Dear Alki UCC,
Have you packed yet?
We have set out, friends, on a journey that winds through wilderness, turns us inward and prompts us to meet the Holy in our questions and in our yearning.
Seeking: Honest Questions for Deeper Faith, our Lenten devotional from A Sanctified Art, suggests that we choose one spiritual practice to commit to during these days leading up to Easter mystery. In our Lenten workshop last Saturday, we explored how simple practices such as a short daily reading, hymn or silence can draw us more deeply into the heart of God.
Maybe you have begun a Lenten practice. Maybe you have started and stopped. Maybe you are just now being reminded of the season.
Wherever you are, there is room for you on this road.
What do you need for your journey?
What do you need to leave behind?
Be gentle with yourself. In starting a new practice, make it simple and achievable and be okay with restarting along the way. In their book, Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection, Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie write, “. . . we will not be joining a monastic order anytime soon and will have to figure out a reasonable spiritual plan given how much Netflix we are watching.” (How do they know?!) They offer this blessing:
A Blessing for Beginning a New Spiritual Practice
Blessed are we who are trying a new thing, though we can’t quite see the whole of it. That’s the beauty of the life of faith. We start in the middle, at the heart center of an unspoken desire to live into the glimpse we’ve had of You and of Your goodness.
Blessed are we who ask You to be the guide as we begin to build from here and create a stronger, more flexible rule of life. Trusting that you are trying to foster life in us.
Blessed are we who remember that we will fall short. We will fail, but that doesn’t mean we are ruined. We simply pick up and begin again.
Blessed are we, willing to be beginners all over again.
— Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie
In hope,
Pastor Emily
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Calling All Cooks for WIN Saturday Lunch this Week
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 The Alki UCC chef brigade is on board 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.
Please let me know if you can provide a dish. More details to come-. — Cinda S
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Lent at Alki UCC
seeking: honest questions for deeper faith
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During Lent, we're exploring spiritual practices that nurture our response to God seeking us out.
Community Lenten
Bible Study
Mix and match as convenient:
Sundays through April 2, 5:00 to 6:00 pm
Tuesdays through April 4, noon to 1:30 pm
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
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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.
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Spring Break Music Camp at Alki UCC
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Becky Cain writes: "Join us for this amazing Spring Break Music Camp as we learn and stage the musical Dr. Dolittle!" Produced by BLC Creatives, the camp runs:
Monday through Friday, April 10 through14
Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
On Friday, April 14, campers arrive at 10:00 am and finish the day with a camp pizza party and a 6:00 pm performance for family and friends.
 The camp is for students ages 6-12; tuition is $300.
The camp will take place at Alki United Church of Christ, 6115 SW Hinds Street, Seattle WA 98116.
See www.BLCCreatives.com for more information or scan the QR code to register:
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Clearing Anderson Hall Stage: an Update
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Huge thanks to Brett T-L, who has been leading the effort to clear the Anderson Hall stage. So it can be used again! What a concept!
The first rough sort has been completed and now the next steps are:
• to identify someone with a truck in our community who would be amenable to doing one or more dump/donations runs.
• to give away anything of interest to Alki UCC folks before it gets taken away.
So head on downstairs if you're in the building soon to see if there's anything you're interested in giving a new home. As of Sunday, the items set aside for donation will be grouped together at the front of the stage, right behind the curtains. Leave a stickie with your name on any item you would like to claim.
Contact the church office if you have a lead on a truck and/or would be available to help with getting the stuff loaded.
The first dump/donations (hopefully) be within a week, so please act soon!
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UCC Board Search Committee Announces Historic Nominee
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 After a year-long search, the United Church of Christ Board’s Search Committee for General Minister and President has made a historic choice by recommending Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson to the UCCB this week as nominee for General Minister and President.
If elected, she would be the first woman, and the first woman of African descent, to lead the denomination.
Read full article here.
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Join the "Grow it Forward" Potting Team
Sunday, March 12 after Worship
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Alki UCC is hosting another "Grow it Forward" micro-nursery this  year! Last year's potting/nurturing project was such a great success (and such fun!) that we're doing it again.
This year we're tending 100 Douglas Fir seedlings for two years before they are taken to their permanent home to restore forest habitats along rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
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. All ages welcome!
Bonus Opportunity! A few more home gardeners are needed to reach the annual goal of 100 regional hosts. The trees only take up 4' x 4' of land once they're potted up. Sign up on the Grow it Forward website.
Grow it Forward has a fascinating history! Check out their website or read more in this linked background sheet.
Questions on any of the above: contact Julia C
— The Outreach/Social Justice Team
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Special Prayers for Dan K and for good outcomes on some upcoming tests.
Continued prayers of Condolence and Comfort for the family and friends of longtime Alki UCC member Jan C, who passed away last week in Snowmass Village, CO. Read her obituary here.
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:
Alki UCC's Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum, Shannon P, former Alki UCC member Dawn N, former members Davney and Bob S and Davney's mom Suzanne H, 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.
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 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
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Sunday Worship Videos Posted on YouTube
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 Sunday Worship recordings now online! |
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Sunday Worship Registration
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 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.
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6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661;
Church news/calendar updates at alkiucc.org.
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This Sunday,
March 5
at 10:00 am
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Second Sunday
in Lent
with Communion
seeking: How do we begin again?
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Accompanist:
Becky Cain
Guitarist:
Bethany Bevier
Liturgist:
Emily H
Sermon:
“How do we begin again?”
Scripture:
John 3:1-17
Genesis 12:1-4a
NRSV
Music Highlights:
Lift High the Cross #198
Breathe on Me, Breath of God #292
Eat this Bread
Jacques Berthier
We Are Called
David Haas
Cover art: Renacimiento by Carmelle Beaugelin
A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
This Sunday we will celebrate February birthdays and anniversaries! Come forward to tell us the occasion of your celebration — we honor your special day!
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!
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Community Lenten Bible Study
Sundays and Tuesdays through April 4
Zoom Registration Here
Story at left
WIN Saturday Lunch
in White Center
Cooks still needed!
See story above left.
"Grow it Forward"
Plant Potting
Sunday, March 12
after worship
See story below left
Crafting for Community
Sunday, March 12
12:15 to 1:45 pm
Alki UCC Parlor
All ages and skill levels welcome!
Outreach Food/Clothing/
Outdoor Gear Donations Drive
Sunday, March 19
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard
Bring your donations
to Sunday worship!
Palm Sunday
April 2 at 10:00 am
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
We’ll gather for a combined worship service with Admiral UCC and our choir will sing for this quiet service of shadow and mystery.
Easter Sunday
April 9:
• Sunrise service on Alki beach at 6:30 am
• Sanctuary service at 10:00 am
• Community Easter Egg Hunt at 11:15 am
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Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum Status
March 2 Update
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Two of our families recently had their Master Calendar hearings at Immigration Court. Children attended with their parents.
The hearings were apparently typical; parents answered a few questions and then were given their Merits Hearing dates. The sessions on April 10, April 20 and May 9, one for each family, will determine whether or not they will be granted asylum.
Apparently, these legal proceedings have normally taken two to three years. In one family's case, they will have been here only six and a half months!
This does not allow for much time to work with their attorneys to prepare their case. Immigration is working more swiftly to try to deport people We expect that if they are not granted asylum, they will appeal. This will buy a little more time.
Please continue to hold them in your prayers and stay tuned for updates.
— Vicky S
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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.
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UCC Leaders Call for Peace in Ukraine
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To mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's unprovoked invasion, the ongoing war, turmoil and widespread suffering, UCC national officers and the Council of Conference Ministers invite UCC clergy, congregations and others to join in prayer and calls for justice and peace.
Read their full statement here.
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March is Women's History Month!
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Join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Read more here.
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Building Elevator Out of Service
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We regret that 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 to access other floors in the building please be aware that the elevator is not working at this time. We’ll keep you posted.
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