Our government refuses to protect our basic rights to life. If  those we have put in power aren't protecting our necessities, what purpose are they serving?"
— Kiran Oommen
I had something else in mind for the first Sunday of Lent, but then along came the Holy Spirit, and our guest speaker on Sunday will be Kiran Oommen. Kiran, age 21, is one of a group of twenty-one children and teens who are suing the federal government for their right to a healthy and stable climate. The suit, filed two years ago, alleges that the federal government has known for decades that carbon pollution destabilizes the climate in a way that puts future generations in significant danger, but has taken no action to curb it.
The 21 plaintiffs (pictured below) argue that this failure to act has endangered their rights to life, liberty, property, and vital public trust resources. “We are calling for the United States to prepare a comprehensive national plan that  will reduce our emissions based on what scientists say is necessary to protect the climate system and protect our oceans,” says Julia Olson, lead counsel for the plaintiffs and executive director of Our Children’s Trust, the nonprofit that helped bring the lawsuit. The case, Juliana v. United States, was supposed to go to trial on February 5, but has been delayed. You can learn more about the lawsuit and the plaintiffs at Our Children’s Trust.
The “Holy Spirit” part is that I spoke about the lawsuit in my sermon just three weeks ago and mentioned that I’d first heard about it because one of the plaintiffs, Kiran, is the son of my friend and former pastoral intern, the Rev. Melanie Oommen. On Monday Melanie texted me to say that the family will be in Seattle this weekend, plan to worship with us at Alki UCC, and that Kiran would be happy to talk about the case after worship with anyone who is interested. I told her we already had a class on Climate Change after worship this Sunday…but this is too good an opportunity to pass up…and Kiran said he was working on an article for a UCC journal that he could adapt for a message this Sunday…..so we’re on. There will be a short time after worship, before Joe’s class begins, to engage with Kiran if you like.
Given the latest school shooting this week, and the cries from students there for us adults to “Do something!” I feel blessed to have this 21-year-old in the pulpit this week.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Diane
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And if you can’t be with us on Sunday, here’s another opportunity:
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Webinar:
“A Mother and Son Take on Climate Change”
Wednesday, February 28, 5:00 pm PST
Hear a personal perspective on the case in a live webinar featuring Kiran Oommen and his mother, the Rev. Melanie Oommen. A brief legal update on the case will be provided by Coreal Riday-White of Our Children’s Trust; Rev. Brooks Berndt of the United Church of Christ Environmental Justice Program will cohost the event with Shantha Ready Alonso of Creation Justice Ministries.
Register now to join.
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Mardi Gras Donors and Volunteers, You Rock!!
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Absolutely everyone who donated to, volunteered for, attended this  year’s Mardi Gras Gala or brought friends helped make it a wonderful evening. We love you all!
Vicky Smith organized the entire dessert dash from start to finish: requesting donations; making desserts; creating information sheets, table cards and bid cards; encouraging guests to increase their bids; and collecting bid cards for tally. Vicky embroidered three towels with local lighthouse patterns for the silent auction, and she donated a beautiful German tea set as well.
 For the silent auction, Verona Ryan created three lovely stained glass sun-catchers, and she did all the decorating in the Emerald Room, where we had dinner. Emily Hitchens and Lowell Park will be taking a perfect lasagna dinner to some lucky person’s home. Berea Circle put together an Asian-themed basket, including a gift certificate to Mashiko, much of which was gathered by Patty Magnuson, who also donated a framed photograph. Vicki Jackson created a special handmade decorative doll, while Doug Gunwaldsen will be doing skilled handyman service in someone’s home.
Joe Aprile, John Constantine and Jeff Jolly donated beautiful art, while Sallie Neillie created two stunning hand-made quilts. Rod Peeler made three of his gorgeous wooden jewelry boxes, besides being available for support during event preparations. Cinda Stenger put together a wonderful basket of beauty products, happily purchased by Charlie’s daughter Eleanor, and brought in gift certificates for Rain City Integrative Clinic and West Seattle Reflexology.
Scott Mathews will be teaching lucky bidders how to paddleboard, then taking them on a tour. Pete Jansen donated tickets to the Museum of Flight, and Jason Huynh brought in Seattle Symphony tickets and a gift certificate for boxing workout sessions. Diane Cook acquired two certificates for fabulous facials. Carol Sutton donated the crystal vase for the “best coordinated couple” prize at the event.
 Kathy Herigstad donated several items for the silent auction, as well as the prize basket for the “best costume” award. In the live auction, she offered a spectacular chocolate basket and wine-and-chocolate tasting at Fran’s. To offset the weight gain, she also donated personal trainer sessions and Paramount Theater tickets for three shows.
Sandy and Jim Johnson sparked a bidding war again this year for a week at their fabulous Maui condo. Competition was also high as three other items sold TWICE: Gary Gesellchen’s high-end speakers; a weekend of crab fishing at Julia and Rod Peeler’s cabin; and a weekend at Sally O’Brien’s Orcas Island beach house.
 Extra tickets for volunteers and others were donated by Penny Matthews, Rod & Julia Peeler, Kathy Herigstad, Russel Herigstad and Dav’ne and Bob Stahley.
The spectacular desserts were donated by Sallie Neillie, Anne Van Dyne, Verona Ryan, Gretchen Hawley, Vicky Smith, Claire Foster, Kathy Herigstad, Shannon Peterson, Kathy Unser and Berea Circle.
During the event, we were blessed to have volunteers who made the  night run smoothly. Vicky Smith, Verona Ryan, Cinda Stenger, Trish Dodds, Liese Frankenstein, Jackie Ericson and Bonita Corliss were there for set-up during the day and help during the evening; later, Dan Kennedy joined us to clear auction tables and act as a spotter during the live auction. Bob Stahley gave a splendid stage turn as “Bob the Auctioneer,” and donors shared the microphone to encourage higher bidding.
A very loud round of applause to Sheila Abrahams and Jenn Stewart from Kol HaNeshamah, as well as our own Bonita Corliss, for the crucial tasks of checking in guests, keeping track of bids, making our auction software work efficiently, connecting bidders with their winnings, and making the whole event perfect!
Annie Ritter-Jones documented the event with her camera, and our DJ/MC from Sounds Unlimited, Mat Pellegrini, kept things moving all night!
 We also owe a huge “thank you” to DSquared, the owner of Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes and The Hall at Fauntleroy venue. They gave us special discounts on The Hall and waived a number of fees for us. Best of all, they gave us the kind of fabulous service that makes an event successful.
Again, we love you all!
Your truly appreciative Mardi Gras Gala Team
(Julia Peeler, Charlie Hinckley & Kathy Herigstd pictured above)
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Potluck Dinner Reception for Susan Fairo
Ordination Sunday, March 11
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Bonita Corliss is coordinating a potluck dinner reception in Anderson Hall to celebrate Susan Fairo’s ordination on Sunday, March 11. Susan has requested a meal of soup, salad, bread and desserts. Gluten free offerings are encouraged. The service is at 5:00 pm, with reception starting at around 6:15 pm.
Bonita will have a sign up sheet after worship the next three Sundays. She can also be contacted at bonita.corliss@gmail.com or by phone/text at 206-306-5991. Thanks in advance for being a part of this special evening!
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In Our Prayers:
For the victims and survivors of the gun violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida;
For the soul of our nation, and our elected representatives, that we/they find the will to limit the availability of guns.
For those grieving the recent death of a loved one:
The family and friends of Mike Crowley, Jeff Jolly & family, Gary Gesellchen, Charley Rosenberry, Russ Thornock, Jason Huynh, Trish Dodds, Cynthia Jolly, Julia Chase
Recent hospitalization, illness and other concerns:
Dayle Banks, Don Peterson, Sue Morris, Linda Pillo, Sallie Neillie, Patty Magnuson’s brother, Shelley Webster, Jan Cochran
For home bound members/friends of Alki UCC: Ruth Okada, Doris Colbert
Wider World: All those affected by the devastating California mudslides and wildfires; victims and survivors of extremist violence around the world; victims and survivors of the devastation in 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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Choir Rehearsal
Sunday at 9:00 am
Worship
& Church School
Sunday at 10:00 am
Climate Change Class
Sunday at 11:30 pm
Board of Directors
Tuesday at 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday at 7:00 pm
Pastoral Relations
Wednesday at 6:30 pm
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Get the Facts!
Joe Aprile Leads Two-Part Class on Climate Change
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Sundays,
February 18 & 25
after worship
Contact Joe to sign up.
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Join a Carbon Fast this Lent
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Forget the chocolate. Many Christians are choosing to show love of God and creation by doing a “Carbon Fast” for Lent.
You can download a calendar with suggestions for each of the 40 days in Lent here.
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... About those Name Tags
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Our church name tags were getting critically dis-organized in their home on the board in the Narthex ... so I did my best to get them tidied up.
We also have a new letter designation system, so yours may not be in its usual place. See me if you have any questions!
— Julia Peeler
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Lance Lu Jazz Quartet Headlines Next Benefit Concert
for WS Helpline
Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 pm
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Alki UCC
"Music with a Heart"
presents
The Lance Lu Quartet
Latin, Modern, Swing,
Be Bop & Beyond!
Saturday, March 10
at 7:30 pm
Alki UCC Sanctuary
Net proceeds benefit the
Refreshments & treats
at intermission
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Berea Circle
St. Patrick's Day Dinner
Saturday, March 17
Anderson Hall
More details later.
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Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia
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Tuesday, February 20,
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Meet at the United Churches of Olympia
Register now to have a better chance of FAN staff securing an appointment with your legislators.
RSVP here. This event is $15.00 per person, payable with a credit card online through the RSVP link, over the phone at 206.625.9790, with check mailed to FAN at 3720 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98134, or by bringing $20.00 to the door.
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Doing Our Own Work: An Anti-Racism Seminar for White People
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Register early because enrollment is limited to 20 participants!!
March 16 & 17, April 13 & 14, and May 11 & 12; Fridays & Saturdays, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Everett United Church of Christ
2624 Rockefeller
Attendance at all six sessions required.
At this time in our nation, we are witnessing an alarming resurgence of white supremacy and state sanctioned violence. It is imperative that those of us who are white do the deep work required to claim and embody an anti-racist identity, understand the privilege we carry, and interrupt racism where we live, work, study, and volunteer.
Doing Our Own Work helps white people move through places where we often get stuck, so that we can step up with courage, clarity, humility, and compassion to participate in movements led by people of color and help move other white people to greater anti-racist awareness and action.
The $525 cost includes program, materials and snacks for all six days. Scholarships and time payment plan available. We are committed to making this seminar financially accessible for all who wish to participate.
Information and registration
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Black Power/White Churches Film Series
Thursdays, 6:30 pm at Admiral Church
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4320 SW Hill Street
 In honor of Black History Month, we will concentrate on the contribution and complexity of Islam in the African/American struggle for freedom and dignity in the United States.
February 22:
The Black Power Mixtape 1967 - 1975 (2011)
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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
Charlie Hinckley
Emily Hitchens
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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