september 2016 volume 68, number 9 page · 9/1/2017 · morning september 25 through may 15. drop...
TRANSCRIPT
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September 2016 Volume 68, Number 9
in this issue
Children’s Ministry .................................................. 6
Facilities Use Resources Committee Update .... 15
Ministry Update ....................................................... 9
Pledge Campaign ................................................... 11
Special Offering ....................................................... 4
Youth News ............................................................. 7
Freeing Ourselves from Racism: New Initiative on Racial Justice
What does it mean to live into our covenant, especially
“to worship you in unity and diversity, welcoming every-
one”? This Fall, the Racial Justice Steering Committee
invites everyone in the congregation to engage with this
question. Just as the open and affirming conversations
undertaken in the 90’s cracked opened our collective
heart, and eventually made us a more welcoming
congregation for LGBT people, examining the impact of
racism in our church, our lives, and our hearts promises to
be a transformative experience.
The Reverend “Day” McCallister inspired and challenged
us at Seabeck this summer, and the United Church of
Christ is rolling out a curriculum called White Privilege:
Let’s Talk this Fall. Using these materials and others,
we’ll gather in large and small groups to understand rac-
ism more deeply, so we can act to dismantle it. An ace
facilitator with many years of experience will help us dive
into these questions and others:
What does it really mean to welcome everyone? What
is it about our business as usual that might make this
an unwelcoming place for people of color?
What is race and how does it impact my identity?
What is the history of racism in this country?
How do we work together to free ourselves from
racism?
Together, we can do the hard work to become individuals
who recognize our own biases, who call out interpersonal
racism when we see it, and who make changes in the
institutions to which we belong. We can become a
community that uses its understanding of racism and
white privilege to inform every part of its social justice
agenda, that talks to its children about race, that is com-
mitted to stopping institutional racism. We can become a
church that is truly welcoming to people of color, a
church in which the divine right of human dignity
(McCallister) is defended, a church in which Jesus is seen
in every face.
Stay tuned for upcoming events, such as the second
Seabeck follow-up discussion on September 11 after
church (see pages 2 and 13 for more information).
~ Jessie McAbee
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Homecoming Sunday Join us on Sunday, September 18 for our annual Homecoming Picnic after the Worship Service in Ostrander Hall on the 1st floor.
Fellowship Breakfasts Every Sunday Join us for Sunday Fellowship Breakfasts in the church lounge from 8:45 - 9:45am every Sunday morning September 25 through May 15. Drop in for nourishing food, creative activities, su-pervision for children, and the opportunity to con-nect with your church family.
Go to the Theatre with UCUCC friends Book-it Repertory Theatre performs literary works transformed into theatrical productions. A group of us subscribes to these plays on the 2nd Saturday Night of the run. Join us! Check out the plays at www.book-it.org, call the box office at (206)216-0833, and tell them you want to join the UCC Theatre Group, or Joan Davis’ Group. Questions? Call or email Joan Davis at: (206)729-0973, [email protected].
Day for Girls Sew-In Saturday, September 24 join your fellow quilters and sewers to make reusable sanitary napkins for girls in developing countries which will enable girls to be able to go to school.
A Proper Send off for Loyce Ong’udi Join us in Ostrander Hall on September 25 for potluck, drums, and dance in celebration of Loyce’s continuing work, through Mwanzo, with people in the larger Rabour, Kenya area. (see article on page 13)
AWE (All Women Extraordinary) Dinner Women of our church, join your peers on Monday, September 26 at 6:00pm in the Lounge for food and fellowship.
Upcoming Events in the Church
Blessing of the Backpacks People of all ages who will be students, staff and faculty this Fall (kids, youth and adults, as well as teachers, professors and school staff) are invited to bring their backpacks to church on Sunday, September 4 for our "Blessing of the Backpacks" ceremony led by Pastor Peter during the first part of the 10:00 worship service. We will call people forward. Please come up front, and if you forget your backpack, that is okay because really we are blessing you, and would love for you to participate!
Labor Day The church building will be closed Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day.
Men’s Supper Men of our church: join your fellows for the return of the Men’s Supper in the Lounge on Tuesday, September 6 at 6:15.
Children & Youth Programs Sunday, September 11 begins our regular schedule for Elementary Sunday School, and the Middle and High School Youth Programs
2nd
Seabeck Follow-up Discussion Whether you missed Seabeck and want to find out more about what you missed, or you attended Seabeck and are anxious to talk through key themes and concepts, this discussion is for you. The UCUCC Racial Justice Steering Committee invites you to participate in a 2nd Seabeck follow-up discussion. This event will allow more time for discussion in small groups. Join us in the Chapel immediately following church on September 11. Youth and adults are encouraged to attend.
Inquirer’s Lunch Curious about joining our church, or what being a member means? You are invited to lunch in Ostrander Hall 2 after worship on September 11 to learn more.
Share the Harvest Table The Harvest Table is in the Narthex each Sunday through September 11. Last year your donations, and help at the table, generated $900 for Hunger Outreach in our community.
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Church and Home is published monthly by University
Death Announcements
Amanda Byrne November 26, 1980 - July 2016
We received word from former member Marty Byrne and husband Bob that their beloved daughter, Amanda Byrne, passed away in July. Amanda was active in the youth programs and was confirmed in May 1995.
Our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
Ben Railsback Ung October 30, 1989 – October 11, 2015
We received word from former member, Kathryn Railsback that her 25 year-old son Ben died last October. Kathryn and her children attended UCUCC before moving back to Idaho in the early 2000’s.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Ben’s family.
Reverend Maurice (Maury) Bell Born: December 27, 1932
Died: July 26, 2016
Maury died peacefully at the age of 83. He served as an associate pastor here at UCUCC. His life’s work was that of making our world a better place. He was a community organizer and social change activist which led to positive changes in many ways.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Merlyn McMinimy Bell and their blended family: children Deborah (Lars), Andrew (Patricia), Lynn (James), Penelope, Sara (Ben), Johanna (Robbin), 17 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, an older brother and many nieces and nephews.
No information on a Memorial Service at this time.
Birth Announcement
Oscar David Blythe Braun Welcome to the world Oscar!
Baby Oscar was born on Thursday, August 11 at 11:03am. A healthy 6 pounds 7 ounces. He joins his very happy parents, Heidi and Owen along with older brother Felix. Heidi and Oscar are doing great!
Updates in the Church
Want to Learn about Our Church? Join us for lunch on Sept. 11 On Sunday, September 11, we will resume our hosting of monthly “Inquirers” lunches. Join members and clergy of UCUCC for an informal session of dialogue and information exchange over a tasty lunch of soup, salad, bread and dessert. We will meet at 11:30 and expect to finish between 1:00 and 1:30pm.
These lunches happen regularly on the second Sunday of the month in Ostrander Hall 2. If you are unable to join us on September 11, perhaps you can come on October 9 or November 13. We’ll take a break in December and resume our Inquirers Lunches on January 8, 2017.
Over lunch, you can gain perspective on the theology and history of our church, and meet others who may be on a similar spiritual journey. If you are interested in getting more involved in church activities, we can help you make those connections. Or if you just want to satisfy your curiosity about this church, we are happy to have you join us.
We usually have at least one vegetarian soup, and are happy to accommodate other dietary restrictions. We will also provide childcare at no cost – just let us know you need it. Email us at [email protected] or call Virginia Felton at (206)979-7539 to let us know that you’ll be joining us and/or provide information about diet and childcare.
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September Special Offering
UCUCC Child Care Program Scholarship Support
Storytime at CLCC.
Playing in the sandbox.
Your Special Offering this month will ease the burden on low income families to attend the UCUCC’s highly-rated child care/preschool programs. The Child Learning and Care Center and Trettin Drop-In Preschool serve every family they can accommodate, regardless of tax bracket, and your offering will bolster the scholarship fund so that children whose families cannot otherwise afford it can attend these programs.
Child care and preschool in Seattle are some of the most expensive in the nation. Still, parents need to work, and children need strong preschool programs to give them the best possible social and academic start in kindergarten. The UCUCC Child Care Programs provide consistent, nurturing care from teachers with a commitment to early childhood development and education.
Make Preschool Possible!
Right now, there are children hoping for a scholarship to open the door to successful continuing education. Our September offering can unlock that door and invite them in.
To learn more about The Child Learning and Care Center, visit www.childlearning.org.
To learn more about Trettin Drop-In Preschool, visit www.trettindropin.org.
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Updates Within Our Church
Sunday Morning Hospitality/ Security Ministry Companionship Training by Mental Health Chaplaincy Saturday, September 10, 2016, at University Christian Church Please consider being a part of a new team to provide a Sunday morning presence for everyone entering our building. This is beyond greeting and welcoming, and could be organized similar to the Openers rotation model. We want to provide training and support for this new group with the good work that the Mental Health Chaplaincy has done with Companionship Training.
This will help us continue to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all on Sunday mornings. For more information, please contact Carol Coleman, [email protected], or Peter Ilgenfritz, [email protected] (206)524-2322.
Event Coordinator Throughout the year we rent rooms in our building to outside organizations that align with our church’s mission. For these events (concerts, workshops, lectures) we need a small group of people who are willing to be a point person who is familiar with the church, comfortable in a leadership position, and available weeknights, or weekends to help with the smooth facilitation of these events. Depending on the size or complexity of the event you may recruit your own volunteers to assist, or direct volunteers from the event.
There is a stipend for this work. This is a good opportunity for a few people who have flexible hours, and perhaps some experience event planning, or volunteering for past events in our church. Contact Erin Lovejoy-Guron, (206)524-2322 or [email protected], if you are interested, or for more details.
Leadership staff Parish Relations Committee (LPRC) and You The LPRC exists to advise, nurture and support our pastors and church administrator, and works to continue an open and healthy relationship between them and the congregation. The committee serves as a regular channel of communication between Peter, Catherine, Amy and David, and the congregation. The LPRC also exists as a sounding board where the church leadership can discuss personal matters or issues of pastoral care. The committee not only shares concerns of the congregation with the leadership, but also helps to interpret pastoral needs to the congregation.
We write to let you know, or remind you, of our committee. It was created in 2006 for the purpose of augmenting and enhancing already existing means of healthy communication between our members and leadership. Appointed for rotating terms of six years, this small committee serves at the invitation of the Personnel Board and our pastors. Comprised of six congregants, three pastors and our church administrator, the LPRC meets usually once a month.
If you have a concern you may or may not have discussed with a pastor, you are welcome to bring it to any LPRC member with the promise that the LPRC will address it confidentially, candidly, and sensitively with an aim toward a reconciling resolution.
Members of this year’s LPRC: Bill Bailey, Mary Kollar, Jerry Landeen-chair, Bob Perkins, Kay Sneed, David Anderson, Catherine Foote, Peter Ilgenfritz, Amy Roon.
New Website Team Begins Work One of the final pieces of the Imagine! Campaign will take shape this Fall when a task force of volunteers, led by Kathy Kripps, will begin the visioning process to create a new University Congregational UCC website. The project team hopes to launch the new website in early 2017.
Here’s one concrete way you can help: find one or several websites of other churches that you particularly like, and pass along the links to us, along with a short summary of why you like this site, what appeals to you, and what you think might be worth considering for our site. Forward those recommendations to Virginia at [email protected]. Look for progress updates in subsequent issues of Church and Home.
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Children’s Ministry News
Thank You for the School Supplies Once again we have participated in the “Kids Need School Supplies” drive to benefit local low-income children. Thanks to your generosity, many more children will have the supplies they need to succeed in school.
Blessing of the Backpacks Kids of all ages who will be attending school this Fall are invited to bring their backpacks to church on Sunday, September 4 for our “Blessing of the Back-packs” ceremony during the first part of the 10am worship service. No need to RSVP, just be ready to come forward when the blessing happens. We hope to see you there!
Sunday School Fall Program We begin our Fall program on Sunday, September 11 with Sunday school classes during the 10:00 am worship hour. Children sit with their families for the beginning of worship, often in the front left pews. Shortly into the service, children are invited to Sunday school. Elementary children in 1st - 5th grades meet their teachers in the narthex (main lobby), and then walk to their classrooms. They return to the service during the "passing of the peace" to reconnect with their families. Toddlers to Kindergartners are escorted by family mem-bers classrooms, and picked up after worship.
The nursery is open every Sunday for parents/caregivers to use with their babies; it is a quiet space for nursing, napping, playing, and listening to audio streamed from the sanctuary. Children of all ages are welcome to remain in the sanctuary with their families during the entire service if they wish.
Children’s Ministry Board We have an active Children's Ministry Board that oversees our programming for children and families. Linda Beck is the chairperson, [email protected], (206)721-9425. To be involved in decisions and programs that affect families, please consider attending a board meeting (open to all), joining the board, or contacting the board chair. Our next board meeting is September 12 from 7:00-9:00 pm at church. Thereafter, board meetings typically take place from 7:00-9:00pm on the first Monday of the month.
Children’s Ministry Newsletter We regularly email our newsletter for families with chil-dren and grandchildren that contains announcements about upcoming activities for children and families at church. It also has more detailed information about Sunday school and more! If you are not already receiving that newsletter, please contact the church of-fice to sign up at [email protected].
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Children & Youth Ministries
Youth Ministry News Contact Margaret Irribarra Swanson for more information on any Youth Ministry activity mswanson@university ucc.org or (206)524-2322.
Sunday, September 4: Blessing of the Backpacks During worship this Sunday, we celebrate and bless all of those going back to school: youth, teachers and parents who may be in school as well! Bring your back-pack to worship, and we will have a special time in worship where we will bless the backpacks.
Sunday, September 11: Youth Group Returns 9am Youth Group begins again on Sunday, September 11 for youth in grades 6 - 12. The first few Sundays the Youth Group will meet all together in the Pilgrim Room. All are welcome!
Sunday, September 18: Homecoming & Picnic Directly following worship on September 18, please plan to attend the annual all-church homecoming picnic and pot-luck in Ostrander Hall from 11:30-1:00. The main dish will be provided; please bring a side, salad or dessert to share.
Looking ahead to October…
Saturday, October 1: Fall Family Fellowship Night 5:30-8pm in Ostrander Hall at UCUCC Youth and their families are invited to join us for a fun night together to kick off the new program year! Youth and their families will join the Children and their families for dinner and fellowship. Then youth will split off to go play games together with the youth leaders, while the parents meet together to talk about the upcoming year
Homecoming Picnic Following worship on September 18 we will have our annual Homecoming Picnic at church with delicious food and fun for all ages. Also, come to the lounge for children’s activities and refreshments every Sunday throughout the year!
Children’s Bible Presentation Three-year-olds, first graders and sixth graders will be presented with Bibles in the sanctuary on Sunday, September 25. The Bibles are a gift from the church. We look forward to sharing this milestone together! We will contact families with children in these age groups with more information.
September 25 Special Guest Loyce Ongudi will be our special guest in Elementary Sunday School on September 25. Kids: be sure to come to church to hear about what it is like to grow up in Rabuor Village in western Kenya, and learn about the special connections we have there.
Family MixYups Signups! We invite you to join in our church’s moveable feast for pre-school, elementary, middle-school, and high-school families to get to know each other. These gatherings, held at the homes of UCUCC families, will provide an opportunity to make new friends, strengthen old friendships, and meet other families in the youth and children programs.
How it works: Sign up at: http://bit.ly/mixyups2016
You’ll be grouped with 2 or 3 families/month, providing you a chance to meet families with kids the same age or the same neighborhood. After registration is complete we’ll follow up with family groupings, hosting and other meal tasks. Don’t forget to check the box if you can host a Mix Yup!
Once you receive your groups for September, Octo-ber, November & December gatherings - your groups can plan when to gather and the meal details.
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Along the Way
On the Night that Philandro Was Killed On the night that Philandro was killed and the night after Alton was killed in a terrible, terrible week of so many such weeks and months and years,
On the night that Philandro was killed after being pulled over by the police when his tail light was out, she tells me about the time two weeks ago when she was pulled over.
She tells me she didn’t know why, what she had done wrong. Tells me it is scary to be a black woman alone in a car with two white officers approaching. Tells me she texted her friend and told her where she was and what was going on so someone could tell her mom in case something happened. She tells me she was shaking.
She tells me as they approached the car one of the officers had his hand by his gun. Tells me the officers asked for her registration and she said it is in my glove compartment and I need to reach across to the glove compartment and take it out is that alright, can I do that? Tells me that the officers asked for her driver’s license and she said it is in the backpack in the back seat and I need to reach for it. She asked if that would be alright to do that, to reach for her bag. She tells me she kept one hand on the wheel so that they could see her hands at all times.
She tells me she moved slowly, very slowly. Tells me she tried to keep breathing. Tells me she was so afraid. She tells me she shakes still remembering that day.
She tells me about being afraid of things I have never been afraid of, worries about things I never worry about, thinks about things I have never thought about. Tells me she crosses the sidewalk when people that look like me come walking down the street, afraid of what they might do to her. Tells me her mom calls and texts and calls her again if she is not home when she was supposed to get home. She tells me that her mom asks if she is safe and tells her to be careful – to be careful of people that look like me.
She tells me she is afraid. Tells me she is afraid to go out at night. Tells me she is afraid that her outspoken ways may get her in trouble. She tells me she has learned to keep herself in check - her Spirit, her forthrightness, her anger, her truth, her Spirit.
I have known her since she was a little girl. Loved her spunk and drive, her forthrightness and Spirit. Feel sad and angry thinking of her alone and afraid, tired and worn out, locked in her home because she is afraid to go out - afraid of people that look like me.
I try to understand. I tell her that I want to. I throw her words like Courage and Hope, Love and Understanding but they all fall flat, fall down like birds that cannot fly, cannot catch wind and help her to soar beyond this fear, this des pair, this weariness and aloneness.
(continued on next page)
The Church Council voted in August to support a multi-year effort to understand race, racism and white privilege in our congregation and broader community through sacred study, conversation, community building and worship. It’s an effort that reminds me of our church’s effort 25 years ago to understand sexual orientation and become an open and affirming congregation. That work changed our congregation and it changed lives including my own.
Although looking honestly with care at my own prejudices, assumptions and fears is challenging and at times overwhelming, I am also grateful to be invited into work with others that helps me look more deeply at myself, so that I can be more fully present with others. Together, I hope and pray that in these conversations to come we all may open our hearts, risk sharing our stories and show a way of life where none of us need be afraid.
~Peter Ilgenfritz
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How Do You Imagine Love and Justice? ~ Catherine Foote
One of the four core ministries of our church is our Love and Justice Outreach. This ministry’s focus helps us turn our hearts outward, asking ourselves "Where is my faith calling me to be involved in the world?” The Love and Justice Outreach Ministry board is a group of people who can help answer that question. They encourage and support action teams (the small groups that focus their energy on a specific area or work), help channel the resources of the congregation where they can make a difference, and enhance communication in the congregation.
Currently, some of our ministry teams are looking for others to join them in their work. Just a few of those are:
The Homeless Action Team, (see page 13)
supporting Mary's Place hosting,
The Anti-Gun Violence Group, offering a concert at the end of September in conjunction with groups across the nation, (see page 12)
Mwanzo Proud Farmers, supporting work in Rahbour Village, Kenya, (see page 13)
In the pews every Sunday you can find the Love and Justice brochure for more information. You can also learn more about these and other groups by contacting Cassie Emanuel, Chair of the Love and Justice Outreach Board (206)466-2626 [email protected] .
Ministry Update
I don’t know what to do. I ask her what I can do. I tell her I will check in with her again soon.
Today, this new morning, I remember our call. I wonder how my life in ways I have not reflected on and have not wanted to see are keeping her down. I wonder if I cannot give Hope until my life shows Hope, Cannot speak of change until my life shows change, Cannot run to console until I seek to understand. Cannot praise a future opening into joy, into light and delight, into freedom and blessing and gift until I do the work that ensures she can be safe and walk again, unafraid. Cannot find a way until I pick up the phone, check in, begin the conversation again.
~Peter Ilgenfritz
For Those Who Cannot Attend Church (and those who can)
Centering ~Carol Scott-Kassner
In these challenging times with voices of fear, anger, and
sorrow surrounding us - it is often difficult to find a place
of quiet.
It is possible to consciously avoid looking at or reading
the news, but it is also hard to not be engaged in the
world, offering our thoughts and prayers.
One key to our survival in challenging times is to find
our center in Divine Mystery through meditation. Simply
sit in silence with your feet comfortably on the floor and
hands in your lap. Be aware of your breath slowly mov-
ing inward and outward. Start by doing this for 5 minutes
at a time and gradually increase it to 15 to 20 minutes
once or twice a day. Notice the peace that fills you.
Often it is helpful to repeat a short phrase or mantra over
and over while meditating. I particularly enjoy reassuring
myself by gently repeating the following excerpt from
Psalm 46:10. Try repeating it for yourself.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
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In Our Larger Community
Social Justice Training Opportunity Elizabeth Dickinson and the other members of UCUCC Peace and Justice Advocates invite you to join the Justice Leadership Jubilee, an organization that creates community with people of faith who want to deepen their faith and social justice work.
Justice Leadership Jubilee is a non-residential pro-gram for adults who want to integrate faith and justice work into their lives in a meaningful way. Jubilee is a name that signifies the responsibility of each genera-tion to contribute to future generations’ struggle for social, economic, racial and environmental justice. Jus-tice Leadership Jubilee is an intentional ten-month commitment for adults who want to develop their faith and learn systemic change skills with a community of their peers. The program will average 10-15 hours per week, and incorporates skill building, community work, church engagement, and collective reflection.
Justice Leadership Jubilee is a sister program of the Justice Leadership Program, which is a one-year pro-gram for young adults who live in community and de-velop their faith and justice work. The Justice Leader-ship Program is funded in part by the Pacific North-west Conference and is a part of the National UCC Young Adult Service Communities program.
Fall 2016. Apply today at: www.justiceleadershipjubilee.org or contact Jenn Hagedorn, [email protected], or (206)265-2834 for more information.
Conference for Palestine’s Children The UCUCC Palestine Action Group invites you to a conference sponsored by the Kairos Puget Sound Coalition. The purpose of the conference is to awaken the church community to the violation of human rights of incarcerated Palestinian children, and to encourage advocacy on their behalf. The "No Way To Treat A Child" conference will take place on Saturday, September 17 at St. Mark's Cathedral in Bloedel Hall 1245 10th Ave E., Seattle.
Registration opens at 1:00pm. The program will run from 1:30 to 4:30pm, with a reception and photo exhibit until 6:30pm.
Keynote speakers include:
Jennifer Bing (American Friends Service Commit-tee)
Brad Parker (Defense for Children International).
A panel with local experts will respond to the presentations and foster discussion and reflection.
For further details, visit www.kairosps.org or contact Huda Giddens, [email protected].
Noisy Coin Update from July The count is in! $375.85 was received in our July 31 Noisy Coin Offering. This will supplement our July Special Offering to our Hunger Outreach Programs by providing 252 meals through the Emergency Feeding Program which serves folks in King County.
Coins from the following countries were included, Canada, England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua and Turkey.
We are looking for a few people to help with the coins. This occurs five times per year after the 5th Sunday of the month. It entails taking the coins to a bank or credit union that provides coin counting for no fee for its customers. At this time, Verity Credit Union does this. If this is something that you could do, please contact Gretchen Hull at [email protected] (206)729-3725. Our next Noisy Coin Offering is October 30. Many thanks to all of you for your contributions!
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2017 Pledge Campaign
Since you’re reading Church and Home (either in printed form or electronically), we can safely assume that you’re not sitting in the dark right now. Look around the room. What forms of light do you see? The room may be illuminated by one or many light bulbs. Maybe you’re reading this next to an open window, with sunlight streaming in through the clouds.
Think about the ways in which UCUCC shines a light in your life. As T.S. Eliot wrote: Light
Light
The visible reminder of Invisible Light.
We often talk about our faith as a light to the world. We talk about this little light and how we are going to let it shine, let it shine. We literally (and spiritually) bring the light into the sanctuary every Sunday. And we also talk about bringing the light out into the world. Matthew 5:15 reminds us that it does no good, once we have found our light, to hide it away. “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.”
We long for light, most especially when it is scarce. When we are surrounded by darkness, our eyes naturally search for a source of light - a candle, a street lamp, moonlight, anything. For some of us, this church has indeed served as the light that we needed to see through the darkness all around. How can we share that light with all who may need it? After all, a candle loses none of its light by lighting another.
Pledge Campaign Dates to Anticipate Sunday, October 2: Launch Day for the 2017 Stewardship Pledge Campaign! Sunday, October 23: Pledge Campaign Lunch - 11:30 am in Ostrander Hall.
Sunday, October 30: Pledge Dedication Sunday - This is the day that we will gather the light from all of the congregation. We hope you’ll join us in placing your financial commitment to the church on the communion table.
As we move toward the Fall, we will have more to say about how our church serves as “a light in the window” for us and for the wider community. You’ll see it here in Church and Home, in letters, and on the Red Wall outside of the sanctuary. But for now, take a moment to think about the ways that this church shines a light in your lives, and what you can do to keep that light tended, so that it may continue to burn for years to come.
Thank you for doing your part to shine the light of our faith out into the world.
Your 2017 Stewardship Pledge Campaign Committee: David Anderson, Lisa Coleman, Betsy George, Cathy Gunstone, Kathryn Murdock, Sven Peterson, Dawn Ramsey, Tom Vasquez, Michael Zevenbergen
A Light in the Window Greetings from your 2017 Stewardship Pledge Campaign Committee!
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Concert to End Gun Violence On Sunday, September 25 at 7pm in our Sanctuary, our Love and Justice Ministry, in conjunction with Grandmothers Against Gun Violence, will join with dozens of other groups across the nation to present concerts, large and small, in remembrance of the victims of America’s epidemic of gun violence.
This informal concert in our Sanctuary includes:
The Total Experience Gospel Choir
Mark Pearson from The Brothers Four
violence victim Jennifer Hopper
Melvyn Poll, tenor
the Mother Pluckers
performers from our own congregation
Please join us! For more information, contact Kathy Young, [email protected], (206)283-0133 and check out the web site www.grandmothersagainstgunviolence.org for Concerts Across America.
October 16 at 11:30am screening of Under the Gun The UCUCC Gun Violence Prevention Action Team presents a screening of Under the Gun, a documentary exploring the issues of gun violence in the US, will be shown in Ostrander Hall at 11:30 on Sunday, October 16. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion including local activists. A light lunch will be available.
This film examines why, despite the increase in deaths due to gun violence and the outpouring of shock and outrage that comes with it, our nation has failed to respond with meaningful action. What is keeping the two sides of this debate—those favoring stricter gun safety laws and Second Amendment purists like the NRA—from finding common ground?
Through the lens of families affected by the mass shootings in Newtown, Aurora, Isla Vista and Tucson, as well as daily gun violence in Chicago, the film examines why our national politicians are refusing to act and what is being done at the state and local levels.
The film’s executive producer and narrator is Katie Couric, and was directed by Stephanie Soechtig.
UCUCC Action on Gun Violence
Want to let people know about an event in the life of our church? Church and Home is the primary vehicle for information about UCUCC and its activities. It is an instrument of, by and for the congregation.
Guidelines
Submissions must have a contact email address and phone number and adhere to length guides:
100 words for notices of Events
350 words for Articles Articles may be edited for length and style. We welcome articles about the work of the church boards and other activities of the congregation.
Submission Deadlines
Articles should be emailed to Erin Lovejoy-Guron at [email protected] by the 15th of the month for inclusion in the upcoming month’s edition. Church and Home is posted at universityucc.org the last week of the month, and should arrive in all homes by the 1st of the month.
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Homelessness Action forum (Sparks) Participants and Others ~ Bill Kirlin-Hackett
Some time has passed since our two forum sessions to share ideas on ways UCUCC could engage more actively in ending homelessness. A call for planners to help us move forward produced a small group of volunteers. We met in early July to explore next steps. Two steps were proposed:
One, the Homeless Action Team (HAT), facilitated by Bill Kirlin-Hackett, will carry on leadership of the Sparks effort to engage more of the congregation in intentional direct service & advocacy to address housing and shelter.
Two, our Church Moderator, Jan von Lehe, was encouraged to pursue plans with the Council for multiple congregational conversations to engage all of us in examining the roles and responsibilities of our church in the wider world, and how they relate to our life within the church.
What does this mean for you?
This is an invitation from the Homeless Action Team for your participation in meetings in the coming months to further advocacy and direct service actions within the congregation. Please make time to participate in these meetings and the service and advocacy actions that result.
Further, please encourage your Church Council to plan those crucial congregational conversations about the relationship between our life within the church and our responsibilities in the wider world. Then, actively participate and urge others to do the same. Through this two-pronged effort, let’s see what we can do to make a difference for those who are homeless.
To take us into the midst of these efforts, the Homeless Action Team (HAT) will meet Tuesday, September 6, 3-4pm, in the Office Conference Room. All who are interested are invited. Our goal is to consolidate all the Spring/Summer conversations and schedule initial efforts in line with ways that allow the fullest participation. More to come! Imagine Love and Justice; Jesus did, we do!
Questions may be directed to Bill Kirlin-Hackett, [email protected], (425)442-5418.
Love & Justice
Celebrate Loyce Ong’udi & Mwanzo ~ Barbara Peterson
September 25, from 11:30-12:30 in Ostrander Hall, join the the Mwanzo Board in wishing Loyce Ong’udi a safe and rewarding return home this Fall, as she carries out, so faithfully and with such inspiration, the work of creating "New Beginnings" with residents of Rabuor and over 10 other rural communities that make up the wonderful Mwanzo collective. Loyce wishes to use this celebration to thank you, to share her plans with you, to answer any questions you may have (nothing is off the table), and to continue the conversation that is central to the story of Mwanzo.
Don't miss the opportunity to join Loyce and renowned African drummer Etienne who promise to drum and dance for you! Send her home filled with joy and hope to share with the hundreds of children and adults touched by your generosity of spirit.
Light refreshments will be served. Come dance away with Loyce and Etienne!
Continue the Racial Justice discussion on Facebook Join the new UCUCC Racial Justice Facebook Group to stay up to date on local events related to racial justice and to inform yourselves about racial justice and white privilege with selected articles and videos.
Search for UCUCC Racial Justice and ask to join or visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/137778029992813/
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(Children’s Ministry, continued from page 4)
Adult Christian Education Looking Back, Looking Forward: Reflecting on Time, Art, and Creating Senior Retreat: October 3 & 4 at the Rainbow Lodge Featuring: Sharon D'Amico ~Carol Scott-Kassner
People 55 and older are invited to join us at the Rainbow Lodge near Snoqualmie for our annual senior retreat for a chance to gather with dynamic, fun-loving people from our congregation to learn, play, laugh, worship, and sing together. It is also a great time to deepen relationships with people you may not know well. The content of the retreat alternates between learning, reflecting, and relaxation - all in the context of beloved community.
This year we will be inspired by our presenter, Sharon D'Amico, whom you may know from her presentations at Seabeck last year, and as the photographer in the balcony for our congregational picture. She has also displayed her beautiful photography with inspiring quotes on the Red Wall in past years. Sharon worked for 20 years as a science teacher and changed her focus to photography when she moved to Seattle in the early 1990s (pun intended). She is also deeply involved in peace and justice work, and advocacy.
Sharon's presentations will come from her work as an artist. She will weave together images and ideas from history, and our personal stories to help us see connections between history, art, and creativity. Sharon is an exciting and energetic presenter. We will leave richer for having experienced our time with her. There will be time to discuss and reflect on her ideas in small groups.
As usual, Alan Klockars, will get us involved on Monday evening in playful ways to reminisce and sing together, featuring songs many of us suggested from our personal histories.
You should receive an invitation to the retreat with a registration form. When returning your form to the church office be sure to label your envelope "senior retreat", or register in the Narthex before and after upcoming church services. We do have limited scholarship funds; please contact, Sally Pritchard, (206)283-262, or [email protected] to ask for that support.
Register soon to join us for two days of great fun. We can accommodate up to 50 people, and the retreat often fills quickly. We want you there!!
The Lecture Series presents: Stephen Patterson The Lost Way: How Two Forgotten Gospels are Rewriting the Story of Christian Origins October 7, 8, 9, 2016 Tickets are available at a table in the Narthex or at brownpapertickets.com (search Stephen Patterson). All sessions, $35. Friday evening only, $20. Saturday workshops only $20. Ask about student discounts and scholarships.
In The Lost Way, Stephen Patterson, a leading New Testament scholar and former head of the Jesus Seminar, reveals the dramatic story behind the modern discovery of the earliest gospels, accounts that do not portray Jesus exclusively as a martyr but recover a lost ancient Christian tradition centered on Jesus as a teacher of wisdom. While the church has long advocated Paul’s view of Jesus as deity and martyr, emphasizing his death and resurrection, another tradition also thrived from Christianity’s beginnings, one that portrayed Jesus as a teacher of wisdom.
Learn more during Patterson’s lectures here at UCUCC: Friday Lecture, 7 – 8:30 pm: The Lost Way: How Two Forgotten Gospels are Rewriting the Story of the Origins of Christianity Saturday, 9:30 am – 1 pm Lecture 1: The Lost Gospel of Galilee Lecture 2: Plato’s Gospel in the Oasis of Odessa Sunday, 9 – 9:45am, free and open to all: Christianity’s First (Forgotten) Creed
Charles McCollough Sculpture Exhibition: If you plan on attending the Friday night opening Lecture on October 7, come early for the opening of the Charles McCollough sculpture exhibition: The Wise and Radical Jesus, hosted by the Creativity Council of UCUCC. An opening night reception and brief talk by McCollough will take place from 5 – 7 pm.
For more information contact [email protected].
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Facilities Use Resources Committee
UDYC and the Interagency School The University District Youth Center (UDYC) is located in the ‘Gold’ house (which is owned by UCUCC) north of the UCUCC parking lot on 15th Ave. NE. UDYC provides services to homeless, at-risk, runaway, and/or street-involved youth ages 13-22. Programs offered by UDYC include a drop-in center where clients can get basic needs such as lunch, a shower, bus tickets, and connections to ongoing services. Ongoing services include: case management to connect youth with services to help them exit homelessness, on-site drug and alcohol counseling services, help with learning essential skills needed for obtaining and maintaining employment, and an educational pro-gram.
If you come to UCUCC on a weekday during the school year, you are likely to see high school students in the library or in the classrooms on the second floor. These students attend the Interagency Academy, a small alternative high school program of the Seattle Public School District. Typically these students need more or different support than a traditional high school can provide. Students may be homeless youth, youth in transition, or youth who simply desire small classes and personalized learning plans. At any one time 30-35 students show up for classes. Most of the graduates continue their education at a Community College.
Teen Feed Many of us know about Teen Feed because our church provides space three times a week in the O’Hall area for volunteer teams to prepare and serve dinner for young adults living on the margins, many of whom are homeless. In fact, members of our church participate on these teams. However, providing dinner for hungry youth is only part of services Teen Feed provides to youth in the 13-25 year-old age group.
The Service Links for Youth Program (SLY) provides crisis intervention, assistance in meeting basic needs, and case management to assist youth in transitioning from the streets to more stable liv-ing situations.
The Street Talk Outreach Program (STOP) sends out teams of staff and peer outreach workers who reach out to high-risk youth who avoid traditional social service agencies by connecting with youth in their own environment—the streets, alleys, and parks where they hang out.
The Youth Access to Care (YAC) Program helps homeless youth actively participate in wellness care by making positive choices, and enrolling youth in healthcare services including: primary care, dental, mental health and substance abuse services. Teen Feed employs youth interns in their programs.
About a year ago, the Church Council convened a group of people to take a look at, and understand, how our building is being used, and how that may or may not be fulfilling our mission as a church. One of the things we tasked ourselves with was to interview each of the non-UCUCC users/tenants of the building, and provide a summary synopsis of their mission and activities. We have decided to share some basic information about those organizations in Church and Home. This month we will cover two organizations that provide services to youth and young adults in the community. ~ Mary Ellen Smith, committee chair.
Because there wasn’t a July Church Council, there are no Council updates to include in this issue.
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Worship and Preaching Calendar—Sunday worship service—10 am
September 4 — A New Identity Philemon 1-21 Preaching: Peter Ilgenfritz, Alexandra Bush-Kaufman and Bob Fitzgerald Today is the Blessing of the Backpacks.
September 11 — Called to the Common Good 1 Corinthians 12:14-26 Preaching: Amy Roon Today we remember the 15th Anniversary of 9/11 Children & Youth Teachers will be commissioned.
Homecoming Sunday September 18 — Trust in the Source Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Preaching: Peter Ilgenfritz
September 25 — Called to the Common Good: Break Every Yoke
Isaiah 58:2-12 Preaching: Amy Roon Today we distribute Bibles to Children & Youth
Fall Worship Series: Called to the Common Good Sept. 11 - November 20 “While public discussion of political issues has the potential to bring out the best in us - by surfacing creative new ideas or developing effective problem-solving strategies - more often than not in our public dialogue the opposite seems to be happening. From the national dialogue about health care to the passionate discussion of immigration reform this year, it is all too easy for anger and frustration to get the best of us. Whether around the office water cooler or the extended family dinner table, reasoned conversation is taking a back seat to personal attacks and replayed sound bites. Because we avoid these conversations, we miss out on deeper understanding of the issues.
As people of faith participating in the public square, we are called to a higher standard of engagement and interaction with our neighbors, even those with whom we may disagree on an issue. Our faith provides us with spiritual resources to take the conversation to a different level. We can choose respect and hope over animosity and bitterness. We can choose to listen and learn rather than attack and insult. We can choose to have civic discus-sions in civil tones.” (From UCC.org, Called to the Common Good)