Greetings, beloved!
Galatians 6:1-3 (NRSV)
My friends,
if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.
Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ
I’ll add this to our scripture reading from Sunday:
"Burdens are the foundations of ease and bitter things the forerunners of pleasure." — Rumi
Said in another way, those things which test us can become the greatest gifts we have to offer to others who are going through something similar.
Part of why I asked you to take your burden stones with you, rather than leave them on the altar, is that those burdens can be seeds that grow your faith and practice.
They can grow your empathy and deepen your humanity.
I know this sounds really cheesy (and may be annoying to hear while you’re going through a hard time), but I really do believe “that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to God’s purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Perhaps when we accept what God has called us to do, we begin to alchemize our burdens into lessons; our lessons into gifts; and those gifts into avenues to love others.
Amen, so it is! Ase’, we — us, our ancestors and Divine Source, are bringing this to pass.
Yours in service and love,
— Rev. Louis
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Help Plan Rev. Louis' Last Sunday (May 29)
at Alki UCC
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Next Sunday, May 29, is our beloved Rev Louis' last service with us before he leaves to begin his new calling at Tucson’s Rincon Congregational United Church of Christ.
Join us in the sanctuary for 10:00 am Sunday worship when we will celebrate him and send him off in style with gratitude and great love.
Please send us your reflections, stories, blessings, songs, etc. to be part of the service.
— Julia P, Dan K, and Cinda S, who will be compiling your notes.
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Caring & Sharing: Stories About Stewardship
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What can I say about Stewardship?
It seems Church-talk about Stewardship happens during the Pledge Drive or discussions on balancing the budget. Not insignificant moments, for sure.
We do need to keep the lights on, staff compensated, and repairs made. We naturally owe great thanks to the congregation and our building partners (KHN, Alki Preschool, Alki Community Council and others) who help keep the building open. BUT….. something occurred to me as I spoke during last Sunday worship's Stewardship Moment.
Prompted by a kind nudge from Sandy J, I had signed up for Liturgist duty. Not something I usually love to do, but it turned out to be a blessing to have this opportunity to observe all the Time, Talent and Treasure that I saw as I looked out over the congregation and sanctuary.
I saw the wonderful view of the stained glass window created in memory of a choir director by our own Verona R. The sanctuary light was so much brighter because of the time and talent of the Building and Grounds committee who replaced and aligned the fixtures. Our Tech Team hooks us up with the technology that makes it possible to have church in these wonky times. The choir and music folks share their talent and help us join together in song. And So Much More!!!!!
There is so much more love, history, dedication to identify here at Alki UCC. Just seeing the faces of the congregation, on site and virtual, reminded me that together we all have so much Time, Talent and Treasure to share. What will our Future Story ask of each of us?
Faith Formation Ministry Member
— Julia P
# # #
Each week, the liturgist or another church member will tell their personal story about a caring and sharing experience from their heart about Alki UCC both at Sunday Worship and in this newsletter.
Do you have a story to tell? Please feel free to sign up to share your participation in caring for this community with your time, talent, and treasure! If you have questions, please email the Stewardship team: stewardship@alkiucc.org.
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May Donations Drive
Updated Item Requests
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 Sunday, May 22 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard
When you come for worship, bring your food/men's casual clothing and outdoor gear donations.
The Westside Interfaith Network (WIN), our donations drive partner, requests clean, wearable spring/summer clothes only, appropriate for unsheltered folks: jeans, khakis, hoodies, sweatshirts, tee shirts, vests, etc. Outerwear for rainy, cooler weather is also needed, as well as NEW underwear and socks.
Men's spring/summer casual/work clothes ONLY:
please NO suits, suit jackets, dress pants, dress shoes, etc.
WIN continues to need sleeping bags, blankets, tarps and backpacks for our unsheltered neighbors.
As always, we welcome non-perishable food and hygiene items to be distributed through the White Center Food Bank. Visit the bank's Facebook page for the latest needs!
Other priority donations include: rice (white rice, basmati, jasmine, Thai sticky rice, etc.); sugars (white or brown) and oil — ideally containers that are 5 lbs. or less (not bulk).
Many thanks to our generous community for supporting our neighbors in need.
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Prayers of healing and comfort for Jeff D’s brother, Andy, in the hospital from complications after surgery.
Continued prayers of condolence and healing for the Tobler-Wolff family, Jane, Dan, Carol and Nick longtime friends of Alki UCC, on the sudden death of Jane and Dan’s son Nick due to a car accident.
For those grieving the recent death of a loved one:
The Alki UCC community and friends/family of our own Dayle B, Julia, Rod and family on the death of Julia's youngest brother Rick B, Cinda S and family on the death of her brother-in-law Tom P, Charlie H and family, Todd S and family, Patty M
Recent hospitalization, illness and other concerns:
Dan K, former Alki UCC member Mark H, Shannon's "stepmomma" Gail B, Julia C's good friend Kevin B, Nette M, Dan K, Sue B's friends Mary and Louise, Cindy, Jeff and Kirstin's sister-in-law Sue, Kirstin D, Shannon P's father Rev. Dr. Bill, Verona's younger brother Eric, 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.
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Worship this Sunday,
May 22
at 10:00 am
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The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Rev. Louis J. Mitchell
Guest Accompanist: Zachary Kellogg
Liturgist:
Kim B
Contemporary Voice:
“True love stories never have endings.”
— Richard Bach
Scripture Reading:
1Corinthians 13:1-3
(NRSV)
Our Shared Time Together:
“What About Love”
Music Highlights:
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, #43 NCH
O Love, How Vast, How Flowing Free, #4209 NCH
God, Speak To Me, That I May Speak, #531 NCH
Click here for the Order of Online Worship.
If you're already registered for Sunday worship on Zoom, use your personal link. If not, welcome! Please
register here.
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Bystander Intervention Training
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Saturday, May 21
1:00 to 4:00 pm
University
Congregational UCC
4515 16th Ave NE, Seattle
Led by Admiral UCC's Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom, this dynamic workshop engages participants in practical strategies for interrupting bias, harassment and bullying — and for supporting those targeted.
Information here.
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Strengthening Our Journey:
A Vigil for Racial Justice
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Wednesday, May 25
Gather at 6:00; Vigil Service at 6:30 pm
Immaculate Conception Church
820 18th Ave, Seattle
Speakers: Jeanette Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Professor, Theology and Religious Studies, Seattle University
Michael Ramos, MDiv
Executive Director at Church Council of Greater Seattle
Join us to commemorate the 2nd Anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. There will be time for personal reflection followed by an opportunity to recommit ourselves to working for racial justice.
Sponsored by South Seattle Deanery Racial Solidarity Committee.
For more information or questions, contact Deacon Steve Wodzanowski.
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For secure, online giving through Give Lively, click the blue button below.
You can also send your check, made out to "Alki UCC" to:
6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
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Sunday Worship Videos Posted on YouTube
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Sunday Worship recordings now online! Check out Alki UCC's very own YouTube channel.
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Sunday Worship Registration
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If you've already registered on Zoom, you can still use your personal link. If not, you can register here.
When you register, please use your first/last name plus your email.
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6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661
Check for church news and calendar updates at www.alkiucc.org.
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