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December 2016 Volume 68, Number 12
in this issue
Adopt a Christmas Family………...……… 6
Along the Way ………………………...….. 13
Children’s Ministry …………...………… 10
Love & Justice Ministries …………………..14
Ministry Update ………………………… 10
New Member Bios ………………………… 4
Offering of Gifts …………………………. 7
Poinsettias order form …………………….. 6
Special Offering…………………………… 9
A Reflection on Our Post-Election Gathering ~ Lori VanderBilt, Creativity Council
It was supposed to be a restorative gathering for spiritual cleansing from the election process. After the unexpected tumult of the election on Tuesday night, we redid the plan for Wednesday. How do we make space to hold our responses to this outcome? We weren’t sure how many would come. We made a decision to stay in the chapel; it turned out to be standing room only.
Peter welcomed us:
We recognize our humanity and the value of all.
We grieve today, and prepare for work tomorrow.
We are not here to create more enemies, but to reach out.
We seek the ground of integrity of what our faith calls us to.
We lit candles. We sang, “Peace before us, peace behind us, peace under our feet.” We shared our griefs, in the presence of God and our community. We listened to the “God is with us” messages from Scripture: Psalm 46 and 23. From Romans 8, we heard, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.”
Catherine reminded us that in times of grief, it is important to be gentle with ourselves, go slowly, and write things down lest we forget.
As we left, Peter invited us to take a candle, remembering that the light shines in the darkness. We greeted each other with a sign of peace. Since then, people have said:
“It made an immense difference to me to gather with community that night.”
“It gave me space to grieve, and I left with some hope in my heart.”
“My family all wanted to come. They were glad they did.”
“I felt the palpable experience of the Spirit; the service helped me hold it together in this time.”
Did the service impact you? Did you miss it, and long for another gathering like this? Would you be willing to offer input on what this would look like? Please talk to Peter [email protected], (206)524-2322 or Lori at [email protected], (206)789-8123.
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Children’s Ministry Advent Party If you have infants — 5th graders) you are warmly in-vited to the Lovejoy-Guron’s house on December 10. There will be room for kids to play, adults to connect, and potluck food to be eaten.
Christmas Carols in the Lounge Come and join the annual Play-along, Sing-along, Dance-along festivities in the lounge after church on Sunday, December 11. If you play an instrument — we have a part for you. If you’re new, or vey rusty, you can play just a few notes, and still make things more festive. For more information, or to borrow a part in advance, ask Ginger Warfield [email protected], or leave a message at (206)525-0175.
Senior Lunch This is a great excuse to stop by church in the middle of the day. On December 12 at noon, you can enjoy a light lunch of soup and salad with delightful company.
Youth Group Christmas Party Middle and High School-ers are invited to join their peers on December 16 for a party in the Narthex.
Balkan Christmas Concert The City Cantabile Choir will be using our Sanctuary on December 17 at 7:30, and the 18th at 3:30 to perform Fred West’s Christmas Cantata which includes songs of voice and instruments inspired Slavic countries. This choir includes our own Earl Hamilton.
Worship Services A list of all of our December Worship services is on the back cover of this newsletter, as always.
We want to extend the invitation of Advent & Christmas to all our neighbors and friends. Our Advent & Christmas Activities flier will be on our website. Hard copies can be found in the Narthex magazine kiosk, and at the parking sign-in table. Take some copies home, and share them with anyone you think might like to be a part of our community this season.
Building Closure December 26-27 the building will be closed in observance of the Christmas Holiday.
Upcoming Events in December As we close in on the end of the calendar year, please take note of the various ways you can connect with your church family over the holiday season. We have some fun Advent and Christmas related events, as well as our
usual monthly line-up of fellowship opportunities.
Parents with little ones Dinner If you have an infant - two-year-old child (or are “expecting”), a new group is starting up with you in mind. Bring your little ones and older children to our Lounge on December 3 from 4:30-6:30 for a chance to connect with other parents. RSVP Caitlin Suginaka [email protected]
Advent workshop Indulge your creative side, even if you don’t think you have one, at our annual Advent workshop. There are so many different types of Advent and Christmas crafts to try out, and a friendly volunteer to help at each crafting station. Head down to Ostrander Hall after worship on December 4 and have fun.
* Lynn Schafer is leading the volunteer team, and still needs some help. Contact her at (206)325-1418 or [email protected].
Superfluity Christmas Ornaments On December 4 Superfluity will sell Christmas ornaments in the Narthex.
Wisdom Circle Join our Wisdom Circle in the Lounge on December 5 at 10:30.
Men’s Supper Join the men of our church for their last dinner of the year. December 6 and 6:00 in the Lounge.
Writing Workshop Join our writer’s group in room 317 on December 8 and 22 to get inspiration, and encourage others.
Free Choral Concert Featuring the University of Washington Recital Choir under the direction of Meg Stohlmann. Our interim choir director, Brenda Mohr, will accompany the seventy-voice ensemble as they present an evening of choral music: Renaissance — the 21st century. Friday, December 9 at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary.
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Church and Home is published monthly by University
Death Announcement News of Our Church
Join our next Inquirers Lunch, Jan. 8 Interested in learning more about our church? Join us on Sunday, January 8, from 11:30 - 1:30 in Ostrander Hall for a tasty (and complimentary) lunch of soup, salad, bread and dessert.
You’ll meet others who may be on a similar spiritual journey and learn how to plug in to this church community from long term members and clergy. We’ll explore topics from history, to theology, to membership.
Whether you’ve been coming for years or are a newcomer, you are welcome to join us.
To RSVP, or let us know about special needs (including childcare), email us at [email protected] or call (206) 979-7539.
Birth Announcements
We Need Communion Servers ~ Sherman & Kay English Would sharing and blessing the bread and "wine" for communion be a meaningful experience for you? We are organizing servers for the year ahead. No special preparation or previous experience is needed If you let us know of your willingness to serve, we will work to find a time that works for you. Please contact us at: [email protected] or call Kay at (206)300 9571
Welcome to the world Apollo Lux Johnson
Apollo was born on Thursday (choir day), October 20 to his very excited parents, Ashleigh & Tim Johnson! He was 7.06lbs and 20.7” long. New baby, Mom, and Dad are doing well! Congratulations to Grandparents, Erin & Dan Johnson, and Uncle Stephen as well.
Welcome Hazel Powell Perutz
Hazel was born on Tuesday October 18. She is the first child of parents Brenna & Mark and the 5th grand-child of Grandparents Jeanne and Dave Powell. Hazel is healthy and good natured and new parents are doing well.
Welcome to the world Desta Oliver Nash Rule
Born on November 6, he is the new grandson of Nancy Hannah and Mary Ellen Smith, and first child of parents Michaela Leslie-Rule & Padraig Nash. Everyone is doing well & getting to know each other.
From the Archives ~ Dick Hall, Church Historian
On July 11, 1973, our church organist, and most of his family, drowned in a tragic boat accident on Lake Ozette. The lone survivor, who was able to swim to shore, was his daughter, Randi, who was 13 at the time.
Recently she wrote our church requesting a framed picture of her father that had hung in the church
office for several years. I have searched our archives and haven’t found it. I am hoping someone remembers both the picture, and where it is now. Thank you for your help. (206)525-8204, [email protected]
Dorothy L. Guth – Passed away on Saturday, November 5. She was going to join our church on November 13, and was accepted as a member posthumously. Dotty felt very much at home at UCUCC.
She was a remarkable woman, warm and witty, and had a clever way with words. She was born in Albany, New York, attended Smith College and afterwards worked for a publishing company, The New Yorker magazine, and E.B.White. Her husband of 50 years, Raymond C. Guth, preceded her in death as did their son. She leaves one daughter, Jean Guth, son-in-law, Eric Holtz, and grandson Raymond. (see more of her biography on page 4)
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(Children’s Ministry, continued from page 4)
Meet New Members of Our Church
New Members from August 28
New Members from November 13
Biographies of New Members are available in the
paper edition.
Copies are available in the magazine kiosk in our
Narthex.
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Return this form to the church office or bring to the narthex table on December 4.
Name:______________________________________
Phone:_______________
Email:_____________________________________
I can help in the following way:
___ I’d like a family of about _____ people.
___ I’ve enclosed $_______ for those needing help dur-ing the holidays. ___ I will be a stand-in shopper/wrapper using Christmas Family Funds. ___ I would like to be a committee member. (This is a fun, short- term project. Help with sign ups in the Narthex, or distribution on Dec 11). ___ I can make deliveries on December 11. (Drivers with vans or cars with considerable room are needed to transport boxes to distribution points).
Place your Orders for Holiday Poinsettias Now
Sign up for a Christmas Family Help make a child’s Christmas special by participating in the Christmas Family Project — where families and groups of friends at our church are matched with families in need. Our families are referred to us through the Compass Housing Alliance, Bethany United Church of Christ, and the Lake City Holiday Project.
Last year we served 166 children, 37 adults, and numerous seniors. And, through your donations, we were able to provide gift cards for our pastors to distribute at their discretion.
You may sign up in the narthex to adopt a family until December 4. Families are of varying sizes to make it possible for everyone to participate. If you are part of a small group, you might want to share a family. We will provide information about your family, and give suggestions for gifts. Gifts need to be brought to the church on December 11 or make alternate arrangements. If you’d like to get an early start on your shopping or have questions, please contact Kathy Kripps at (206)522-7847 or [email protected].
My Name (s) ______________________________________
Phone _______________________
I/We want to donate _________ plant(s) at $15 each
Payment in the amount of $ ______________ is enclosed
Please PRINT clearly. We will use your spelling for all names we print in the bulletin.
In memory of
_________________________________________________
________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
________________________________________________
In honor of
_________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Each year we invite you to honor and remember friends and loved ones by contributing to our Advent Poinsettia display. Your contribution will help fill our Sanctuary with holiday spirit, and any additional funds will go to ensuring we have chancel flowers on those Sundays when there aren’t any donations.
We purchase poinsettias from the Nathan Hale High School Horticulture and Urban Farm which supports their program of teaching students to grow edible and ornamental plants using sustainable methods. Visit their facebook page for more information: www.facebook.com/hale.horticulture/
The plants will be delivered to our church the week of December 12. They will decorate our worship space through January 1, and the names of those honored will be in the bulletin those 3 Sundays.
If you would like to participate in this meaningful annual tradition, please complete the form to the right, and return it, with your payment, to the church office by December 13, so that we can have time to publish your loved ones name in the December 18 bulletin.
~ Erin Lovejoy-Guron Lay Ministries & Communications Coordinator
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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December 11 Offering of Gifts We have chosen some local agencies to receive Christmas gifts from our congregation. Below is a list of agencies, their work, and their wish lists. You are invit-ed to shop joyfully (gifts should be new), and help brighten the holiday season for someone in need!
On Sunday, December 11, bring your gift(s) into the worship service with you. During the time of offering, gifts will be brought forward and placed at the base of the communion table.
Please be sure that your gift is clearly labeled with the agency name. Many of our agencies prefer unwrapped gifts. Clear labeling helps
things to flow smoothly when gifts are being sorted following the service, and will ensure that your gift gets where you want it to go. Also include applicable details such as age or clothing size. Please see each agency’s description for specific labeling instructions.
ARION COURT is a single room occupancy apartment building in South Lake Union for homeless men, most of whom are U.S. veterans. Some gift suggestions include: clothing items for adult men (coats, jackets, sweat-shirts, T-shirts, sweaters, socks, and pajamas – sizes M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL), radios/CD players, Walk-mans, alarm clocks, pots and pans, dinner plates and dishes, small appliances (toasters, coffee makers, etc.), “kitchen baskets” with utensils, cookware, etc., toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, etc.), cleaning supplies, mops and brooms, linens (hand and bath towels, bed sheets, etc.), and gift cards to places like Target, Fred Meyer, grocery stores, etc. Please label gift.
MARY’S PLACE empowers homeless women, children and families to reclaim their lives by providing shelter, nourishment, resources, healing and hope in a safe community. The day center and overnight shelters keep families together, and provide practical tools and resources to help find housing and employment. Gift suggestions include: cosmetics, coats, gloves, hats, slippers with soles, African American hair care products, gift cards to coffee shops such as Tully’s or Starbucks, movie passes, and $20 gift cards to Payless Shoes and/or monetary donations for the purchase of shoes. Gifts need not be wrapped, but clearly labeled “Mary’s Place”.
TIERRA NUEVA a multi-faceted ministry in Skagit County which collects gifts for children who have a parent in jail over the holidays. Tierra Nueva provides much needed presents that help relieve financial burdens, and personally drop off the gifts, so they can support and pray with the families. For children in primary and interme-diate grades, soccer balls, basketballs, school supplies, and art supplies tend to be the biggest “hits.” Other gift suggestions include: warm coats; mittens; gloves; hats and scarves; toys (none that suggest a violent theme, please); barrettes and hair ribbons; books (Spanish-English if possible); games; and jewelry; and wrapping paper to wrap the gifts. Tierra Nueva prefers that gifts not be wrapped. Please label clearly with the agency name.
FRIENDS OF YOUTH has over 65 years of service to youth and families in our community. In fiscal year 2016, Friends of Youth positively impacted over 4,000 youth and families, operating facilities and providing services at 25 sites in 18 cities across the Puget Sound region. Gift for foster, refugee, and homeless youth and young families are particularly needed. Ideas include: sweatshirts, books, warm hats and gloves, board and card games, backpacks, children's plates, spoons, sipper cups, pots and pans, cooking and serving utensils, art supplies, bus tickets, movie tickets, socks, winter coats, tents, infant formula, disposable diapers, twin sheet sets, queen sheet sets, new pillows, crib sets and gift cards. Please label gift. Unwrapped gifts preferred.
Take this page with you when you do your holiday shopping.
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NEW BEGINNINGS provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and individual and group advocacy for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. The agency's greatest need is for non-expired, unopened, non-perishable food. Food items most needed include: Animal Crackers, Applesauce, Biscuit Mix, Baby Food, Cake Mixes, Soup/Broth, Canned Beans, Cereal, Coffee, Condiments, Fruit Cups, Fruit Leather, Graham Crackers, Granola Bars, Honey, Jam/Jellies, Juice Boxes, Macaroni & Cheese, Muffin Mix, Nuts, Pasta, Peanut Butter, Pudding Packs, Raisins, Rice, Rice Vinegar, Salad Dressing, Salsa, Seasonings (including ethnic spices), Soy Baby Formula, Soy Sauce, Spaghetti Sauce, Tea, Trail Mix, Tuna, Tuna Helper, Vegetable Oil. Please label gift. Un-wrapped gifts preferred.
TEEN FEED serves homeless youth and young adults ages 13-25 with: warm meals to youth every night of the week, and a safe and nurturing environment for youth to speak with volunteers trained in advocacy and referrals. Case management and outreach services are available to help youth complete goals such as housing, ID, and em-ployment. Teen Feed especially welcomes gift cards (max. value of $40) to music stores, bookstores, and gro-cery stores (purchase card that cannot be used for alcohol or cigarettes). Other ideas: pre-loaded ORCA cards, pre-paid phone cards, sleeping bags, L and XL hooded sweatshirts, hand warmers, backpacks, travel alarm clocks, flashlights, batteries (especially AA and AAA), waterproof outdoor boots (size 11-13), wool socks (no cotton or synthetic), gloves, stocking caps/beanies, and scarves. For clothing, darker colors are preferred. Please label gift.
SOLID GROUND runs a Family Shelter which provides temporary housing for families in crisis. Gift suggestions include: diapers, baby wipes, flat sheets for full/double beds, pots and pans, and alarm clocks. Please label gift. Unwrapped gifts preferred.
COMPASS HOUSING ALLIANCE provides critical services for people who are homeless in the Seattle area. Several hundred individuals daily receive services from Compass. Gift suggestions include: New warm hats, new gloves, $5 gift cards to Starbucks, McDonalds and grocery stores, new L-XXXL sweatshirts, and back-packs. Dark or neutral colors preferred for all items. Please label gift. Unwrapped gifts preferred.
TRETTIN DROP-IN PRESCHOOL is described by many parents as a “lifesaver”. Between 9am and 4pm each day, a diverse population of children “drop in” to Trettin, which is housed in our church. This activity-filled preschool needs Crayola markers, drawing paper, stickers, and doll clothes. Please label gift.
THE CHILD LEARNING AND CARE CENTER AT UCUCC provides nurturing care in a multi-cultural environment to the children of working parents. The center would be pleased to have Crayola markers, drawing paper, stickers, and doll clothes. There is a “wish list” for CLCC on amazon.com with
December 11 Offering of Gifts
Please be sure that your gift is clearly labeled with the agency name. Many of our agencies prefer unwrapped gifts. Clear labeling helps things to flow smoothly when gifts are being sorted following the service, and will ensure that your gift gets where you want it to go. Also include applicable details such as age or clothing size. Please see each agency’s description for
specific labeling instructions.
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For Those Who Cannot Attend Church (And those who can)
~ Carol Scott-Kassner
The season of Advent is characterized as a time of
waiting. We await the arrival of the light with the
change of seasons. We await the arrival of the birth
of the baby Jesus and the light that he brought into
the world. But it is also a time of being both quiet
and alert at the same time as is suggested in the
following reading.
Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when
the master of the house will come, in the evening, or
at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he
may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And
what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake!
As the darkness surrounds us on these extended
nights, use this time to go inward and to awaken to
what is moving spiritually for you. What new thing
might be being born in you in this season of
anticipation and waiting?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May this season bring great joy to you.
Companioning through Grief Support Group In February, our church will offer a grief support group for those who wish to share their stories, and learn from one another. We will create a sacred space together, honoring each other as we embrace our feelings of pro-found loss of a family member. Prayers, poetry, art, mu-sic and journal writing will be part of our time together.
WHEN: Join us for 6 consecutive Tuesdays starting on February 28 to April 4 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm
WHERE: The Chapel, University Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 16th Ave NE
For more information, and to let us know of your inter-est, please contact co-facilitators Mary Jeanne Phipps ([email protected]) or Cheryl Ellsworth ([email protected]).
BeFriender Ministry: The holidays are coming, and while it is a fun season for many, we know there are others for whom this is a difficult time.
If you are someone who struggles during this time of year, the BeFriender Ministry would like to offer you the possibility of having someone to walk with you through these challenges.
If you are interested in having a BeFriender on a short term basis during the holidays, please contact any of the clergy or Carol Coleman [email protected].
You have the opportunity to be a part of the ministry that cares for the active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ through your participation in this year's Christmas Fund Offering.
Your gift to the Christmas Fund will not only assist pastors, but also provide for the Supplementation of Small Annuities, Supplementation of Health Premiums, Emergency Grants, and provide Christmas “Thank You” Gift Checks next December to low-income retirees.
Thanks for your generosity in participating in our December 2016 Special Offering.
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Children’s & Youth Ministry News
Food Packing Service Project After worship, on December 18, bring the kids to the 1st floor hallway to pack grocery bags with nonperishable foods for the Emergency Feeding Program.
This is fun, easy way to involve the whole family in serving others. This activity is suitable for preschoolers and older, and it lasts about 30 minutes. This activity is run by Diane and Steve Adam. Please contact Leslie Riley at [email protected], (206)524-2322 x3305 for more information.
Advent Workshop To help ensure that this year’s Advent Workshop is again the fun, and enjoyable time that it has been for years — we need volunteers: people who can come ear-ly to set-up, people to staff the craft tables, and peope willing to clean up afterwards. Many hands make light work! Let Lynn Schafer know how you can help (206)325-1418 or [email protected].
Advent Processional Children and families are invited to bring in lit lanterns at the beginning of worship during the Advent season. Starting with just a handful of lanterns the first Sunday, each Sunday more lanterns will be added to suggest the coming of light into the world.
Contact Leslie Riley at (206)524-2322 [email protected] if you want to participate in this special ritual.
Light the Way through Advent Fifth graders and their families have the special honor of lighting the Advent wreath candles during worship and leading the Call to Worship during Advent.
5th graders can sign up for the four Sundays of Advent and Epiphany.
More details will be sent to 5th grade families. Contact Leslie Riley at [email protected] for more information.
Ministry Update
Christian Education
Contact Leslie Riley for more information on any Children’s Ministry activity at (206)524-2322 or
~ Catherine Foote
There has been a lot going on in our ministry of Christian Education, especially in the areas of Children and Youth. Leslie Riley is continuing her good work in Children's Ministry, and the plan right now is for that interim position to continue until the end of the program year in May. During this time, we are maintaining our top notch program, and also assessing what we will need to continue to move forward. The permanent position description will be developed over the next few months, and we will begin our search for that person sometime after the start of the new year.
Margaret Swanson will begin her Family Leave in January, and will be out for 12 weeks as she and Jeremy are planning to welcome a new baby into their family. Baby Swanson is due in early January.
We have hired Wendy Blight as the Interim Youth Ministries Coordinator while Margaret is away. Wendy served as church ad-ministrator at Plymouth Church in downtown Seattle until this last June. She is an ideal fit for helping lead our youth program, with strong skills and communication and ministry support. Her role will be to help the Youth Board, the volunteer Youth Ministers, and fami-lies as they continue the direct work of youth ministry in our church. Some of you might know Wendy – she grew up in this church! Welcome home Wendy.
Children’s Ministry Advent Party This years potluck party for children, families, and caregivers will take place Saturday, December 10 starting at 5:00. Erin and Vanessa Lovejoy-Guron and their sons have graciously offered to host this year’s event at their home. Bring the whole family and a sweet or savory winter treat for holiday cheer and fellowship. Leslie Riley is your contact person at (206)524-2322 [email protected].
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Contact Margaret Irribarra Swanson for more information on any Youth Ministry activity
mswanson@university ucc.org or (206)524-2322.
Youth Group 9am – 10am Sundays, December 4, 11, 18 - Pilgrim Room & 104
Youth in grades 6 – 12 are invited to join us for 9am Youth Group! The middle school youth group is made up of youth in grades 6, 7 & 8. Their youth leaders are Hillary Coleman and Johnathon Fitzpatrick. The high school youth group is made up of youth in grades 9, 10, 11 & 12. Their youth leaders are Aaron Turner, Katrina Fitzpatrick and Brian Gregg.
Junior & Senior Small Group Wednesday, December 21: 7pm – 8:30pm Pilgrim Room
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.
December 2016 Events for Youth & Parents:
Youth Group Christmas Party Friday, December 16: 6pm – 8:30pm Church Lounge and Narthex
Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to come together to celebrate the season! We will have dinner together, play holiday themed games, and close the night with some candlelight singing of carols. As always, friends are welcome to join in the festivities! All are welcome! Please RSVP to Wendy at [email protected] so we can know how much food to order.
Advent Events All youth, families and friends are welcome to participate in the following Advent events:
December 4: Advent Workshop 11:30am
December 11: Caroling, Sing or Play Along 11:30am
December 21: Longest Night Service 7pm
December 24: Christmas Eve Services 5pm, 8pm, 11pm
December 25: Christmas 10am Worship
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Adult Education
2017 Women’s Retreat ~ Rebecca Rickabaugh, on behalf of the Women's Retreat Committee
The theme for this year’s Women’s Retreat is “Wholeness and The Spirituality of the Particular”. Our own Catherine Foote will lead us through a time of considering the ways each of our own particular lives reflect the holy. We will look at the things that make our hearts sing, the places we have found refuge and healing, and the ways our own specific gifts and passions - i.e. poetry, quilting, graphic arts, shepherding, mathematics, etc. - connect us to one another and are gifts for the wider world. As naturalist John Muir once said: “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.”
The weekend retreat is January 20-22. It will be preceded by a silent retreat for any who can join us and want to experience the gift of spending a day together in silent companionship, January 19-20. The cost of the weekend retreat is $130; the cost of the full retreat, including the day of silence, is $180.00. Financial aid is available.
Whether you are new to our community or have been here a long time, we invite you to join us for this annual gathering of women for fellowship, inspiration and renewal. For questions, contact Rebecca Rickabaugh at (206)524.5786 or [email protected].
2017 End of Life Discussion Series This four-week series is part of UCUCC’s desire to provide a safe and caring environment to talk about how we approach the end of our lives.
How do we engage in conversation with our families?
How to incorporate our values into our health care choices?
How to leave a gift of legacy for our family?
Weekly topics:
1. View and discuss the film, Speaking of Dying
2. Health care choices, emotional and spiritual support: Overview of Palliative care and end of life options
3. Advance directive (including Alzheimer’s advance directive): Begin to complete your legal documents.
4. Legacy & Memorial Planning
This series will be scheduled in February or March 2017. We anticipate each session will be 2 hours. For those of you who may be interested in at-tending, we’d like to know what days/times are best for you.
Scheduling options:
Weekday
Week night
Saturday morning
Saturday afternoon
Sunday after worship (with light lunch)
Please let us know your scheduling preference and what questions you have.
Gretchen DeRoche (425)640-8217 [email protected]
Cheryl Ellsworth (206)933-7577 [email protected]
UCC Pacific NW Men’s Winter Retreat ~ Michael Phipps
We announce that our own Rev. Mike Denton, Conference Minister, is going to be our program speaker at the 26th Annual Pacific NW Men's Retreat at Pilgrim Firs Conference Center on February 3-5, 2017. Mike will be sharing his thoughts and experience around eldering, sharing wisdom, speaking into a culture that yearns for wise thoughts and actions. The registration for this retreat will be opening up soon. There will also be a Day of Silence from Thursday evening, February 2 to the afternoon of February 3. Please save the dates, and share the news with men you know and care about. Teens welcome and encouraged!
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Along the Way “Be the Church” ~ David Anderson
Sometimes, in the life of our world, it becomes again apparent that the church has a vital role. Jesus called his followers, and us, to a life of care for all people and all of creation. He showed us a way of walking with those on the margins of society, and those at the center. He encouraged, chided, prodded, and comforted. And, he set in place a movement of honor and dignity for all, challenging society’s institutions, and reminding his followers of a Way of justice and care. This was a key mission of the early church: to speak truth to power, and support the common good.
That is still our task, not to be co-opted by society or to be complacent. And that takes a community: caring for each other; learning and hearing the stories of each other, and those who share the journey; worshipping God and grounding ourselves in the Good far greater than we can imagine or achieve; and reaching out to act and articulate for love and justice. It’s a tall order, and fortunately we are promised strength for the journey, and God’s presence with us always. Thanks be to God! Let’s move forward with renewed commitment. Here’s a way the United Church of Christ has articulated this:
Showing Up for Racial Justice ~ Toni Higgs
Three days after the election, twenty-one brave social justice leaders showed up for an intensive two-day training on how to be racial justice facilitators within our congregation. They understand the spiritual imperative to confront racism through study, developing relationships, having sacred conversations, and determining worthwhile action.
Led by Diane Schmitz and Cynthia MacLeod, the workshop not only gave an overview of racism in America, but also taught everyone how to talk effectively about race with one another. The conversations quickly went deep and personal, with such dynamism that the moderators had to call out repeatedly to get people back to the large group.
So what’s next? Why should it matter to you? Get involved in the conversation. After the holidays, you’ll find numerous ways and times to join a racial justice conversation. If you’re interested, please contact me, and let me know if Sundays after church, Saturdays or a weeknight would work better for you. Peace be with you in these tumultuous times. [email protected]
Looking Ahead to Seabeck 2017 Save the dates for Seabeck All-Church Camp, Sunday, July 9 through Friday, July 14, 2017.
Make plans now to enjoy all your favorite camp activities: meals together, fellowship with old and new friends, quiet time to relax and reflect, tie-dye, talent show, square dancing, vespers, the puzzle, singing, swimming, salmon bake, _________ (fill in the blank).
Next summer, we welcome Kate Davies to help us explore how we find hope in times of crisis. Kate Davies is a local activist, writer, and educator for environmental justice. She is a leader in the Cascadia Climate Collaborative and teaches at Antioch University. She will publish a book about intrinsic
hope and living courageously in 2017. She writes, “Ultimately, intrinsic hope is not a hope for any particular outcome in the external world—rather it is a way of being and acting in the world. At its core, intrinsic hope is about love and compassion. When we feel love and compassion for others, our hearts break open and we take action on their behalf automatically; it is impossible not to act.”
You can read a bit of her work published by Tikkun at the following website:
http://www.tikkun.org/nextgen/hope-in-the-age-of-climate-consequences
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Mary’s Place Hosting Ministry ~ LizGilbert After considerable discernment and prayer, we have decided to limit our hosting to just two 2-week periods in 2017. In the past, we’ve provided four 2-week hosting periods, but since Mary’s Place is successfully recruiting more faith communities, it seems like the right time to step back a bit, while retaining our commitment to serve moms and kids living without homes.
Refugee Action Team Forming Evette Hackman is working with folks at St. Mark’s Cathedral to help sponsor a Syrian refugee family. If you would like to join the action team she is organizing or learn other ways to be a part of this good work, contact Evette at [email protected].
Guiding Principles for the Just Peace in Israel-Palestine Resolution The Palestine Action Group (PAG) is working on the following statement of guiding principles for a balanced implementation of the referenced 2015 UCUCC resolution. The Love and Justice board has affirmed these principles, and recommended outreach to other parties impacted by the resolution.
In January, the PAG will meet to plan outreach to our Jewish and Muslim neighbors, including seeking their thoughts on these guiding principles.
Guiding Principles for A Call for the United Church of Christ to Take Actions Toward a Just Peace in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
We the members of University Congregational United Church of Christ seek to act with integrity, love, and wisdom. We recognize the importance of working towards a genuine, long-term reconciliation among all the peoples of the Holy Land. We affirm that the following principles should guide our work towards a just peace in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict:
Love & Justice Ministries 1. We support actions by our church and our
members to condemn violence in all its forms. We encourage Hamas in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority on the West Bank, and the government of Israel to come to an equitable agreement on a new political arrangement.
2. We support actions by our church and members to encourage and support efforts by the U.S. government to work with Hamas in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority on the West Bank, Israel, and other participating/influential Arab nations in this conflict to: - Cease and desist acts of violence in all its forms. - - Acknowledge and actively support basic human rights by all parties. - Secure and enforce these basic human rights in a peace with justice and dignity for all humanity
3. We support actions by our church and members to urge our government not to oppose investigations and possible penalties for human rights or war violations committed by Palestinians, Israelis, and other participating/influential Arab Nations in this conflict.
4. We support actions by our church and members to encourage vital communities of Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Jerusalem, in accord with the UN intention that Jerusalem become an international city that provides access to the holy places of all three faiths.
During 2017, we will host first from January 3 - 17. Our second hosting will be August 22 - September 5. Sign-ups are NOW occurring in the Narthex before & after worship, or call Liz Gilbert at 206-465-3237 or email at [email protected].
We need YOU! Women, Men & Youth. There are many opportunities for new and repeat volunteers.
Training for ALL volunteers, especially first timers will be provided in the Lounge on Wednesday, January 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Child care is available on request.
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Sacred Earth Matters
Sacred Earth Matters 6th
Annual Free Electronics Recycling Event Saturday, January 28, 2017, from 10 - 3 in Parking Lot A.
Got an old microwave in your base-ment?
How about a motorcycle that last ran in 1970?
Unused computers, stereo components, or refrigerators?
A Flat screen TV that’s done for? (Flat screen only)
One Green Planet will take them all!
Free will donations accepted to strength-en our UC UCC recycling program.
~ Sponsored by Sacred Earth Matters at UCUCC
Thank God for Evolution Sacred Earth Matters to Sponsor Public Lecture: Save the date, invite your friends
Is it possible for science to usher in a re-imagining of religions so that humans can build a sustainable future?
On January 10, 7:00pm, former UCC minister, evolutionary theologian and evangelist, Rev. Michael Dowd will address this topic in a free public lecture in our sanctuary. Rev. Dowd was the speaker at the Fall Men's Gathering and now will share his vision with us all, with the talk, “Faithful to the Future; Religion as if Survival Mattered.” This program, geared for adults and teens, builds on his most recent TEDx talk, “Reality Reconciles Science and Religion.” Thank God for Evolution is the title of his 2009 book which was endorsed by Nobel Prize-winning scientists, noted skeptics, and religious leaders.
Science and religion are not enemies; indeed, they must work together if humanity is to survive the 21st century. Given our impact on Earth’s climate, the seas, and other species, humanity is about to experience what could be called The Great Reckoning. The good news is that this will also be The Great Homecoming: The prodigal species coming home to Reality. This presentation will highlight the evolutionary significance of religion, the sacred side of science, and how to stay inspired and empowered to Active Hope in the face of changing climate and other global-scale challenges.
There will be an informal conversation with him in Ostrander Hall at 9:00am Sunday, January 8.
Rev. Dowd will also be preaching at our church on Sunday, January 8, at 10:00AM.
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Worship and Preaching Calendar—Sunday worship service—10 am
December 21 — Longest Night
7:00 in the Chapel
December 24 — Christmas Eve
5:00 Pageant
8:00 Caroling Service
Preacher: Amy Roon
11:00 Candlelight Service
Preacher: Amy Roon
December 25 — Christmas Day: No Place in the Inn
Preacher: Peter Ilgenfritz
Scripture: Luke 2:1-14
January 1 — Christmas Week 2: By Another Route
Preacher: Catherine Foote
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Advent/Christmastide 2016 … Into This World The scripture texts for our journey through the Advent and Christmas cycle paint a picture of the world into which God came in human flesh. Like our own time, this world seemed an unlikely or even hostile environment for this fragile incarnation of peace and hope. This season we will proclaim the entrance “into this world” again of the light for which we still so desperately yearn. What are we called to bring into this world?
December 4 — 2nd Week of Advent: For Such a Time
Preacher: Amy Roon
Scripture: Esther 4: 1-17
Communion Sunday
Join us for our intergenerational Advent Workshop after
worship today!
December 11 — 3rd Week of Advent:
Called for Good Reason
Preacher: Peter Ilgenfritz
Scripture: Isaiah 42: 1-9
Offering of Gifts Sunday
December 18 — 4th Week of Advent:
Conceived by the Spirit Preacher: Catherine Foote
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
