Jesus in the psych ward
He’s in group therapy, plastic chairs in a circle.
Paper cups with weak coffee.
Everyone in the room has seeking eyes.
The Pharisees admitted him.
They said things like, He’s more than we can handle.
They let the rumors fly.
The other patients like him. They say, He listens to me.
He calls them by name.
And when one of them asks
Is this our fault? Are we here because we sinned?
Jesus does not wait for the facilitator to speak.
He crosses the circle. He kneels down.
He grabs their hands in his and says,
Child of the covenant, God loves you too much
to ever wish you pain. Bodies and minds crumble sometimes,
but God’s love for you does not.
And after that
there were happy tears and the group was dismissed to lunch,
where they broke bread and no one talked of sin.
Poetry Prayer by Rev. Sarah Speed
| A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
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 Dear Alki UCC,
In my words of welcome last Sunday I said that healing happens in the middle — just as Jesus stopped along the way to offer healing in the story of a blind man receiving sight.
Healing isn’t about achieving some milestone and saying, "Okay, now I’m ready to be healed." We don’t need to wait to summit the mountain of our life goals or have anything figured out before we seek healing. Healing happens in the middle. The middle of Lent, the middle of the road, the middle of a conversation.
The poem above is a reminder that healing isn’t only something that can happen for us. It happens with us. We pull up our plastic chairs, and find healing in God, find healing in each other.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
A note from the author of “Jesus in the psych ward,” Rev. Sarah Speed: “This poem was inspired by the famous poem, Jesus at the Gay Bar, by Jay Hulme. In Jay’s poem, Jesus offers words of grace and belonging in a modern-day setting. In a similar fashion, I placed Jesus in a hospital setting to reflect the text’s (John 9:1-41) focus around healing. In particular, I chose a psychiatric setting to continue dismantling unfair stigmas around mental health. Once again, in this modern-day context, Jesus offers words of comfort and belonging. For me, the image of Jesus in therapy with me offers immense comfort and validation. I hope you find the same to be true for you.”
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Add Your Voice to Alki UCC Music Survey!
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 One of the things so many of us cherish at Alki UCC is the music! We have been blessed by the talents and dedication of our interim music directors who have lovingly shared their gifts with our community, including our current interim music director, Becky Cain.
With the installation of our minister, Pastor Emily, the time has arrived to hire a Music Director to be her long-term partner in worship, lift our voices, and become an essential part of moving our future story forward. Our current interim music director is eligible to apply for the position.
The Council has formed a committee to lead this important search process, and we want to make sure we are representing you in this journey. One way you can help us is by taking our online survey to share your thoughts and desires for what you would like to see in a music program. Submissions are anonymous unless you provide us with your personal information. The survey is open through April 2.
To take the online survey, click this link: Alki UCC Music Program Survey
Search committee members will be at Hospitality Hour this Sunday to hear your thoughts. Paper copies of the survey are available upon request, although we encourage you to take the survey online if possible.
Thank you so much to all of you who have already submitted your feedback!
With God’s Grace,
Claire Foster, Joe Mitter, Ann Polansky, Cinda Stenger and Pastor Emily Tanis-Likkel
Alki Music Director Search Committee
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Call for Easter Candy Donations
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Join in the fun of putting on an Easter egg hunt for the kids in our neighborhood!
How you can help:
- Purchase a bag of individually wrapped SMALL candy and bring to church on Sundays March 26 or April 2. Look for the festive Candy Easter Basket in the lobby.
- Stuff plastic eggs during Hospitality Hour on Sunday, April 2.
- Channel your inner Easter Bunny and be an Easter Egg Hider on Sunday, April 9 at 9:15 am. Please contact the church office to let us know that you are able to hide eggs!
Note ... candy pieces must be small enough to fit inside a standard-sized egg.
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Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum Status
Critical call for advocacy ...
Please write President Biden!
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Note: All three of our families are busy collecting signed documentation of the perils they faced in Peru. This evidence will be critical during their asylum court hearings scheduled for April 10, 20 and May 4. Please keep them in your prayers!
# # #
The Biden administration has proposed
a harmful and inhumane asylum ban
and they need to hear from us by March 27.
If implemented, this outrageous policy would deny the majority of asylum seekers the right to request protection in the United States.
It is every person's legal right to seek safety for themselves and their families. US laws and treaties governing immigration have traditionally protected asylum seekers and prevented their return to countries where they might face persecution and torture.
The new policy will be based on how people arrived at the border and entered the United states, creating an inequitable system favoring those with money. The horrific policy of separating families will be reinstituted, putting already-terrified people in further jeopardy.
Anyone, regardless of immigration status, may submit a comment, but it has to be in English
Either email your note to: comments@whitehouse.gov
or
Call the White House Comment Line at: 202-456-1111
:
A sample letter is linked here.
# # #
How you can help our Peruvian Families.
By check: 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.
Finally, volunteers are still needed for those of us working with the families. Please reach out to Vicky S.
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Sound Foundations NW Celebrates 5th Anniversary
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As many of you may know, Alki UCC played a major foundational role in planning for and constructing the first tiny houses at Camp Second Chance, a local City of Seattle sanctioned encampment for people experiencing homelessness.
 An intrepid group of core volunteers, many from our church community, began building the first tiny home on March 16, 2018. Over time, the process was fine-tuned so that homes could be built assembly-line style.
From the Sound Foundations website: "When we finished the last tiny home, we experienced the joy as the residents received the keys to their new homes! For five months we helped build a community of not only physical structures but also community connections. We shared work, meals and laughter with our neighbors at Camp Second Chance. We learned to be efficient in time and material costs, and in the process created a system that other volunteers who share our passion can follow. But most importantly, friendships were sparked between the Camp Second Chance residents and Alki UCC volunteers."
After that initial phase led by Alki UCC people, Tomasz Biernacki and Mark Worden took over leadership and Sound Foundations NW emerged with a broader network of volunteers from all over the region, reflecting a deep commitment by the wider community to the tiny house movement for the homeless.
Eventually the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) took Sound Foundations NW under its wing as The Hope Factory, building tiny houses nearly every day in their warehouse, supplying temporary housing opportunities all over Western Washington.
Look what we started and where it has gone ... Holy Spirit at work!
— Cinda S
Read more about Sound Foundations NW here
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Lent at Alki UCC
seeking: honest questions for deeper faith
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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
Zoom Registration Here
What does it mean to be a seeker?
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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.
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For those grieving the recent death of a loved one:
Family and friends of Alki UCC member Jan C, 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:
Rev. Joan Carter, Dan K, 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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6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661;
Church news/calendar updates at alkiucc.org.
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Worship this Sunday,
March 26
at 10:00 am
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Fifth Sunday
in Lent
seeking:
Can these bones live?
Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Accompanist:
Becky Cain
Guitarist:
Bethany Bevier
Liturgist:
Julia P
Sermon:
"Can these bones live?"
Scripture:
Ezekiel 37:1-14
NRSV
John 11:1-45
The Voice, adapted
Cover art: "Unbind Him"
by Hannah 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.
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Bring a branch on Palm Sunday
On the first Triumphal Entry of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, folks grabbed the closest branch to wave in excitement.
You are invited to bring any branch of your choosing to wave in our processional. Plenty of ferns will also be available for you to use.
Palm Sunday
April 2 at 10:00 am
Easter Egg Stuffing
after Worship
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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.
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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; our choir will sing for this quiet service of shadow and mystery.
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Flowering Plant Exchange!
On Easter morning we invite you to bring a flowering plant for the outdoor entrance walkway.
We will co-create a beautiful walkway with an eclectic mix of plants, and you may choose one to bring home with you after the service.
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
Photos by Adam Birkett and Serafima Lazarenko on Unsplash
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Invitation:
Church Council of Greater Seattle
Annual Assembly
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Tuesday, March 28
at 6:00 pm via zoom
Register here
Alki UCC is a strong supporter of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, a small ecumenical non-profit that is a powerful and respected voice of faith in the public square.
Come learn more about their community organizing work, and the accompaniment program that we have been a part of with the Peruvian families.
You are invited to attend their Annual Assembly!
— Cinda S (she\her)
Development Lead
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Friday, April 28 to Sunday, April 30
First Congregational Church
Bellingham, WA
We are very pleased to be welcoming the Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister and Vice President, Justice and Local Church Ministries, as our special guest. More information here.
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"Ramadan Mubarak" (Happy Ramadan) to Muslims around the world!
Ramadan commemorates the month during which Muslims believe the prophet Muhammed was given the first revelations of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, from the angel Gabriel. During this time, Muslims fast during daylight hours (no food or drink—even water—permitted from dawn to sunset) and strive to avoid any impure thoughts or immoral behavior.
Ramadan 2023 began yesterday and ends at sundown on Thursday, April 20. Read more here.
Photo by Yosef Futsum on Unsplash
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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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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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