april 2018 volume 70, number 4...construction of our new primary school, and to complete a critical...

April 2018 Volume 70, Number 4

Looking Ahead to Seabeck July 8-July 13, 2018

It was exciting to see so many new and returning campers signing up for Seabeck on March 11! Seabeck is a great way to maintain and strengthen relationships, and an opportunity to get in touch with yourself free from the distractions of daily life.

Sing with Betsy Rose, and take steps on your path of discovery about race with Diane Schmitz and Cynthia

Macleod. Our theme this year is Imperfect, Messy, and Striving: God Calls Us to Talk about Race. Come to the Racial Justice Event on April 22 for a preview presentation from Diane and Cynthia.

Volunteers make Seabeck happen! Sign up to lead vespers or devotions, coordinate snacks, be a cabin leader, and more at the table in the Narthex.

Missed registering on Seabeck Sunday? Fill out or turn in your registration form and check in the Narthex Sundays after church through April 22. Housing assignments will be made beginning April 15.

Racial Justice Update By Toni Higgs

50 years ago on April 4, one of America’s true heroes was assassinated in Memphis, where he had travelled to support a sanitation workers’ strike. The bullet that struck the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s neck, as he stood on the balcony of his motel, changed every-thing. A man revered and reviled for his stance on non-violent change for Civil Rights was also against the Vietnam War, and a champion for all poor Americans. Grief and rage shook the nation, and one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation was passed: the Fair Housing Act.

It’s important for our church to reflect on and remem-ber this great lover of humanity, truth and justice — especially as we continue our own work on social and racial justice. As in King’s time, there isn’t the luxury to have a single focus, as youth rallies against gun violence overlap with threats to voting rights, which overlap with no still no power in Puerto Rico, which overlap with poisoned water in Flint, MI. No we can’t do it all, but we must do something.

Several of us have the great honor and privilege to attend a rally with the National Council of Churches in Christ and other partners in the “other” Washington, D.C. the week of April 4, commemorating Dr. King and calling us to unite to end racism (page 9). We will be examining our own privilege, and how our church culture reflects our stated values of inclusion, equity and justice.

We have a long way to go, but we are taking some im-portant and exciting steps with this rally nationally —and other events locally such as these:

• Anti-Racism Staff Training, Spring and Fall. Led by Diane Schmitz and Cynthia MacLeod. Trainings will prepare staff and other leaders to be more aware of how to create a more just, equitable community.

• Peace Circle: See announcement (page 4)

• Seabeck Preview: Sunday April 22, 11:30-2:00, “Imperfect, Messy & Striving: God Calls Us to Talk About Race” with Diane Schmitz & Cynthia Macleod. Lunch included.

• “Going on a Pilgrimage” Sunday May 6, 11:45-1:15, Loyce Ongudi, Audrey Musewe and Audrey Vaugh will discuss what they learned on their pilgrimage through the American South and im-portant civil rights people and landmarks.

• Seabeck all-church camp, July 8-13

April Calendar Sunday, April 1, 2018

9:00 Worship service 10:30 Easter Egg hunt 11:00 Worship service 12:00 spirit workshop: vigil for the common good

Monday, April 2, 2018 Building closed

Tuesday, April 3, 2018 6:00 Men’s soup supper (optional potluck)

Sunday, April 8, 2018 11:30 Inquirers Lunch Mwanzo presentation, Loyce Ong’udi Sacred Earth Matters meeting 12:30 U. District Sanctuary planning group

Monday, April 9, 2018 12:00 Senior Lunch

Friday, April 13, 2018

Peacemaking Circle basic training

Saturday, April 14, 2018 Peacemaking Circle basic training

Sunday, April 15, 2018 11:30 Puget Brass concert in appreciation 2:00 spirit workshop: when your map doesn’t help

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

7:00 Midlife Transitions class Church Council meeting

Thursday, April 19, 2018

7:00 Superfluity opening night

Friday, April 20, 2018 9:30 Superfluity sale

Saturday, April 21, 2018 9:30 Superfluity sale 4:30 parents with little ones dinner

Sunday, April 22, 2018 11:30 food-packing service project 11:45 Racial Justice: Seabeck program preview

Monday, April 23, 2018 6:00 All Women Extraordinary dinner Wednesday, April 25, 2018 7:00 Midlife Transitions class

April 27—29 Pacific NW conference of UCC annual meeting

Saturday, April 28, 2018 6:00 Moving Mountains fundraising dinner

Church and Home Print Edition, April 2018

April Special Offering: Mwanzo

April 29, 2018 — Noisy Coin Sunday

Do coins make noise?

They sure do, at least when they are dropped into collection plates during our Noisy Coin offerings.

We have an opportunity to make a lot of noise on April 29, the first month in 2018 with five Sundays.

The beneficiary/recipient of our coin offerings will be Mwanzo. Loyce Ong’udi recently returned from Kenya with a list of projects that will lead to the opening of the expanded school under construction in her home village, Rabuor.

Empty your pockets, dig between your couch cushions, and save your coins between now and April 29!

Our dear friend, Loyce Ong'udi, has recently returned from three months in Rabuor, Kenya, where she oversaw efforts to move forward the construction of our new primary school, and to complete a critical water project to improve the school's access to drinkable water.

Loyce and the Mwanzo Board invite you to attend one of two presentations scheduled for March 25 and April 8, from 11:45-1:00, in Ostrander Hall. The Mwanzo Board will provide a light brunch: finger foods, cookies, and juice.

Loyce so looks forward to sharing with you the in-spiring stories of accomplishment, which you have been and continue to be a critical part of through your support.

As always, Loyce looks forward to fielding your questions. We believe you will leave inspired by her work, which is creating new opportunities for members of the Rabuor community and surrounding villages, and understand how your donations during April's Mwanzo Special Offering will translate into hope and opportunity for others.

April News


A simple and appreciated gift for

families with young children

Here's an opportunity to nurture the UCUCC Young Families Group, which meets every third Saturday at church for dinner, fellowship, and mutual parenting support.

You're invited to participate in a simple food ministry by bringing an entrée, salad, or dessert on an occasional basis. Please email Susan Ovens, [email protected], to sign up.

An invitation to join

the Child Care Board

Our UCUCC Child Care Programs—Trettin Drop-In Preschool and The Child Learning and Care Center—provide affordable, high-quality childcare for many families. As part of our church’s Love and Justice Ministry, tuition scholarships are available to children in low income families.

Help make affordable, high-quality child care happen!

We are looking for people to help us by joining the Child Care Board. We meet 5 times a year, from 5:30 to 7:30. Our board includes church members, parents, and some staff. Our role is to oversee the programs and help them implement our mission. For more infor-mation, contact Liz Wells at [email protected].

Apr 9, Senior Lunch

Every second Monday we host a soup-and-salad lunch for seniors with a guest speaker.

This month, you will have the opportunity to hear from Claire Petersky, executive director of the Wallingford Community Senior Center.

Everyone is warmly invited to the Turner Lounge at noon.

It’s Baseball Season again! You are invited to fireworks night at the Mariners with UCUCC and our friends.

Save the Date: June 15, 7pm UCUCC at the Mariners.

We have had great fun with UCUCC at the Mariners each year. This year we are scheduled to go on June 15, for fireworks night when the Mariners are playing the Boston Red Sox.

Tickets will go on sale in the Turner Narthex, May 6, 13, 20, 27, and June 3. Each ticket will cost $13.

Questions? Nancy Hannah, [email protected]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of the community at Pacific School of Religion, I want to thank you for your generosity of spirit and the opportunity to be in partnership this weekend through The Lecture Series, worship, and conversation. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be in worship with you, engage in conversation about how the Gospel speaks to our world on the move, and share with you PSR’s bold vision of preparing theologically and spiritually rooted leaders for social transformation.

The word seminary comes from the word for “seedbed.” The “seeds” for our work come from partner congregations like UCUCC and our graduates who return to continue their growth and ministry in the church and broader society. We look forward to deep-ening our partnership with UCUCC through prayer, sharing resources, and serving God together.

We would love to share with you what’s happening at PSR as we serve the church and move forward with hope into our future. If you would like to be on our email list, please visit us at www.psr.edu. If you would prefer to receive mail from us by postal mail, please email [email protected] or call 510-849-8200.

Peace,

David Vasquez-Levy President Pacific School of Religion

Monthly Vigils for the Common Good

If Jesus is alive in the world, we should be too! The monthly Vigils for the Common Good will continue on the first Sunday of the month, 12pm – 1pm on Sundays, April 1, May 6, & June 3.

If you go to the 9 am Easter Service, bring that resur-rection joy to the corner of 45th St and 15th Ave NE. You’ll join with people of all beliefs to stand for a vi-sion of the common good.

April’s Vigil will especially support the vision of ending Gun Violence.

April Events

Midlife Transition Class

Apr 18 - May 16,Weds 7 to 9 pm, Turner Lounge From the ages of 45 to 65, most of us begin to ask questions: if we want to continue in our current job, when we might retire, or if we want to find new mean-ing in our lives. Others are experiencing an empty nest, or caring for parents or grandchildren. All of these shifts can be disconcerting and bring up strong emotions of excitement or confusion.

Join others in midlife who are experiencing the invitations and challenges of this time of transitions. This course is a rich opportunity to discuss what is coming up for you, and provide support for negotiating these years with insight and spirit. Carol Scott-Kassner leads this course biennially. She is a UCC Commis-sioned Minister to a ministry of the Spirituality of Aging, and a spiritual director and Certified Sage-ing Leader. Sign up with Carol at: [email protected] or 253-921-1621.The cost is $50. Let her know if you need scholarship support.

Have questions about our church? April 8, join us for lunch – and answers.

Inquirers Lunch, 2nd Sundays from 11:30 – 1:30 in Ostrander Hall. Enjoy a tasty, complimentary lunch of soup, salad, bread and dessert. Meet others who may be on a similar spiritual journey, and learn from long-term members and clergy about how to plug in to this church community . We’ll explore topics from history to theology to membership.

This is not just a lunch for newcomers. Even if you’ve been coming for years, please join us to learn more about our church and help welcome newcomers.

RSVP and let us know about any special needs (including childcare). Email [email protected] or call (206) 979-7539. Can’t make it this time? Join us for a future Second Sunday Lunch.

Apr 15, Puget Brass Appreciation Concert

Following worship, Puget Brass (including UCUCC member Terry Paananen) will perform a concert of traditional and contemporary British brass band music.

Puget Brass currently calls UCUCC its rehearsal home, and this concert is an expression of gratitude to the congregation, and a benefit for two worthy causes. Donations will support our Love & Justice Ministry and the Seattle chapter of Days For Girls.

Band members volunteer their time and efforts to perform for and educate the public about the beautiful, unique sound of the British brass band and its music.

Apr 13-14, Peace Circle Invitation Come and experience the power of the Peacemaking Circle. Join us at a Peace Circle Basic Workshop on Fri., April 13, from 7 to 9 pm, and Sat., April 14, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, in Ostrander Hall. This is an opportunity to learn how to listen deeply, bear witness to the sacredness of others’ stories, give voice to your own story, gain deep insights that come from sharing our experiences, and cultivate authentic relationships.

Two Love and Justice action teams, Racial Justice and the Multicultural Circle, are collaborating to encourage using the Peace Circle process as a vehicle to address racial justice issues and to promote restorative practices in schools and in the criminal justice system.

The Racial Justice team has been endeavoring to build a congregation-wide conversation on racial justice by encouraging many conversations of various sizes in var-ious groupings.

The goal for both action teams is to increase our capacity to work on personal and institutional changes that create more justice and fairness.

Suggested fees are $25 for adults and $20 for students; scholarships are available.

Sign up in the narthex by April 8, or e-mail Aileen Pru-iksma [email protected] or Ginger Warfield [email protected].

Apr 15, When your map doesn’t help: April Spirit Workshop

It happens on the trail and in life: things get confusing, something goes wrong, and suddenly you’re not sure which way to go. (Let alone how to get over that mountain that’s in the way.)

Sunday, April 15, 2pm – 4pm, in Turner Lounge We’ll learn a few practices that hikers use to navigate through uncertainty, and reflect on how to apply those practices to life in this disorienting time. RSVPs and questions to Beth Amsbary at [email protected] or the office 206-524-2322.

Spirit Workshops are an outreach program of UCUCC, gatherings with hands-on activities and meaningful conversations, where all beliefs are welcome.


Along the way

How do we get where we want to be?

~ Amy Roon

Love one another, and do not fear are the two most common calls to action in our Gospel texts. Lately, more often than not, I’m overwhelmed by news stories of reasons to be afraid and reports of greedy and spite-ful behaviors of all kinds, and I’m honestly not sure what to do anymore. Discovering how far into greed and corruption our society has fallen, I want to participate in some big action that will clearly turn the tide. I want a clear direction to go, and I want to know that my action matters.

But, we didn’t get here in one big action, and we won’t get out by a linear path. In InterPlay (a creative/body/spirit movement discipline), we have a principle called “Incrementality.” It means we get in and out of trouble in little tiny steps…To this principle, I’ve learned that

though everything adds up through tiny steps … we realize where we are in one big “ah ha.”

There a lot of big “ah ha” moments happening these days. The problem with realizing where we are in a big “ah ha” is that we are tempted to believe that the way out is just the right “ah ha,” and we’re easily discouraged by all these little tiny steps. It’s definitely important to help organize, and show up at rallies and marches. These public acts help shape and change the narrative of what we care about. And, we have to practice using our voices in order to be ready for the moment when they will be most effective.

But the little things matter too. Your volunteer hours and care and participation in our church may feel small at a time when so many big things are happening. But participating in a healthy, loving community is actually a pretty radical act right now. And you’d be surprised how healing it can be to bring a friend…not just for you to feel your community and connection widen just a bit, but for those outside our community who are longing for a place where people care.

Being passionate about loving one another and pushing back against fear and hate in steps both big and small is not only worth it — it’s what will ultimately walk us back to where we want to be.


You are invited to

Moving Mountains Youth Celebration

and Fundraising Dinner Saturday April 28, 2018. 6:00 to 8:30 pm Come join our Middle School and High School youth for our annual Youth Fundraiser and Celebration dinner.

Tickets are $5 kids, $10 adult, $25 for a family of three or more. We’ll be selling tickets in the Narthex before and after worship starting today through April 15.

Dinner is catered by Buca de Beppo, and dietary requests are available!

This is not only a fundraiser, but a fabulous com-munity event! All ages are encouraged and welcome to come! The youth will be serving you dinner and will share about their mission trips last summer to Camp-bell Farms and N-Sid-Sen (which the monies from last year’s dinner supported)! You will get the chance to meet youth of the church and other folks in the congregation! There will be a silent auction where you can bid on items and services the youth have donated. Items like:

• Babysitting, yard work, tech help, and much more!!!

Dinner will be followed by the Dessert Dash (again with dietary options like gluten free desserts), with many desserts prepared by the youth themselves! And finally the live auction will have exciting opportunities as well. This year will include: youth-made Adirondack patio chairs, and we often see week-end trips, Sounders tickets, and special meals auctioned off – come to the dinner to learn more! Attending this dinner, allows you to be a part of this summer’s mission trips! All funds go towards lowering the costs of the trips per youth, and towards further scholarships so that each youth can say YES to this experience!

Here is a bit of info about the youth’s summer mission trips: The High School youth will be heading to Honolulu, Hawaii to participate in the UCC’s Western Regional Youth Event, and to work on a number of service projects. The Middle School youth will be heading to the Kitsap Peninsula to work at the Giving Garden and Sharenet.


February 2018 Council Meeting ~ submitted by Wendy Blight

February 2018 Council Meeting Summary

The University Congregational United Church of Christ Church Council met on February 21, 2018.

Jennifer Butner, Covenant Partner: Jennifer was approved as a minister in a 3-way covenant partnership with herself, UCUCC and the Pacific Northwest Con-ference. Jennifer is a chaplain at Kline Galland Hospice.

Behavioral Covenant: Council members engaged in a conversation lead by Peter Ilgenfritz on how we inter-act with one another during meetings. The discussion was based on guidelines established by the Board of Directors of the United Church of Christ.

Ministry and Leadership Reports:

Worship/Music: – Priscilla Grundy reported that they are looking at cleaning or replacing the choir robes. Pe-ter announced that the summer worship theme will be “Be the Church” and the fall theme will be “Be the Church in the World”.

Jan von Lehe updated the Council regarding a recent KOMO TV article about our decision two years ago to not renew the lease for The Children’s School. Liz Wells spoke of the church’s ongoing support through Love & Justice for the Child Learning and Care Center and Trettin Drop-in Preschool.

Financial Report: pledges are a little under budget but it’s too early in the year to be concerned.

Sacred Earth Matters: a small group will meet with Catherine Foote to discuss the proposed banner and how the church represents itself to the wider community.

Spirit Workshop: the next workshop is February 25, 2 – 4pm in Ostrander Hall under Beth Amsbary’s leader-ship.

Racial Justice Initiative: the focus of Seabeck this summer is Racial Justice. There are approximately six people going from UCUCC to Washington DC to hon-or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the 50th anniversary of his death. Three training sessions are coming up this year: spring training for CE teachers attending Seabeck, program staff training this spring, church lay leadership training in early fall.

Pacific NW Conference Annual Meeting: April 27 – 29 in Yakima. We send 11 delegates.

Time Away: David Anderson Sabbatical - February 1 to April 30

Ministry Update The Welcome Committee

~ Catherine Foote

What does it mean to be a member of this church? For people who make the decision to become a member, it is about covenant, commitment and mutual support.

Our church covenant says it all: we are worshiping God, following Jesus, and caring for one another and for the world. When a person joins our church, they are declaring to this congregation, “I affirm this covenant and want to join with you in carrying it out.”

Interestingly, many people who attend church regularly, and are an integral part of this community, choose not to take this step of becoming members. And, they are equally welcome, and equally valued.

The New Member Board has spent a great deal of time contemplating these concepts. They have concluded that their primary mission is to welcome people and help then deepen their involvement with this commu-nity, whether or not they decide to become members. In consideration of their role in making real the wel-come of this congregation, and helping people find their way into connection with us, the New Member Board recently changed its name to the Welcome Committee.

With this welcoming role in mind, the committee offers “inquirers” times and “joining” times. On the second Sunday of every month folks gather downstairs in Ostrander Hall over a simple lunch and share conversa-tion about the church. We invite anyone who would like to know more about this congregation to join us. Even if you have been coming a while, bring your questions, your faith story, and your insights to share.

About four times a year, this church sets aside time during worship to receive new members, welcoming those who desire to publicly affirming their intention to join with us as we live out our covenant. This formal church membership usually reflects a decision an individual has already made – it is simply a public affirmation and a way of stepping into this communi-ty's decisions. At our annual meetings, and whenever significant issues come before us, members gather, dis-cern together, and vote. It is the congregational way.

If you would like more information about our Inquirers lunches or about membership, contact Virginia Felton(206-979-7538) at [email protected], or Catherine Foote (206-524-2322) at [email protected].

Children’s Ministry news


Contact Director of Children’s Ministry Betsy Herring for more information,

[email protected], 206-524-2322.

Apr 21, Parents of Littles

Parents of Littles is a group for expecting parents and parents of infants on up to 2-years-old (older siblings are welcome too). The intent of this group is to allow families to set aside time for meaningful connection and reflective dialogue on what it means to be faithful as family. We hope this coming together will give you space to develop supportive relationships at the earliest stages of your kids’ lives.

Questions – Betsy Herring or Sarah & Jack Marshall 206-251-0620 [email protected]

Mar 31, Family Pizza Night & Easter

Egg Dyeing Please join us in Ostrander Hall on Saturday, March 31 from 5-7pm. We will eat pizza, play games and dye Easter eggs for our children’s Easter egg hunt that takes place the next morning at church. We will provide pizza, eggs and dye.

Please let me know if you plan to come so I know how many people to plan for. If you are able, bring a side dish, beverage or nut-free dessert to share.

RSVP to Betsy Herring at 206-524-2322 or [email protected].

Special thanks to the Phyllis and Ralph Swanson Endowment for Children’s Ministry for providing funding for the pizza and Easter eggs.

Afterwards, those who wish can attend our 7 pm Easter Vigil Service in the chapel.

Children's Activities on Easter Come to church on Easter Sunday, April 1. We will have two services: 9am and 11am.

Directly after the 9am service, we will have a children's Easter egg hunt on our playground. Everything the kids need for hunting will be provided (including bags for collecting eggs).

Nursery care and Sunday school for preschool-kindergarten children is only available during the 9am service.

Elementary special sermon time will take place during both services.

Childcare will be available at the 11am service, but no Sunday School.

The lounge will be set up with children's activities after both services.

Welcome our new Director We are pleased to announce that, after much conversation and discernment by everyone involved, Betsy Herring has agreed to step into the role of Director of Children's Ministry. Some of you may know Betsy already, as she's been a member of our congregation for about a decade now. She has three boys, two of whom are elementary age and the third will start high school next year. Betsy brings heart, passion and fabulous skills to our CE Ministry team. Please welcome Betsy when you see her around! Between his other job, and graduate school work, Jer-mell needed more time and flexibility to stay healthy and joyful. We're so glad Jermell can continue to be in our community, and a resource for our Children’s Ministry program — even as we support him having time to be more present in his theological and educational work.

Apr 22, Food-packing service project After worship, bring the kids down to the first floor hallway to pack grocery bags with nonperishable foods for the hungry.

This is a fun, easy way to involve the whole family in serving others. It is suitable for preschoolers and older, and lasts about 30 minutes.

Diane and Steve Adam run this periodic service project. Please contact Betsy Herring at [email protected] or 206-524-2322 with any questions.


Youth Ministry news Contact Director of Youth Ministry Margaret Swanson

for information, [email protected] or (206)524-2322.

Annual Conference

~ Peter Ilgenfritz

Our UCC Pacific Northwest Conference is the way our 83 local-area churches coordinate and support our common ministry together. I’ve been learning a lot about our Conference Ministry as the Conference Moderator the past 2 years, and would welcome talking with you about opportunities to serve on a conference board or committee.

Our Conference Annual Meeting is April 27-29 in Yakima. We have a great meeting planned as our Con-ference breaks forth into some new ways to meet and carry out our ministry together. It’s an exciting time in our Conference and give me a call or email me if you’d like to learn more or get involved!

For Those Who Cannot Attend Church

(And those who can)

Journeying As We Age

~ Carol Scott-Kassner

As we get older, we may still be able to travel to various parts of the world, exploring new places, languages, cultures, and ideas. What richness can come from those journeys.

As we slow down, however, we may not be able to physically leave to explore the outer world. Instead, we are invited to move inward, to reflect on our lives, to discover our own truth, and to find inner peace.

Here are two sayings that are worth reflecting upon as we take that inner journey. Read each of them separately, then reflect on what they might mean for you.

9am Youth Group & 10am Worship, Youth Pew

Apr 18, Junior & Senior Small Group

7pm – 8:30pm Pilgrim Room, UCUCC

Juniors and Seniors in High School are invited to par-ticipate in this small group that offers support and en-couragement to each other in these last years of high school. We will do a check in and then have different topics for discussion to help in your discernment throughout these years. We meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Moving Mountains Saturday, April 28, 6pm – 9pm

Families, please save the for our annual Moving Mountains Youth Celebration and Fundraising Dinner. Details will be coming out via email and we will have another parent meeting soon to plan.

Further 2018 Dates to Anticipate: ◊ April 28: Moving Mountains

◊ May 5: Lamb Day, Pastor Catherine’s Farm, Whidbey Island

◊ May 20: last day of youth group

◊ May 30: Teen Feed

◊ June 3: Youth Worship

◊ June 10: End of year party

Be a part of the Pacific NW UCC "I love the recklessness of faith," said William Slone Coffin. "First you leap, and then you grow wings." Why not leap into a Pacific Northwest Conference UCC committee position and find your wings!

Contact Cindy Bauleke, from the Ministry Resource Committee 360-303-1941 or [email protected], and come fly with us.

Leadership Committees Pacific Northwest Conference United Church of Christ

Board of Directors, Justice & Witness, Educational Ministries Committee, Global Ministries Committee, Personnel, Church Development Committee, Committee on Ministry, Stewardship Committee, Ministry Resources Committee, Annual Meeting Planning Committee

When we deliberately leave the safety of the shore of our lives, we surrender to a mystery beyond our intent.

Deep Water Passage: a Spiritual Journey at Midlife

~ Ann Linnea

seeker of truth

follow no path

all paths lead where

truth is here

Seeker of Truth ~ e. e. cummings


Love & Justice News Greetings, church family! It is your favorite (and only) Love & Justice intern, for an update on what I have been up to since I last touched base in the Fall via congregational forum.

November was a busy time for me in the life of the church. I was able to join forces with the wonderful women of Viriditas for a performance which brought me great joy. Singing in ensemble has been a constant throughout my life, and joining Viriditas was an easy, low-stress way to connect with the congregation while making a joyful noise!

I also participated in a peacemaking circle training in November. I live in an intentional, historically Mennonite community in Capitol Hill, and I was intro-duced to peacemaking circles during our Fall retreat. As someone who is fascinated by communications, I had never experienced such a deliberate, super-intentional communicative process, and was excited to participate in the training to learn how to guide these “circle pro-cesses” myself.

After a busy November, I did a “church hibernation”. Between holidays, work commitments and extensive travel, I was less active in the life of the church, but I have still found interesting ways to plug in.

In January, I attended an “Inquirers Lunch” and had a good time getting to know the stories of new UCong members from around the world. I have come to appreciate the intergenerational nature of church and the Inquirers Lunch brought together several different generations for authentic and meaningful fellowship. In February, I was able to squeeze in one Love & Justice board meeting, before traveling around the country.

I found myself “touching road” more often than not, visiting graduate schools on the East Coast. I have been in the discernment and application process for seminary for some time now, and we are currently in decision season. I am pleased that of the four schools I applied to, I have heard back from three, they all of-fered admission (and significant scholarship)! These days, I am feeling truly blessed to have options and thankful for the many individuals and communities, including people at UCong, who have poured into me throughout this stressful time.

With admissions decision season nearly at an end, I am very excited to dive back into activities in every facet of my life, including right here at UCong. Throughout

these months I have been meeting regularly with my advisor, Patti Brandt, chair of the Love & Jus-tice Ministry. We have been talking through different ways to better communicate the activities and funding decisions of the Love & Justice ministry, and its action teams, to both the world and the church community. In an effort to do this in a spirit of collaboration, I have been meeting with action team and Love & Jus-tice board members to hear their perspectives on com-munications within and outside of the committee and action teams. I hope to have a fully fleshed out com-munications plan by late spring.

As always, my gratitude goes out to those of you who have taken up time to get to know me, read over my graduate school essays, and invited me to lunch. You all make this big congregation feel much smaller!

Best,

Erica “E” West

Mary’s Place Updates

Thanks to everyone who helped make our Mary’s Place celebratory luncheon a fun and heartwarm-ing event. Over 80 folks attended, most of whom had volunteered for our hosting program over the seven years we offered temporary shelter for moms and kids. Several volunteers shared memories. Our special guest speakers — Marty Hartman, CEO of Mary’s Place, and Liz McDaniel, Program Director — both expressed gratitude for our years of service, and for loving the families we hosted.

Marty spoke about new opportunities for faith com-munities to assist families moving into homes. Most need help setting up their households including furni-ture, kitchen and household supplies. Marty said some families move into their homes without any furniture. She hopes that faith communities will help one family at a time set up warm and comfortable homes.

A small group from our church is now meeting to plan how we might participate in this next step for families leaving homelessness. Of particular need is storage space for donated items. If you are interested in help-ing, please contact Pris Kloess, Mary Jeanne Phipps, Susan Cook, or Liz Gilbert.

Sacred Earth Ma!ers


Clean Air, Clean Energy

Governor Inslee’s carbon tax measure died in this year’s legislative session. But, an initiative to put a price on carbon pollution has been filed by the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. Unlike 2016’s Initiative 732, it was created by diverse constituencies across the state representing working families, communities of color, environmental and clean energy advocates, health professionals, business and faith organizations.

The initiative will impose a fee of $15.00 per ton of carbon on the largest emitters of carbon. The fee will increase by $2 each year until the state’s 2035 green-house gas reduction goal is met.

Funds raised by the fee will be used to accelerate our state’s transition to clean energy, to increase the resiliency of the waters and forests to climate change and to prepare communities for the challenges of climate change.

At least 3% of project investments must benefit communities most hurt by pollution, poverty and climate change.

Sacred Earth Matters will be soliciting signatures once petitions are available through June 24.

The earth is the Lord’s – not ours to wreck ~ UCC National Synod Resolution, 2017 (Full text on our website)

Proposed Restart of Coal Mining in

King County & Washington

King County once had over 100 coal mines; today it has none. Sacred Earth Matters has joined with 350 Seattle, Puget Soundkeeper, Earthjustice, and other environmental groups to oppose the reopening of the Pacific Coast Coal Company’s (PCCC) John Henry mine in Black Diamond.

Washington and Tennessee are the only states where the federal government regulates mining. PCCC has not been issued a permit yet, but the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has found that the mine will have “no significant impact on the environment.” If the mine reopens, the coal will be transported 30 miles by road to Ash Grove Cement in West Seattle. Black Diamond adamantly opposes the project because of the traffic congestion the trucks will create and the environmental impacts of the coal dust and wastewater runoff on the community’s air quality, lakes and streams, and landscape.

Sacred Earth Matters is encouraging Governor Inslee and Washington’s Department of Ecology to rescind PCCC’s expired wastewater permit. It is urging King County to rescind the mine’s grading permit and to do everything in its power to stop the project from mov-ing forward.

The earth is the Lord’s – not ours to wreck ~ UCC National Synod Resolution, 2017

Full text on our website

https://universityucc.org/imperatives-for-a-new-moral-era-passed-by-31st-general-synod-of-ucc/

Save the Date: Spring Luncheon

The annual Mary’s Place Spring Luncheon is on Wednesday, May 9, beginning at 11:30 am, at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. There is no cost to attend! From past experience, I guarantee you will hear fabulous speakers, including past and current clients of Mary’s Place, learn about exciting new initiatives, and accomplishments over the past year.

We have set a goal of filling three tables at this year’s lunch. If you’d like to join us, please contact Liz Gil-bert at [email protected] or Mary Louise Alving at [email protected].

4515 16th Avenue N.E.

Seattle, WA 98105-4201

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Please Deliver by April 1

Worship and Preaching Calendar—Sunday worship service—10 am

April 1, 2018 — Easter Sunday

On the Road Preaching: Amy Roon Scripture: Luke: 24:13-35 9:00 worship, Sunday school, special sermon time 10:00 Children’s Ministry Easter egg hunt 11:00 worship, childcare, special sermon time

April 8, 2018 Journey’s Ending: Jacob’s return Preaching: Catherine Foote Scripture: Genesis 32:1—33:17

A journey’s end may be a pause, and only in retrospect do we realize it was an end. Sometimes it’s a clear sense of coming home, or an acknowledgment that we shall never “get home.” Sometimes the journey returns to where we started, or we have arrived someplace new. Sometimes we long for a different ending, or are relieved for whatever ending we can get, and sometimes the end is just a noticing that we are no longer moving.

Last Fall, we noticed all we had to leave behind. During Advent and Christmas we noticed the ways God might be calling us to get up and GO. In Epiphany, we noticed what it was to have meaningful experiences in homes and not our own. During Lent we noticed how the words of Jesus are shaped by how we experience them in settings lacking shelter.

In Eastertide, we notice the ways our journeys can end. In the infinite endings, none of them suggest we will never journey again. Our series notes that every ending is also arguably a beginning from another perspective. So our spiritual migration series ends with Pentecost and the building of a new church in a new way.

April 15, 2018 Journey’s Ending: to see and not go Preaching: Peter Ilgenfritz Scripture: Deuteronomy 34

April 22, 2018 Journey’s Ending: Elijah’s sweet chariot Preaching: Amy Roon Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-12

April 29, 2018 Journey’s Ending: return from exile Preaching: Catherine Foote Scripture: Ezra 1

april 2018 volume 70, number 4...construction of our new primary school, and to complete a critical...

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