From the Alki UCC Board Chair
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I would like to thank all the members and friends who attended last Sunday’s congregational meeting. It was the largest turnout for one of these events that I can remember in over at least a dozen years and it is appreciated. I would like to summarize some of the items discussed for those who were unable to attend.
The first part of the meeting was a review of the history of our relationship with Alki Kids Place as a ministry of our church, and what happened in July to our ministry. This was followed by questions, clarifications and discussion.
The second part of the meeting was a discussion of the financial impact, along with a current report on our financial situation followed by questions and discussion. More detail will be forthcoming and available to all once the meeting minutes are published.
The financial impact has been devastating. We are $ 7,000 short on our pledge income over the last three months. Add to that current AKP expenses, minus the loss of anticipated AKP income, and we have lost $38,000 in three months, taking our bank account from a $34,000 surplus to a $3,000 deficit.
The Board of Directors met Tuesday and empowered a financial sub-committee to produce an updated budget proposal that adjusts not only income but also expenses, as mentioned by our minister at the meeting.
The third part of our meeting was about fundraising. The congregation voted 44 to 0 to accept the financial challenge of raising enough money to keep our Church solvent. You will be receiving a mailing in which you are requested to pledge an additional offering to help us weather the current situation. This can be in the form of a supplemental pledge or offering with of course the pledge being preferred.
Whatever help you can provide will be appreciated. The board and I are grateful for the congregation’s acceptance and ownership of this effort, and remain hopeful and optimistic for its success. Thanks be to God.
Sincerely,
Rod Peeler and the Board of Directors
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A couple of weeks ago our beloved Candi Terao gave notice that she needs to resign as our Children’s Ministry Coordinator because her other employer, Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes, offered her a full-time position (with benefits such as health insurance, thank goodness).
Her last Sunday on the job will be October 29. We’re glad for her, sad for us. Candi has overseen our Church School program since March, 2014, when Cheryl Snyder resigned from the position because her work with Alki Kids Place had become a full-time job.
Candi has offered to continue staffing and supervising the nursery attendants, which has been a great help to us because she knows so many wonderful, responsible teens and young adults. We’ll have an opportunity to express our appreciation to Candi with an informal reception during coffee hour on October 29.
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So I assume that most people have heard that I've resigned and that last Sunday I taught my last class.
I just want to thank Pastor Diane for hiring me for this amazing  position in the first place. I have had so much fun, had many spiritual moments and spent time with some of the most amazing children you could ever hope to meet! The time has flown by and I can't believe it's coming to an end.
I'd like to thank Larisa, aka The Church Lady, for all the support and wisdom and laughter she has bestowed upon me! Also I'm not sure how many remember Bruce who "interned" with Pastor Diane but he had a huge impact on me and the way I viewed Sunday school and teaching. He made me better. Last but never ever ever least, Julia Chase and Julia Peeler who quietly go about teaching and caring for the youngest of our flock. I learned so much sitting in as their second. There is a special chair in Heaven for these two!
I'm not going anywhere, I'll just be sitting in service when ever I can. I love you all.
Peace, love, joy, thankfulness,
Candi Terao
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Hear ye, Hear Ye! Reformation Special!
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Have you or a loved one sinned more than usual this year? Do you wake up at night in fear of the wrath to come? Fear not!
 In honor of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, The Reverend Diane Darling is offering “Indulgences” to the highest bidders. Especially popular in the Middle Ages, an indulgence was a way to reduce the amount of time a soul would have to spend in purgatory. In the words of the brilliant 16th century church marketer Johann Tetzel, “As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, another soul from purgatory springs!”
In 1517, Pope Leo X offered indulgences for those who gave alms to rebuild St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (one of the corrupt practices that Martin Luther protested in his 95 Theses). And now, to honor Martin Luther and gain a fuller understanding of how corrupt the church had become, Diane Darling is offering a chance for you to indulge yourself in indulgences and purchase forgiveness for your sins.
All you need to do is give alms to support Alki United Church of Christ in Seattle! You too can be part of this historic anniversary, reduce the amount of punishment for your sins (or the sins of a loved one), and support your church. Reformation Sunday special! $25 per sin. VISA and Master Card accepted.
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Itching to sing with the choir, but too busy most of the year? Come join the choir for Advent and Christmas!
 We’re having four special rehearsals right after worship on November 5, 12, 19 and 26, and we’d love to have you join us. No audition required.
Text, call, or email me if you have questions about the schedule or whether this is a good fit for you.
— Marshan
Phone/text (206) 406-5789
Goodwinmoultrycounseling@gmail.com
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"Blues for John T. Williams" at Alki UCC Saturday November 18 to Benefit West Seattle Helpline
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Jazz Saxophonist Steve Griggs leads a compelling program of stories and music honoring the native carver and exploring the abuse of force by the Seattle Police Department.
with
Jay Thomas trumpet 
Phil Sparks bass
Susan Pascal vibes
and
Milo Petersen percussion
Net proceeds benefit the West Seattle Helpline, a beloved nonprofit social service agency offering emergency assistance for West Seattle residents.
A free will offering of $20 is suggested.
Refreshments & treats served at intermission.
Blues for John T. Williams
Saturday, November 18 at 7:30 pm
The Sanctuary
Alki United Church of Christ
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Save the date!
On Saturday, February 10, 2018, we return to The Hall at Fauntleroy for another round of indulgence: dining, dancing, and bidding on wonderful auction items.
This year we’ll have a costume competition, too, with special prize baskets for creative souls who immerse themselves in the spirit of Mardi Gras.
We need to raise money, so let’s put the fun in fundraiser again this year! Details to follow soon.
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Earth Ministry is looking for a “colleague”
from Alki UCC.
If you are the one who brings an environmental sensibility to your faith community, are a member of Earth Ministry, or feel the need to be part of a larger group that shares your values, this is for you!
 How to Get Involved
Let Pastor Diane know, or email jessica@earthministry.org if you are interested in joining a local Colleague Connection. We are launching this program in Seattle area and then rolling it out across the state.
Visit www.earthministry.org to learn more about the organization and its mission.
* * *
West Seattle Helpline Fall Fundraiser
Dinner & Auction
Friday, November 3 at 6:00 pm
The Hall at Fauntleroy
9131 California Ave SW
Join the West Seattle Helpline for an Evening of Celebrating and  Strengthening our Wonderful West Seattle Community!
Cinda Stenger welcomes you at her tables. Please join me for a terrific evening of love and support of West Seattle Helpline. We stop homelessness by helping our neighbors stay in their homes when experiencing a financial crisis.
* * * *
Faith Action Network Annual
Fundraising Dinner
Sunday, November 19 at 5:3 pm
Renton Pavillion Event Center
*Please note deadline to register with Alki UCC table
Please let Pastor Diane know by Sunday, October 29* if you would like to attend, because if we get 10 people she’ll book a table for us at $70 each. if not, you’ll need to register individually for $75. (After Oct 31 ticket prices go up an additional $5.)
Individual tickets are $75 (early bird rate); table for ten is $700 (early bird). Event Information Here
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Prayers:
John Kinsman, who had knee replacement surgery last week
Gary Gesellchen, whose mother died last week;
Candi Terao’s 91 year old father, Dean Jacobson, who’s having throat surgery today
Elise Piraino, who is having back surgery on Tuesday;
How wonderful to have Joe Mitter and Dayle Banks back in worship with us last Sunday after their respective health scares and surgeries.
For those grieving the recent death of a loved one:
Charley Rosenberry, Lisa Doepken and her grandson's family, the family of Mary Mason, Russ Thornock, Doris Colbert, Jason Huynh, Trish Dodds, Cynthia Jolly, Julia Chase, Scott Mathews, Maria Brodahl
Recent hospitalization, illness and other concerns:
Joe Mitter, Dan Kennedy's brother Bill, Dayle Banks, Lesa Henry, Shelley Webster, Jeff Jolly’s nephew Craig
Persons with ongoing needs: Jan Cochran, John Chowning, Eric Erickson
For home bound members/friends of Alki UCC: Ruth Okada, Doris Colbert
Wider World:
Victims and survivors of the devastation in California, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, the Caribbean, India and Bangladesh; prayers for fewer guns and for all victims of gun violence; the migrants seeking refuge around the world, and for those who are trying to help and serve them. The rest of the missing schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram, who remain in our hearts as long as they remain missing. The hungry and homeless, the ill and the addicted, the lost and the lonely; the unemployed; US officials and troops serving abroad.
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Supporting Alki UCC:
Online Giving
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This Sunday,
October 22
at 10:00 am
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Worship, Potluck & Conversation
with Courtney Stange-Tregear, our new Conference Minister for Church Vitality. She wants to hear from us about our church, and it will be well  worth our while to hear from her.
Bring Food to Share –home-made or from Metropolitan Market, hot or cold, healthy or fattening - but please bring something! We’ll be done sometime between 12:30 and 1:00 pm.
Childcare is provided.
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Choir Rehearsal
Sunday at 9:00 am
Worship
& Church School
Sunday at 10:00 am
Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday at 7:00 pm
Film: Luther
& the Reformation
Wednesday at 1:00 & 7:00 pm
Pastoral Relations
Thursday at 6:30 pm
Alki Kids Place
Monday - Friday
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"Luther and the Reformation"
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Wed, Oct 25, 1:00 pm
(in place of Bible Study) or
Wed, Oct 25, 7:00 pm
Pick your time – afternoon or evening. Gather in the parlor to watch this excellent one hour DVD produced by travel guru Rick Steves in preparation for Reformation Sunday on October 29.
This year marks the 500th anniversary of the dawn of the Protestant Reformation, when a monk named Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Church on October 31, 1517.
Those “theses” challenged many of the teachings and practices of the church, setting off what we now refer to as the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was a powerful movement of church reform and renewal – and a whole lot more. It was both cause and effect of sweeping changes in European culture and society. These changes shaped modern Europe and eventually influenced the entire world.
Rick Steves does a great job of capturing the religious and cultural impact of the Reformation.
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Petitions to "De-Escalate Washington"
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I-940 is an initiative to the Washington State Legislature to “build  bridges between communities and police to make EVERYONE safe”.
Initiative Petitions will be available for signatures at church on Sunday. See Julia Peeler for further information.
Help put I-940 before the Legislature at the 2018 session! More information here.
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Living with Dignity and Freedom from Oppression: Human Trafficking and The Contemporary Immigration Crisis
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Thursday, October 26
The Parlor
Gather at 6:30 pm
Program 7:00-8:30pm
Hosted by the Multifaith Coalition to Address Human Trafficking
How can we stand in solidarity as faith communities with our immigrant brothers and sisters? How is human trafficking and today’s immigration crisis linked?
Come learn from experts in the community about how to support immigrant human trafficking survivors and what resources are available to them.
The second half of the gathering will focus on how to empower those in your faith community who may be facing exploitation and abuse, but afraid to come forward to report it. Register here.
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Mosque Tour and Dinner Cancelled
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Just got news that this multi-church event we’d originally scheduled for Saturday, October 21 is not happening.
Hopefully we’ll be able to do it at another time. But the DVD series on “Discovering Islam” has been circulating among our members and is getting good reviews. Let Pastor Diane know if you’d like to borrow it.
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FREE Dental, Vision & Medical Care at 4-Day Seattle/King County Clinic
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Please help spread the word!
King County Clinic
Thursday, October 26 - Sunday, October 29
Key Arena/Seattle Center
A volunteer-driven free clinic for people in need.Tickets are distributed each day on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome! No ID or proof of immigration status required.
Information Here
SKCClinic@seattlecenter.org or 206.684.7200
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Thank you, generous people of Alki UCC! Last month we raised more than $2600 for survivors of Hurricane Harvey, and $2400 of that was designated as direct relief for Casey Johnson and Nekya Young, who fled Houston for Seattle, got a job at Denny Middle School, and ended up connected with us through Laura Petrie.
Casey and Nekya are still looking for a house or apartment to rent, and when they find one we will pay at least $2400 toward first month’s rent and security deposit. The remaining donations have been sent to the UCC Hurricane Relief Fund.
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"Live Smart After 50!" Book Club
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Mondays at 6:30 pm
Through November 6
 Are you a Boomer who wants to look at the changes you’ll be facing in the years to come? If so, come join our new book club that will be reading Live Smart After 50! The Expert’s Guide to Life Planning for Uncertain Times, led by Dan Kennedy.
Contact Dan here.
The book is available on Amazon.com.
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Alki UCC Board of Directors
2017-2018
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Rod Peeler, Chair
Shannon Peterson,
Vice Chair
Jason Huynh,
Secretary
Susan Fairo
Sandra Johnson
Dan Kennedy
Patty Magnuson
Scott Mathews
Ex Officio:
(Voice but no vote)
Kristin Michael,
Business Manager
Diane Darling, Pastor
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