Annual Meeting of the Congregation
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Our annual congregational meeting was held on June 28, part of last Sunday’s worship service — as usual these days, it was a Zoom event.
We opened with prayer, followed by an inspiring reflection from Pastor Kelly on Alki UCC’s “Third Act.” We approved the minutes from last year — a show of faith in our note-taking clerk, as no one’s memory is that clear after 12 months.
Moderator Emily Hitchens thanked our outgoing council members for their commitment and service. Julia Peeler, nominations chair, presented the slate of new officers; there were no nominations from the floor, and the list was approved unanimously:
Treasurer: Shannon Peterson
Caring Community and Fellowship: Sandy Johnson
Faith Formation: Julia Peeler and Russ Thornock
Worship and Music: Joe MItter (who is already vice moderator)
No at-large member was identified at this point.
Updates from our re-envisioning teams followed, a prelude to detailed reports that will come later this summer:
Mission/Future Story Chair Cinda Stenger: we are envisioning who we are and how we navigate in the neighborhood and the world; thinking big, without constraints, at this point. Looking at who we are at the heart of our living and our faith, and what our beloved community could look like in the future.
Radical Redevelopment Chair Kim Becklund: our team has been very active as we consider our third act. We have an upcoming exploratory conversation with Admiral UCC. We’re focused on making the most effective use of space and property, focused on mission. We have a list of near-term work that the building needs.
Outgoing treasurer Julia Peeler reported that we began the year with a substantial deficit, but will end the year with a lower deficit than expected, partly due to less building use and partly to generous contributions by the congregation.
Shout-outs to Larisa Wanserski, Kristin Michael, and Michelle Doherty for their terrific work.
Gary Gesellchen, Stewardship chair, called out a huge thank you to the congregation, as pledges went up an average of 20 percent during our pledge drive.
The FY20/21 budget, presented by the council, was approved unanimously.
And then we finished our Sunday service.
— Charlie Hinckley, Alki UCC Council clerk
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Church Office Summer Hours
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Note: The office is closed tomorrow (Friday) for the Fourth of July holiday.
Larisa is taking Mondays off to make up some earned time. Church office hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Email/text is the best method of contact: office@alkiucc.org
If you have a question or immediate need on Mondays, contact Pastor Kelly.
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Advocate for Legislation to Support our Low-Income and Homeless Neighbors
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Your advocacy is only a few clicks away!
Be a "voice" for the most vulnerable among us.
Washington state's official financial forecast for the next three years shows an income deficit of $8.8 billion, mainly due to the economic repercussions of the pandemic. The WA Dept of Commerce, which oversees homelessness programs, has proposed $16 million in cuts to vital programs.
Advocate for a better approach by contacting Governor Inslee and our legislators to:
(1) invest at least $300 million from federal CARES ACT funding in rental assistance and foreclosure prevention.
(2) Prevent cuts to WA State affordable housing, homelessness and safety net programs.
(3) Take action toward progressive revenue that eases burdens on low-income and middle-class people; increase funding to programs that support vulnerable populations.
It costs much less to prevent homelessness than it does to move people from homelessness into housing — and that cost is small compared to the long term emotional and financial harm suffered by children, the elderly, the disabled and the most vulnerable among us.
Send an email to your lawmakers by completing an online form hosted by the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance. It only takes a couple minutes to have your voice heard.
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New Donations Requests for Alki UCC Summertime Food Drives
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Sunday, July 12 and 26 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
A huge shout-out to our generous community, who has donated more than $10,000 worth of food and other supplies to the White Center Food Bank through our ongoing In-Person Food Drives. Your contributions benefit our vulnerable neighbors in need, those who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID 19.
 The next drives are scheduled for Sunday, July 12 and Sunday, July 26 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Donations are accepted outside our building at 6115 SW Hinds.
Feeding hungry kids is our focus this summer. In addition to regular contributions of non-perishable food and other items, special requests include Fruit Cups and Rollups, Gogurt, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Protein Bars, Mac and Cheese, Cereal, Ramen Noodles, Pasta/Sauce
Toilet Paper, Diapers (all sizes), Similac Formula, Cleaning Supplies, Hand Sanitizer and Baby Wipes are always welcome.
Here's an excerpt from a thank-you letter sent to us by the White Center Food Bank:
Dear Alki United Church of Christ,
Thank you for supporting White Center Food Bank! You have made a tremendous difference for the community.
Words cannot describe my gratitude for your support that ensures our neighbors in White Center, West Seattle and Burien have food access during the COVID-19 outbreak.
With Gratitude,
Carmen Smith
Associate Executive Director
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Tuesday Bible Study Spotlights "Paul's Letter to the Romans" through July 28
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Join Bible Study Tuesdays at Two
Your Faith Formation team invites you to join in our study of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, the longest letter written in 58 AD by the apostle to the Christians of ancient Rome. Much of our faith beginnings were written by Paul to help Christians, then and now, know who we are and why we believe what we do.
The class features DVD viewing followed by discussions led by Pastor Kelly and lay participants ... YOU!! Let us know if you would like to join us so we can get you class materials.
 Scheduled through July 28, Tuesdays at Two is open to all. So come check it out each Tuesday at 2:00 pm. On Zoom of course for now. — Julia Peeler
Zoom login here:
Join URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86345838616?pwd=a21GRmUzczRNWXJqcVFiVU4zcDBxUT09
Meeting ID: 863 4583 8616
Password: 301975
Dial: +1 253 215 8782 US
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Alki UCC ReOpening Phase 1.5
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Attention All Building Users
Please disinfect/wipe down all common-use areas when you arrive AND as you're leaving the building: computer keypads, keyboards, copier keypad, door handles, light switches, chair handles, table tops, faucets, toilet handles, stair railings, etc.
When we re-open the sanctuary for services, we will need volunteers to help with tasks before and after the service. If you are interested in being part of this, please contact me.
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 Prayers of Celebration
CInda Stenger and Mark Worden were married in a pop-up wedding at Hamilton Viewpoint Park on Friday,
June 26th.
A handful of guests and family were present, along with others on a Zoom call! Masks were worn and guests attempted to stay appropriately apart.
Blessings and joy to you always!
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Special prayers for the family and friends of Rayshard Brooks, Manuel Elllis, George Floyd, Elijah McClain, Dreasjon (Sean) Reed, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the heart-breaking list of African-Americans and other people of color murdered by police or self-declared vigilantes in our nation over many decades. We mourn with you and we stand for justice and healing.
Special prayers for all those on the front lines of working to protect us, keep us healthy, sane, grounded, informed, fed and comfortable during the current COVID 19 outbreak: our faith leaders, front-line health care workers, EMTs, police, firefighters, educators, transit bus and rail drivers, farmers, therapists, social workers, shelter operators, engineers, grocery/drug store personnel, caregivers, childcare specialists, pharmacists, custodians, organizations caring for the most vulnerable, sanitation workers, dispatchers and others keeping our supply chains operational, truth-telling journalists and all the many public servants who are so vital to our community.
For those grieving the recent death of a loved one:
Patty Magnuson, family and friends of Bob Jackson, family and friends of Jim Connor, family and friends of Barbara T. Shadel Madden Andersen, Kirstin Duckett and family, the family of Nancy Van Wyk, Julia Peeler's sister; Larry Gill; the family and friends of Ruth Okada; family and friends of Shelley Webster; Amy Young and family
Recent hospitalization, illness and other concerns:
Gina Erickson and Ashleigh Johnson, Imy Peterson, Sandy Johnson, Dayle Banks, Kirstin Duckett's father, Don Peterson, Jeff Jolly, Bev Connor, John Kinsman, Jan Cochran
For homebound members/friends of Alki UCC: Doris Colbert
Wider World: Prayers for all those affected by the corona virus outbreak; all those suffering from PTSD in the military and around the world; for all those affected by the increasingly cruel and inhumane US immigration policies imposed by the current administration; prayers for fewer guns, for all victims and those affected by gun violence; victims and survivors of extremist violence around the world; migrants seeking refuge around the world, and for those who are trying to help 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.
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Sunday Zoom Services Posted on YouTube
Here's the link to our official page: Alki UCC - Alki United Church of Christ. Or just do a search for "Alki UCC' on the YouTube site.
 While you're in Social Media mode, visit the Alki UCC FaceBook page
Thanks to all the fine folks working on our social media presence.
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This Sunday
Worship
at 10:00 am
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Communion Sunday
Bring your own bread and cup to worship. During the gathering time, send a picture of your home communion to office@alkiucc.org.
Liturgist:
Dan Kennedy
Tech Deacon:
Bob Conder
Accompanist:
Betsy Stelzer
Click here for the Order of Worship, including Sunday's scripture reading (Romans 7:14-25). Betsy has also provided YouTube links to performances to some of our music selections, so you can sing along ahead of time.
Zoom Login Same as Previous Sundays:
Meeting ID: 536 604 506 #
From your smartphone, tablet or computer use this link: https://zoom.us/j/536604506.
To manually call in from a land line, dial +1 253 215 8782 followed by 536 604 506# when prompted.
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Worship and Music Meeting this Sunday after Worship at 11:15 am
We will be helping plan July worship and discussing special worship ideas for the summer months.
If anyone would like to join us, just connect with Joe Mitter to get the zoom login information. We always love fresh ideas and input.
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2020/2021
Alki UCC Council Full Roster
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Officers
Moderator:
Emily Hitchens
Vice Moderator:
Joe Mitter
Clerk:
Charlie Hinckley
Treasurer:
Shannon Peterson
Ministry Team Representatives
Worship and Music:
Joe Mitter
Worship Logistics:
Jeff Duckett
Faith Formation:
Julia Peeler and
Russ Thornock
Social Justice/Outreach:
Cinda Stenger
Caring Community
and Fellowship:
Sandy Johnson
Stewardship:
Gary Gesellchen
At Large: TBA
Ex Officio:
Operations Manager:
Kristin Michael
Pastor:
Rev. Kelly Wadsworth
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Always Essential: A Community Awareness-Raiser
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TODAY!
Thursday, July 2
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Registration here
Washington state's predominantly-immigrant agricultural workforce endures enormous risks to feed us all. Join this important conversation to envision justice in the agricultural system and learn actions we can take to mitigate those risks.
Sponsored by eight local faith groups, the event features representatives from Community to Community Development, a women-led grassroots organization dedicated to food sovereignty and immigrant rights.
We're looking for someone to attend this webinar on behalf of Alki UCC and report back. Contact the office to RSVP.
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Liturgists play a key role in our faith community. Thanks to all who have read scripture and other prayers during Sunday worship. If you haven't served in a while, or if you've never been a liturgist, please consider adding your unique voice.
We're looking for folks who are relatively comfortable with Zoom and available for a brief Zoom rehearsal prior to worship, most often on Fridays. Contact the church office with questions or to sign up. We hope to hear from you.
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Virtual Youth4Climate Summer Camp
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Get teens and college students engaged as climate activists – from anywhere! Help empower the youth in your life to take action and join us this summer for our (virtual) Youth4Climate Summer Camp.
Information and registration here.
Session I:
June 29 - July 24;
Session II:
July 27 - August 21
Cost based on sliding scale, no one turned away for inability to pay.
Watch our short video on why we’re so excited!
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Huge thanks to all who have already pledged.
How to Pledge
Either fill out and return the pledge card you received in the mail OR make your pledge online at this handy online link.
Then, you can:
— Set up payments through your bank or credit union’s automatic Bill Pay system.
— Mail checks made out to “Alki UCC” to 6115 SW Hinds, Seattle, WA 98116
— Make secure, online donations via the donate button at alkiucc.org
— Write “alkiucc” in the message of a text and address to 44321. You will receive a return text with a secure contributions link.
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6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2662
office@alkiucc.org
Check for church news and calendar updates at www.alkiucc.org.
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Click on the blue donate button to learn how to donate by check or a secure online credit card donation.
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