Dear Alki UCC,
The Lenten devotional we are using to guide our season is called Seeking: Honest Questions for Deeper Faith, by A Sanctified Art.
We sent out an email earlier this week with a link to the digital version and will also have copies available on Sunday.
The opening pages call us to “A Lenten quest for a love that makes us whole.” We are invited to journal on questions like: What is your soul yearning for? And, What do you need to know about God to trust God more fully?
Rev. Danielle Shroyer writes, “This Lent we are seeking: seeking clarity, seeking wisdom, seeking a love that makes us whole. Christians have a long tradition of embarking on a spiritual quest, which invites us to look with fresh eyes at our life and the world, and listen for the longing in our souls. All you need to begin is a willing heart. May you journey with bravery and discover how trust meets you along the way. And may these questions guide you closer to the heart of God and the sanctuary of your soul.”
May you pause here, Seeker.
Breathe in. Breathe out. What do you need for your journey? What needs to be left behind? Pack your bags, and we’ll set out.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
at the start
Is this the fast I choose?
Will I wake with the sun each morning?
Will I start with thank you?
Will I peel back the cage around my frame to let you in
or will I get too busy? Will my Bible collect dust on the shelf,
along with my journal, along with my sense of self,
or will I roll back the stone and wade in?
Every new season beckons something of us—
attention, beauty, the chance to create.
This season is no different.
So, like moths to the light, will we find our way toward God,
or will we hover, circling fake suns?
I am seeking something deeper.
I am kicking off my shoes.
I am starting this season on holy ground.
Prayer by Rev. Sarah Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
|
|
Lent at Alki UCC
seeking: honest questions for deeper faith
Lent Workshop Saturday, February 25/
Sunday Session Added for Community Bible Study
|
|
What does it mean
to be a seeker?
During Lent, we'll explore spiritual practices that nurture our response to God seeking us out, highlighted by:
Pack Your Bags: Lent Workshop at Alki UCC
This Saturday, February 25
10:00 am to noon/Alki UCC Parlor
As the season of Lent begins, we will take some time and space to consider: What do you need for your journey? What needs to be left behind? How do you develop a spiritual practice?
The workshop includes an introduction to spiritual practice by Rev. Penny M, a labyrinth walk facilitated by Pastor Emily and an opportunity to explore what draws you close to the sacred.
Give your spirit the gift of saying “yes” to this invitation to ground yourself in the season.
Community Lenten Bible Study
Additional session just added! Mix and match as convenient:
Sundays beginning February 26 (through April 2)
5:00 to 6:00 pm
Tuesdays beginning February 28 (through April 4)
Noon to 1:30 pm
(Note: the Zoom link only lists the Tuesday dates but can be used for both the Tuesday and Sunday sessions.)
There is an inner restlessness inherent in being human ... a response to something or someone outside ourselves inviting us into relationship.
Join us for engaging discussions to explore how to listen for and pay attention to this restlessness, a deep desire for something more.
As we journey together, we’ll come back to the questions: What am I seeking? What is God seeking? We pray that our questions will create a safe space to explore and to be drawn more deeply into the heart of God.
This free series is open to the community, so invite your friends and family to join in!
Questions? Julia P, Rev. Penny M, Russ T and Pastor Emily
# # #
Devotional booklets, daily devotional cards, study guides, visual art, poetry and materials for children from A Sanctified Art are offered throughout the season.
This Lent, may we all engage in the spiritual practice of seeking. We pray that our questions will create a safe space to explore and to be drawn more deeply into the heart of God.
|
|
A HUGE shout-out to our community for their generous response to last Sunday's donation drive.
You really stepped up! Many folks will be fed and clothed this Saturday and beyond thanks to our generous friends who abound in the neighborhood and beyond!
Next up:
 Calling All Cooks!
The Alki UCC chef brigade is up for Saturday March 11 to provide the Welcome Table meal hosted by the Westside Interfaith Network.
At least 10 cooks are needed to provide large casseroles, roasted veggies, salad, chicken, etc. for our neighbors in the White Center area.
Mark your calendars now and let me know if you can provide a dish. More details to come-. — Cinda S
|
|
Join the "Grow it Forward" Potting Team
Sunday, March 12 after Worship
|
Attention Gardeners and Earth-Lovers!
Alki UCC will be hosting another "Grow it Forward" micro-nursery this year! Last year's potting/nurturing 100 seedlings project was such a great success (and such fun!) that we're doing it again.
After the seedlings are potted and cared for by their "Grow it Forward" hosts around the region, they are eventually transported to restore forest habitats along rivers in the Pacific Northwest to aid our endangered salmon and orca populations as well as the entire ecosystem.
Last year we grew 100 Western Red Cedars which were delivered to Skagit River restoration projects. This year we will be tending 100 Douglas Fir seedlings for two years before they are taken to their permanent home.
We need your help! Please join us on Sunday, March 12 after worship to help pot-up the bareroot seedlings. All supplies are provided, but please bring trowel and gloves if you have them. Depending on how many folks we have, it should take about 90 minutes or so to pot-up the trees.
The Grow it Forward project has a fascinating history! Check out their website or read more in this linked background sheet.
As our granddaughter asked last year: "How can we get more trees on earth?" Well, this is a way! This project helps our environment in so many ways.
Hope you can join us on March 12. All ages are welcome! Questions: contact Julia C
— The Outreach/Social Justice Team
|
|
 Chloe and Matt sayL
"Thank you!" for the baby gifts and cards!
Caring Community reports:
Ruth B will be moving soon to an inn in Saco, Maine, about 15 miles from daughter Sandy’s home.
She will have a nice two room apartment on the sunny side of a building overlooking a landscaped courtyard. The facility features a heated indoor saltwater pool and fitness room. Sandy says that it is perfect, and all of their prayers have been answered. Fantastic news! We love you, Ruth!
* * *
Prayers of Recovery and Comfort for our own Shannon P, who sustained a recent injury.
Prayers for our Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum: Please lift up the M-O family: Danner, Manuela, 10-yr-old Yanko, two-year-old Evaluna and Grandma Gloria. Tomorrow, Friday, Manuela is scheduled for surgery. Danner will learn next Tuesday when his surgery is scheduled. While all of the families are clearly stressed, this family is facing some serious health issues as well.
Prayers of Condolence and Comfort for the family and friends of longtime Alki UCC member Jan C, who passed away earlier this week in Snowmass Village, CO. Jan had been lovingly cared for by her husband, Ned, for many years.
Former Alki UCC member Dawn N requests prayers of Recovery and Comfort for her wife Janet, who is working through a health challenge.
Former members Davney and Bob S, who moved to Wisconsin several years ago to be near Davney's mom, write:
Please add our names to the newsletter for prayers as well as Suzanne H (Davney's mom). We are doing well here and mother is still doing well...at 93! Bob has had health issues but he's doing well. We've found a wonderful UCC church in our area and have integrated ourselves with the community.
For those grieving the recent death of a loved one:
Family and friends of beloved UCC minister Rev. Bobbi Virta, family and friends of Anne S, Liese F and family, Jeff D and family, friends/family of Dayle B, the Alki UCC community and friends/family of Nick Tobler-Wolff, Charlie H and family, Todd S and family, Patty M
Recent hospitalization, illness and other concerns:
Shannon P's Florida family: Bill, Gail, Mary Ann & Bob; Julia C's friend Chelsea W, Denis B, Don & Imy P and family, Verona R, Patty M, Jane C and her family, Sue B's brother Tom and his wife Carla, Julia C's friend Jessie T & family, Amy Y's mother Corlene, Jeff D's brother Andy, former Alki UCC member Mark H, 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, Claire F, Kirstin D's father
For homebound members/friends of Alki UCC: Doris C
Wider World: Prayers for all those affected by the coronavirus 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 button at left, OR, send your check, made out to "Alki UCC," to:6115 SW Hinds, Seattle, WA 98116
|
|
|
|
This Sunday,
February 26
at 10:00 am
|
First Sunday
in Lent
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Accompanist:
Becky Cain
Guitarist:
Bethany Bevier
Liturgist:
Rev. Penny M
Sermon:
Who Will You Listen To?
Scripture:
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Matthew 4:1-11
NRSV
Music Highlights:
Wait for the Lord
O Lord, Hear Our Prayer Jacques Berthier
#28, For the
Beauty of the Earth
#451, Be Thou My Vision
#459, Come, O Fount of Every Blessing
Cover art: Tune In by Lisle Gwynn Garrity/A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
Join us either in-person (masks required) or virtually via Zoom
If you're already registered for Sunday worship on Zoom, use your personal link. If not, welcome! Register here.
Choir rehearsal every Sunday after worship. Join Becky in the choir room!
|
|
Lent Workshop
Saturday,
February 25
10:00 am to noon
Alki UCC Parlor
(story at left)
Community Lenten Bible Study
Sundays and Tuesdays through April 4
Zoom Registration Here
(story at left)
Maundy Thursday Service
April 6 at 6:30 pm
Alki UCC
A combined service with Admiral UCC. Taizé music, readings, communion and Admiral UCC choir.
Good Friday Service
at Admiral UCC
April 7 at 6:30 pm
Admiral UCC
4320 SW Hill
seeking: Why have you forsaken me?
We’ll gather for a combined worship service with Admiral UCC and our choir will sing for this quiet service of shadow and mystery.
Image: Why have you forsaken me? by Lauren Wright Pittman
Palm Sunday
April 2 at 10:00 am
Easter Sunday
seeking: Who are you looking for?
April 9:
• Sunrise service on the beach at 6:30 am
• Sanctuary service at 10:00 am
• Community Easter Egg Hunt at 11:15 am
Rabbouni!
by T. Denise Anderson
All images: A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
|
|
Building Elevator Out of Service
|
Alki UCC‘s elevator is out of service until further notice. Our building team is working on a solution. If you need the elevator to use the facilities or access to other floors in the building please be aware that the elevator is not working at this time.
Thank you.
|
|
University Congregational UCC’s "Sacred Earth Matters"
Sunday, February 26
at noon
|
Zoom Session on Global Warming Legislative Activism focusing on three pending bills:
• Washington Recycling & Packaging Act (WRAP) - HB 1131 / SB 5154
• Environmental Management & Recycling of Batteries – SB 5144
• Reducing Plastic Pollution – HB 1047
Zoom login here
|
|
Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum Status
|
Thank you for keeping our Peruvian families in your hearts as they navigate this complicated and critical asylum-seeking process. Stay tuned for updates. — Vicky S
# # #
How to make a monetary donation:
Checks: Make out to Alki UCC with "Peruvian families" in the memo line; leave in Sunday's offering plate or mail to 6115 SW Hinds, Seattle 98116.
Make a secure online donation here.
After entering your $$ amount, click on "Add a Dedication" and enter "Peruvian Families" in the Dedicatee's Name box, then click save. To donate with a credit card, click on "choose another payment method" and complete the transaction.
|
|
Sunday Worship Videos Posted on YouTube
|
Sunday Worship recordings now online! Check out Alki UCC's very own YouTube channel.
|
|
Sunday Worship Registration
|
If you've already registered on Zoom, just use your personal link. If not, welcome! You can register here.
When you register, please use your first/last name plus your email.
|
|
6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661;
Church news/calendar updates at alkiucc.org.
|
|
|
