Greetings, beloved of God!
I want to begin by asking everyone to hold some prayer time for all involved in the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX last week —
Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and the others that were thankfully released, all the officers and staff involved in mitigating this crisis, and the family of the slain hostage-taker, Malik Faisal Akram.
I am grateful that those from the synagogue survived the ordeal, and I’m sure the trauma of it will require time and care to manage.
The family of Mr. Akram has suffered many challenges, and this must be a terrible challenge for them, both the actions of Malik and his death.
As people of faith, we must take a long breath and imagine ourselves in such a situation. We live in a world where places of faith are not just places of refuge but also targets for those who have violent agendas. While this is not a new phenomenon, it is still unsettling.
Amid all that is going on — weather upheaval, COVID and other health concerns, isolation and loneliness, absence of safe shelter and primary needs, political anger and disillusionment, unhealed and ongoing wounds from living under the constant micro-aggressions of oppression and oppressors — where is the possibility for hope or joy?
I suspect we all will find it different ways and places.
Some will find it in the sweet face of a slumbering loved one.
Some will find it in the playfulness of a pet.
Some will find it in the bloom of a plant or the sight of the waves.
Some will find it in the ability to move in ways that seemed too difficult before.
Some will find it in the words or music of a poem or song.
Some will find it in an unexpected gift or kindness.
Some will find it in the act of giving.
Some will find it in the taste of food or drink.
Some will find it in the feel of a favorite garment.
Maybe this will serve as a reminder to seek it — because life has distracted us from seeing what’s good in our lives.
Seek the goodness! It’s all around you! Even someone with very little can find a bit of sweetness in their lives. I’ve often found that folks with a lot of material wealth have a harder time finding it that those without. Maybe because one appreciates the little things when little things are all that’s available.
It may seem to be the hardest thing to do, the most ridiculous exercise, to take a moment to seek some goodness, some sweetness, some tender anchor to humanity in times of sadness, crisis or trouble, but it may also be one of the greatest gifts that we give to ourselves and to others.
May the grace of God, the teachings of Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit surround, inform and infuse us as we go!
Blessings,
— Rev. Louis
|
|
Call for Blankets and Bedding Donations
|
Spread the Warmth!!
It's time to dig back into your closets, this time for bedding and blankets!
Our old friend Shannon T, an officer for the King County Drug Court, has requested new and slightly used (and very clean) blankets/bedding for folks participating in the KC Drug Diversion Program.
Participants receive county housing and benefit from all sorts of support throughout their stay. Extra bedding and blankets are needed NOW for the many adults and their families who choose the diversion program rather than being prosecuted. The program has a high rate of success in helping drug offenders find their way forward in their lives, so we are very happy to support them in any way possible.
Information on this transformative program here.
Please contact Cinda or the office to arrange drop-off times at the church starting this Sunday, through the end of the month.
— Cinda
(she/her)
|
|
Zachary returns to the Sanctuary this Sunday as our Guest Accompanist.
Zachary Kellogg is an internationally acclaimed classical and jazz artist. As a First Prize winner of the Alexander and Buono International Flute Competition, Zachary made his solo Carnegie Hall debut in 2010 at the age of 13.
Hailed as a child prodigy by the International Congress for Gifted and Talented Children, Zachary is a three-time winner of the National Flute Association Jazz Flute Big Band Competition. Locally, Zachary won top ranking at the Seattle Young Artist and Cascade Symphony’s Rising Star competitions, among may others. He also has appeared on several regional news and arts TV and radio programs in the Seattle area.
As Music and Theater Director at Puyallup Children’s Theater, Zachary has composed over 35 original full-length musical scores/books including Alice In Wonderland, Jungle Book, Aladdin and Pinocchio as well as 12 original show and scores. Zachary maintains an active select teaching studio, in addition to music-directing shows at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma Little Theater and Lakewood Playhouse.
Zachary also teaches at Puyallup Performing Arts Academy, a unique private school, where he uses his creative skills to bring music to the teaching of reading, mathematics and other academic areas.
|
|
Prayers for the family and friends of Sandy J’s friend Kay, who died in December.
Prayers for Sandy's friend Mary Jane as she transitions to live at Brookdale in Poulsbo.
For those grieving the recent death of a loved one:
Dan K's family mourning the passing of his sister-in-law Helaina, friends and family of Rev. Ron Marshall; friends and family of Bev C; Charlie H and family; Candace G and family; Ed B and family; Todd S and family; Patty M, family and friends of Bob J, family and friends of Jim C; Larry G
Recent hospitalization, illness and other concerns:
Dayle B, Verona R, Julia C's friend Joan, Vicky's friend Janelle O, Julia C's friend Peter, Emily H's friend Donna, Dan's brother Bill, Larry G, Dan K, Cinda's sister-in-law, Sue B's friends Mary and Louise, Cindy, Julia P, Jeff and Kirstin's sister-in-law Sue, Sandy and Jim's friend Al, his mom, Sue and friend Kay; Penny M; Kirstin D; Shannon P's father, Rev. Dr. Bill; Verona's younger brother Eric; Julia C's long-time friend Megan; Bonita C; Claire F; Imy P; Kirstin D's father; Don P
For homebound members/friends of Alki UCC: Doris C
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 misguided immigration policies; 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.
|
|
For secure, online giving through Give Lively, click the blue button below.
You can also send your check, made out to "Alki UCC," to:
Alki UCC
6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
|
|
Sunday Worship Videos Posted on YouTube
|
Sunday Worship recordings now online! Check out Alki UCC's very own YouTube channel.
|
|
|
|
Worship this Sunday,
January 23 at 10:00 am
|
Third Sunday after Epiphany
"January Jesus"
Rev. Louis J. Mitchell
Sunday Worship ONLINE ONLY through January.
Contemporary Voice:
“I loved this epistle so much that I decided to share it with my informal Qur’anic study group – a circle of friends which, for many years, has met once every week or two to read and discuss Islam’s scripture and its exegeses.
As believing yet questioning Muslims, my friends were happy to listen when I said I wanted to read them a passage from the Christian Bible. They listened carefully and, as I expected, they like what they heard.
‘This is very similar to the Qur’an,’ one of my friends said. ‘And there is nothing in it which says that Jesus is the Son of God. Are you sure it is from the Christian Bible?’
Yes, yes, of course, I replied. It is from the New Testament, and it is called the Epistle of James.
‘James? Who’s James?’ one of them asked.
In return, I asked myself: Yes, really who was James?”
― Mustafa Akyol,
“The Islamic Jesus”
Scripture Readings
Genesis 16:1-3
(NRSV)
James 4:13-17
(The Message)
Sermon:
“Jesus, Teacher of Great Wisdoms – The Muslim Connection”
Guest Accompanist:
Zachary Kellogg
Music Highlights:
Your Love, O God, Has Called Us Here
#361 NCH
I Come to the Garden Alone, #237 NCH
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, #43 NCH
Click here for Order of Online Worship, including the scripture text.
|
|
Outreach/Social Justice
Monday, January 24 at 7:00 pm via Zoom
|
|
Help Needed to Refresh "In Our Circle of Prayers"
|
Please take a minute to look through the In Our Circle of Prayers listing that appears every week in the bottom left corner of the newsletter.
Names aren't added or removed without express direction from the folks involved, so we need your input to get the list accurate and up-to-date.
As I was reading through the list recently, I realized that a person I had requested prayers for months ago had since died. I wondered if this has happened to others for themselves or loved ones.
Do you see a listing that needs to be changed or deleted? Do you know of someone who should be included?
Please contact me if you would like to request prayers for a friend or loved one via the newsletter, or if you have specific information on a listing that should be changed or deleted.
Thank you,
Sandy J
Caring Community
|
|
No In-Person Attendance Continues for January Sunday Worship
|
|
6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661
Check for church news and calendar updates at www.alkiucc.org.
|
|
|
