Volume LVIV Number 2 February 2018

a publication of westminster congregational united church of christ

2018

Who is Crosswalk? Founded in 1985, Crosswalk is anemergency youth shelter, a school drop-out preventionprogram, and a group of lifesaving and life-changingprograms dedicated to breaking the cycle of youthhomelessness. In an average year, Crosswalk serves morethan 1,000 youth. Emergency shelter is available 365 days ayear and all services are free and voluntary. MostCrosswalk kids (ages 13-17) have complicated personalhistories. Crosswalk is a program of Volunteers ofAmerican of Eastern Washington and North Idaho.Crosswalk is located in Downtown Spokane at 525 W 2nd

Ave.

What Does Crosswalk Do? Crosswalk restores hope andencourages personal responsibility among homeless youth,including those who eventually return to their families, byproviding family reconciliation services, clothing, showersand personal hygiene products, employment-readinessprogram and job-placement assistance, independent livingtraining including life-skills and self-sufficiency classes,attachment and bonding classes for young mother andfathers, medical and mental-health care, school drop-outprevention program with help to obtain a GED, substance-abuse treatment and prevention, tutoring and enrichmentactivities, college scholarship opportunities (donor funded),transportation and access to our transitional housingprograms.

How Is Crosswalk Funded? Run by a small professionalstaff, Crosswalk relies heavily on the generosity of

churches, service clubs, families and businesses.Westminster’s Jam for Bread gives all the money raised atthe concert and raffle, directly to Crosswalk.

When is Jam for Bread? Jam for Bread is March 4 from3-5 pm in the Social Hall. Jam for Bread offersperformances from a variety of top local musician such asour very own Spokane Area Youth Choirs. The crew of theJammin’ Café always surprises us with delicious treats frombrownies to cake pops and last year, Italian Sodas. Plusthey will be serving Crosswalk’s own Brewing Hopecoffee. Then there are the amazing raffle baskets. Basketsthis year will include “The Library Basket” with books

Advance t icket sales

during Coffee Hour (after worship)

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from local authors and some Best Sellers,“The Cooking Basket” will contain theingredients to cook a meal and fun kitchenitems and a “Children’s Basket” full ofsurprises. Please join us for a couple hours ona Sunday afternoon for a fun time and helpkids in our community at the same time.

What about Tickets? On February 18, Two-for-One tickets will be on sale. Tickets willalso be available at the door - Adults/$10;Seniors/Students /$8; Families/$12.

If you have any questions, please call Barb Borgens at535-2257. If you are interested in volunteering to set up onSaturday, or to help on the day of the event, please call AlanBorgens at 535-2257.

monthly newsletter is aWestminster Congregational

United Church of Christ publication.It is usually published around the

28th each month (schedule permitting).

To include something in next month’s edition,email your article to:

or drop it by the church office.

About

The newsletter deadline is the20th of each month.

Church Staff:

The Rev. Andrea CastroLang

All of God’s People

Verne Windham

Janet Hubbard

Nicolette (Nikki) Rode and Kate Johnston

Andréa Reese Hekimian

John Larson

Continued from cover . . .

Are you curious about this communityof faith? Are you thinking that youmight want to join us in ourcommunity building, fun, celebrating,supporting and praying?

Pastor Andy will be facilitating aconversation about membership atWestminster on Sunday, February 4and 11 at 9:30 am in Room 207.

This is a no-pressure time to talk and listen,explore who we are, and share where you areon your own faith journey.

Joanna McPherson taught folks to make pie cruston January 18.

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“THANK YOU” WORKS ANY TIME OF YEAR!

“Thank you” makes our hearts lighter, our energybrighter. A smile of thanks, a nod, a word ofgratitude can give us the energy to carry on; even themost difficult work is less weighty when gratitude isknown.

So, I encourage you to thank your volunteer churchleaders for the service they give. There are peoplewho have checked on the building, checked on theprograms, developed teams to serve as teachers, asdeacons, as service givers, as cooks. There is suchgreat dedication to keeping our faith communitywhole and wholesome! There are people working tobe sure we provide the best possible workenvironment for our employees. There are peopleworking to be sure we comply to laws and codes inour city. There are people providing food, food, food,on every occasion!

But we are not a large community there are nothundreds and hundreds of people to do the work ofcommunity making, educating, and serving inChrist’s name. It is just us. All of us. In lateFebruary we will see some changes in leadership asnew people join our various teams of service and careand responsibility. I invite you to consider your partin this community.

I encourage you to thank the volunteer leaders in ourchurch family; take a moment and find them on anygiven Sunday, and thank them! Look at this list,(which may not be complete) and consider the depthof devotion and commitment shown in this list ofbeautiful people. And please note, that there arepeople moving out of these responsibilities at theend of their term of service, and your part might be tostep up and assist, even as they step back to rest.

Church Moderator:Jenn Marquis, outgoing. Steve Paulson, incoming.

Member at Large to Council:Mary Rupert

Clerk to the Council:Jan Gilbert

Trustees:Karen Nielsen, chair. Ondrej DeZarn. MargaretEnnis (also with the 2nd Century trustees). Judy

Lungren (co-treasurer). Alan Borgens, outgoing.Randy Crowe, Treasurer.

2nd Century Fund Trustees:Margaret Ennis. Judy Lungren. Chris Johnson. KimKotlan.

Deacons:Steve Paulson, outgoing chair. Jim McPherson,incoming chair. Mary Seaton, outgoing. HazelKotlan. Wes Johnson. Jon Louis. Francie Light.Teresa Kruger. Lizz Craft. Karen Mobley. DorisHoldaway.

Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Committee:Lorraine Freeman. Mimi Escandon. Pat Jordan.

Education and Spiritual Growth Committee:Lorna Kropp, outgoing chair. Amy Meredith. RobSauders. Megan Schindler. Patty Ferguson.

Hospitality:Lori Aukstikalnis. Claudia Hume. Ondrej DeZarn.Francie Light. Karen Mobley. Randy and Linda Crowe.

WestCAT (Westminster Christian Action Team):Cathy Gunderson, chair. Hannah Klaassen. JuliaNelson. Amanda CastroLang. Megan Schindler. SaraHoikkala. Pam Beckstead.

Personnel:Roger Stephens, chair. Sara Weaver, outgoing.Amanda Braley, outgoing. Cathy Gunderson.

Pastoral Relations:Steve Paulson, outgoing. Doris Holdaway. AlanBonney.

Music and Arts:Jane Baker, chair. Walt Thurber. Delia Thurber. CorriCollin. Chris Johnson.

Altar Decorating Team:Kim Rupert and Kim Kotlan, outgoing. RebekahSmith, new decorator. With assistance from BarbBorgens and Linda Stephens, shoppersextraordinaire.

“Jam for Bread” concert organizers:Barb Borgens. Alan Borgens. Kim Kotlan. Kim Rupert.

“Birthday Party” organizer:Linda Stephens. With assistance from others.

Pastor Andy ~

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Mardi Bras Party at Westminster UCCBy Shane Bell

is an annual joint-fundraiser betweenHope House of Volunteers of America and TransitionsWomen’s Hearth to raise bras, underwear, and STAbus passes for homeless women in Spokane. Thefundraiser encompasses many parties, but this yearWestminster UCC is throwing its own Mardi BrasParty on February 10, between 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, inthe social hall.

All women (and men, too!) are encouraged to cometo this party that champions and celebrates women.Festivities will include music, Gumbo, Mardi Gras-themed dessert like King cake, and a guest speaker,Director of Volunteers of America Jon Corollo.Attendees are asked to bring one of the following:new bra, underwear, or STA bus card(s).

“It’s even tougher being a homeless woman,” saidPastor Andy of Westminster UCC. “One of the thingspeople don’t think about is that you need a bra thatfits, you need underwear, you need feminine hygieneproducts. Many think the homeless are all men. Thatis not true; there are plenty of homeless women,too.”

Karen Nielsen, an organizer of the event andWestminster member, is excited for the church tohost its first event. “One of the missionsin our church that I really connect with is helping ourhomeless neighbors. These items are essential butare often overlooked,” says Nielsen, “so it is reallyneat to meet those things specifically.”

“This is an opportunity for us to recognize oursisterhood, trying to honor that I am a woman andthat you are a woman, and that we are going to takecare of each other,” said Pastor Andy. “In terms ofdignity, every woman deserves a well-fitting bra.”

- Marian Wright Edelman

February is a time of tension, between winter andspring there is rest, but the anticipation ofSpring begins. It is fertile ground preparing forsomething new. It is a good time for bothreflection and looking forward. We, as acommunity, are preparing for our annual meeting.Here we look at committee reports, looking backat the work that we’ve done. CELEBRATE! AnnualMeeting is also a time where we look forward,choosing our leaders for the new year. A time ofanticipation!

Please keep an eye out for the forthcoming AnnualReport. I’m so thankful for all who serve ourcommunity and beyond. Let’s celebrate the hardwork and community that this documentrepresents! Also, note questions that come up foryou about our work, ideas of where you wouldlike us to lean-in, and share those ideas with thecommittees. Also, if you are not alreadyinvolved on one of the committees, consider givingone a try. We all benefit from the strengthsthat each one of you brings.

Finally, I’m so thankful for being able to serve thiscommunity as Moderator, the last two years. Ihave learned a lot about church community,myself and following Christ on my faith journey,during this time. Thank you for that opportunityfor growth and faith.

Blessings,Jenn Marquis ~

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How to Intervene as aBystander in Public

This month, CAIR-WA hosted its first-ever Bystander Intervention Training.Here are 5 things to remember if youwitness a hate crime or harassment in

public.

1) Be aware of surroundings

2) If you see something happening, payattention. Take off headphones.

Pause conversation.Position self to get better view.

3) Don't assume someone elsewill do something.

4) Point out the situation to peoplearound you. Tell them you're going tosupport the targeted person and ask if

they'd like to help.

5) When you first approach the targetedperson, introduce yourself and quietlyexplain you saw what was happening andwanted to offer support. If the targetedperson says they are fine and don't wantsupport, respect their wishes and moveback, but monitor the situation.

Musical FUN Coming!

The following two FUNraiser events stillhave room for YOU and all proceeds go tothe church!

House Concert!Featuring Sydneyand Richard King

Saturday, March 3, 7PM

In their home

Join Sydney and Richard for an evening ofcontemporary, folksy takes on modern andChristian music. You’ve heard them in church—they are wonderful musicians! Lightrefreshments will be served. Cost $15.Please contact Sydney and Richard at 229-257-8120 if you would like to attend.

___________

Old-Time Fiddling Demonstrationand History

Sunday, March 11, 2:30 PMWestminster Social Hall

Judy Lungren will play some of her favorite oldtime tunes and talk about the history andmaybe some logistics of playing old-timefiddle. Also she'll demonstrate and/or teachAppalachian flat-footing (clogging), so you candance to the tunes if you wish! Cost $15.Please contact Judy at 509-747-8971 if youwould like to attend.

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PNCUCC Men's Retreat | February 2-4, 2018(optional day of silence Feb 1-2)

"Male Relationships: When We Were Boys"

COMMON FIREService Camp in the Kitsap Peninsula

Be part of the Summer Service / Mission Weeks in the Kitsap Community, hosted at PilgrimFirs. Dates for the Service / Mission Camp weeks: June 24-29 & July 15-20, 2018

____________________________________________________________________

3318 Lake Flora Rd | Port Orchard WA 98367 | 360.876.2031 | pilgrim-firs.org

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Produced by Rebecca Cook

Don’t blink!  Stage Left’s fifth annual staged readingof super-short plays.  This fast-paced, fun event willfeature new comedies and dramas written by localand national playwrights and is sure to chase awaythe winter blahs.  We will be doing staged readingsof 35 super-short plays.  Audiences have lovedprevious incarnations of this fun, fast-paced event!

Reserved seating $10.00spokanestageleft.org

Stage Left | 108 W 3rd AveSpokane, WA  99201 | 509 838 9727

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WESTMINSTER CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

December2017

MonthlyBudget

MonthlyDifference

YTD2017

YTDBudget

YTDDifference

Total Income 19,600.39 13,600.02 6,000.37 214,568.88 178,200.00 36,368.88Total Expense 22,863.46 20,154.53 2,708.93 290,813.86 244,354.35 46,459.51Net Income (Loss) (3,263.07) (6,554.51) 3,291.44 (76,244.98) (66,154.35) (10,090.63)

2017 Pledge Information as of December 31, 2017:

2017Total

Pledges

2016Total

Pledges

2016PledgesReceived

2017PledgesReceived

2017Pledges

Outstanding

2017 AnnualPledgeBudget

MonthlyPledgeBudget

difference91,109.80 115,479.56 107,077.56 89,520.80 1,589.00 115,000.00 (1,589.00)

The Book and Salad Club continues to meet the 3rd Monday of each month at noon, in the

homes of participants. As always, all are welcome. You need not have read the book toparticipate, however a salad is appreciated. Want more information? You can call Marilynne at747-0659; or talk with any member of the group.

February 19 “The Man

Without a Face: the

Unlikely Rise of

Vladimir Putin” by

Masha Gessen;

facilitated by Margaret

Ennis, at the home of

Nada Morse.

March 19 “The Round House” by Louise

Erdich; facilitated by Mary Mackay, at

the home of Marilynne Wilson.

April 16 “Klee Wyck Journal” by Lou

McKee; facilitated by Lou McKee, at the

home of Linda Crowe.

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Worship services each Sunday at 10:30 am.

***Dates to note: 2-1 Andy working offsite. 2-4New Member Discussions (1/2) at 9:30 am.

at 10:30 am.2-10 Mardi Bras at 11 am. 2-11 New MemberDiscussions (2/2) at 9:30 am.2-14 Ash Wednesday. Valentine’s Day.Ash Wednesday Service at 7 pm. 2-18 FirstSunday in Lent | New Members join at10:30 am. 2-19 Presidents’ Day. 2-25139th Annual Meeting | Second Sunday in Lentat 10:30 am. 2-27 Council cancelled

January Attendance1-7 1-14 1-21 1-28

87 76 73 96

2/1 Katie Freeman

2/2 Kim Kotlan-Steinmetz

2/5 Alan Mackay (83)

2/6 Teresa Kruger

2/7 Maxi Delaney

2/13 John Larson

2/20 Brigid Counts

2/22 Barbara Borgens

2/25 Ethan Steinmetz

2/28 Doris Holdaway

2/29 Rain Freeman

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I covenant with you, members and friends ofWestminster Congregational United Churchof Christ:

Westminster Congregational United Churchof Christ embraces a spirit of hospitalityfounded in the gospels of Jesus Christ & awillingness to live out that welcome inmeaningful ways.

As an Open and Affirming Church, ourlongstanding culture of welcome extends toall people regardless of sexual orientation,race/ethnicity, gender, physical ability,socioeconomic status or faith background.

In this digital age, the church takes many pictures ofbaptisms, choir performances and concerts, worshipservices, mission trips, special presentations,Sunday School, fellowship activities and communityoutreach projects. We use these pictures to record,to promote, and to celebrate our church ministries.Pictures are used on bulletin boards, in slide showsand PowerPoint presentations, in publications, andon our church website.However, some persons may choose not to have their

photos, or photos of their children, used and werespect their wishes. Therefore, we are providing aMedia Opt-Out form for individuals or families whoprefer NOT to have photographs of themselves usedby the church. This form can be obtained through thechurch office.

If you have no objection to church use of yourphotograph, you DO NOT need to sign or return oneof these forms.

Liturgist: Wes Johnson

Deacons:Hazel Kotlan,Mary Seaton, Jim McPherson

Hospitality: Potluck Coffee Hour (everyone)

Liturgist: Karen Wilson-Bell

Deacons: Jon Louis,  Doris Holdaway

Hospitality: SON (Serving Our Neighbors)

Liturgist: Kim Kotlan

Deacons: Mary Seaton, Francie Light

Hospitality: Education & Spiritual Growth

Liturgist: Steve Paulson

Deacons: Francie Light, Steve Paulson

Hospitality: Joanna Chapter

Liturgist: n / a

Deacons: Hazel Kotlan, Mary Seaton

Hospitality: Potluck Coffee Hour (everyone)

1 Thursday Andy working offsite (most of day) 5:30 pm Yoga 6:30 pm AA Group

2 Friday 7:00 pm AA group

4 Sunday 9:30 am New Member Discussions (1/2)

Communion Sunday 3:00 pm AA group

5 Monday 6:00 pm bell choir practice

8 Thursday 5:30 pm Yoga 6:30 pm AA Group

9 Friday 7:00 pm AA group

10 Saturday 11:00 am Mardi Bras

11 Sunday 9:30 am New Member Discussions (2/2)12:00 pm WestCAT

3:00 pm AA group

12 Monday 6:00 pm bell choir practice

13 Tuesday 6:30 pm Deacons

14 Wednesday Ash Wednesday Valentine’s Day

11:30 am Joanna Chapter 6:30 pm SON Committee

7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service

15 Thursday 5:30 pm Yoga 6:30 pm AA group

16 Friday 7:00 pm AA group

18 Sunday 10:30 am First Sunday in Lent New Members join 3:00 pm AA Group

19 Monday President’s Day 12:00 pm Book & Salad

6:00 pm bell choir practice

20 Tuesday 2:00 pm Poetry 6:30 pm Trustees 7:30 pm Education & Spiritual Growth

22 Thursday 5:30 pm Yoga 6:30 pm AA Group

23 Friday 7:00 pm AA group

25 Sunday 10:30 am 139th Annual MeetingSecond Sunday in Lent

3:00 pm AA group

26 Monday 6:00 pm bell choir practice

27 Tuesday 7:00 pm Council cancelled

MARCH1 Thursday 5:30 pm Yoga 6:30 pm AA Group

2 Friday 5:00 pm Absolutely NO ADMITTANCE to the to 1:00 am building, per client request. Thank you.

4 Sunday 10:30 am Communion SundayThird Sunday in Lent

3:00 pm AA group 3:00 pm Jam for Bread

The Joanna Chapter meets the second Wednesday ofeach month at 11:30 am.

We meet at Brookdale Retirement Communityin the lunchroom.

We welcome all women of the churchto join us. You may purchase lunch for $6.00 or just join

in the meeting.

If you have questions,please call Linda Stephens at (509) 893-1550.