Volume LVII Number 8 August 2016

a publication of westminster congregational united church of christ

HighlightsIn

ThisIssue

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monthly newsletter is aWestminster Congregational

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

28th each month (schedule permitting).

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

or drop it by the church office.

About

Church Staff:

The Rev. Andrea CastroLangJan Shannon, Licensed Minister

All of God’s People

Verne Windham

Janet Hubbard

Nicolette (Nikki) Rode and Jason Himes

Andréa Reese Hekimian

John Larson

The newsletter deadline is the20th of each month.

Church School Teachers needed

Our church school class and youthgroup are welcoming, engaging andsafe places for our children to hearstories of faith, to participate in anactivity to help deepen theirunderstanding and to share their

concerns for others. We have built a communityof teachers and mentors who care for our youngmembers. The Church School Class has had aconsistent rotation of two teachers each Sundayof the month. We operate with eight volunteerswho work together. Two of our teachers haveasked to have a break this next year, so we arelooking for two people to join the rotation. Theclass curriculum is a Bible Storybook byArchbishop Desmond Tutu, called “Children ofGod”. The format is that we read one story eachweek, do a reflection activity, and then answerfour questions to analyze the story and ourresponses to add to our “class scroll.” You mayhave seen it unrolled during our TeacherRecognition Sunday. We will be beginning anotherscroll in September as we read the other half ofthe stories in our book. The class varies in size andattendance and age each Sunday, sometimes 5-6children and sometimes 1-2. The ages vary fromKindergarten to 5th grade. Please consider joiningour team and assisting with the class, one Sundayeach month. During the Teacher OrganizingMeeting on September 6, we will be creatingteams, and assigning the Sundays.

The Youth Group mentor needs a co-leader tomeet with the group of teens. The youth group isusing a curriculum (Spark), which involves Biblestories, youth personal response and reflection.Their meetings occasionally are varied by serviceand or social community-building activities. Theyouth group has been meeting on Sundayafternoons from 1-3 pm.

If you are interested in volunteering and havebeen associated with Westminster for at least sixmonths, please see Lorna Kropp or Pastor Jan foran application.

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To ensure group seating, RSVP with payment, nameand number of tickets (at $11 each), to the Church

office before August 5, 2016.

Admittance tickets will be available atWill-Call for group ‘Westminster UCC’.

or reserve your tickets on our website . . .

...doesn't that soundwonderful? That's the motto for Westminster's evening worshipservice, The Lounge. At The Lounge, we bring our whole selves,warts and all, and find that we have a common need for spiritualityin order to feel fully human.

So, we come together, every Sunday in the Mayflower room at5:30 pm, to praise and worship, to sing, to pray, to learn, and toshare Christ's love. In the relaxed setting of The Lounge, we findwe are stronger, together.

no Lounge service 8 - 1 4

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Westminster | Colville | Chewelah

Sept 9 - 11, 2016 6:00 pm - 11:00 am | Ages: Age 0 - 99

Register online:navigate from our website (See News & Announcements)Registration ends August 31, 2016. Fpr single day or meal reservations, please contact the churchoffice (office@westminsterucc.org or 509-624-1366 x312). If you are a recipient of a pre-arrangedpartial scholarship, please choose the ‘Sponsorship Code >>’ option. Then ‘Complete’ yourreservation with your portion of the full payment, online.

Early bird discount: $5 per person - register early(After setting-up and account, you will need to add each person and make a reservation for each person, toreceive a discount per person.)

Housing Information and rates as noted. PLEASE NOTE; HOUSING REQUESTS ARE FILLED ON A NEEDBASIS FIRST, (i.e. mobility, medical) AND DESIRE SECOND. All final decisions are made jointly withManaging Director and 1 coordinator from each church.

Lodges & Cabins (below pricing does not include tax):Adults/Teens - $84.25 / 76.00Seniors (62+) - $81.00 / 72.25Youth 8-12 - $76.00 / 68.00Child 3-7 - $63.00 / 56.75Under three, no charge

CabinsCabins 1,2,5 & 6 will sleep 12 in 6 sets of bunks.Cabins 3-4 will sleep 10 in 5 sets of bunks.Cabins 7-12 will sleep 8 in 4 sets of bunks.The Chateau will sleep 3-4 in 1 double and 1 set of bunks.

Bathhouse / bathrooms down the trail

LodgesSPIRIT LODGE has 12 rooms. SYRINGA LODGE has 7 roomsRooms 1-2,5-8, & 11-12 sleep 2 in 2 twin beds. Room 2 has 1 twin bed and 1 double bed.Rooms 3-4, & 9-10 sleep 4-5 in 1 double bed & Rooms 3-8 have 2 twin beds. 3 separate bunks style. Room 1 is reserved for Camp Cook.Shared bathrooms across the hall from rooms. Bathrooms in each room.

PLEASE Note:

All registration will be done online.

If you require assistance,please contact the church office

during office hours(T - F 9:30 am - 2:30 pm)

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CAMP SCHOLARSHIPSFOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Church camp can be a transforming experience for all ages as well as lots of fun! Many peoplefrom our church family would love to attend church camp but have difficulty with the camp fee. Wouldyou be willing and able to help send campers from our church to N-Sid-Sen or Pilgrim Firs?

Mark your gifts Campership Fund; send your donations to the church office or place them in theoffering plate. Bless you for helping provide important outdoor ministry experiences for your churchfamily!

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The FUNraiser is coming up atWestminster on October 9th.

What is the FUNraiser? It's a funway to raise money to help fund

our church's needs and provide activities tomeet and fellowship with our church family. Weencourage our members and friends to proposean original activity with a cost such as, hosting aBBQ for 6-8 people and the charge would be $15per person or bake a special-occasion cake forsix people at $40/cake. Some of the activitiesthat were done in the past included: hikes,crafts, movie nights, boating, dog training, etc.

Only your imagination limits the possibilities.During the FUNraiser there is a sign-up sheetdisplayed for each activity and people interestedcan sign up.The payment goes to benefit thechurch fund.

So... be thinking what activity you would like tohost and in which to participate, for a chance toknow the people you go to church with a littlebetter, while helping the church's mission! Staytuned for more information and a chance in theRaffle!

Any questions can be directed to Michal ChapterPresident, Deb Roth

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Hear Ye, Hear Ye!Calling on all cooks toshare their favorite recipesfor the newly formingchurch cookbook. Recipesheets have been insertedin your bulletin and areavailable downstairs.Turn-in completed sheetsto Joanna McPherson.

Washington's Operating Budget & You!

Our Operating Budget funds manyessential things, such as: schools,healthcare, social services, andcorrections. Yet our budget isstrained to do this, compared to ourneighboring states, Oregon and Idaho.What are your three priorities forour state budget?

1. Affordable Childcare and FreeUniversal Pre-school.

2. Funding smaller Class Sizes beyondK-3(which is covered by theMcCleary decision).

3. Two years of Free CommunityCollege and Reduced tuition atfour-year Universities.

4. Affordable Healthcare, includingexpanded Medicaid to 200% of thepoverty level.

5. Expanded Long-term care forSeniors and the Disabled.

6. Mental Health and Substance use

treatment and support.7. Reinvesting in our state parks so

they are free and well maintained.8. Investing in the transition from

fossil fuels to Clean Energy.9. Affordable Housing and Housing

First Programs.10.Re-entry services for people

released from Prison and Jail.11.Investing in further tax

reductions beyond what is achievedin Oregon and Idaho.

12.Other issues?

These are a part of  the conversationin process, and issues we will beasking our candidates for state andcounty offices, to support  and findfunding. Give us your feelings as wework toward being "All In forWashington State".

WestCAT team:Cathy Gunderson, Roger Stephens,Margaret Ennis, Hannah Klaassen

Pastor Jan will be at N-Sid-Sen, this week. If youneed to reach her, she is available via email orphone, but reception can be sketchy at camp.

There will beno Lounge worshipservice on August 14

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Women of Westminster! Here's another opportunity for rest and retreat. This event only happensevery three years, and is open to all women in the Pacific Northwest Conference and CentralPacific Conference of the UCC. See below and go to their website for more information.

WORKSHOPS: There are eleven workshops to choose from. Choose three and put your choices inorder of preference. Of these three, you’ll be assigned two on a first come, first served basis.Register early! (More information: www.nrwr.us)

1. Journey Through Geologic Time - walking workshop focused on the dynamic, ever-movingforces that shape our landscape.

2. Liturgical Dance - dance as art form frees one to experience spiritual truth through anancient medium often forgotten in our modern worship.

3. Labyrinth Walk - meditative environment will be provided, along with brief opening andclosing ceremonies.

4. Yoga (A) and Chair Yoga (B) - a gentle chair expression of yoga or amore vigorous yoga experience. Be sure to note which style you prefer!

5. Intuitive Arts - TouchDrawing - explore the artist within, whether she is a seedling, orshe is in full bloom. Supplies provided.

6. Fiber Arts - SOS (Sewing or Something) - sew a pillowcase or adult bib (‘knappy kins forunder chins,) and select fabric and pattern for a star ornament or mug rug to hand ormachine sew later.

7. Stone Carving – receive a small pre-drilled stone, maybe more than one. You’ll get somesimple carving tools, sand paper, and time.

8. Women in the Bible - discover and discuss the roles of women in the Bible and theirimplications for our living today.

9. Food Justice - look at a theology of food, as well as our food systems and how to supportjustice through eating.

10. The Intersection of Justice and Joy - open our hearts to the joy of justice.11. Q & A with our keynote speaker - ask what motivates her to write, how much is

inspiration/discipline. Fireside chat style.

Housing is a separate cost paid directly to Kah-Nee-TaContact Kah-Nee-Ta directly to reserve your room – 1-800-554-4786. Let the resort know you’rewith NRWR as they’ve set aside a block of rooms for us. Rooms are $115.80 per night (includestribal and resort fees). You need to decide with whom you are rooming. Only one of you needs tocall the resort. That person can tell reservations who all will be in the room.

Cost: Single person - $231.60 2/room - $115.80 each 3/room - $97.20 each (includes $10 fee per person per night fee for triple occupancy) 4/room – $77.90 each (includes $10 fee per person per night fee for quadruple occupancy)

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WESTMINSTER CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

June2016

MonthlyBudget

MonthlyDifference

YTD2016

YTDBudget

YTDDifference

Total Income 14,352.30 14,963.34 (611.04) 98,564.77 108,430.04 (9,865.27)

Total Expense 22,528.30 22,833.76 (305.46) 137,154.31 136,252.56 901.75

Net Income (Loss) (8,176.00) (7,870.42) (305.58) (38,589.54) (27,822.52) (10,767.02)

2016 Pledge Information as of July 15, 2016:

2016Total

Pledges

2015Total

Pledges

2015PledgesReceived

2016PledgesReceived

2016Pledges

Outstanding

2016 AnnualPledgeBudget

2016 PledgeBudgetSurplus

114,154.56 113,560.70 109,813.00 59,428.28 54,726.28 123,000.00 2,351.00

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

homes of participants. As always, all are welcome. You need not have read the book to participate,however a salad is appreciated. Want more information? You can call Marilynne at 747-0659; ortalk with any member of the group.

August 15 “Destiny of the Republic” by CandiceMillard; facilitated by Margaret Ennis at ThePark Bench.

September 19 “Flight Behavior” by BarbaraKingsolver; facilitated by Joan Weekes at thehome of Marilynne Wilson.

October 17 “Vanessa and Her Sister” by PriyaParmar; facilitated by Marilynne Wilson at thehome of Nada Morse.

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ATTENTION PARENTS!

Youth GroupIs on Summer break until

September 18 (or tba)

August 8 - 12

If you’re available tobless these dear ones,

please sign-up in the Narthexfor one of these days!

July Attendancemorning / The Lounge

7-3 7-10 7-17 7-24 7-31

45 / 16 64 / 11 50 / 11 53 / 11 53 / 16

8 / 1 M a r y A s h b y

8 / 5 F r a n c i e L i g h t

8 / 6 H a l F r e n c hJ a n i n e A l d e n

8 / 8 P a s t o r A n d yJ u d y G r o l l m u s

8 / 1 1 S t e p h a n i e K u f f e l

8 / 1 2 B e t t y G r a h a m

8 / 1 4 B r e a D e Z a r n

8 / 1 8 M a r y R u p e r t

8 / 2 0 M a y a M a r q u i sC h a r l o t t e P l u t

8 / 2 1 M a r y S e a t o nA n n a m a r i e W a l s hK a i l e e P l u t

8 / 2 2 L i l a W e i s

8 / 2 3 L e w i s H i n s h a w

8 / 2 4 A n n i e F e r g u s o n

8 / 2 5 A l l a n G u n d e r s o n

8 / 2 6 K a r e n M o b l e y

8 / 2 8 A n n a K u f f e l

8 / 3 0 A m y M e r e d i t h

8 / 3 1 H a n n a h K l a a s e n

Worship services each Sunday:mornings at 10:30 am and evenings at 5:30 pm.

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·Pastor Andy is on sabbatical. She will returnAugust 16. Thank You, so very much! ToPastors Jan, Lew and Linda for your wonderfulassistance covering while Pastor Andy is onsabbatical.

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Take Me Out to the Ballgame!  Join us forWestminster’s annual Group Night at the SpokaneIndians game, AUG 13 at 6:30 pm. Reserve yourtickets online via the church website donatebutton or the church office before Friday, August 5

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Yoga will resume this month, on August 25.

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The Lounge worship service is cancelled forAugust 14.

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Pokémon Lure event, August 11 at 5 pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liturgist: Margaret Ennis

Deacons: Hazel K, Mary S, Steve P, Lizz C

Hospitality: N / A

Liturgist: Chris Johnson

Deacons: Mary Seaton, Francie Light

Hospitality: N / A

Liturgist: Cathy Gunderson

Deacons: Steve Paulson,Annamarie Walsh

Hospitality: N / A

Liturgist: Mary Rupert

Deacons: Hazel Kotlan, Lizz Craft

Hospitality: N / A

Liturgist: Roger Stephens

Deacons: Hazel Kotlan, Mary Seaton . . .

Hospitality: Friends of Westminster

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8-1 Monday P Andy is on sabbatical . . .

8-2 Tuesday 1:00 pm Pastor Lew onsite until 3 pm

8-3 Wednesday 7:30 pm The Lounge Practice

8-4 Thursday 6:30 pm AA meeting

8-5 Friday 6:00 pm1:00 pm

Rainbow Retreat begins. . .Pastor Lew onsite until 3 pm

8-6 Saturday Rainbow Retreat . . .

8-7 Sunday

10:30 am

1:00 pm5:00 pm5:30 pm

Worship with Pastor Lew -communionRainbow Retreat endsAA meetingThe Lounge

8-8 Monday 7:30 pmMeals on Wheels delivery . . .Michal Chapter (from 8-22)

8-9 Tuesday 10:00 am6:30 pm7:30 pm

Meals on Wheels delivery . . .Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pmDeaconsEd & Spiritual Growth

8-10 Wednesday 7:30 pmMeals on Wheels delivery . . .The Lounge Practice

8-11 Thursday 10:00 am5:00 pm6:30 pm

Meals on Wheels delivery . . .Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pmPokémon LureAA meeting

8-12 Friday 12:00 pmMeals on Wheels delivery . . .Pastor Jan onsite until 3 pm

8-13 Saturday 6:30 pm Spokane Indians baseball -Westminster Group Night

8-14 Sunday10:30 am5:00 pm5:30 pm

WorshipAA meetingThe Lounge *cancelled*

8-15 Monday 12:00 pm Book & Salad

8-16 Tuesday 2:00 pm5:30 pm6:30 pm

Pastor Andy returns!PoetryMusic & ArtsTrustees

8-17 Wednesday 7:30 pm The Lounge worship practice

8-18 Thursday 6:30 pm AA meeting

8-19 Friday 5:00 pm Worship planning

8-20 Saturday Witness submissions due. . .

8-21 Sunday

10:30 am12:15 pm

5:00 pm5:30 pm

WorshipWestCATAA meetingThe Lounge

8-22 Monday 7:30 pm Michal Chapter *move to 8-8*

8-23 Tuesday 7:00 pm Council

8-24 Wednesday 7:30 pm The Lounge worship practice

8-25 Thursday 5:00 pm6:30 pm

YogaAA meeting

8-28 Sunday10:30 am5:00 pm5:30 pm

WorshipAA meetingThe Lounge

8-30 Tuesday 5:30 pm Parlor occupied

8-31 Wednesday 7:30 pm The Lounge worship practice

August 2016