 Dear Alki UCC,
This Sunday we will hear the story of the people of God who cried out in hunger in the wilderness. They asked why God had sent them into the wilderness to die. God heard their laments, and they were given both quail and a flaky bread-like substance called manna to eat.
They were still in the desert, they weren’t yet home, but they asked for grace and received it.
Although I have been ordained in the UCC for 18 years, 10 of those years I served in other denominations and ministry settings. The UCC was my home, and for all that time I was acutely aware that I wasn’t home. It was particularly challenging for me in the Episcopal Church, because the denomination does not allow non-Episcopalians, even when ordained, to baptize or preside over Holy Communion. And yet, many things about my service to that church and denomination was incredibly life-giving. It deepened my formation, stretched my liturgical and religious breadth of knowledge and introduced me to some amazing people that I never would have known otherwise.
I remember sharing with my Clergy Community of Practice the dissonance I felt over this. One of these wise women said to me: It sounds like you have been given provisions in the wilderness.
I wonder if you have ever been given provisions in the wilderness?
What was that rocky terrain and how did the grace show up? How did it change you, nudge you, maybe even transform you?
This Sunday, in lieu of a sermon, we’ll have a time of testimony. Consider sharing your experience of receiving provisions in the wilderness. Your story just might be exactly what someone needs to hear.
In hope,
Pastor Emily
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Tuesday Bible Study Ongoing through June
Registration Open Now!
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Noon to 1:30 pm on Zoom
Tuesdays through June
Zoom Registration here
You have the option to attend every Tuesday or whenever your schedule permits!
Our first series, co-led by Pastor Emily and Rev. Penny M, offers a deeper exploration of each Sunday’s scripture/lectionary readings.
God speaks to us and through us when we gather together to read scripture and explore how scripture is speaking to us. Join us for this rich time of sharing!
The Study Guide for September 24 is linked here.
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Next Tuesday’s scripture readings:
Exodus 16:2-15 and Matthew 20:1-16
Questions: please contact Penny M.
Note: If you are not able to join us Tuesdays at noon, you will have an option to request recordings.
Zoom Registration Link here
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Organizing Meeting for Alki UCC "Immigrant Welcoming Congregation" Discernment
Sunday, October 1 after Worship
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 Are you interested in being part of the Core Team in our discernment of becoming an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation (IWC)?
The group's goal is to learn together, and to begin to envision what the IWC designation might look like for Alki UCC.
Come and explore with us at the meeting after worship on Sunday, October 1.
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Taste of West Seattle Thursday, September 28
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VIP admission 5:30 pm/General admission 6:00 pm
The Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave SW
Last year, the West Seattle Helpline paid out more than $1,000,000 on rent and utility support for our West Seattle neighbors. More than ONE MILLION DOLLARS.
When I was on the WS Helpline board (2017-2019), before it merged with the West Seattle Food Bank, the Helpline was able to support our neighbors at about $100k/year. The Food Bank has been able to assist local families at 10 times that!!
The demand is high and keeps increasing due to income inequality and the lack of affordable housing. This program needs support to help our neighbors stay in their homes and NOT experience homelessness.
The "Taste of West Seattle" is a really fun and delicious evening of food, drink, desserts and games hosted by West Seattle Food Bank and benefitting the bank's Helpline program.
Local restaurants, pubs and food entrepreneurs bring their best samples for us to enjoy. All you can eat! (I starve myself all day so I can taste as much as possible that evening.)
Please join me and many of your neighbors at The Taste of West Seattle. — Cinda S
Get your tickets here.
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CROP Hunger Walk West Seattle
Sunday, October 1 at Noon
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Join us as we walk through Lincoln Park to raise awareness and funds to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world!
We gather at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave SW) at noon to check in and will start walking at around 12:15 pm.
Wear your walking shoes and a red shirt, if you have one, so that we stand out as a group.
Walk as little or as much as you want and invite your friends to join you too!
Visit the Crop Hunger Walk website here.
Questions? Contact Sarah at Fauntleroy Church
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PNCUCC Women's Retreat
October 6 - 8
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Gather with us at Pilgrim Firs in Port Orchard for a cozy, nourishing weekend including crafts, small group conversation, board games and comforting meals. We will practice bringing the intention of comfort and contentment into the present moment.
Our weekend begins at 5:00 pm on Friday and closes at 10:00 am on Sunday. This gathering is inclusive to all women, trans and cis, as well as gender non-conforming and non-binary people comfortable in a space that centers the experience of women.
The "Cultivating Cozy" weekend is $175 (5 meals and lodging) Saturday only is $100 (3 meals). Online registration is live here — or scan the QR code on the flier posted in the narthex. Pastor Emily and Eva are on the planning team and are happy to tell you more!
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 On September 15-16, 2023, Jewish communities around the world welcomed the Jewish New Year 5784 with Rosh Hashanah services and celebration. The 10-day period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”) is a time for reflection, introspection and teshuvah – a period to seek and grant forgiveness and atone for transgressions during the year that has ended.
In observance of the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, many Jews fast on Yom Kippur (September 24-25) before observing The Ten Days of Awe, a time for spiritual accounting and renewal.
A few days after Yom Kippur, the joyous holiday of Sukkot marks the end of the harvest season. Immediately following Sukkot, congregations celebrate Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing with the Torah”) by marking the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. The last portion of the Book of Deuteronomy is read, and then the scroll is rolled back to the beginning. The new Torah reading cycle starts with the first chapter in the Book of Genesis. — Rabbi Sabine Meyer, PhD
Note: The beautiful “paper cut” banner at the front of the Sanctuary, which will be in place through the High Holy days, depicts honey comb, pomegranate, apples and other bounty to celebrate the sweet promise of a new year.
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For those grieving the recent death of a loved one:
The Alki UCC community, family and friends of Wanda D, family and friends of Julia C's mother Molly, the Alki UCC community, family and friends of Verona R, Diane J and family on the death of her father Thomas G, family and friends of longtime Alki UCC member Jan C, family and friends of UCC minister Rev. Bobbi Virta, family and friends of longtime Alki UCC member Anne S, Liese F and family, Jeff D and family, the Alki UCC community and friends/family of Nick Tobler-Wolff, 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, 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, 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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6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206/935-2661;
Church news/calendar updates at alkiucc.org.
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Worship this Sunday,
Sept 24
at 10:00 am
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Seventeenth Sunday
after Pentecost
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Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
Congregant Testimony:
"Provisions in the Wilderness"
Liturgist:
Rev. Penny M
Scripture Reading:
Exodus 16:2-15
Music Director:
Stephen Anthony Rawson
Music Highlights:
Come and Fill
Richard Bruxvoort Colligan
#23, There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Frederick William Faber
There’s Bread for the Journey
Jim Strathdee
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
The Online Order of Worship, including scripture text and music, is linked here.
Join us either in-person (masks recommended) or virtually via Zoom.
If you're already registered for Sunday worship on Zoom, use your personal link. If not, welcome! Register here.
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Wanda Dray
Celebration of Life Today
at 4:00 pm
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Thursday, September 21
a reception follows the 4:00 pm service
Prayers of Comfort and Love for the family and many friends of longtime Alki UCC member Wanda Dray. Contact the church office for daughter Diane’s address to send cards and remembrances.
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Increased Exposure to COVID 19
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Members of our congregation are reporting an increased exposure to COVID 19.
Let's work together to protect those among us who are most vulnerable:
• You are encouraged to wear a well-fitting, high quality mask
• Stay home when you are sick
• Wash/sanitize your hands
• Practice safe distancing when possible
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Update:
Our Peruvian Families Seeking Asylum
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School has started for all but our youngest Peruvian girl, Evaluna, age 2 1/2. We are still working on finding her a placement. Meanwhile, we are also working on free (!) childcare for 4 yr old Gia and her 11 yr old brother, Dyland. This would move Gia into West Seattle so she could take the Head Start bus. Dyland would have some place to go before and after school so he wouldn't be alone. Prayers, please!
Also prayers for Danner, who is expected to have surgery soon, and to have a month of recuperation afterward.
On the good news front, Johanny and Yudith have decided to marry sooner rather than later. They have applied for their marriage license and are in the midst of planning their wedding! — Vicky S
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Fauntleroy Church Fall Recycle Roundup
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Invitation to "Real Renter Honor Gathering"
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Saturday, September 23
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Duwamish Longhouse
4705 W Marginal Way SW
Join us to honor our supporters and celebrate the generosity and solidarity of our community. RSVP Here.
Note: Alki UCC is a proud "Real Renter!"
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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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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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For secure, online giving through Give Lively, click the button, OR, send your check, made out to "Alki UCC," to:
6115 SW Hinds,
Seattle, WA 98116
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