Nurturing Faith, Growing Community, and Sowing Seeds of Justice and Peace on the Palouse

Communicator

Community Congregational United Church of Christ

InsideDenny Cass Award........p. 2Mark your calendar....... p. 3In the community............p.4Thank you corner...........p. 5Happy Birthdays/Anniver-sary.................................p. 6Calendar events...........p. 6

,God is still speaking,UNITED CHURCHO F C H R I S T

May, 2014 edition

Happy Easter, a season of rebirth, growth, and renewal. We will be celebrating the Easter season at CCUCC with a focu on our most ancient and vital of renewal spiritual practices -- our care and comassion for God’s creation. We too easily see ourselves as separate from the rest of creation, but we know that we do this at our peril. Remembering our sacred obligation to live as “a part of,” rather than viewing our planet as a commodity, is a call we cannot ignore.

Theologian Larry Rasmussen writes of the urgency of remembering our basic call to care for earth and all its resources. Here he writes of the sacredness of water:

“ I don’t know what tallies as sacred for you but if water doesn’t qualify, you should check your pulse to see whether you are among the quick or the dead” --Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary

He challenges us to care, literally, as if our own lives and the lives of our children depend upon it . . . because they do. Join us in reflecting upon this sacred calling through prayer, reflection, and action. What are we called to do, individually and collectively? Our lives are spiritually enriched by expanding our awareness and intention to live as an integral part of creation. We are creatures made of earth, air, and water, sustained by the flame of God’s Spirit. Join us as we celebrate an earth-centered, community-supported way of living. Join us as we affirm our commitment to understand and heal our shared Body. While we sometimes think of this as a “new” way of living a faith-filled life, this expansive, integrated awareness has long been part of our spiritual “DNA.” We hear this in the words of the psalmist (see th e quote from Psalm 104, to the left), which remind us to live in mindful relationship.

What has changed for us since these words were written is not the spiritual commitment, but our breadth of knowledge. As informed people of faith,

“ You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills,

giving drink to every wild animal; the wild asses quench their thirst. By

the streams the birds of the air have their habitation;

they sing among the branches. From your

lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is

satisfied with the fruit of your work.”

(Psalm 104: 10 – 13)

we are keenly aware of the impact we have upon our environment. We know that our lifestyle takes a far greater environmental toll than that of our ancestors. We use the wisdom of science to help us reflect upon our spiritual calling to restore God’s creation. Among the resources we will use in the upcoming months to help us focus our worship and thoughts, is from “Water, Holy water” a resource guide created by Creation Justice Ministries. It offers information and education, personal reflection and story, as well as spiritual guidance and prayer.

“We all know the climate is changing around us as a result of our historical and continuing greenhouse gas emissions. What we are just beginning to understand is how these climatactic changes are affecting water quality and availability throughout the US and the world. As the world warms, more groundwater evaporates into the atmosphere. In addition, we are seeing stronger storms but less frequent and consistent rain that is critical for recharging our water supply. This is putting added stress on our communities, farmers, and the whole of God’s creation who rely on water for survival.” --From “Water, Holy Water”

The voice of the ancient psalmist meets the voice of the contemporary climatologists, environmentalists, and scientists. We are invited to live as fully awake spiritual beings, listening to the wisdom of all the ages. Join us as we reaffirm our commitment to live awake and aware.

Peace, Kristine

A DAY TO GIVE THANKS: MAY 11TH On May 11th, we celebrate and recognize those who have nurtured, loved, and supported us on our life’s jouney. They come in many forms and faces. Whether it be our own mother or (mothers) or another, we celebrate them all on this day. Take a moment to give thanks for those who have held, sustained, and helped us to “grow” into the people we are today!

Happy Mother’s Day to all who invest a lifetime of love, friendship, compassion, and lessons into each of us. Thanks be to God!

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DENNY CASS AWARD 2014The Christian Education Board would like to announce that the 2014 Denny Cass Award recipient is Sarah Waldo. We will recognize her on May 18th 2014 during Sunday worship service.

The Denny Cass Memorial Scholarhsip Fund was established in 1976 at the time of her death from cancer. A close friend once said of her, “She is an organization within herself; always on the run, for others.”

Denny was born and raised in China, the daughter of medical missionaries. Her mother was a poet and Denny also wrote poetry. She was a student and graduate of Pomona College in California. Denny had an appriciation for the land and her surroundings. Denny was very active in the Pullman community and served actively in her church. She also helped in the Council on Aging, actively promoted the Meals on Wheels program and volunteered at the church Thrift Shop and Convalescent Center.

This year we (The CE Board) chose Sarah Waldo for her dedication and participation in our church. She began coming to CCUCC when she started graduate school at WSU and has been coming regularly ever since. She has volunteered to teach the Middle School Learning Community (who love not only her insight and sense of fun, but also her delicious banana!) She serves on the Thrift Shop Board, and has recently become a part of the Church’s Board of Trustees. And has helped to organize the “Doubts and Stouts” conversation gathering (open to everyone). Sarah is a PhD student at WSU in the Lab for Atmospheric Research and studies greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

Also, bring a favorite board game to play as time allows. If you are able to come, please let Monica and Corey Johnson (mjohnson34227@roadrunner.com) know, including what you plan to bring. Thanks, and looking forward to seeing you there!

THRIFT SHOPIt’s time to dig into your garage, closet, basement and attic. Do you really need all that stuff? Could someone else use what you are not using? Ask yourself what you are willing to divest yourself of and give it to The Thrift Shop. The store could use good quality items, even expensive items like jewellry, brand name clothing, housewares you thought were so clever but you never used, and gently worn children’s clothing.

Please donate in the small “house” on the corner of Campus and Ruby Streets, or bring it through the Ruby Street door and come into our sorting room on Monday night at 7-9 p.m. We are grateful for all donations. Another way to help the Shop is to…Shop!!! We are open Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 and Thursdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The Thrift Shop will have it’s 1/2 off everything sale May 20th-23rd. Come in and shop at discounted prices, tell your friends! Come find treasures galore!!! Visit us on our Facebook page at The Thrift Shop for updates and images of our merchandise.

SUMMER is right around the corner! Along with the beautiful sunshine we’re blessed to experience longer days, and endless outdoor play! We can expect annual seasonal changes around CCUCC as well. Please note the following:

MAY 18th: Denny Cass Award Service During ServiceMAY 25th: UCC Minister Mike Denton visitsJUNE 8th: Learning Community ends/Teacher RecognitionJUNE 15th: Summer Learning Program begins (thru August 31st)JUNE 15th: Summer Worship starts-9:30am start timeJUNE 16th thru AUGUST 14th: Trina’s Summer schedule starts-TBA at a later date, office days/hours of operation. Please be mindful that summer church office hours fluctuate. Chip and Kristine will be around but often have appointments so daily office hours change. If in need of assistance, leave a message on the office phone. Emails will be check regularly.

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Congratuations Sarah and thank you for being a part of our church family and working hard to shine light within our community as an outstanding leader.

This poem, written by Denny herself, describes well her life style. We honor Sarah Waldo for her efforts in upholding our church family with love, passion, and compassion through all that you do.

SLEEPLESS THOUGHTS:

To give;is to live;

is to grow;is to know

LOVE!

SENIOR RECOGNITION PRESENTATION: MAY 11th 2014

Join us on Sunday, May 11th during service to congratuate this year’s graduating seniors: Emma Laird, Emma Trayte, Robbie Handy, Will Blanks Hindman, and Annalese Rogers! Come help us celebrate the seniors. Seniors, whether you’ve been here a lifetime, a year, or somewhere in between, we have loved watching you grow into young adulthood. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

TEACHER APPRECIATION: JUNE 8th Come thank all of the people who helped make Learning Community possible this year. This year’s volunteers have assisted and taught our children and youth every Sunday. Let’s join together in thanking them for sharing their time and gifts with our kids.

UCC FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN POTLUCK

BREAKFAST

The families with young children of Community Congregational will be meeting for a potluck breakfast and games on Sunday, May 4th at 9am in Fellowship Hall.

Pancakes (plain, blueberry, chocolate chip, with butter/syrup) and coffee will be provided. Other items you might consider bringing include pancake toppings (beyond maple syrup and butter), juice, cut fruit, or any other breakfast items you’d like to share.

(food carts) selling food made fresh, on-site, with local ingrediants, most made from farmers market items! You can’t get more fresh and local than that! The market is sponsored by the Pullman Chamber of Commerce. for more information contact the market manager by email: pullmanfarmersmarket@gmail.com or call the Chamber at: 509-334-3565.

PALOUSE CHORAL SOCIETY

Our choir’s very own Anjuli Dodhia will be singing one of the solos in the Bach St. John Passion with the Palouse Choral Society.

*Saturday, May 3rd at 7:30pm at U of I Adminis-trative Auditorium

*Sunday, May 4th at 4pm at Clarkston High School Auditorium.

Show your support by attending or giving her a great “good luck” when you bump into her!

NEXT EDITION DEADLINE:

Please note May 19th will be the deadline for any and all information going into the June 2014 edition of The

Communicator. Please contact Trina at the church office to have your information included.

NAME TAGS & NEIGHBORS

Get to know the neighbor in your pew or greet friends by name during coffee hour. Wear your name tag and extend your hand in friendship. Feel free to jazz up your name tag, make a new one, decorate it (supplies on the small table in the Narthex) or ask the church office to print you a permanent one.

FAMILY PROMISE

June 15th – 23rd is our next week to host for Family Promise. If you can help with set-up, clean-up, making a meals, serving as a host in the evenings (5:30-8:30 pm) or stay overnight (8:30 pm – 7:30 am) we would appreciate your help. For information about Family Promise of the Palouse or how you might help contact: sueschell@roadrunner.com.

HELP OUR FOOD BANKS

Please help support our local food banks by bringing some of these items to church May 11 – 25; cans of soup, vegetables, fruit and tuna, macaroni and cheese, top ramen, cereal (hot or cold), rice, chili, refried beans, tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, pasta and a packaged pasta dinner, ketchup, mustard, jam, pickles, pancake mix, syrup, hot chocolate, tea and household items. If shopping is difficult for you a check may be written to CCUCC/ food bank. All donations will be divided between Pullman Child Welfare and Community Action Center.

PULLMAN FARMERS MARKET

This years Farmer’s Market will be starting Wednesday, May 14th, from 3:30-6:00pm and will be held every Wednesday until October 22nd. You can find the market in the Spot Shop parking lot at 240 NE Kamiaken St.

Several vendors will offer a wide variety of food and farm products. With a majority of growers from the Palouse & Lewiston-Clarkston area, nearly two-dozen vendors participate in the Pullman Market each season and this year there will be fresh, warm, food vendors

Community Congregational United Church of Christ 4 525 NE Campus Ave. Pullman, WA 99163

CHOIR SPOTLIGHT

Birthdays and

Anniversaries

~May~ 10 Ardis Hauser 11 Patrick Worthey 12 Guy Worthey 15 Marj Grunewald 21 Carol Spurling 23 Elsina Lee Brown 25 Ronda & Derek McLean (1991) 26 Jim Wills 28 Corey & Monica Johnson

Please note if you’d like your birthday/anniversary listed in the monthly newsletter send information into the

church office: pullumucc@frontier.com

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAYMay 26, 2014

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A BIG FAMILY PROMISE THANK YOU to all those who volunteered time during our Family Promise host week March 16-23. We had another successful stay and couldn’t have done it without the around-the-clock help of the volunteers.

We hosted two young families. The three little boys were lots of fun. There were 40 individuals who volunteer in so many ways from making meals, to organizing bedding, as well as setting up, cleaning up and hosting. Together we “clocked” about 340 volun-teer hours of service. We very much appreciate the as-sistance of the Colfax and Pioneer Hill LDS Wards. Each one of you makes a big difference. Mark your calendars—Our next week to host will be June 15-22.

A BIG HUG AND THANK YOU TO MO-NIqUE SLIPHER who potted beautiful flowers in the front of the church. They’re warm and vibrant colors welcome Spring and all those entering our church home. Thank you for all that you do!

THANK YOU TO DEACONS for spring cleaning the narthex and sanctuary, beautiful sparkling pews. T

THANK YOU TO KATHY SPENCER AND SUE SCHELL for working hard this past month to get the flower room cleared out and organized just in time for Palm Sunday and Easter! We appreciate all that you do!

THANK YOU to all those who volunteer their per-sonal time and efforts to make our board and council meetins a possibility and priority. We need you to make decisions regarding our community, so thank you! We appreciate all that you do!

THANKS TO THE DEACONS for setting up the digital photo frame in the Narthex! It’s a great de-light to see our church family displayed in such a fun, modern way!!! Go CCUCC!!!

THANK YOU TO TRACY SIMMONS for being our guest preacher, Sunday April 27th-the weekend of annual meeting!

THANK YOU TO MONICA PETERS for going out of your way to get all the church plaques engraved and up to date on your spare time. Thank you for all that you do!

A BIG HUG AND THANK YOU TO MARGIE VOGT for coming into the church every Friday to make sure our weekly bulletins are folded for Sunday. What would we do without you! You’re a great help and we appreciate you!

THANK YOU THANK YOU to CHIP AND KRISTINE for all the hard work, endless hours, love, effort and energy you both put into our church community and family! We’re grateful for your lead-ership and love!

THANK YOU CORNER

Non-Profit Organ.U.S. Postage Paid

Pullman, WAPermit No. 52

CHURCH STAffSenior PaStor:rev. KriStine ZaKariSonkristine@pullman.comaSSociate PaStor:rev. chiP Lairdchiplaird1@gmail.com

PariSh adminiStrator:trina L. aviLeZpullmanucc@frontier.comLc coordinator:chandra crow

organiSt/PianiSt:Kathy SPencer

choir director:SheiLa converSe

nurSery care: Kortnee BateS

CONTACT US509-332-6411

pullmanucc@frontier.comOn the Web at:

www.pullmanucc.org6

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: (see inside for details)

May 4 Families with young children potluck, 9am “Solos on the Go” birthday brunch-Birch & BarleyMay 6 Book Group-CCUCC, 6:15-7:45pmMay 10 WSU’s Spring CommencementMay 11 Happy Mother’s Day!May 11-25 CCUCC Food Drive Senior Recognition May 12 WSU’s Summer Session StartsMay 13 Book Group-CCUCC, 6:15-7:45pmMay 18 Denny Cass Award ServiceMay 20 Book Group-CCUCC, 6:15-7:45pmMay 20-23 Thrift Shop 1/2 off SaleMay 21 CE Board Meeting, CCUCC 7pmMay 25 Bishop Place Sing-A-Long, 10:45am Mike Denton, UCC guest minister visitsMay 26 Happy Memorial Day!!!May 27 Book Group-CCUCC, 6:15-7:45pm

Great Secondhand & Second Chance Goods

The

Great Secondhand & Second Chance Goods

The

525 N.E. Campus Ave.Pullman, WA 99163

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ADDRESS, PHONE OR EMAIL UPDATESPLEASE GIVE TO CHURCH OffICE --

509-332-6411 or pullmanucc@frontier.com The church directory will be updated. THANKS!

Remember to visit our Thrift Shopfor the best bargains in town . . .and spread the word to others!

Hours:Tuesdays: 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Thursdays & fridays: 12 noon - 4 pm