of classes, uniform & autographed book by Sensei

Silent auction tables will be open from 5-7pm. All auction items can be purchase in cash, check or credit card.

The night of the auction, donations toward scholarships will be accepted through the Randy Terlicker Endowment Fund. Started by Colleen Terlicker, the endowment fund was started in honor of her son Randy a Holy Family Graduate & Firefighter whose life was taken in the Pang Warehouse Fire.

Dinner, donated by Las Margaritas Catering, includes tasty options of Steak A La Chicana, Pollo Con Crema Portuguesa and Seafood Enchiladas. There will also be a no-host bar. Sit down dinner starts at approximately 7:30pm, with the live auction at 7:45pm.

Individual tickets and corporate sponsorships can be purchased in advance by contacting Sandy Cavazos at 206-248-2728 or e-mailing her your name, address, phone number and dinner choice at scavazos@comcast.net.

The cost per person is $50 or $500 for a table of ten and accepted in cash or check.

Holy Family Elementary is located at 9615 20th Ave SW (map below).

For more information contact Sandy Cavazos at 206-248-2728 or download and view the auction catalogue (PDF file) at:

http://www.hfseattle.org/school/documents/auction09.pdf

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When you take a stroll down SW 152nd Street this week in Burien, you might see a pig or three.

No, it’s not a cop convention – we’re talking about numerous hand-painted pigs displayed in eight local store front windows!

Glendale Lutheran School students from preschool to sixth grade designed, painted and named all of the sassy swine.

Maps with the home of each hog can be picked up at participating local businesses with a competition to match the location and the name of the pig which can be returned to the school office (located at 13455 2nd Ave SW in Burien) to receive a prize.

An auction will be held at Glendale Lutheran School (map below) on Friday April 24th and Saturday April 25th. Families are welcome to attend the silent auction Friday at 5pm with free admission. Tickets are still available for Saturday’s live auction. Doors will open at 6pm, with dinner to follow at 6:45pm.

For ticket information contact the school office at (206) 244-6085. Please note that Saturday is an adult only event.

Start your pig parade at any of the following locations and don’t forget to ask for a “Which Pigs Are Where Map”:

• Gehl’s Florist
• The Yarn Stash
• Burien Books
• The Danish Bakery
• B-town Scoop
• Dan the Sausage Man
• Hayes Feed
• Goodie Gumdrops

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Internationally-renowned Christian musician Steve Bell will be a featured guest artist on Sunday, April 26th at both the 9:30am worship as well as a 7pm concert at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Christian musician Steve Bell will perform two shows

WHEN: Sunday, April 26th at 9:30am and 7pm

WHERE: Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, located at 15003 – 14th Avenue SW (map below)

COST: Suggested donation is $15.

INFO: To purchase tickets, please call (206) 242-6023.

Bell has recorded 15 albums, received multiple JUNO awards and other industry accolades, and criss-crossed the globe performing his songs of devotion, transcendence and praise.

Influenced by artists such as Bruce Cockburn, Leo Kottke, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Allison Kraus and John Michael Talbot, Steve Bell is sure to inspire the entire family.

Here are some video clips of Bell:

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Three Tree Community Church is holding a Benefit Community Concert and Art Show benefiting the Des Moines Food Bank this Saturday, April 11th, starting at 4pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Benefit Community Concert and Art Show

WHEN: Saturday, April 11th starting at 4pm

WHERE: Three Tree Community Church, located at 16261 First Ave South in Burien

INFO: There will be 6 bands, an Art Show, 6 acoustical sets, and the cover is $5.00 per person or Donations of non-perishable food items, all of which goes directly to the food bank.

• All bands are donating their time and will be playing in the auditorium.
• There will also be 11 artists donating their time and showing their wares in the Student Center.
• Where the art show is being held – there will be 6 acoustical sets being played. It will start at 4pm.
• Admission is just $5.00 per person OR Donations of non-perishable food items. All proceeds from the admission will go directly to the Des Moines Food Bank.
• You can also check out their website at: www.threetreechurch.com.

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Burien’s Christian Science Reading Room, located at 629-A SW 152nd (map below) is holding an Open House from Thursday April 16th through Sunday April 19th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Open House at Christian Science Reading Room

WHERE: Located at 629-A SW 152nd (map below)

WHEN: Thursday April 16th/Friday April 17th from 10am to 6pm; Saturday April 18th from 10am to 5pm and Sunday April 19th from 1pm to 5pm

COST: None

INFO: Christian Science Reading Rooms are bookstores and reading centers for the exploration of spirituality, prayer, and healing. They are public resources for anyone on his or her quest for spiritual understanding and are open to people of all faiths, backgrounds and ways of life.

Each Reading Room is a community bookstore and resource center for spiritual discovery as well as health and healing through prayer. Your local Reading Room:

• Provides information and materials about Christian Science and its discoverer, Mary Baker Eddy, including her primary work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and her other writings, which teach and illustrate the healing power demonstrated by Christ Jesus.
• Offers a variety of Bible research materials, books and magazines (in various languages), audio-video products, and world news from The Christian Science Monitor.
• Sponsors special activities and community events, and also participate in national and local conferences, fairs, and expos.

More info at their website.

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Three Tree Community Church is looking for both artists and musicians of all kinds to come and join them for an upcoming community event on Saturday, April 11th.

The Benefit Concert and Art Show will be held the Saturday before Easter as a benefit for the Des Moines Food Bank.

Here are some details, courtesy Sandra Valette:

In our main auditorium we will be having bands playing and in the newly remodeled student center is where we will be having the Art Show and will have the acoustic musicians playing in there.

We just ask that you’re artwork be appropriate for all ages to enjoy.

Thanks for your interest!

• All musicians can bring their merch and keep 100% of their sales.
• All artists can bring their wares and keep 100% of their sales.
• There is no set-up fee.
• We will be charging a $5.00 admission per person OR a donation of non-perishable food items.
• ALL the proceeds from the admission fees will go directly to the Des Moines Food Bank.
• If artists would like to donate their set up fee cost to the Food Bank they are more than welcome to do that.
• We have a number of artists interested and some musicians as well. We would love to have more get involved!
• We will be sending out flyers to the high school and putting them up at local businesses and Highline Community College.

To apply, please contact henriandsandy@comcast.net or office@threetreechurch.com.

Three Tree Community Church is located at 16261 1st Ave South and their phone number is 206-246-8803.

For more information, visit Three Tree Community Church’s website.

Way back in January (remember, when it was cold and there was snow?), we posted a rather unusual event listing: Slot Car Races at a local church.

Well, apparently they had so much fun last time that they’re doing it again this coming Sunday, March 15th; here are the details:

WHAT: Slot Car Racing for everyone

WHEN: Sunday, March 15th from 1:30pm on

WHERE: Normandy Park Congregational Church, located at 19247 1st Ave South in Normandy Park (map below)

INFO: We had so much fun the last time, we’re doing it again. We’ll have several tracks set up in our Fellowship Hall. Bring you own cars to dust ‘em off, or use ours. We’ll be having double elimination on a four lane track. The official race will be closely matched GT40 HO Super G+ cars.

We’ll open the doors at 1pm and start the races at 1:30. Tracks are all open until then for practice. There will be a grand prize, maybe a couple of raffles and some other runner up prizes too.

Races are open to all, we may have brackets depending on turn out.

Hope to see you there!

CONTACT: Call Bob at 206-890-6479 for more details.

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As we stepped out of our house Saturday morning to go cover the Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics, we were surprised with the sight above – of some 20 or so kitschy plastic lawn Flamingoes flocking all over our lawn, courtesy of a local church youth group.

“You’ve been Flamingoed” said the sign near our door.

We knew instantly what had happened, since our neighbor Fred had previously been a victim of the practical joke fundraiser for Grace Lutheran Church’s Summer Mission Team in Des Moines. We had seen the results of at least four Flamingo attacks on Fred’s garden and yard, and um, we’re honored to have been chosen.

So, what now? The Flamingoes are still grazing on our winter lawn, seemingly happy and content for now.

To get rid of the Flamingoes, a donaton to Grace Lutheran Church might help. A pink envelope was politely left behind, with pink feathers inside surrounding a card telling us the sponsor of our pranking was “Anonymous” and that they’d be removed next Friday, along with this info:

“If you would like to Flamingo someone else’s yard (or perhaps the yard of the person who Flamingoed you), stop by the youth kiosk on Sundays between services or call Tessa at 206-550-9975 to purchase your flock for only $50!”

We think we have a good idea of who the “Anonymous” culprit might be…right Fred?

Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time we’ve had Flamingoes on our lawn. During our college days, we purposely ‘Flamingoed’ our own yard with a couple of them (a true sign of rebellion), even going so far as to nickname our Seattle residence “Flamingo West.” One of the highlights during this era of silliness (as if it’s over some 20+ years later…) was when a fellow prankster friend “kidnapped” our Flamingoes with a ransom note and we played the entire drama out during our DJ morning program on the 10-watt radio station at Eastern Washington University in Cheney.

Those memories certainly came back after this weekend’s gag, like a bright pink plastic flashback.

We just hope that our donation can be considered a business expense (hey, now that it’s been used for content, it can…right?).

Have you ever raced slot cars before?

It’s a blast for kids of all ages, especially during the “gift playing” time of year – we recall with fond memories racing slot cars either in the basement rec room or every Wednesday night at Speedway & Hobby in the West Seattle junction.

Man, that was fun.

Well, the fun is coming back folks – starting at 1:30pm on Sunday, Jan. 25th, there will be a free, open, multi-generational HO-scale slot car session at Normandy Park United Congregational Church.

WHAT: Multi-generational slot car racing session

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 25th, from 1:30pm to 4pm+

WHERE: Normandy Park United Congregational Church, located at 19247 1st Ave South in Normandy Park (see map below); phone: (206) 824-1770

COST: FREE!

CONTACT: Bob at rfgeorge@rockwellcollins.com or 206-890-6479

Here’s the original posting we found on Craigslist:

Do you have any HO (1/64 scale)cars that have not been used lately? On January 25th, Sunday afternoon, come on out and use them on our tracks. As a multi generational gathering at Normandy Park Congregational UCC, we’ll be having slot car day. The plan is to introduce slot car racing to some of the youth, and all ages are invited.

We plan to have the tracks ready to run by 1pm Sunday, and will be actively racing from 1:30-4 or whenever the final winner is announced. We plan to have multiple tracks set up so all ages can play/compete within their skill levels. We’ll have a four lane set up for elimination competition. Time trials will be used to allow for lane selection.

If you’ve already got a track set up, I’d love to hear about that too! perhaps you have some pointers for us on our activity. If we get good turn out, we’ll probably turn it into a monthly event.

We emailed Bob and got more info:

As an overgrown kid, I like to inspire “play time” in others like myself.  We work long hard hours, so a little R&R is deserved.

I mentioned to our Christian Ed leader, who has been coordinating several youth events, that I’d like to host a youth event with the slot cars.  As we talked more about it, we decided it should be a multi-generational thing, as there are a lot of us “older” kids in our congregation.  In discussing it further, we decided that we should invite the general population, as the slot car thing is rather a small sect of the population and being multi-generational the real message is interfacing with all ages.

So, I’ll set up three or four race tracks in our fellowship hall on Sunday the 25th.  My plan is to give a 20 minute presentation on the history of the slot cars in general, a bit about the care of the cars and tracks, and a bit about race car competitions in general.  (There are some very serious slot car racers out there, and they take it just as serious as Indy 500 etc.).  After the introduction, we’ll commence in race track fun.  Depending on the number of people, we’ll handle the “who goes first” with drawings or count off in the group or whatever.

After an hour and half of general race/play fun time, I’ll start time trials for those who want to compete.  This will be on a four lane track.  Again, done by random drawing or whatever.  Then we’ll start the elimination races.  Depending on how many people there are, we’ll determine the number of elimination races.  For example, 16 people will be 4 elimination races and a final race for a grand prize winner.  There will be prizes, and we’ll have different prizes such that whatever age the ultimate winner is, we’ll have an appropriate prize.  Nothing significant, but something fun.

There is a lot of effort on my part to set up,and tear down the tracks, but I think it’ll be a great time for all.  And, who knows, maybe we’ll make this a regular event, make some new friends, and at the very least have a “hobby shop” afternoon with all ages.  The youngest should not be under 7, and the oldest (that I know of) will be 85. Me, I’m 47.

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12/20/08 UPDATE: This performance has been POSTPONED until Sunday, Dec. 28th at 10am!

Crosspointe Christian Presents “A Christmas Trilogy,” which is a blend of music, dance and scripture on Saturday, Dec. 20th at 2pm at Crosspointe Church, located at 1807 S. 223rd Street in Des Moines (map below).

This production is directed by Sarah Edwards-Strode, and will feature live musicians from Crosspointe Christian’s Worship Team, as well as local dancers from Burien’s New City Dance Company:

• Marina Davies
• Sarah Edwards-Strode
• Jordan Kimmel
• Maren Sherwood

Admission is free, with a $5 suggested donation to benefit Pastor Paul Kwon’s fund (as you may recall, Pastor Kwon is fighting Acute Myelogenous Leukemia; he is the pastor of Crosspointe Church, and is also a dedicated father and husband. New City Dance held a benefit for him on Nov. 8th that raised over $11,000).

For more information please visit www.crosspointechristian.com.

To read Pastor Kwon’s blog, click here.
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Seattle’s internationally-famous Total Experience Gospel Choir is bringing its collective spiritual voice to Burien on Sunday, Dec. 7th at 9:30am, when they sing at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church.

Here’s a video to prep you for this experience, which is truly impressive:

WHAT: Total Experience Gospel Choir performs

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 7 at 9:30am

WHERE: Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, located at 15003 14th Avenue SW in Burien (map below)

INFO: The Messenger’s Perspective Seattle’s legendary Total Experience Gospel Choir will lead worship at Lake Burien Presbyterian with infectiously joyful selections from their Intiman Theatre show, Black Nativity. A popular Northwest holiday tradition, Black Nativity is a mix of gospel music, dance, poetry and a re-telling of the Christmas story like you’ve never seen before. Don’t miss this chance to preview musical portions of the 2008 show right here at Lake Burien Presbyterian!

From the Total Experience Gospel Choir website:

The Total Experience Gospel Choir bursts with love, joy and enthusiasm – humanity! It is hailed as one of the Pacific Northwest’s finest soulful ensembles. Pastor Patrinell Staten Wright started the group as a gospel music class at Seattle’s Franklin High School in 1973. Since then the choir has grown to become a nationally and internationally known gospel singing group.

Another interesting anecdote about Total Experience Gospel Choir is that in January they teamed up with Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron and a host of other talented musicians to record this song called “Fired Up, Ready To Go”:

To learn more about Total Experience Gospel Choir:

http://www.totalexperiencegospelchoir.org/

For tickets and information on the Intiman Theatre’s Black Nativity:

http://www.intiman.org/2008Season/bn.html

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Glendale Lutheran School is holding a book sale fundraiser this Sat., Nov. 8th from 9am – 3pm at their school gymnasium, located at 13455 2nd Ave SW in Burien:

• All Books will be sold for just .25 cents each!
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will be available for $1.00 each and will include a cup of coffee or spiced cider!
• There will also be raffles for backpacks filled with books, with tickets for sale at just $.50 cents apiece!

For more information, call (206) 244-6085.

HomeTask Cares Foundation will be helping B-Town’s Glendale Lutheran School Sat. Aug. 23rd by cleaning and painting their bathroom facilities.

According to a press release from HomeTask:

Back in June, HomeTask Cares participated in the Burien Strawberry & Arts Festival where they became aware of Glendale Lutheran School’s need of some bathroom updates. HomeTask Cares decided they were going to help.

Throughout the following weeks, HomeTask Cares non-profit foundation reached out to local Burien businesses for support and began to plan out how they were going to bring the school’s bathrooms into the 21st century.

Now the time has come! This is truly the weekend we have been waiting for! HomeTask Cares Foundation and their affiliates, HomeTask.com and Yellow VAN Handyman, will begin the repairs at 8:00AM this Saturday, August 23, 2008. We invite you to join us in recognizing Glendale Lutheran School and our local businesses that made all of this possible.

A special thanks to: Melissa Mannings and CED (Consolidated Electrical Distributors) in Kent. Eric Anderson and Miller Paint located on 152nd St. in Burien.  Jeremy Chambers and Sentinel Paint located on 152nd St. in Burien, and McLendon Hardware.

More info here.

Teams from the King County Fire Investigation Unit are scheduled to return this morning to the site of Sunday morning’s fatal fire that killed three, injured six and left over 30 homeless.

Fire investigators have not determined a cause for the fire which destroyed the Tara Apartments at 455 SW 155th, and badly damaged the neighboring Jenny Maria Apartments at 429 SW 155th shortly after 12:30am Sunday.

Officials with the King County Sheriff’s Office have said the fire appears suspicious.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Burien Presbyterian Church, where they are assisting dozens of tenants displaced by the fire .

The B-Town Blog is planning on doing both a physical and an online fundraising campaign to help the victims, so stay tuned.

If you’re a local business or resident interested in helping out, please send us an email.

After manning our booth at today’s beautiful, hot final day of the Strawberry Festival, we took a very deep breath, then drove solemnly by the remnants of last night’s tragic, fatal fire (Burien’s worst in two decades) that left three people dead, six injured and 31 homeless:

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

We then went over to Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, where the Red Cross has set up a shelter for the 31 displaced people and talked with volunteers there. Out of respect for the families, we opted not to take photos, as the survivors gathered had just been informed of the three deaths (and several were related or very close to the victims).

It’s sad whenever a tragedy like this hits a community, and this one hit hard, as the following comment by an eyewitness posted on Craigslist attests to:

We were woken by sirens about 12:45 am. This is so incredibly sad. The entire complex was engulfed before fire fighters arrived. Three confirmed dead now (Go to KIRO’s website for pictures and story). One of whom is an 8 year old boy whom was a former classmate and friend of my daughter. His Grandfather also died and one other person. It also moved to the apartments next door and damaged 3/4 of that building as well. We could stand in our front parking lot..see and feel the flames….that close to us.

No one knows what happened yet. Fireworks? Electrical? (Loud bang could have even been the water tanks exploding. Even if it was due to someone being stupid, the loss of lives is horrendous. I saw a woman sobbing, and I was told by a man who knows them, that she is the mother of the young boy. So she lost 2 loved ones.

Please be kind no matter what the outcome is, and hold the familys close. Good thoughts, prayers, chanting, lighting candles….what ever you do.

Thank YOU “B-Town Blog” for the story I know you’ll do with excellence. I’m only sorry your stories aren’t all full of ’strawberry festival’ happiness.

Thank you.

A very saddened neighbor who knew the child personally. (Telling my child she lost her friend was so damned hard to do.)

Rest assured that the B-Town Blog plans on doing whatever it can to help those in need, so stay tuned for some positive, uplifting events soon…

Burien’s own Glendale Lutheran School (13455 2nd Ave SW) is having its annual Spring Sale this Saturday, April 5th from 9am – 4 pm.

According to the school:

We have so many treasures – something for everyone.

Great prices and an amazing selection.

Also available Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at a great price!

It’s probably worth going just to get some good (and possibly holy, pardon the pun) doughnuts at a reasonable price…

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